THE SCHOOLS NETWORK-SO LONG

The Schools Network was forced into administration this week, as the TES pointed out ‘ after suffering losses from shrinking school budgets and government cutbacks’.This is shorthand  for- they lost their subsidies.The Schools Network and the original SSAT from which it sprung survived because they were subsidised by us taxpayers and guaranteed contracts  from the government often without the need to compete , as  many  contracts were  not put out to tender. This was the surest way to ensure that we  taxpayers  didnt  get value for money.   Nor did it encourage efficiency and accountability.  Large overheads-including plush Mill Bank Offices-  poor cost controls and falling income   meant that the organisation had nowhere to go. Doubtless the Network did some useful work , helped with networking ,dissemination of best practice and so on.  But  it  also unfortunately  helped ensure that the market was not a level playing field and  raised other providers costs and risks of entry and participation, both here and abroad. Other providers have long argued that many of the services provided  by the Network, and SSAT, could be provided at lower cost   by other providers, and without  the need for subsidies. Their successor organisation that reverts back to the old  SSAT name ,  should not be allowed   any special privileges nor to benefit from the political top cover enjoyed by the predecessor organisations. If  the (new) SSAT can compete on quality and price  without preferential treatment and subsidies then fine. But its not a culture that is familiar to those who work in the organistaion. Other education service  providers will  be  watching with interest in the months ahead.

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