Last Up-dated:
09 September 2008
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Introduction
Up to 2000, the level of fees for pupils placed at Ochil Tower School were set
by Ochil Tower in close co-operation with Perth & Kinross Finance
Department.
However in recognition of the need for closer co-operation and greater
transparency, in January 2001 the first fee consultation meeting was
held. All placing authorities were invited to participate in the
process.
This has proven very successful and will now become an annual event.
Standard Fee Agreement
Background
In contrast to most other independent residential special schools, Ochil
Tower has always operated only with standard fees, one for residential and one
for day pupils. These fees were set each year in January by presenting to Finance Departments
of each placing authority the past year’s expenditure, proposed
budgets and the fee levels necessary to meet the School’s expenditure in the
coming year. This is then followed up by a consultation meeting in January of
each year.
For individual pupils, no distinction in terms of fee levels is made
between weekly and fortnightly boarders nor between children with a higher or
lower level of need.
In recognition of the severe financial constraints the local authorities
are under, in 1997 a new discount system was put in place by Ochil Tower
School. This involved returning any additional income generated by placements
over and above the budgeted 85% to local authorities in the form of a discount
.
Changes and Increases
The Standard Fee Agreement is simple to administer and allows for very
accurate budgeting as many of the variables involved in predicting a school’s
income, are removed. It has allowed us to keep our fees at a very competitive
level. In turn however, the level of reserves generated through this system is
minimal. Ochil Tower School relies on Local Authorities to share not only the
benefits but also the risk of Ochil Tower’s Standard Fee Agreement.
The effect of this has been that Ochil Tower School, in consultation with
Perth & Kinross and other Local Authorities, will have to increase it’s
fee levels above inflation rate.
Fee Levels
For past and current fee levels, please follow the links on
the left at the top of the page.
Administration and Billing
Bills for the Standard Fees are sent out termly in advance. The simplicity
and predictability of the Standard Fee Agreement allows low administrative
overheads. This in turn is reflected in the level of our fees.
Please note that the provision of the fee discount is subject to invoices
being paid on time. Consistent late payment of invoices will unfortunately
result in discount arrangement being suspended for individual authorities or
departments.
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For further information please contact:
Mr Ueli Ruprecht, Joint Co-ordinator
Ochil Tower School, 140 High Street
Auchterarder, PH3 1AD
Tel/Fax: 01764 662 416
Email: UeliRuprecht@ochiltowerschool.org.uk
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