ESFA Update academies: 27 October 2021
Published 27 October 2021
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2021
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1. Reminder: academies land and buildings collection tool (LBCT) deadline
Thank you to those trusts that have already submitted their land and buildings collection tool (LBCT) return. For everyone else, this a reminder that the deadline for submission is Tuesday 9 November 2021.
The return must be completed by all academy trusts with at least one open academy on 31 August 2021.
If you have church-owned land, diocesan review is required. You should speak with your local diocese as soon as possible to discuss diocesan review of your church owned land by the deadline.
Please visit our LBCT GOV.UK page where you will be able to view the summary guidance, the optional LBCT Excel workbook along with the link to the online form. You can also find details of our Microsoft Teams calls for all LBCT users. The next one is on Thursday 28 October from 10:30am to 11am.
2. Information: academies accounts return now live
The online form for the academies accounts return (AAR) 2020 to 2021 is now live. The deadline to complete and submit the form is 25 January 2022.
The AAR GOV.UK page includes links to guidance document and tutorial videos, the Excel workbook and details of our Microsoft Teams calls for all AAR users.
3. Information: public sector apprenticeship target reporting
All public bodies, including academy trusts, with 250 or more staff in England should have submitted their public sector apprenticeship target report for the period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 period by 30 September 2021.
Thank you if you have submitted this information already. If you have not, please can you access the form by visiting the “Apprenticeships” tab from the homepage of your Apprenticeship Service account.
Reporting the public sector apprenticeship target is a statutory duty and it is important that you submit your data as soon as possible.
For questions on how to complete the report, please contact the National Apprenticeship Service on 0800 150 600 or helpdesk@manage-apprenticeships.service.gov.uk.
4. Information: National School Breakfast Programme
The National School Breakfast Programme is a DfE-funded opportunity for schools in England to provide children with a healthy breakfast at the start of the school day.
Delivered by Family Action, the programme supports schools to run affordable school breakfast provision.
Available to all schools that have 50% or more children in IDACI bands A-F, the programme provides healthy free food delivered to schools until the end of March 2022. Schools are then asked to contribute just 25% towards the supply and delivery of breakfast food from April 2022 until July 2023.
Schools that meet the criteria and would benefit from the programme should complete an expression of interest.
If you would like to find out more about the programme, please contact info@schoolbreakfast.org.uk.
5. Information: is your school looking to replace or renew its heating system – you could save time and money
Come along on 9 November 2021 for an opportunity to find out more about the DfE approved Fusion21- Heating systems and renewable technology framework. This joint DfE and Fusion21 webinar will provide an opportunity to ask the experts questions.
Register for free via Eventbrite.
For the latest on our wide range of webinars, check out the events tab on our Buying for schools LinkedIn page.
6. Information: Sustainability Day for schools – additional tickets available
Additional tickets have been made available to join the DfE webinars on 2 November 2021 and find out how we can help you take steps to reduce your schools carbon footprint.
Come along to a variety of procurement sessions from smart meters to water efficiency, heating systems and renewable technology to energy efficiency and ask the experts the questions you may have.
See the wide range of sessions available and register for free.
For the latest on our wide range of webinars, check out the events tab on our Buying for schools LinkedIn page.