PUPILS from deprived backgrounds could be missing out on funding because headteachers were given "inaccurate information".

Headteachers are given cash from the Scottish Government's Pupil Equity Fund (PEF) to help narrow the attainment gap between rich and poor.

But an audit committee report shows that in two Glasgow schools, bosses have gone over their budget.

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And this was said to be a result of incorrect information given to headteachers including staffing arrangements and salary costs.

Now, following the report, headteachers will be expected to carry out checks to ensure the most up to date financial position is reflected and protocol is observed.

Glasgow City Council was given £21.8 million PEF funding with cash going to 193 different establishments across the city.

Based on the number of pupils registered for free schools meals, awards were given ranging from £6000 to £326,000.

The report states: "We also found examples where goods and services which were procured using PEF were not compliant with the Council’s procurement rules.

"The explanation provided by Education for this was that the Service wanted to get the PEF process up and running and knowingly failed to comply with some procurement processes, but agreed that retrospective approval would be sought."

The fund, set up by the Scottish Government, is invested in schools across the country over a three-year period to support children who experience barriers in their learning.

Funding is designed to support pupils from P1 to S3 who are eligible and registered for free school meals.

Headteachers can also use their judgment to support other children in their school who are affected by poverty.

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In 2018/19 Glasgow City Council was allocated £21.8 million to split between 193 schools based on the number of pupils in each establishment receiving free school meals.

A review carried out by the local authority’s audit committee this year found two out of 15 schools surveyed may have gone over their budget as a result of incorrect information given to heads including staffing arrangements and salary costs.

Headteachers are provided with the financial position of their school’s PEF budget in the form of a four-weekly monitoring report.

An overspend in 2018/19 could lead to a lower budget in future years with less money available to support children’s literacy, numeracy, health and well-being.

As the fund aims to improve learning for children from P1 to S3 from deprived backgrounds, those in poverty may suffer as a result.

Previous audit reports recommended that a register for all grant funding activity across the council be created and maintained to help manage grant funding risks.

But the pupil equity fund was not recorded in either 2017/18 or 2018/19.

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