Sample best value statements
Park View School in Birmingham has a best value statement making clear that governors need to secure the best possible outcomes for pupils, in the most efficient and effective way, at a reasonable cost.
The statement sets out the four principles of best value: challenge, compare, consult and compete. It seeks to apply these in particular to:
- Staffing
- Use of premises
- Use of resources
- Quality of teaching
- Quality of learning
- Purchasing
- Pupils’ welfare
- Health and safety
The statement explains the ways in which best value in these areas will be monitored.
However it also makes clear that governors and managers should not waste time and resources on investigating minor areas where few improvements can be achieved; nor to make minor savings in cost, including seeking tenders for minor supplies and services.
Best value statement, Park View School (Adobe pdf file)
http://www.parkview.bham.sch.uk/Documents/SCHOOLPOLICIES/2010-2011/BestValueStatement.pdf
Cornwall County Council has produced a sample best value statement for schools. The statement uses the four principles of best value to ensure that the school is using its resources effectively to meet the needs of pupils.
It also lists a few areas on which the school could focus, such as pupil care, the school environment, staffing, and resources.
Best value statement, Cornwall County Council (Word doc file)
http://www.google.co.uk/url?q=http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/idoc.ashx%3Fdocid%3D78f81997-47cf-4874-87aa-607c5765767f%26version%3D-1&sa=U&ei=rg7zTvvTGMa38gP14q3GAQ&ved=0CBIQFjAB&usg=AFQjCNG5IMHKT40x0jXP0Xc469nv9GfSBA
Guidance on writing a best value statement
Bracknell Forest local authority has produced guidance for school governors in creating a best value statement. It explains:
“Best value is a statutory duty on local authorities, Inspectors are charged to evaluate and report on how effectively the school applies best value principles in its management and use of resources.”
It sets out a list of things a school can do to demonstrate best value. It also lists things that the local authority will look at to satisfy itself that a school has sought to achieve best value.
Guidance for governing bodies on preparing a model statement for best value, Bracknell Forest (Adobe pdf file)
http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/best-value-model-statement-for-schools.pdf
This article was written in response to a question from the school business
manager of a medium size rural primary school in the south west.