Parents and teachers in Falkirk district are being urged to have their say on plans to give schools greater control over funding.

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on proposals for a fair funding system that will empower schools to better target resources to close the poverty-related attainment gap.
Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson said: “In our manifesto for last year’s Holyrood election, the SNP promised to give more powers and resources directly to schools, which will put teachers, parents and communities in the driving seat of improving education.

“We believe that it makes sense for funding decisions to be taken by those who know the pupils best and know where the money will make the biggest impact, so we want to hear from parents and teachers what they think is the most appropriate way to achieve this. I therefore urge anyone with an interest in our education system to take part in the consultation.”

Education Secretary John Swinney, who last week announced sweeping new powers for schools, added: “We are already giving Pupil Equity Funding worth £120million directly to head teachers to tackle the poverty-related attainment gap in their schools. But we want far more decisions on funding to be in the hands of those with the expertise and insight to target resources at the greatest need – the schools themselves.

“The way local authorities currently allocate their £5billion annual education spend is complex, lacks transparency and varies from council to council. We do not intend to develop a fixed, national formula but greater clarity and consistency is required to make sure funding goes where it is most needed.”

The consultation is open until October 13. Go to consult.scotland.gov.uk/empowering-schools/education-governance-fair-funding to take part.