DfE Update local authorities: 23 September 2026
Published 23 September 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-23-september-2026/dfe-update-local-authorities-23-september-2026
1. Information: Book your Regional In-Person Training
Please share this article with your local authority-maintained schools
School business professionals (SBP) can book places on the latest courses including:
- Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP)
- Leading ICFP Together training sessions
- HRM and Flexible Working
- Leadership and Change
Funded by DfE and delivered in partnership with the Institute of School Business Leaders (ISBL), these regional events provide practical support to help schools and with leadership, people management and financial planning.
Upcoming sessions
- Thursday 24 September: Leicester
- Wednesday 30 September: Birmingham & Canterbury
- Thursday 1 October: Sheffield (DfE office)
Each date features a morning and afternoon session. Whilst not mandatory we encourage you to book both sessions for the greatest benefit.
Please note, “Leading ICFP Together” is designed for SBPs to attend with other leaders from their school or trust, such as; CEO, headteacher or governor. We strongly encourage everyone to book their places with a colleague or colleagues.
Places are available now. See the ‘Events and webinars’ section below, to secure your place.
2. Reminders: Completion of the PE and sport premium digital expenditure reporting return by Wednesday 30 September
Please share this article with your local authority-maintained schools
As a requirement of the 2025 to 2026 PE and sport premium 2025 to 2026 PE and sport premium conditions of grant, all schools must complete and submit a digital expenditure reporting return outlining how it has used its funding and the impact it has had on achieving the aims and objectives as set out in the guidance.
Should schools fail to comply with the terms and conditions, this may in some circumstances result in the Secretary of State recovering some, or all the PE and sport premium grant.
If you have not already completed and submitted your report you have until 5pm Wednesday 30 September 2026. Please note, the return is significantly reduced from previous years.
If, after reading the guidance, you have any questions, contact us through the Customer Help Portal.
3. Feedback: Tell us about your experiences within finance, funding, and grants, and how you support schools
We are looking for local authority staff who are responsible for managing school funding and finances, or who apply for or manage grants, to take part in user research.
We want to understand your role, how you manage your work, and how you support your schools.
Your feedback will help make sure we design services which meet your needs and are easy to use.
Research sessions will take place online between Wednesday 30 September and Friday 16 October 2026. Each session will last up to one hour and will be arranged at a time that works for you.
Sign up here and a researcher will be in contact with you to arrange a session.
4. Events and webinars: Book your Regional In-person Training
- Thursday 24 September: Leicester
- Wednesday 30 September: Birmingham & Canterbury
- Thursday 1 October: Sheffield (DfE office)