Get the best value from your resources

Today we’ve launched the School Resource Management Strategy, which brings together all of the tools and resources we’re providing to help schools save money. We’re working with schools and academies to drive down costs and the strategy provides simple, practical advice on how to get the best value for every pound you spend.

• Read the full School Resource Management Strategy.

Deals for schools
Every year, schools spend £10 billion on non-staff costs. We’re providing deals that could help you save money on the things you buy regularly, like energy and water supplies, ICT services and books. With the deals that were available last year, the average primary school could have saved £8,000, and the average secondary could have saved £24,000.  We’ll be increasing the number and range of deals over the coming year.

• Find deals for your school.

Recruitment
Today we’ve launched a new national deal for agency supply teachers to help clamp down on excessive fees for agency staff. We’re providing a list of preferred suppliers that are transparent about their rates, complete thorough background and safeguarding checks and give options to avoid costly fees when making staff permanent.

We have sent you an email with the Agency Selection Tool attached. If you have not received this email, please contact us at supplyteachers.deal@education.gov.uk using your school’s email address listed on get information about schools and we will resend it.

• Find a supply agency.

Use of data
Our benchmarking website provides data and tools to help you compare your income and expenditure with other schools, identifying areas where you could improve resource management. In the coming weeks, we will also be launching a self-assessment tool to show schools where they are significantly out of line on key thresholds and benchmarks.

• Use the schools financial benchmarking service.

Staff costs
Is your school making the best use of the staffing resource available? Our workforce planning guidance can help school leaders review their staff structures, as part of school improvement, curriculum and financial planning.

• Read our guidance on workforce planning.

Direct support
We also provide direct support for school leaders through the establishment of a growing network of School Resource Management Advisers who help schools get the best value for every pound.

Please forward this email on to any colleagues you think might find these tools and resources helpful. If you’re a school business professional, you might also find it useful to subscribe to our SBP Newsletter for the latest news on resource management.