January Update

As academies struggled to submit their AAR by the January deadline here is some news you may have missed.

Academy Accounts Return

As extensively reported, Peter Lauener has written to all academies postponing the deadline for the Academies Accounts Return (AAR) until Tuesday 28^th February. If academies continue to have issues they should first consult the Gov.UK website, and if they still have an issue email academies.questions@education.gov.uk.

Another Return

Hidden in announcements before Christmas, the EFA revealed that for 2017 all academy trusts are expected to produce two Budget Forecast Returns. The first will be in the spring, with the second coming in the autumn. In previous years a single forecast needed to be submitted by 31 July. Following earlier criticisms from the National Audit Office, this change is part of the move to a new academies sector annual report and accounts which has been agreed with the HM Treasury and Parliament. No further details such as the level of data collection and submission deadlines are available at present but the EFA have said they will do their best to minimise the additional effort needed.

National Funding Formula

The debate on the National Funding Formula (NFF) is gathering pace. Many commentators have used both the National Audit Offices report on the additional costs schools face and the DfE consultation on the NFF, and drawn the conclusion that most schools will have less funding as a result of the introduction. Whilst both issues are important, DfE consultation is about "how we slice the pie (the funding available) not the size of the pie".

The following links may be of interest:

• Earlier SBS Blog outlining the two announcements
• Tory backlash grows over school funding plans
• Almost all schools to lose under formula change, union warns

To see how your school might be affected - see School Cuts

Financial Health & Efficiency

Schools & academies are reminded of the support the EFA provides schools to improve financial health and efficiency. Further materials have recently been published, including case studies on how savings have been made through governance reforms and staffing re-structures. For full details click here. In a similar vein, NASBM have also published a case study from one of its members to help the wider community. Click here.

Technical Education

The Prime Minister has set out plans for greater state intervention in the economy. Included in the pillars to support this strategy there are plans to develop skills in science, technology, engineering and maths. Mrs May announces that a new system of technical education will be built, benefiting the half of young people who choose not to go to university. It could include maintenance loans, the creation of institutes of technology in every region, and 15 core technical “routes” that equip students with the skills most needed by employers in their area. It is envisaged that new educational institutions will be built, along with other bodies, while some existing establishments will be strengthened. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, business secretary Greg Clarke said this idea was driven by the government’s belief the UK was falling behind nations like China when it comes to technical skills. Click here for Sky News details