Menu
03/11/2005
'Minor error' made in school budgets
The Department of Education has written to advise schools that it has made a "minor error" in calculating certain school budgets for this year.
The error occurred in the calculation of teachers' salaries protection factor, a formula which is designed to help smaller schools with experienced teachers, whose salary costs are higher.
Consequently, some larger schools have been allocated budgets of up to £13,000 more than they should have received, while some smaller schools have been allocated up to £6,000 less than the formula dictates.
Apologising for the error, a spokesperson for the department said steps had been taken to correct the situation and that every school would receive a written explanation.
The spokesperson also confirmed that schools that had received more than their share would not be asked to repay, but how this overspend, estimated to be in excess of £1 million will be covered was not revealed.
"While we recognise that some schools have received slightly more funding than was intended, we do not think it would be fair to expect them to repay, as they will by now have made decisions based on the budgets that were announced last February," the spokesperson said.
The Education Minister has been briefed on the problem and has made very clear the importance she attaches to ensuring that schools receive allocations to cover their shortfalls as a matter of urgency.
The Department also confirmed that it remained committed to the Local Management of Schools system, which allocates money directly to schools and allows Boards of Governors to take spending decisions at local level.
The Department said it had reviewed its own procedures, putting in place new checks to ensure that such an error cannot recur.
(SP)
The error occurred in the calculation of teachers' salaries protection factor, a formula which is designed to help smaller schools with experienced teachers, whose salary costs are higher.
Consequently, some larger schools have been allocated budgets of up to £13,000 more than they should have received, while some smaller schools have been allocated up to £6,000 less than the formula dictates.
Apologising for the error, a spokesperson for the department said steps had been taken to correct the situation and that every school would receive a written explanation.
The spokesperson also confirmed that schools that had received more than their share would not be asked to repay, but how this overspend, estimated to be in excess of £1 million will be covered was not revealed.
"While we recognise that some schools have received slightly more funding than was intended, we do not think it would be fair to expect them to repay, as they will by now have made decisions based on the budgets that were announced last February," the spokesperson said.
The Education Minister has been briefed on the problem and has made very clear the importance she attaches to ensuring that schools receive allocations to cover their shortfalls as a matter of urgency.
The Department also confirmed that it remained committed to the Local Management of Schools system, which allocates money directly to schools and allows Boards of Governors to take spending decisions at local level.
The Department said it had reviewed its own procedures, putting in place new checks to ensure that such an error cannot recur.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
21 October 2022
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
11 August 2016
Fire At L'Derry Primary School Being Treated As Suspicious
A fire at a L'Derry primary school is believed to have been started deliberately. The fire at the Good Shepherd Primary School, in the Waterside area of the city, was reported shortly before 8pm on Wednesay night, 10 August.
Fire At L'Derry Primary School Being Treated As Suspicious
A fire at a L'Derry primary school is believed to have been started deliberately. The fire at the Good Shepherd Primary School, in the Waterside area of the city, was reported shortly before 8pm on Wednesay night, 10 August.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
