The challenge of producing a valid AMP is significant. A Property Working Group has been established to develop process and procedure and includes Head Teacher, Governor, Diocesan, Foundation (GM), Trades Union and Officer representation. This group meets regularly in order to develop policy for property issues.

The process for developing the AMP can be divided into 6 main stages:

• Stage 1 – Local Policy Statement
  The Local Policy Statement sets out the framework of respective roles, responsibilities and functions within which the AMP will be developed.
  
  
• Stage 2 – Assessing Existing Premises
  Accurate premises information including location, ownership, capacity, pupil numbers, asset value, and running costs are essential.
  
  
• Stage 3 - Identifying Needs
  The three main elements of AMP are Condition, Sufficiency and Suitability:
  • Condition - the physical state of premises including compliance with building and other statutory regulations.
  • Suitability - the matching of curriculum requirements, security, disabled access, community use and environmental impact with premises.
  • Sufficiency - the provision and organisation of sufficient school places as set out in the School Organisation Plan. Capacity assessment has also been revised by the DfES.
    
    
• Stage 4 - Determining Priorities
  Clearly, to meet the aspirations of Members, Schools, Diocesan Bodies and Officers is an important and sensitive task involving widespread discussion and consultation. The methodology used is incorporated into the Local Policy Statement.
  
  
• Stage 5 - Feasibility Studies and Option Appraisal 
  Having determined priorities, alternative options will need to be carefully considered before investment decisions are taken. In some instances this will be clear-cut (e.g. repairs and minor improvements) but in the case of major projects there is a need for feasibility studies and consideration of lifecycle costs to arrive at the most effective and economic solution. This will also require systems of benchmarking to be introduced which will be important both as part of the AMP process and as part of the wider application of Best Value. Funding solutions including Public Private Partnership will also need to be considered.
  
  
• Stage 6 - Implementation, Review and Evaluation 
  At this point, specific schemes would be included in a formal programme and implemented. Following completion, planned maintenance programmes should be drawn up.
  
  Review of the AMP is also essential as policies and priorities change.
  
  Evaluation of the AMP will also be necessary both in terms of capital management and as a means of assessing its impact on raising educational standards.