Voluntary aided schools

Devolved Formula Capital guidance for schools that receive this grant is available here.

This guidance, in terms of general principles, provides guidance to Voluntary Aided (VA) schools, however, VA schools should comply with the detailed requirements set out in the “Blue Book” – Capital Funding for VA schools in England (2006-07 version (external). With the release of the new version of the "blue book", is a new section "Annex G" (external) that outlines the principles and important points of a diocesan cluster scheme.  To assist with a scheme, download a suggested excel workbook (external) to control and administer any inputs and outputs from such a diocesan scheme.

The consultation letter [word] [48KB] from the DfES sent to VA schools in February 2006 sets out important information about Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) and the changes to capital funding for VA schools. One of these changes, from April 2006, is that the DfES will be paying DFC direct to VA schools (unless schools indicate otherwise), without requiring them to seek prior approval for the work or to make a formal claim for the funding.

We advise VA schools to contact their Diocesan representative, should they wish to discuss the changes or their capital expenditure plans.  These and your Local Authority (LA) contacts are as follows:

Contacts

Name	Title	Phone Number
Karen Wray	Diocese Representative - Chelmsford	01245 294439
Aileen Donnelly	Diocese Representative - Brentwood	01277 265284
Business & Capital Finance Manager Moira Bishop Head of School Organisation, Partnership & Development	Chair LA Co-ordinated VA Programmes/Funding	020-8496 3535/3539

As indicated in the “Blue Book”, the Voluntary Aided Schools Information System (VASIS) is a secure access point for VA schools, LA's and Dioceses to view information about projects, claims (current) and allocations for voluntary aided schools.

The Voluntary Aided Schools Information System (VASIS) is a secure access point for VA schools, LEA's and dioceses to view information about projects, claims and allocations for voluntary aided schools.

VASIS is a password controlled area. If you require a password, please click here for more information (external).

For more information contact:

School Organisation, Partnership and Development (SOPD)
PO Box 416
Silver Birch House
Uplands Business Park
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow
London  E17 5SD

Telephone: 020 8496 3542
Fax: 020 8496 3688
Email: CSUAdmin@walthamforest.gov.uk