ESFA Update further education: 20 June 2018
Published 20 June 2018
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2018
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esfa-update-20-june-2018/esfa-update-further-education-20-june-2018
1. Information: apprenticeship funding rules 2018 to 2019
We have published the 2018 to 2019 apprenticeship funding rules. These documents set out the rules for apprenticeship funding, including the evidence required to support it and will apply to apprenticeship starts from 1 August 2018.
These incorporate the recent policy changes announced in May. There are no other major changes beyond those detailed within this announcement.
The 2018 to 2019 apprenticeship funding rules include:
- rules to reflect new policy (such as the care-leaver bursary and continuation of 16 to 18 uplift for frameworks)
- further clarifications to existing rules with the aim of making them clearer
For further information, please visit the summary of changes.
The published documents are subject to further clarification to give the opportunity to provide feedback. Email suggestions to fundingrules.comments@education.gov.uk by Monday 2 July. Following feedback, we will then issue a final version of the rules in July to reflect any areas of clarification.
2. Information: Strategic College Improvement Fund (SCIF)
Following the completion of the application process for the Strategic College Improvement Fund (SCIF) pilot, we would like to make colleges aware we are preparing to launch the first round of applications for the main phase. SCIF supports colleges with Ofsted graded 3 or 4, to partner with a higher-performing college and undertake a focussed quality improvement programme.
Following feedback from the pilot, we will be providing a greater level of support to colleges throughout the application process. We will let colleges know when the application window opens, along with the publication of guidance on how to apply, in a further update later this month. There will be further opportunities to apply later this year and next.
3. Information: Performance management point on procured non-levy contracts
Early in July we will provide an update on the details of the next performance management point on procured non-levy contracts. This is slightly later than the original timeline of 22 June.
4. Reminder: Asbestos Management Assurance Process (AMAP) - extended deadline of Monday 25 June
The Department for Education (DfE) considers the health and safety of staff and pupils in schools as paramount. All local authorities, governing bodies and academy trusts should have plans in place to safely manage asbestos in school buildings.
Those with control of or with responsibility for maintaining school premises are under a duty to manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Many have already participated, but the DfE expects all local authorities, governing bodies and academy trusts to participate in the Asbestos Management Assurance Process (AMAP), to provide an assurance declaration on their schools’ compliance.
Please ensure you have completed your AMAP by the extended deadline of Monday 25 June.
You should have received your AMAP login details. If you have not received them, then you should contact the DfE at asbestos.amap@education.gov.uk.