Correspondence

ESFA e-bulletin for academies: 21 September 2017

Published 21 September 2017

This correspondence was withdrawn on 23 December 2019

This has been withdrawn as it’s out of date. The EFA e-bulletin has been replaced by ESFA Update.

Applies to England

1. Information: academies accounts return/land and buildings collection tool

The online forms for the academies accounts return and the land and buildings collection tool are due to go live on 2 October.

We will write directly to all academy trust accounting officers and chief financial officers that are in scope for these returns in the week beginning 25 September to provide details of the registration processes.

Most academy trusts registered to use the online system last year and we recommend that these trusts check their user details and passwords as soon as possible.

We’ll send registration information to new trusts that haven’t yet used the system and recommend that these trusts register straight away and become familiar with how to set up the system for their returns.

We also encourage trusts to register for our series of webinars:

• 3 October, 2pm – Introduction to the land and buildings collection tool
• 19 October, 2pm – Land and buildings collection tool further guidance session
• 9 November, 2pm – Academies accounts returns (we encourage auditors to register for this session)

2. Information: new academies land and buildings valuations

We will issue land and buildings valuations for new academies that opened between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017 in January 2018.

We will issue valuations via ESFA Information Exchange and confirm their availability in this e-bulletin.

We’ve adjusted the timetable for issuing land and buildings valuations because the valuation date has changed from 31 March to 31 August each year to match the sector annual report and accounts (SARA), which has 31 August as the reporting year end.

3. Information: customer engagement survey about 16 to 19 revenue funding allocations

Supporting the delivery of 16 to 19 revenue funding allocations with good customer service is important to us. To help us understand when, how and why you use our products that support the 16 to 19 revenue funding allocations, we have produced a short survey.

We calculate 16 to 19 revenue funding allocations using a national funding formula. We receive the data to feed into these calculations at set points throughout the year and this largely determines the timelines of the delivery of your funding allocation. We will use your feedback from the survey to inform decisions on timings where possible, and improvements of our self-service materials. We will report back on our findings in the early autumn.

It shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes of your time to complete and we appreciate all responses. The survey will close on Friday, 29 September.

4. Information: new deal to help schools save cash on computer equipment

DfE has launched the 2nd in a series of aggregated procurements for schools buying new tablets, laptops or desktop devices.

Schools buying devices could save thousands of pounds by taking advantage of a deal developed by the DfE and Crown Commercial Services (CCS).

To take part, schools need to submit their requirements for new devices and send it to the CCS aggregation team by Friday, 6 October.

CCS will then work with suppliers to get the best price and notify schools after they award the contract on 10 November 2017. Schools can then place their orders in time for summer delivery and arrange payment at the agreed price.

You can view a webinar that explains the process in more detail.

5. Information: primary assessment newsletters available on subscription

The Standards and Testing Agency sends out email updates every Tuesday during term time to provide information, reminders and deadlines for primary assessment providers at key stages 1 and 2.

You can access them on GOV.UK or subscribe to receive them directly to your inbox.