- Consider the current financial framework within which schools are working and the potential future changes in that area.
- Consider the relevance of data and benchmarking.
- Understand seven critical parameters that completely define the ICFP process.
- Consider how the templates provided can be adapted and modified for use in their own institutions and situations.
- Be invited to contribute to an ASCL case study for use in lobbying Ministers.
Planning an acceptable balance between a curriculum plan and balanced finances is somewhere on the same spectrum from difficult to impossible depending upon the school. It is, however, possible to simplify the planning process to include all senior staff and relevant governors or trustees to reach the best possible way forward that the school decides to take. The process of planning the finances and the curriculum in a strategic manner goes under many titles. Integrated curriculum and financial planning (ICFP) is one such title. Whilst the fundamental elements of this approach are common across all types of institution, variations are possible. It can also be useful to see how the process can be adapted to different circumstances and to borrow ideas as appropriate.
The process will be explained using quantities which lend themselves to benchmarking and target setting. The overall aim is to present a process linking finances and curriculum in a way which ensures you can optimise activity in the context of the funding you receive. Templates will be provided for delegates to adapt to their own situation. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas with other attendees.
This course will present both financial and curriculum information in a manner that can be streamlined for use by non-financial specialists, governors, and trustees.
Data from typical school situations will be synthesised into three finance, two curriculum and two summative parameters, all of which can be considered as levers, benchmarks or targets depending upon the approach taken by the school in question. Together, these will show the extent to which a school is in surplus or deficit and hence its capacity to manage future financial pressures. Additional concepts will be the idea of the limiting values for these parameters to clearly define the location of the financial cliff edge and the tracking of the financial trend.
Variations in the approach most likely to be used in different schools will be explained and the potential for a crossover of ideas and approaches will be considered.
ASCL Professional Development also offers bespoke support for integrated curriculum and financial planning (ICFP) - find out more
here.