ESFA Update academies: 23 June 2021
Published 23 June 2021
Applies to England
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1. Latest information on coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Department for Education has published guidance about COVID-19 in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students on GOV.UK.
Please check GOV.UK regularly for updates.
2. Action: confirm your summer school plans to secure your funding
Thank you to those schools who informed us of their intention to run a summer school this year.
To secure your funding allocation, you now need to complete the online confirmation form by 30 June 2021. If we do not receive confirmation, funding will be reallocated to schools that have requested additional places for their pupils.
You may also apply for funding to cover additional places, subject to overall take-up. Schools will be notified quickly of any additional funding but should plan to deliver their summer school within their published maximum allocation in the meantime.
If you did not complete the initial sign-up form, you can still join the programme by completing the confirmation form.
Read the guidance on summer schools and watch the webinar for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact us at learning.recovery@education.gov.uk.
3. Information: budget forecast return online form now live
The online form for the budget forecast return (BFR) 2021 is now available to use. The deadline for academy trusts to complete and submit their BFR is close of business 27 July 2021.
You can access the form and see the schedule for our weekly MS Teams calls and webchats on the BFR page on GOV.UK.
You can also read the detailed guidance for completing the BFR online form.
4. Information: academy finance professionals power hour
Thank you to all who joined our event last week.
You can now view a recording of the budget forecast return power hour if you were unable to attend the live event.
You can now view a recording of the budget forecast return power hour if you were unable to attend the live event.
The next power hour will focus on school resource management advisers (SRMA’s) and will be held on Thursday 15 July 2021, from 3pm to 4pm.
The session will cover the benefits of working with an SRMA and what leaders can expect during a visit. Our SRMA team will be joined by an SRMA who will provide some first-hand experience.
The session will end with a brief update from DfE’s cyber security team and a question-and-answer session.
You can book your place now and submit a question ahead of the event.
5. Reminder: coronavirus (COVID-19) no recourse to public funds: free school meals additional pupil premium claim form
The coronavirus (COVID-19) no recourse to public funds: free school meals additional pupil premium claim form is now live.
The deadline to submit your claim is 5pm on 30 June 2021.
We’ve published guidance to help you complete the claim form.
You can read more guidance for schools and local authorities on school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
6. Information: View my financial insights (VMFI) training webinar
Due to overwhelming demand, we are holding an additional training webinar for the view my financial insights (VMFI) tool. The webinar will feature a demonstration of the tool and the opportunity to ask the team any questions.
You can register now for the VMFI training webinar on Friday 2 July, from midday to 1pm.
VMFI provides users with enhanced analytics into the financial position and performance of their school, alongside comparisons to the 30 most similar schools. You can log into VMFI here.
7. Information: an opportunity to input and shape the next iteration of the Crown Commercial Service Supply Teachers framework
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is preparing to put a new Supply Teachers Framework in place, to help educational establishments secure quality temporary staff via accredited agencies.
We would encourage you to attend this session and provide your valuable feedback to help shape the next Supply Teachers Framework.
Register now to join the webinar on Thursday 8 July at 11am.
If you cannot make the session but would like to discuss the new framework or provide feedback outside of the session, please e-mail supplyteachers@crowncommercial.gov.uk.
8. Information: Is your energy deal coming up for renewal?
Check out the latest DfE approved CPC utilities supplies & services framework with sustainable benefits for your school to manage energy more efficiently.
Designed specifically for the education sector, this framework will help improve how your energy is managed and provide renewable energy purchasing opportunities.
Reducing our carbon footprint is a key focus and the department is committed to helping your school reduce its carbon emissions and facilitate the better use of technology to manage energy more efficiently.
9. Information: Transforming Public Procurement - an opportunity to input and shape learning for those who have to make procurement decisions
The Green Paper “Transforming Public Procurement” set out a package of proposals to overhaul the rules that govern spending by public sector bodies.
To support the implementation, and instil confidence in the new regime, a learning and development programme is being developed and Cabinet Office is seeking the input of procurement stakeholders from across the public sector.
10. Information: Nuffield Early Language Invention – school recruitment now open
Every state school with a reception class in England can now apply for training and resources through an early year’s catch-up programme. The programme is funded by the Government, delivered by the Nuffield Foundation, to support thousands more reception aged pupils with vital communication skills.
For more information, please visit the Nuffield Foundation website.
11. Information: Submit Learner Data is moving to a new URL
Submit Learner Data is moving to a new website address (https://submit-learner-data.service.gov.uk) from 8 July, users trying to access the old website after the move will be redirected to the new website automatically. The redirect will be in place for a minimum of 3 months to allow users time to update any bookmarks.
If you have questions about this change, please complete an online ESFA contact form.
12. Information: teachers wanted for Prevent Duty e-learning testing
The Home Office is testing a new e-learning platform that will help teachers and education settings understand more about the Prevent Duty and its role in tackling the radicalisation of young people. If you are interested in being involved in the user testing in November 2021, please register on the link below. The prevent training team will be in contact if you have been chosen to help test the platform.
You can register for: