SIMS Summer Census 2024 guidance

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Last school census of this academic year! Summer Census 2024!

Here’s our update on the latest guidance for the SIMS Summer 2024 School Census, the last one of this academic year!

Changes to Summer Census 2024

Sex and gender identity 

• The gender current data item has been replaced by the new sex data item. 
• The change from gender current to sex is being rolled out across all DfE collections over the next year or so. We will collect the sex data item (a value which identifies the sex of a person as recognised in law) on a mandatory basis. 
• The gender ID data item has been created so schools, children’s homes, local authorities and other institutions can record gender identity for local use, should they wish to. We will not collect this data item. 

Early Years – Eligibility Code         

• The 30-Hour Code which is issued to parents when they have successfully applied for the Early Years funding has been changed to Eligibility Code. This Eligibility code is now also applicable for 2 year-old’s who have applied for Expanded Hours. 
• Early Years – Expanded Funded Hours 
• From April 2024, working parents of 2-year-old’s will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare per week (over 38 weeks a year) from the term after their child’s birthday. A new column has been added to the Census Returns for pupils aged 2 at 31/03/2024 and if they have an eligibility code. Expanded Funded Hours do not apply to 3 or 4-year-olds. 
• Please note: In some circumstances, 2-year-olds may be eligible for both the 15-hour entitlement for disadvantaged 2-year-olds and the expanded entitlement but can only take up one of these entitlements.  In those circumstances, children should be recorded against the disadvantaged entitlement. 
• Early Years – 2 Year old’s basis for funding (for summer 2024 census only) 
• The DfE are increasing the frequency that we are collecting the funding basis data item to termly from summer 2024 onwards. 
• Early Years – DAF Funding (for Summer 2024 census only) 
• The DfE are extending the disability access fund (DAF) indicator from summer 2024 onwards to 2 year old’s. 

What date ranges is the census looking at for data items?

Fileset 2702 is now available

Click here: Fileset 2702 >

Open SIMS and go to Tools | Setups | Import and click the yellow folder button to browse to the fileset, simply highlight it and choose Open then use the Import Fileset button.

Please note: As normal there will be updated fileset’s periodically, so check back here for the latest one!

Remember, you'll need to close and open SIMS again for it to take effect.

Download the 'Producing the Summer Census' guides from ESS

If you require any assistance or SIMS support please call us on 0345 222 1551 | Opt 3. or email misservicedesk@schoolbusinessservices.co.uk

Would you like us to do your Summer Census for you?

Let us take it off your to-do list this month by contacting us. Looking ahead, we can do ALL of this year's returns for you - whether you are already an SBS customer or not!

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