Posted on 12th February 2015
Are you ready for May 8th 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...
Posted on 2nd February 2015
Academy Trusts Spend £26m On Audit Fees
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...
Posted on 19th January 2015
Terrorism, Elections and School Finance
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, ...
Posted on 6th January 2015
Welcome to 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...
Posted on 12th November 2014
Remembrance & Future Opportunities
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...
Posted on 19th October 2014
October Returns
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 ...
Posted on 3rd October 2014
October Planner
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...
Posted on 24th September 2014
More Post It Notes - Don't Forget
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...
Posted on 10th September 2014
ILANAT!!
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...
Posted on 27th August 2014
Good Governance Guide
The August bank holiday is behind us, the new school year is a matter of days away. With the new academic year comes a new Academies Financial Handbook – effective from 1 September. In this week’...
Posted on 4th August 2014
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 ...
Posted on 23rd July 2014
Few Things Before You Go
Whilst many academies and schools have finished, with pupils enjoying the summer weather, there are still a few things for School Business Managers to tidy up before they head off on holiday. In this ...