Councillors are being asked for approval to consult on the formula which the Council uses each year to allocate funding to its primary schools.
The formula was last reviewed in 2011 and subsequent changes to primary-age education in the county borough, such as the opening, amalgamation and closure of schools, mean that the mechanism now needs to be reviewed to ensure that the overall budget is shared appropriately.
Cllr Peter Rees, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture said: “The past six years have seen a great deal of change and this has meant there is now an inequitable distribution of funding to local primary schools which needs to be addressed. All children need to have the opportunity to access a wide range of learning opportunities and in recognition of this Neath Port Talbot Schools Forum has requested a review of the current formula.”
A key purpose of the funding arrangements is to ensure the Council makes best use of its resources to support teaching and learning and to bring about improvement in educational standards and pupil achievement.
Any revision to the formula will not affect the amount of money being allocated to schools overall, rather how this total is shared between primary schools across the county borough.
The formulas for secondary schools and special education in Neath Port Talbot are separate and are not part of this consultation.
Subject to approval consultation will start on the 16th October and continue until 3rd December 2017. People will be able to share their views online at www.npt.gov.uk/haveyoursay
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