Funding blow for Moray's Curriculum for Excellence
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MORAY'S education chiefs were today refused extra cash for the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence.
Councillors threw out a request to draw down £54,000 from Scottish Government funding, stating that money for moderating assessment under the new scheme would have to be found elsewhere.
Head of education resources, Alistair Farquhar, said the money was ring-fenced by the Government for the purpose. However, in a situation classed as "messy and confusing" by chief financial officer Mark Palmer, members heard it only became clear the cash was specifically set aside after the 2011/12 budgets were set.
That means the money would need to be taken from the pot for pay and price increases.
Chairman of the policy and resources committee, Allan Wright, said education chiefs should look within their existing budget to find the £54,000.
His motion to deny the grant was backed by seven votes to six, despite a warning that Moray would be disadvantaged compared to other local authorities in bringing in the scheme.
Mr Farquhar said the setback comes at a time when reduced budgets are already stretched to the limit. "It feels like the magic circle, where they make money disappear and I have to pull rabbits out of the hat," he said.
- Read this Friday’s ‘Northern Scot’ for a full report on the debate.
