Local education authorities and schools should be encouraged to makes use of school surplus money in line with local needs, according to the National Audit Office in a report today. It says the Department for Children, Schools and Families has made progress in improving its financial management but needs to encourage better financial management in schools.

Read more on AUDITORS SAY AUTHORITIES SHOULD USE SCHOOL SURPLUSES FOR LOCAL NEEDS…

A study published today claims that Government numeracy and literacy strategies in primary schools have failed. In a report – ‘Rising Marks, Falling Standards’ – the think tank Policy Exchange says standards were rising faster before the strategies were implemented.

Read more on THINK TANK SAYS LITERACY AND NUMERACY STRATEGIES HAVE FAILED…

This report, published by the Sunningdale Institute and commissioned by the Cabinet office, calls for the re-invention of policy making to ensure delivery of cost effective and efficient services responsive to people’s needs.

Read more on ENGAGEMENT AND ASPIRATION: RECONNECTING POLICY MAKING WITH FRONT-LINE PROFESSIONALS…