We have now been given Ministerial approval that FMSiS re-assessments should continue and that the Standard should remain the same in its current form at least until March 2010.

Last year we commissioned Hedra to independently review the implementation of FMSiS todate and to make recommendations for improvements.  Their report was published in October 2008 and is available from:  http://www.fmsis.info/news/?id=35 . This report was discussed widely with our stakeholder groups and also at the six VFM FMSiS Regional seminars in the Autumn of last year.

The report shows that there is a clear consensus amongst LAs and schools’ representatives that the Standard should continue in its current form.  The Standard is helping to provide a consistent approach across schools to resource management and achieving value for money. 

Implementation of FMSiS and particularly re-assessments:

For those schools due for re-assessment, FMSiS will remain as the minimum standard for all schools to achieve and maintain.

FMSiS was added to the Schemes for Financing Schools in October 2006 through directed revisions, and from January 2007 meeting the Standard is a legal requirement for schools, subject to the phasing that is for determination locally.  All LAs should therefore continue to work with their schools to assist them in achieving and maintaining the Standard.

Apart from our annual updates and review of all documents on the FMSiS website, FMSiS will remain in its current form as the minimum standard for all schools. 

We will shortly begin consulting with stakeholders on the introduction of an additional, non mandatory, measure on which schools can demonstrate effective management of resources.

For all FMSiS enquiries please email us at: financial.management@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk or phone us on 020 7925 6396.