Can the Standards Fund be used to target schools causing concern, as identified locally by the authority?
At least 85% of Part B must be devolved to schools using a clear and reasonable formula which does not discriminate against those schools in receipt of targeted funding through Part A of the Grant. LEAs set the formula for allocation and may take into account the needs of schools causing local concern. Given the difficulties in identifying these schools in advance, the formula can allow for delegation within the year. However, all of the devolved element of Part B must be devolved to schools by the end of March 2003. If towards the end of the financial year, funds remain within the authority that are not needed to support schools causing local concern, these should be distributed to schools in line with the formula. Although the main body of the EDP2 should clearly show any activities being funded in this manner, the devolved funds should not be included in annex 3.