This week I highlight confirmation that the government will provide support for schools with their energy bills this autumn as well as updated guidance published for maintained schools on completing the Schools Financial Value Standard and for academies on completing the School Resource Management Self-Assessment Checklist.

Government confirms 6-month energy bills support for schools
This week the government has confirmed its plans to help schools and other non-domestic energy users with their energy bills this autumn. Ministers say their plan to reduce rates to a “government-supported price” of £211 per megawatt hour for electricity and £75 for gas will equate to a saving of £4k for a school paying £10k a month for energy. For comparison, the government said wholesale costs this winter are expected to be around £600 per megawatt hour for electricity and £180 for gas.

Updated guidance on the Schools Financial Value Standard
The DfE has made changes to the guidance and checklist to reflect expectations for this academic year and in section E on value for money, updates on threshold values for public procurement, good estate management and the get help buying for schools service.

Updated guidance on the School Resource Management Self-Assessment Checklist
Similarly the DfE has made some minor changes to the guidance for academies when completing their checklist which helps them check they are managing resources effectively and identifying any adjustments they need to make.