What is the match-funding phonics catalogue?
The match-funding phonics catalogue is an online and paper catalogue through which schools in England will be able to purchase phonics products and services for KS1 pupils, which the DfE will match-fund.
ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) has been appointed to manage the catalogue and the match-funding.
What does match-funding mean?
Schools can decide which items from the catalogue best meet their requirements. They can make as many individual purchases as they wish, but will only receive match-funding up to a maximum of £3000 – i.e. for a total spend of £6000.
How long will this offer be available to schools?
The match-funding catalogue will be available to Schools in England until March 2013.
What is in the catalogue?
The catalogue will include commercial programmes and resources which teach and promote Systematic Synthetic Phonics that have been approved by the DfE. In short, it includes programmes, training and resources.
Why is the DfE promoting the match-funding phonics catalogue?
The DfE is supporting the improvement of the teaching of Systematic Synthetic Phonics in KS1 in schools in England. It is offering to match fund the purchasing of phonics training and resources that will help achieve this goal.
Which schools are eligible for match-funding?
The funds are available for KS1 pupils in Schools in England. These include Academies and Free schools. Schools in the private sector are not included. Catch-up resources for KS2 are not included in the catalogue.
How do I order?
The DfE has appointed ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) to manage the catalogue and the match-funding process. The purchasing can be done through five regional purchasing organisations (Pro 5). For details visit www.education.gov.uk
A paper copy has been sent to every state primary school in England.
How are the products ordered to receive match-funding?
Match-funding can only be received through the catalogue. Schools will not be able to get refunds for purchases which are not made through the catalogue. Details regarding how this will work will be clarified once the catalogue is published.
How have the products been selected for the catalogue?
The DfE published a list of criteria which adhere to the principles of Systematic Synthetic Phonics. Products were chosen on the basis that they comply with these criteria. During the time the catalogue will be available new products may be include as they are approved by the DfE.
How to use the funds
A school can decide to further invest in training its staff in a phonics programme already used or to train its staff in a new phonics eprogramme. Some programmes will have additional resources a school may choose to purchase.
Funds can be used to supplement phonic programmes with additional resources. ‘Letters and Sounds’ is an approved programme and schools can continue to use it and purchase supplementary resources to complement it.
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