ESFA Update academies: 20 November 2024
Published 20 November 2024
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esfa-update-20-november-2024/esfa-update-academies-20-november-2024
Information: Changes to the administration of the Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary fund (defined vulnerable bursary) schemes from the academic year 2025 to 2026
We highlighted in the 2 October ESFA Update that the Care to Learn (C2L) delivery model will change from the 2025 to 2026 academic year.
As a reminder, this means institutions will be responsible for managing C2L applications from students, as you do for other 16 to 19 student support schemes. You will also be responsible for making payments to your students’ childcare providers.
We recognise there are more administration activities for you in managing C2L. We will pay 5% on top of the total amount claimed per student, to contribute to those costs.
There will also be a new arrangement for handling the bursary for defined vulnerable groups funding claims.
You will need to request funding from us when you have completed your assessments for both schemes. We will confirm the dates you need to do this.
We will publish funding rules for the 2 schemes in early April 2025 and continue to provide more information in future ESFA Updates. If you need any support, use our customer help portal.
You should continue to contact the student bursary support service (SBSS) for all applications, claims and payments relating to the 2024 to 2025 academic year, including any C2L summer retainer applications.
Information: School-Based Nursery Capital Grant Update
The School-Based Nurseries Capital Grant 2024 to 2025 guidance has been updated to address frequently asked questions, including:
- eligibility criteria
- role of local authorities
- cost considerations
- application process
The Department for Education (DfE) has also produced general guidance on Establishing school-based nursery provision.
We recently hosted webinars on the School-Based Nursery Capital Grant, where we explained the application process and shared key considerations for designing a nursery.
You can watch the recording now.
If you still have questions about the application process, sign up to our webinar on Thursday 28 November at 2pm. This event is for schools, academy trusts and local authorities and will offer a chance to ask further questions before the closure of the application window.
For further help and support, visit the customer help portal.
The application window is open until Thursday 19 December 2024.
Your feedback: Tell us about your experience of our funding service
If you receive ESFA funding, we want to hear about your experience of our service. Please complete this short survey by Friday 29 November 2024. It should take you 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
We aspire to run an excellent education and skills funding service that gives providers as much certainty as possible. The survey asks whether we deliver:
- certainty on what we pay you and when
- clarity on how to comply with funding rules
- services that are accessible and easy to use
- answers when you have funding-related queries
We will keep your personal data confidential, and your feedback will help us to improve the service.
Your feedback: DfE Connect
DfE Connect is available to all pre-16 academies and provides an overview of upcoming mandatory finance and funding tasks.
We are keen to receive feedback from school business professionals and school leaders on DfE Connect, if you would like to take part, please complete the sign-up form.
If you have any questions, get in touch at dfe.connect@education.gov.uk.
Q&A dial-in sessions: Academies chart of accounts and automation
Thursday 21 November, 12pm to 12:30pm. Register on Eventbrite.
Webinar: Automating your accounts return
Tuesday 26 November, 11am to 12pm. Register on Eventbrite.
Webinar: Buying catering services for your school
Tuesday 3 December 2024, 9:30am to 10am, Register online.
Webinar: Buying cleaning services for your school
Tuesday 3 December 2024, 11am to 11:30am, Register online.
Webinar: Academy finance professionals December power hour – School Technology Services
Thursday 5 December 2024, 3pm to 4pm, Register on Eventbrite.