ESFA Update academies: 5 October 2022
Published 5 October 2022
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2022
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-5-october-2022/esfa-update-academies-5-october-2022
1. Reminder: the coronavirus (COVID19) 16 to 19 tuition fund 2022 to 2023 form is now live
The coronavirus (COVID19) 16 to 19 tuition fund 2022 to 2023 opt in/out digital form is now live.
The deadline for your submission is 11:59pm on 21 October 2022.
We’ve published guidance to access and help you complete the form.
You can read more about the fund on GOV.UK.
2. Information: convert to an academy guidance for sixth-form colleges
We have published an updated version of the guidance for sixth-form colleges considering becoming a 16 to 19 academy and the accompanying application form.
This autumn 2022 update:
- references that provision is being made to enable sixth-form colleges with a religious character to convert to academy status to become 16 to 19 academies, whilst being able to continue to retain their religious designation after conversion
- reflects the latest vision for the academies sector
- improves the clarity of the guidance in response to stakeholder feedback
- updates terminology and procedural descriptions to ensure accuracy, including updated links to HMRC VAT guidance and post-Brexit arrangements
A further update to this guidance will be published, once the regulations to enable sixth-form colleges with a religious character to convert to academy status have come into force.
3. Information: recent fraudulent attempts against education providers
We have been made aware of an attempt by a fraudster to request the bank details of an education provider. In this case, the fraudster had created a very similar email address to the correct email address of the supplier, as well as using correct contact names.
Please report allegations of suspected fraud or financial irregularity to us.
We have published a guide on cybercrime and cyber security to help raise education providers’ awareness.
Further guidance on reducing fraud risks is also available (this was produced for academies, but maybe helpful to all organisations).
4. Information: land and buildings collection tool (LBCT) to go live on 17 January 2023
Following our previous update, the land and buildings collection tool (LBCT) will not go live on the 4 October 2022 as planned.
The LBCT will now go live on the 17 January 2023 with a submission deadline of 21 February 2023.
This year we require new information about any non-land and building leases in place as at 31 August 2022.
The guidance for this new requirement has already been published but later this month we will publish more details of how we will support you and your trust preparing for your LBCT return.
You can find the more information about the new section, explore the Excel workbook and see the latest updates on our LBCT GOV.UK page.
5. Information: Academy Finance Professionals Power Hour – virtual networking event
The next Power Hour session is on Thursday 20 October 2022 from 3pm to 4.30pm. This session will provide an opportunity to meet virtually with other finance professionals to share ideas and good practice.
Some of the planned topics are around budget planning/assumptions; procurement and reflections from a MAT in the current climate.
You can join up to two different sessions on the day. These will be led by sector finance professionals providing you an opportunity to make new contacts and network with your peers. Please come ready to ask questions, highlight any issues and utilise the experience from your peers for support.
Register now to guarantee your place.
6. Information: new and improved agency supply framework now live
Crown Commercial Service has launched a new and improved version of its agency supply framework. The Supply teachers and temporary staffing framework has been approved by DfE and is live on Find a Framework.
Our latest Buying for Schools blog post highlights the improvements to the framework and how you can access it.
If you have any further questions about the new framework, you can book a place on our next ‘Hiring supply teachers and agency workers for your school’ webinar on 11 October.
7. Information: book an informal 1:1 chat to discuss your school’s buying needs – spaces available on 13 October
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. Information: join these webinars on approved frameworks and see how you could save money for your school
Are you responsible for buying goods and services for your school? The Schools Commercial Team (SCT) within the Department for Education is leading on the Buying for Schools programme; delivering services to support schools to buy goods and services.
The team are hosting free webinars on how using our approved frameworks could save you time and help your school get value for money. Our autumn programme begins week commencing 26 September with the webinars listed below. Click on the links to find out more and book your place:
- Buying legal services for your school – 11 Oct
- Hiring supply teachers and agency workers for your school – 11 Oct
- Buying school building maintenance, extensions and refurbishment – 11 Oct
- Buying professional services for your school – 12 Oct
- The Risk Protection Arrangement - an alternative to commercial insurance – 12 Oct
- The cyber cover you’ll get as part of the Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) – 12 Oct
You can find the full programme of webinars for the autumn term on the Autumn 2022 webinar page. Visit the page to find out more and book your place.
9. Information: new school resource management video
Watch this short 3-minute video to find out more about the DfE’s School Resource Management (SRM) offer and how the free tools and support available can benefit you, your school or trust and your pupils