Good news, bad news

Released 24/04/2009

School budgets are safe for now, but in uncertain times make the most of any opportunity to reward hard work, says Suzannah Wright

Reading today that British debt may not be paid back until 2032, I was hit with a feeling of gloom which even unseasonly sunny weather can't entirely remove. Thankfully an Ed Exec tradition of buying sweet treats to see us through Friday afternoon has restored my cheer to a level where I feel able to look again at the news from the week.

Amid all the economic gloom, some rays of sunshine came in the form of extra funding for 16-18 learners and reassurance from the DCSF that the treasury's efficiency savings wouldn't affect current school budgets or funding for capital programmes.

My mood was swiftly dampened again as I looked over research by BESA, the British Educational Suppliers Association, which has found that schools are struggling to secure external funding, and seeing drops in income from bank interest. One can only hope that by the time efficiency savings the almost inevitable spending cuts which will follow them in future spending reviews take their toll on schools, the private sector will be sufficiently recovered to pick up slack in terms of donations, sponsorships and other income to support schools.

In these uncertain and somewhat depressing times, any chance to improve morale and recognise the hard work of schools staff is welcome, so it's a good time to remind you that you have just two weeks to enter nominations for the NASBM School Support Staff awards. The awards evening is always a moving and uplifting event, so do make sure your staff are in with a chance to be there. You can find more information on categories and how to enter here.

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