ANNEX D: FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS 2006-08
1. Ministers allocated £8 million in 2004/05 and £9.5 million in 2005/06 to assist local authorities to prepare for implementation of the 2004 Act. Ministers have now agreed to continue implementation funding for the next two financial years at an increased level of £12.5 million per year to local authorities. However, funding to NHS Boards of £3 million per annum over 2004/06 will not continue into 2006/07.
2. This funding will remain a component of the gross allocation of the National Priorities Action Fund ( NPAF) and the increase will be reflected in the Offer of Grant which will be sent out early next year. The flexibility which authorities now have in allocating NPAF funds means that final decisions on levels of funding between the various themes are made locally. While notional theme allocations for 2006-08 are not yet available, these will remain proportionately in line with 2005/06 levels. NPAF colleagues will provide such a breakdown of allocations in their forthcoming Offer of Grant.
3. In line with the increased flexibility of NPAF, it is for authorities to decide how the additional £3 million funding should be used in the light of local circumstances. However, authorities are encouraged to consider how it can be used to promote collaborative working with local NHS Boards and to build on the implementation work carried out by the Boards so far. In preparation for implementation, NHS Boards have worked with education authorities on a wide range of activities. This includes:
- contributing to multi-agency training programmes to promote awareness of the new legislation;
- promoting an integrated approach to assessment and service delivery;
- providing dedicated support to teaching staff;
- undertaking needs assessments to identify training gaps and programmes for educational staff;
- contributing health input to in-service days;
- developing information resources, including criteria for referrals, for parents, young people and professionals;
- jointly compiling educational plans for children and young people;
- planning joint health and education initiatives for co-ordination of children's services;
- developing health and education service level agreements; and
- developing jointly funded posts through children's services planning.
4. It is hoped that education authorities will be able to continue working closely on these and other initiatives with health colleagues to ensure successful implementation of the 2004 Act.
5. Enquiries about NPAF should be directed to Tom Wallace in New Educational Developments Division (Tel. 0131 244 0945).
Footnotes
1. The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 (Transitional and Savings Provisions) Order 2005 ( SSI 516)
2. The Additional Support for Learning (Placing Requests and Deemed Decisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 ( SSI 515)
3. The Education (School and Placing Information) (Scotland) Amendment, Etc., Regulations 1993 (S. 201)