Value for Money Statement
Value for Money Statement Organisation name: Titan Partnership Trust Limited Company number: 7947806 Year ended 31 August 2014 I accept that as accounting officer of Titan Partnership Trust Limited I am responsible and accountable for ensuring that the academy trust delivers good value in the use of public resources. I am aware of the guide to academy value for money statements published by the Education Funding Agency and understand that value for money refers to the educational and wider societal outcomes achieved in return for the taxpayer resources received. I set out below how I have ensured that the academy trust's use of its resources has provided good value for money during the academic year. St George’s Academy was established as a Free School in September 2013 to provide an ‘Alternative Education Provision’ for secondary schools situated to the north of Birmingham City Centre being part of the former North West Network. Pupils attending the Academy are referred by their existing schools where in the majority of instances they are at risk of permanent exclusion due to behavioural issues. Improving Educational Outcomes Attainment in an ‘alternative provision’ setting offering prodomently a GCSE based curriculum is measured on points in the academic year 201314 the school achieved an average point score of 79 against a base line figure of students referred to the school of 6 demonstrating considerable progress. All students in year 11 leaving the academy secured places at college or work based training. (Neets figure Nil). Targeted Improvement/Focus on Individual Pupils Staffing structure has been under constant review and has evolved considerably during the first 12 months of operation to more effectively focus on the individual demands of our ‘High Need’ pupils. Greater emphasis has been placed on the recruitment of specialist High Level Teaching Assistants to provide one to one student support in lessons which are led by qualified Teaching Staff. Additional behavioural support staff have been employed with the skills and ability to deal with behavioural issues as they develop. Additionally a fully qualified mentor has been employed to lead and train a team of staff in challenging and modifying student behaviour. Curriculum provision has been evaluated and modified with greater emphasis being place upon vocational studies in addition to Maths English & Science to which the students within the Academy are more readily able to engage. Collaboration Academy collaborates with a number of academies within the North West Network to provide CPD for both teaching and support staff, with targeted support being provided from within the Network when individual needs are identified. The academy remains part of the Titan Education Partnership which brings together all schools with the North West network to ensure collaborative working on a range of issues giving economies of scale. Financial Governance & Oversight The academy has introduced a comprehensive set of financial controls and policies to ensure effective financial controls and governance. • Finance committee has members from the legal financial & business communities. • Full review of financial & operational risks have been undertaken and agree by the finance committee. • Scheme of Delegation introduced which includes strict guidelines on financial controls and the tendering & procurement processes. • Accounting officer carries out a monthly overview to ensure financial controls are being followed. • Chair of the finance committee completes an annual audit looking at all aspects of financial controls & procurement. • External auditor is appointed with whom the academy works closely and seeks advice where appropriate. • All purchases where possible are made from companies who are on recognised preferred supplier lists. • Monthly management accounts are produced which compare actual spend against budget forecasts.
The academies FMGS return was subject to an audit by a team from the EFA who confirmed all controls were in place and working with no queries being made. Name: Mrs Nicola Hutchison Academy Trust Accounting Officer Date: 18 Dec 2014
The academies FMGS return was subject to an audit by a team from the EFA who confirmed all controls were in place and working with no queries being made. Name: Mrs Nicola Hutchison Academy Trust Accounting Officer Date: 18 Dec 2014
