School PFI Credits Toolkit:
• Comprises a combined spreadsheet and database used for calculating PFI credit allocations to ensure a level playing field across PFI projects, with funding benchmarked above the standard allowances for conventional projects.
• In summer 2001, following a feedback exercise involving users, the Toolkit was modified (including a 10.5% increase in area costings) and guidance was revised extensively to make its use easier and calculations more transparent.
• Second (2001) updated version used for projects intending to sign in 2003-04.
• In summer 2002, following extensive research, a supplementary special educational needs (SEN) spreadsheet was devised and used to recalculate the SEN element of projects provisionally approved for 2003-04. Compared with mainstream allowances, the SEN spreadsheet increased the allowed area costs by up to 20% and, more significantly, the allowed areas per pupil by up to 200%.
• Also in summer 2002, the Toolkit was revised for a second time and the SEN formulae integrated within it and uprated. Large increases in allowed area costs for mainstream schools were also introduced (up to 30% in the case of secondary schools) and costs are now benchmarked against those for academies.
• This third (2002) version is being used for projects intending to sign in 2004-05 (the current round).
Evaluation of Outcomes:
• Sponsoring two major research projects into the link between investment in new buildings and educational achievement.
• Continuing to research the links between design and educational performance through the Classroom of the Future initiative, which is currently funding 30 pilot projects, focusing on the creation of effective, imaginative and stimulating learning environments.
• The Classroom of the Future pilot projects will all be monitored and evaluated.
• Shortly to begin research into lifecycle costs.
• A more robust evidence base, supported by comprehensive databases which can be used for evaluation and benchmarking, is currently being developed.