§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the definition of a small school for the purposes of Welsh Office circular 36/88.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsAs explained in paragraphs 109 and 110 of circular 36/88, there are two factors which may affect formula funding of small primary schools.
First, authorities' schemes of local management may allow, through the formula, for any additional costs of supporting the curriculum in small schools compared with larger schools. Schemes will need to be considered individually to ensure that a case for additional support exists. Accordingly, no advice has been given on size of school.
Second, LEAs' formulae may take account of the extent of variations between the actual teaching costs of some small schools and the LEA's average cost of employing teachers. In some small schools, it may be necessary to charge average rather than actual salaries, at least in the initial years of formula funding. Circular 36/88 does not set a precise limit on the size of school. Because the great majority of primary schools in Wales are relatively small, LEAs have been advised that actual teaching costs could be used for all primary schools.