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<p>The department recognises that schools are facing pressures. Teachers and school
leaders have contributed hugely to the nation’s efforts to respond to the challenges
arising from the COVID-19 outbreak, and we are very grateful for their continued hard
work.</p><p>School funding remains a key priority for the department. The government
is increasing funding to deliver year on year, real terms per pupil increases to school
funding. This is starting with a £7 billion increase in the core schools budget by
the financial year 2024-25, compared with the financial year 2021-22, taking total
funding to £56.8 billion by 2024-25.</p><p>Future increases in funding have been frontloaded
to rapidly get money to schools. In the financial year 2022-23 alone, core schools
funding will increase by £4 billion, compared to 2021-22. This represents a 5% increase
in real terms per pupil boost. This will help schools rise to the challenges of the
COVID-19 outbreak, increase teacher pay, and meet the cost of the Health and Social
Care Levy, while continuing their work to raise attainment.</p><p>Throughout the COVID-19
outbreak, schools have continued to receive core funding, regardless of any periods
of reduced attendance. Schools have the flexibility to make their own decisions on
how to prioritise their spending to invest in a range of resources and activities
that will best support their staff and pupils. Schools will be able to use their existing
budgets to help with the costs associated with COVID-19 absences.</p><p>The department
re-introduced the COVID-19 workforce fund in the autumn term to provide financial
support to eligible schools and colleges. The fund has been extended until Easter
to cover the cost of term-time staff absences experienced between 22 November 2021
and 8 April 2022. The fund is available to support schools and colleges facing the
greatest staffing and funding pressures to continue to deliver face-to-face, high-quality
education to all pupils.</p><p>All schools can access a range of school resource management
tools to help them get the best value from their resources. Schools in financial difficulty
should contact the Education and Skills Funding Agency or their local authority.</p>
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