We are currently working with Access Education to ensure both the quality of the product and the user experience for Devon Schools. Part of this is around improved communication on product functionality and we will be sharing information with schools more regularly going forward.
The following information is available via Access Important Information – Please Read on our Budgets – Support for schools and settings web page.
Why doesn’t the system retire old budgets after an update (like iOS or Android OS updates)?
Data updates, such as changes to pay scales, funding factors, or pension rates, function similarly to app updates on a smartphone. While the operating system (Education Budgets) provides the framework, individual components like pay scales or funding factors are updated independently.
Why does the system allow users to apply outdated pension rates, even though these are set by the Government and shouldn’t be altered?
Education Budgets is designed to support flexible budget forecasting for various scenarios, even those based on hypothetical or unofficial projections. For instance, analysts might forecast an increase in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme to 30% next year, even if this hasn’t been officially confirmed.
By allowing users to model such scenarios, the system enables proactive planning. Users can simulate the potential impact of a rate increase and compare it with existing, approved rates. Importantly, these hypothetical scenarios remain distinct within the system and are not locked or shared with Local Authorities (LAs) unless formally approved.
How can users quickly understand what data is included in a budget?
To validate and review data included in a budget, we recommend using the following reports:
- Income and Expenditure Details: Provides an overview of income and spending across the budget.
- Teaching and Support Staff Details: Allows users to see term-by-term inputs, such as pension rates, within the budget year.
These tools make it easy to track adjustments, especially when changes (e.g., to pension rates) occur mid-year, ensuring users have clarity on data inputs and their impact on scenarios.
Why wasn’t the Pay-Related Factors update made mandatory?
Making the update mandatory would have overwritten every scenario within the Working Scenarios tab, eliminating the ability to compare updated scenarios with the original. Preserving both allows users to answer critical planning questions, such as:
- How much additional funding is needed to accommodate the change?
- Where will this funding come from?
- Do expenditure lines need to be adjusted or reprioritized?
By keeping the update optional, users retain the flexibility to manage scenarios effectively. For new scenarios or upgrades from a previous budget year, however, the latest data updates are included by default.