Blogs & Updates

National Insurance Changes in 2016 - You can't wait!
  February 23 2015
The blog this week focuses on changes to National Insurance in 2016 – while this is some time off, these changes will impact upon all schools significantly. The Department for Work and Pensions has...
Are you ready for May 8th 2015?
  February 12 2015
May the 8th is the day after the next election, when we will know in general terms how education will be funded for the next 5 years. Have you updated your SWOT & PEST to take account of a range o...
Academy Trusts Spend £26m On Audit Fees
  February 02 2015
In recent blogs we have reminded you about deadlines for the submission of Audited Accounts, Value for Money Statements and the Annual Accounts Return. On the 20 January the EFA’s own accounts to 31...
Terrorism, Elections and School Finance
  January 19 2015
Whilst there are some important deadlines for schools, recent events require schools to consider their place within the wider community. Proposals and arguments will rage in this pre-election period, ...
Welcome to 2015
  January 06 2015
Out with the old and in with the new - welcome to 2015. For many academies the period around the year-end is the busiest period for School Business Managers, so we hope Christmas was all you wished fo...
Remembrance & Future Opportunities
  November 12 2014
For many November is a time for reflection. This is also true with Academy Finances, as the final adjustments are made by auditors across the land. Academies also need to look forward. Those looking t...
October Returns
  October 19 2014
October is not normally a month for Returns, but there are two returns that new Academies and Free Schools are likely to have to complete in the next few weeks. Also the EFA advise that a significant ...
October Planner
  October 03 2014
A new month - and like many of you I'm busy finishing off academy year ends and preparing for the auditors. Looking at the recently updated EFA Business Cycle Wall Planner the main item for Academie...
More Post It Notes - Don't Forget
  September 24 2014
In the week when a report for Education Select Committee once again questioned controls in Academies, we remind new academies of the actions the EFA expects of them this term, and look in brief at a n...
ILANAT!!
  September 10 2014
In any profession it is important to scan areas tangential to your own – see what is on the horizon, develop your learning. So this week rather than talk about the things you need to do now, I thoug...