August Arrives

A short blog this week – it’s a quiet month for many. Either time to re-charge the batteries or finish those jobs that were put off during the term.   From The EFA Whilst many of us enjoy a short break – I will be having a week off next week – Deloitte will be busy carrying out validation tests on March Accountants and Budget Forecasts submitted by Academies in the last couple of months. If there are any queries they will be in contact with you. The EFA have also written to academies setting out school funding reforms. Plans outlined will result additional monies going to ‘the least fairly funded local areas in 2015 to 2016’. The changes will mean that some academies will see increases and others will see reductions in their budgets. The EFA are committed to ensuring academies will have their allocation for the next academic year by the end of March 2015. For details of the changes visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/336589/letter_on_school_funding_reforms.pdf Payment of the Education Services Grant (ESG) is subject to a number of changes, with new national per pupil rates being introduced.  Details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-services-grant-2015-to-2016   SEND Code of Practice The new 0 – 25 special educational needs and disability code of practice has now been approved by Parliament and comes into force in September 2014. It is important that all in school – trustees, governors, teachers, non-teaching staff – understand the changes. The DfE and teaching unions have produced a pack to assist school leaders in understanding the reforms. For a copy visit: http://www.sendgateway.org.uk/resources.a-dfe-presentation-pack-for-school-leaders-the-0-25-special-educational-needs-and-disability-reforms.html   There will be a couple of weeks break now– we will be back blogging at the end of the month. If though you need any assistance – or you just fancy a chat ring us at School Business Services on 8450 300 8179