FOI Request - Support for Learning Allocation Formula

Request 101003178631

I would like to make a request under FOISA.

Please release the following information
1. The formula for allocating support for learning assistants (or equivalent role ie supporting pupils as directed by teacher, personal care support, pupil supervision) to primary schools
2. The formula for allocating support for learning assistants (or equivalent role ie supporting pupils as directed by teacher, personal care support, pupil supervision) to secondary schools
3. Has any formula for allocating support for learning assistants (or equivalent role ie supporting pupils as directed by teacher, personal care support, pupil supervision) to primary or secondary schools been changed since 2017? If so, please provide previous formula and confirm when this was changed

Response 05-12-2022

1.& 2.  Not held. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held. 

However, please see this response which relates to Pupil Support Assistants (PSAs) funding from our Additional Support Needs budget:

We do not allocate on a formula basis. We allocate based on an assessment of individual needs (using the attached assessment template and individual planning documents), with schools/ELC settings making an initial assessment, and a central moderation process ensuring there is equity across Moray.

There are three different levels of need and hours are allocated to schools based on the number of children that fall into each level of need.

In 2022-23 the hours allocated (per child) for the different levels were as follows:

A level - 27.5 hours
B level - 15 hours
C level - 10 hours

The total number of hours allocated to each school was then adjusted to fit within the agreed budget.

In 2021-22 and 2020-21 the hours allocated (per child) were as follows:

A level - 27.5
B level - 15
C level - 10

3. Prior to 2020, a formula approach was used, with hours allocated based on the number of children with Additional Support Needs in each school (see attached spreadsheet) i.e. no assessment of level of needs.