HC Deb 13 July 1993 vol 228 cc437-8W
14. Mr. Hall

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many different levels of funding exist for grant maintained schools.

Mr. Robin Squire

All grants for self-governing schools are calculated under the Education GM Finance Regulations 1993. Different levels of funding are paid under various grant headings depending on the size and circumstances of the school.

29. Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools have had ballots to go grant-maintained so far this year; and how many were successful.

Mr. Robin Squire

A total of 409 schools have held parental ballots on self-governing (GM) status so far this year. Three hundred and sixteen of those schools have voted in favour of GM status.

25. Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he has recently made to, or received from, schools in Hampshire which are seeking, or have obtained, grant-maintained status.

Mr. Robin Squire

We continue to receive a steady flow of inquiries from schools in Hampshire which are interested in applying for self-governing status. We also receive representations from time to time from the 16 Hampshire schools which are already grant-maintained, from the four schools which have been approved to become grant-maintained, and from the nine whose applications for self-governing status are currently under consideration by my right hon. Friend.

The Department has been running a series of regional conferences to provide basic information on "Going GM". Those attending have included 81 heads and governors from 46 Hampshire schools.

18. Mr. Thomason

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proposals he has to make it easier for parents to obtain grant-maintained status for schools; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robin Squire

Our present Education Bill will streamline the processes involved in a school becoming grant-maintained. Its provisions include: a shorter timetable for balloting and the publication of proposals; annual consideration of grant-maintained status by governing bodies; extra powers for the Secretary of State to void a ballot if there is interference by third parties; modest payments to governing bodies for costs incurred in acquiring grant-maintained status; and limitations on LEA expenditure aimed at influencing the outcome of ballots.

Experience suggests that, taken together, these changes will help eliminate many of the difficulties which can be encountered in acquiring grant-maintained status.