Correspondence

ESFA Update local authorities: 19 April 2023

Published 19 April 2023

Applies to England

1. Action: final opportunity to use National Tutoring Programme (NTP) funding in the summer term

Schools will receive the final instalment of this year’s National Tutoring Programme (NTP) grant in April (for maintained schools) or May (for academies) and you can use the calculator tool to track your tutoring costs.

You can use the NTP grant until 31 August 2023 and any unspent funding will need to be returned to the department.

As we start the summer term, schools should consider which pupils would most benefit from tutoring. In addition to disadvantaged pupils, this may include pupils taking assessments and exams or those transitioning between the key stages.

To find out more, read the NTP guidance or email the NTP support team.

2. Information: publication of 16 to 19 Bursary Fund audit guide for the 2023 to 2024 academic year

We have published the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund audit guide, which includes the audit working papers ESFA use.

Although the guide is aimed primarily at local authorities, other institutions may find it helpful to see the information about ESFA assurance and audit as they review their bursary fund processes and policies ahead of the new academic year.

3. Information: ESFA grant and contract funded adult education budget (AEB) thresholds for academic year 2022 to 2023

In March, we confirmed a permanent increase to the over-delivery threshold for ESFA grant and contract funded AEB skills from 103% to 110%.

We’ve published further information about these thresholds and we will update the performance management section of the AEB funding rules for 2022 to 2023 with this information by the end of May.

4. Information: 16 to 19 subcontracting

We have published the 16 to 19 subcontracting data for the 2021 to 2022 academic year on GOV.UK.

This publication includes subcontracting data for FE institutions, schools and academies funded by ESFA. It is based on the R14 individualised learner record (ILR) return produced by FE institutions, and the autumn census return for schools and academies.

5. Information: stress and employee wellbeing workshop for RPA members

Willis Towers Watson is providing risk management support for all RPA members through audit, guidance and advice. As part of the risk management support, RPA members are invited to a workshop covering:

• the impact of stress and poor mental health
• vulnerability to stress and building individual resilience
• organisational aspects of stress management
• HSE Management Standards
• control measures that contribute to a positive working environment and protect wellbeing

Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis

• 11 May 2023
• 25 May 2023

6. Information: Buying for Schools webinars – book your place now

Are you a school business professional who buys goods and services for your school? We host regular webinars on how using our approved frameworks could help your school get value for money.

Click on the links to find out more and book your place:

• Buying print for your school – 25 April
• The Risk Protection Arrangement - an alternative to commercial insurance – 3 May
• Buying financial support to cover you for staff sickness or absence – 3 May

You can find the full programme of webinars for the summer term on the Summer 2023 webinar page. Visit the page to find out more and book your place.

7. Information: book a 1:1 chat to discuss your school’s buying needs

Schools Commercial Team are offering the opportunity for a free, virtual 1:1 conversation with a member of the team, to see how we can support you.

You can speak to us about anything you like to help you make informed buying choices for your school.

There is no pressure or obligation to take any of our recommendations forward following the conversation.

Book your 1:1 conversation now.

8. Your feedback: user research opportunity on the local authority view of sixth form funding allocations

We are working on the local authority view of maintained school sixth form (16 to 19) allocations. We would welcome your feedback to help inform the digital service.

Sessions will take place online using Microsoft Teams and will last up to 60 minutes.

There will be an opportunity to take part in further research as the work progresses.

To express interest in taking part, please fill out this form.