Correspondence

EFA e-bulletin for schools, colleges, local authorities and other 16 to 19 providers: 17 September 2015

Published 17 September 2015

This correspondence was withdrawn on

This has been withdrawn as it’s out of date. The EFA e-bulletin has been replaced by ESFA Update.

1. Action: My Contact Information launches on EFA Information Exchange

EFA has introduced a new My Contact Information feature within the EFA Information Exchange.

My Contact Information allows all EFA-funded institutions including academy trusts, schools, colleges, local authorities and other post-16 institutions to update their contact information quickly and efficiently. This will ensure that we always hold the most up to date information for your institution.

You can find out more about how to use My Contact Information on GOV.UK – please log in through your Secure Access account to check your details are correct.

2. Action: local authorities to submit grant return and use of funds statement by 30 October 2015

Local authority chief financial officers are required to submit to EFA a grant return and use of funds statement for learners over 16. The deadline for the 2014 to 2015 financial year is on or before 30 October 2015.

Please submit a signed copy of the returns to us, using the published templates and guide.

3. Action: consultation on Schools and Early Years Finance (England) regulations 2015

EFA is seeking views on the School and Early Years Finance (England) Regulations 2015. The regulations will put in place arrangements for local authorities to set school budgets for the financial year 2016 to 2017. EFA published the schools block units of funding for 2016 to 2017 on 16 July 2015.

An outline of proposed changes is available in the draft School and Early Years Finance (England) Regulations 2015 and consultation document along with how you can respond.

The consultation period will run until 13 November 2015. Our intention is for the regulations to come into force in January 2016.

4. For action: local authority proforma tool (APT) workshops

EFA is running 3 workshops to go through completing the APT, the tool that enables local authorities to specify their schools funding. The session will focus on required entries for specific school circumstances such as new schools and mergers.

Places are limited and we will give priority to responsible officers who have not completed APTs before or those dealing with a range of changes to school circumstances. The sessions will last 3 to 4 hours and take place in Department for Education offices on the following dates:

5. Information: primary PE and sport premium

EFA has published the primary PE and sport premium conditions of grant for local authorities and maintained schools, and academies. The conditions require primary schools to use the premium for additional and sustainable improvements to their PE and sport provision and to encourage healthy, active lifestyles.

6. Information: guidance on using cloud services

The Department for Education has produced guidance for schools using cloud services with information about how to ensure suppliers comply with the Data Protection Act.