Correspondence

ESFA Update academies: 8 June 2022

Published 8 June 2022

This correspondence was withdrawn on

This has been withdrawn as it’s out of date. Read the latest editions of ESFA Update for the latest news and information.

Applies to England

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1. Action: consultation on implementing the direct national funding formula

We are seeking views on our approach to implementing the direct national funding formula (NFF) for mainstream schools.

This consultation follows on from our summer 2021 consultation on completing our reforms to the NFF.

Our first consultation on the direct NFF, Fair school funding for all, focused on the principles of moving to a direct formula. Following feedback to that consultation, the Government published its response, which confirmed our commitment to introduce the direct NFF.

This consultation focuses on the detail of the implementation of the direct NFF. We are seeking views on our suggested approach, to ensure that the direct NFF is implemented as effectively and smoothly as possible.

2. Reminder: local authority high needs funding: 2022 to 2023 operational guide survey

We’d like to gather user feedback on the content and format of the current high needs funding: 2022 to 2023 operational guide. We’ll use feedback received from the survey to inform and shape future publications of the guide.

You can access the survey and submit your responses by 27 June 2022. Please note, this survey is optional.

The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

If you have any questions, please contact us via email at

CRM.QUERIES@education.gov.uk.

Thank you in advance for your participation and contributions – the views of our audience are important to us and will help improve the accessibility of future publications.

3. Information: budget forecast return online form now live

The online form for the budget forecast return (BFR) 2022 is now available to use.

The deadline for academy trusts to complete and submit their BFR is close of business on 26 July 2022.

You can access the form and see the schedule for our weekly MS Teams calls and webchats on the BFR GOV.UK page.

You can also read the detailed guide to completing the BFR online form.

4. Information: academy finance professionals power hour – funding

Join the next power hour on Thursday 23 June from 3pm to 4pm.

Find out more about academy funding for 2022 to 2023 and the proposals for implementing a future direct national funding formula.

There will be the opportunity to ask questions during the event.

Register now to guarantee your place.

5. Information: keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) 2022

The revised version of Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE), for implementation from 1 September 2022 is now available.

The Department publishes the guidance in advance to enable trustees to plan ahead and ensure any changes to statutory guidance can be factored into policies, procedures and training before the guidance is live. Trustees are reminded their child protection policy should be reviewed annually (as a minimum) and updated if needed, so that it is kept up to date with safeguarding issues as they emerge and evolve, including lessons learnt.

6. Information: supporting pupils this summer through the National Tutoring Programme (NTP)

There is still time to support pupils through the NTP. To find out how your school could benefit from tutoring, view our how to guide on the options available.

Schools should continue to deliver tuition to pupils in 15-hour packages. To allow schools the flexibility to complete as many 15-hour packages as possible before the end of August, you may consider:

  • delivering more than one session to pupils per week or extending sessions to more than one hour, if appropriate
  • continuing tuition in July and August (for schools offering summer tuition)
  • allowing pupil swapping to increase the benefit of support to those pupils who need it the most. For example, schools could divide the 15-hour package between two pupils depending on need, with one pupil receiving 10 hours and the second pupil receiving 5 hours

6.1 Prepare for NTP data collection

Later in June, ESFA will release the ‘School-Led Tutoring: Year-End Statement’. It is mandatory for all schools that received the school-led tutoring (SLT) grant to complete and return it. An optional tracker and calculator tool has been designed to help schools track SLT information during the academic year.

We will provide full guidance on completing the Year-End Statement later this month. Page 21 of the School Led Tutoring guidance includes the data you will be asked to provide.

7. Information: join these webinars on approved frameworks and see how you could save money for your school

The Department for Education (DfE) is hosting webinars on how using our approved frameworks could help your school get value for money.

If you are responsible for buying goods and services for your schools, check out the range of informative webinars that could help you save time and money.

All sessions are free, use these Eventbrite links to join the Schools Commercial Team and take the opportunity to ask providers the questions you may have:

Follow our ‘Buying for Schools’ LinkedIn page to learn more about how we can support your school to buy goods and services.

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