Schools Building Projects
DFC (Devolved Formula Capital)
DFC grant is available to all VA schools. It is grant aided at 90% so there is a 10% Governors’ capital liability. The Bursar, Mrs Eileen Bell, processes all invoices and completes all administrative forms and reconciliation to the DFE on behalf of Governing Bodies. DFC can be rolled forward but it must be spent within three years from when it is allocated. DFC can support all types of capital work as long as it is governing body responsibility. There is a minimum project cost of £2000 but no maximum project cost. DFC can be used to provide ICT hardware.
If schools are considering managing their DFC project without input or support from NEEDS (see below), you are required to complete a DFC Approval Form which can be downloaded here: DFC Approval Form Once completed, the form should be sent with a minimum of two quotations for the work to Eileen Bell, Bursar, Church House, St John's Terrace, North Shields, NE29 6HS.
If schools would like to confirm the balance of their DFC account, please email:
eileen.bell@drmnewcanglican.org
LCVAP (Local Authority Co-ordinated Voluntary Aided Programme)
This funding is administered by Local Authorities. There is a minimum project cost of £2000 but no limit on the size of project that can be supported. LCVAP funding is for all aided schools and our Diocese has annual discussions with the Roman Catholic Diocese on the allocation of funds to projects. The final allocation of LCVAP funding to individual school projects is made by the Director of Education and respective Boards of Education. LCVAP funding must be spent in the year it is allocated. If not, it becomes a commitment in the following year and will be lost if it is not allocated to an approved project. LCVAP is grant aided at 90% so there is a 10% Governors’ capital liability.
If governing bodies are considering capital works in 2012 you are asked to send a brief outline of the work you wish to undertake to Eileen Bell, Bursar: eileen.bell@drmnewcanglican.org by Friday 30th November 2011.
LCVAP and DFC Procedures
All capital building works (over £2000) in voluntary aided Church of England schools must be approved by the Diocesan Education Board. This is one of the provisions of the Boards of Education Measure 1991 (as amended).
Deadlines for the 2011-12 Financial Year
Project approval: Friday 13th January 2012
Revised spending: Wednesday 1st February 2012
Final claims: Friday 2nd March 2012
NEEDS
Building NEEDS is part of 'North East Education Development Services' or 'NEEDS', which is an arms length trading company owned jointly by Durham Diocesan Board of Finance and Newcastle Diocesan Education Board.
Building NEEDS can provide design and contract administration for minor work schemes and support schools in developing and reviewing asset management plans. The Board hopes that you will consider using the services of Building Needs when planning and managing your capital project.
Building NEEDS will charge a fee for this assistance as a consultant to the governing body.
For more information contact: Mark Thompson on 01913851391
mark.thompson@buildingneeds.co.uk www.buildingneeds.co.uk
Vital step before any building, repair or maintenance work is undertaken:
Asbestos
Anyone who may be involved in work which could disturb asbestos must be given the information they need to prevent any exposure to asbestos. This is a legal requirement.
All schools should have a Site Specific Asbestos Management Plan. This, together with an Asbestos Record Book should be presented to any contractors and operatives doing work. It should include survey information together with a drawing of the school showing clearly the locations of suspected asbestos and a form to sign stating that they have read and understood the information and now know of any risks.
The Local Authority require a copy of every Asbestos Survey Report, a copy of the Certificate of Asbestos Removal and a Clean Air Test Certificate at the end of the project.
No one must work on any asbestos containing materials unless the requirements of the Control of Asbestos at Work regulations are complied with.