Dfe General Guidance

This page is regularly updated with updated guidance from the Department for Education.

DfE – Guidance on Employing Teachers from Ukraine (July 2022)

The DfE has published guidance for Ukrainian teachers and trainee teachers, which also contains information for schools about employing Ukrainian refugees. Ukrainians who arrive through the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme or the Ukraine Extension Scheme have the right to train or work as a teacher in England. You can also refer to recruit teachers from overseas. Further guidance will be available over the coming months. If you have any questions, please contact teach.inengland@education.gov.uk

DfE: Revised behaviour in schools guidance and suspension and permanent exclusions guidance

On 13 July 2022 the government published its response to the consultation on revisions to ‘behaviour in schools’ and ‘suspension and permanent exclusions’ guidance, and the updated guidance documents which will come into force on 1st September.

Behaviour in Schools Guidance

Suspension and Permanent Exclusion guidance

Searching, Screening and Confiscation advice for schools

Government response to consultation

Recovery premium funding – updated guidance (11 July 2022)

The recovery premium guidance has been updated to include the payment dates for academic year 2022 to 2023, as well as information about the 'menu of approaches'.

DfE: Non-statutory guidance on the National Tutoring Programme, 2022-23 (July 2022)

The DfE has published non-statutory guidance for schools and trusts with regard to the National Tutoring Programme in 2022 to 2023.

Schools converting to academy status – updated guidance (5 July 2022)

The DfE has published updated documents for schools converting to academy status on 1 November and 1 December 2022. It has removed expired documents for May, June and July 2022.

Supporting schools not making necessary improvements – consultation response (30 June 2022)

The Government has published its response to the ‘supporting schools not making necessary improvements’ consultation.

DfE: School Admissions Appeals Code - consultation response and draft Appeals Code 2022 (June 2022)

The government has published its response to the consultation on making changes to the School Admission Appeals Code. A draft School Admission Appeals Code 2022 (24 June 2022) has also been laid in Parliament.

DfE: Awarding of Qualified Teacher Status for Overseas-Trained Teachers (10 June 2022)

The DfE has announced that it will make changes to the way it awards qualified teacher status (QTS) to teachers from overseas. A new professional recognition service called ‘Apply for qualified teacher status in England’, will apply to qualified teachers from all countries outside the UK and will be introduced in early 2023.

Alongside this, the DfE has also announced the International qualified teacher status (iQTS) qualification.

DfE: School Resource Management Strategy (June 2022)

The DfE has published its School Resource Management Strategy.

Schools Supplementary Grant funding

The DfE has published the schools supplementary grant (SSG) school-level allocations and conditions of grant (25 May 2022).

DfE: Academic Progression Programme Pilot (June 2022)

The Department have published guidance on submitting an expression of interest to join the Academic Progression Programme. The three-year pilot will see 15 providers deliver the programme aimed at supporting students aged 16-19, who did not achieve the grades specified by their chosen institution but would likely achieve level 3 qualifications with support.

The guidance is available here, and an expression of interest form can be downloaded here.

DfE: White Paper implementation

On 25 May 2022, the Department published ‘Implementing school system reform in 2022 to 2023: Next steps following the Schools White Paper’. The document outlines the immediate next steps the Department plans to take to realise some of the ambitions in the White Paper.

Keeping children safe in education 2022

The DfE has published the 2022 updated Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance(20 May 2022), which takes effect from 1 September 2022. As you know, this is statutory guidance and schools must have regard to it when carrying out their safeguarding duties. Annex F sets out a full list of changes in this version. We hope to bring you a summary of key changes as soon as possible.

The DfE has also published (20 May 2022) its response to the consultation it ran earlier in the year on proposed changes to the guidance. It is this response that has been enacted in the updated guidance.

Initial Teacher Training – provider guidance on stage 2 (17 May 2022)

Organisations wishing to deliver ITT leading to QTS from 2024/24 must have gained accreditation under the new quality requirements set out by the government (stage 1). Those organisations that are successfully accredited under stage 1 must then follow stage 2. This guidance relates to stage 2. Read the guidance

Initial Teacher Training reform set-up grant (17 May 2022)

To support the delivery of the recommendations set out in the government response to the ITT market review, providers awarded accreditation in 2022 are eligible for a one-off £25,000 grant.

Providers have until 31 March 2024 to spend the grant. Find out more here.

Skills and Post-16 Education Act (28 April 2022)

On Thursday 28 April, the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill received Royal Assent and became the Skills and Post-16 Education Act. The Act enshrines in law measures set out in the Skills for Jobs White Paper.

Further information is available in the Education Hub piece ‘Everything you need to know about the Skills Act'.

Induction, training, and support for Early Career Teachers – new guidance April 2022

The DfE has published a suite of documents relating to the induction, training and support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs). The Early Career Framework (ECF) is a framework for the professional development of early career teachers. ECF-based training is part of their 2-year induction but is not assessed. The following documents have been published:

DfE: Sustainability and climate change strategy (21 April 2022)

Following the publication of the draft climate change strategy in November, the Department has released Sustainability and climate change: A strategy for the education and children’s services systems.

DfE: Updated Newly Qualified Teaching funding information (20 April 2022)

The induction for newly qualified teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic guidance previously stated that a one-off payment was available to all state-funded schools with NQTs completing their induction in summer 2021. This has been changed to all state-funded schools that have, or had, an NQT who completed their induction between the summer term of 2021 and the spring term of 2022. Payment will be made in arrears in the summer of 2022 based on eligible teachers recorded in the school workforce census, received as part of normal payments from the ESFA.

School-led tutoring grant – amended

The school-led tutoring grant guidance has been updated (April 2022)

New DfE Guidance Papers

Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Review, was published on 29 March 2022.

The Schools White Paper, Opportunity for all: Strong Schools with great teachers for your child, was published on 28 March 2022

In addition to the White Paper, the DfE also published The Case for a Fully Trust-led System (March 2022)

There is a second annexe looking at the economic benefits (March 2022) of meeting the ambitions set out in the Schools White Paper.

The White Paper commits to a consultationon schools that are not making necessary improvements. This consultation was published on 28 March 2022. It is accompanied by Schools Causing Concern Draft Guidance. The consultation closes on closes on 23 May 2022. You can respond here.

The DfE also published an information note (March 2022) on minimum expectations on the length of the school week, providing details on the expectation that state-funded mainstream schools should deliver a school week of at least 32.5 hours by September 2023.

Trust Capacity Fund (March 2022)

Applications are now open for Trust Capacity Fund 2022 to 2023. You have until 30 June 2022 to apply. Updated applicant guidance, eligibility checkers and application form have been published.

Primary and Secondary School Accountability – update March 2022

The DfE has published updates on Primary School Accountability Measuresand Secondary School Accountability Measures.

DfE’s Teacher Workload Reduction Toolkit – updated 10 March 2022

DfE has updated the school workload reduction toolkit.

Academies budget forecast returns – amended guidance (1 March 2022)

The DfE has uploaded two Excel workbooks to help Trusts prepare for the online BFR collection in June. There is a new multi-page workbook that mirrors the layout of the online form.

Energy costs – update 15 March 2022

The DfE has updated its Buying Guide for Schools in relation to gas.

Political impartiality in schools

The Government has published guidance on the existing legal requirements regarding political impartiality in schools (17 February 2022). The guidance aims to support schools in understanding how the duties might impact teaching but does not include any new statutory requirements.

National Leaders of Education – new arrangements

The DfE has published a new application process 10 February 2022) for National Leaders of Education.

Academic Mentors

The DfE has updated its guidance (9 February 2022) to clarify that schools or academy trusts that are not based in a qualifying area but have 30% or more of their pupils eligible for pupil premium are also eligible for support.

School Direct salaried funding

The list of eligible subjects for initial teacher training bursaries 2022-23 has been updated (10 February 2022) to include engineering and food technology as part of design and technology.

Schedule of advisory board meetings 2022 to 2023

The DfE has published (10 February 2022) the schedule of advisory board meetings for each region for 2022-23. You can view it here.

Early years qualifications and ratios – new guidance

Guidance has been published (10 February 2022) outlining the staff: child ratios that all early years providers working with children from birth to 5 years old must follow.

Senior Mental Health Lead Training

The DfE has announced an additional £3 million to extend senior mental health lead training (8 February 2022) to more schools and colleges given high demand. The DfE has updatedguidance (8 February 2022) on senior mental health lead training.

State of the Nation 2021 – Children and Young People’s Wellbeing (8 February 2022)

To mark Children’s Mental Health Week, DfE has published its third annual State of the Nation report which shows children and young people’s wellbeing is gradually improving, despite the challenges that remain.

Levelling Up White Paper (2 February 2022)

The government’s Levelling Up White Paper that relates to education can read in full here.

Children not in school – consultation outcome (3 February 2022)

The DfE has published the outcome of its consultation on children not in school.

School Rebuilding Programme

The consultation on prioritising schools for the School Rebuilding Programme has concluded. Read the DfE response (3 February 2022) .

The School Rebuilding Programme guidance (3 February 2022) has been updated accordingly.

Alternative provision: year 11 transition funding

This guidance has been updated (2 February 2022)

DfE School Funding Statistics

The DfE has published information (27 January 2022) about school funding for the financial year 2021-22. You can read it in full here.

Extension of the exam support service to March 2022

The DfE is extending the exam support service to allow for costs related to additional invigilators required as a result of staff absences. This is for centres running previous ineligible exams and assessments in January, February and March 2022 that are not being run as part of the autumn series. Those which are part of the autumn series are still eligible for the full range of costs covered by the exam support service. The exam support service guidance (20 January 2022) and online claim form have been updated to reflect this change and allow claims for these costs. Full guidance to help you complete the form is also available.

Making significant changes to an academy or closure by mutual agreement (20 January 2022)

The previous DfE guidance 'Making significant changes to an open academy and closure by mutual agreement' has been updated and divided into 2 separate documents: 'Closure of an academy by mutual agreement' and 'Making significant changes to an open academy'. You can find them here.

Academies budget forecast return (18 January 2022)

There will now only be a single budget forecast return (BFR). Academy trusts are no longer required to submit a separate budget forecast return outturn. The outturn information is now permanently included within the budget forecast return. Updated guidance can be found here. The Academies Planning Calendar has also been updated with this information.

Reforms to language GCSEs

The government has announced that students will study reformed language GCSEs from 2024. Following a public consultation, the DfE confirmed changes to French, German and Spanish GCSEs (14 January 2022), supported by a research reviewby Ofsted. In the updated GCSEs, students will be assessed on the most common vocabulary used in conversations and writing, as well as grammar and pronunciation.

Academy conversions – important dates (7 January 2022)

The DfE has published documentsfor schools converting to academy status on 1 May, 1 June, 1 July 2022.

Academic Mentors – amended eligibility criteria (3 December 2021)

The DfE has updated eligibility criteria to access the Academic Mentors Programme to ensure as many pupils are reached as possible.

  • State-funded schools and academy trusts in one of the qualifying local authority districts prioritised for raising school standards can apply for an academic mentor and receive funding to subsidise the cost.
  • Schools or academy trusts that are not based in a qualifying area but have 30% or more of their pupils eligible for free school meals are also eligible for support.

Contact the DfE via email at academicmentors@nationaltutoring.org.uk for further information.

Pupil premium rates 2022-23

The DfE has published guidance relating to rates for the 2022-23 Pupil Premium here (16 December 2021)

Afghanistan resettlement education grant (3 December 2021)

If you have children or young people in your school or trust that are part of the Afghanistan resettlement programme, you are eligible for funding to support their education.

The Afghanistan resettlement education grant is for local authorities to provide education services for children from families arriving from Afghanistan, currently in bridging accommodation.

More details about the grant including allocation periods and amounts available can be found here (3 December 2021)

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Market Review – government response

The ITT market review report was published in July 2021. The government response and associated documents can be found here (1 December 2021)

The current guidance on ITT: criteria and supporting advice(1 December 2021) applies to accredited providers delivering ITT courses until 31 August 2024.

Accreditation

All providers wishing to offer ITT that leads to qualified teacher status from 2024 must undergo an accreditation process. Applicants will be able to apply for accreditation in one of at least 2 application rounds taking place in 2022 which will finish well in advance of the 2023 to 2024 recruitment cycle.

For more information on how to become an accredited provider of ITT , see Initial teacher training (ITT): accreditation and support. To register for one of the DfE’s provider information sessions, please click go to one of the following links:

Inspection of ITT providers

The DfE has announced in their consultation that Ofsted will move to a three-year inspection cycle of ITT providers, from September 2024. Ofsted has confirmed that the current six-year inspection cycle will be completed earlier than expected, meaning all currently accredited providers will be inspected by July 2024. This includes re-inspections of those providers judged ‘requires improvement’ and ‘inadequate’ during the summer 2021 ITE inspections. The formal three-year cycle of ITE inspections will then commence from September 2024 onwards.

ITT - Statistics

The government has published statistics on ITT recruitment, allocations and performance data.

The ITT census data has also been published. The headline message is that the government met its overall recruitment target for primary and secondary by 101 percent, but it recruited only 82 percent of the secondary teachers needed. In physics, just 22 percent of the necessary teachers were recruited, down from 45 percent in 2020.

  • In total there were 37,069 new entrants to ITT in 2021/22 compared to 40,377 in 2020/21, and 33,799 in 2019/20. In 2020/21, we saw an unprecedented increase in new entrants to ITT compared to the previous year, which was likely to be a direct result of the impact of Covid-19.
  • Of the new entrants in 2021/22, 31,233 were starting or expecting to start postgraduate ITT, a decrease of 9% from 34,394 in 2020/21, but an increase of 8% from 28,917 in 2019/20. There were 5,836 new entrants to undergraduate ITT in 2021/22, a decrease of 2% from 5,983 in 2020/21, but an increase of 20% from 4,882 in 2019/20.
  • Recruitment exceeded the postgraduate ITT target for history, English, biology, chemistry and Classics; whereas targets were missed for mathematics, geography, modern foreign languages, computing, and physics. Chemistry, history, computing, mathematics and physics saw increases in postgraduate new entrants to ITT when compared to 2019/20 prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Overall, 136% of the postgraduate ITT target was achieved in primary, but only 82% of the postgraduate ITT target was achieved in secondary subjects, compared to 103% in 2020/21.

Early years entitlements funding rates for 2022-23

During the Spending Review, the Chancellor announced increases in funding hourly rates paid to childcare providers. This is for local authorities to increase the hourly rates paid to childcare providers for the Government’s early years entitlements and reflects cost pressures, as well as anticipated changes in the number of eligible children. The DfE has now published information about the increased rates for the funding year April 2022 – March 2023. A Written Ministerial Statement on the announcement is available here ( 25 November 2021). The full information about the funding rates for individual local authorities can be found here (25 November 2021).

School uniforms – new statutory guidance (19 November 2021)

New DfE non-statutory guidance advises on developing and implementing school uniform policy. It should be read alongside the statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms.

Updated wellbeing charter guidance (17 November 2021)

You can read the amended guidance here.

Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) (November 2021)

Please be aware the DfE has amended the deadline for applicationsso it is now 15 December 2021 (no longer 16 December)

Multiplication tables check - IT guidance and information for parents (8 November 2021)

From the 2021/22 academic year, it is a statutory requirement for schools to administer the multiplication tables check (MTC). Schools should administer the MTC to year 4 pupils, between Monday 6 June and Friday 24 June. This guidance is designed to help IT support staff who manage the school’s ICT network prepare for check administration.

Information for parents can be found here.

Teaching Internship Programme – new guidance (8 November 2021)

Schools can now apply for funding to provide teaching internships for summer 2022. This guidanceprovides information on how to apply for funding to provide teaching internships to potential teachers in mathematics, physics, and computing.

Condition Improvement Fund

The DfE has updated the guidance (3 November 2021) on the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).

Governance update: July 2021

The DfE has published its Governance Update (4 November 2021), with an introductory message from Baroness Barran.

Pupil Premium templates – amended (1 November 2021)

The DfE has amended Pupil Premium Guidance to include new templates for Pupil Premium Grants:

Teachers pay grant and pensions grant methodology – updated

The DfE has updated ‘Teachers’ pay grant methodology’ (28 October 2021) to reflect allocations published in October 2021 for September 2021 to March 2022.

The DfE is providing £1.5 billion a year through the teachers’ pension employer contribution grant (TPECG) and supplementary fund. This funding covers the cost of the increase in the employer contribution rate of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) from 16.4% to 23.6%, from September 2019. From 2021 to 2022 financial year, most of the funding for the increase in pension costs has been paid through the schools, high needs and central school services block (CSSB) national funding formulae (NFF), instead of as separate grants. The 'Pension grants for schools, local authorities and music education hubs' (28 October 2021) has been updated to reflect allocations published in October 2021 for September 2021 to March 2022.

PE and Sport Premium – allocations and conditions of grant for 2021-22

The DfE has published the allocations for PE and sport premium 2021 to 2022. The conditions of grant for academies for 2021 to 2022 can be found here (29 October 2021).

COP26 – resources for schools and trusts

The DfE has published an article on how education plays a key role at COP26 and in the fight against climate change.

Teaching resources

· Together for our planet: Schools Pack – this pack of resources has been created to teach pupils of all ages about climate change.

· Our Climate, Our Future: Classroom Pack – the WWF has created COP26 resources for pupils ages 7-16 to help introduce and reinforce the significance of climate change and the role of schools in shaping the future.

· UNESCO: Learn for our planet – earlier this year, UNSECO launched a campaign, calling on the world to invest in education for sustainable development and ensure that it is embedded in learning systems globally.

Events

· Generation Zero classroom events – Subscribe to the DfE YouTube channel to watch from the classroom.

o Teach the Teacher Lesson | 4thNovember | 12:00-13:00

o Climate Solutions Lecture | 4thNovember | 15.00-16.00

o Green Skills and Careers | 8thNovember | 10:00-11:30

o Adapting schools to water risks and a future climate | 8th November | 13:30-14:30

· Official COP26 events that DfE are hosting – Subscribe to the official COP26 YouTube channel to watch live events at the COP26 venue.

o DfE will launch biodiversity and nature initiatives | 5th November | 16:00-17:30

o Education and Climate Ministers Summit | 5th November | 16:00-17:30

o Green career pathways | 7th November | 9:30-10:30

o So you want a green career? | 7th November | 15:30-17:30


What is an academy and what are the benefits?
(14 October 2021)


Funding for initial teacher training 2022 to 2023

The DfE has published funding information for Initial Teacher Training in 2022 to 2023 (12 October 2021).

Check early years qualifications – updated guidance (13 October 2021)

This guidance has been updated to explain that staff with Pearson knowledge-only qualifications cannot count towards the EYFS staff: child ratios.

Prevent duty self-assessment tool for further education (14 October 2021)

The DfE has published a new self-assessment tool for further education providers to help them review how they are meeting the Prevent requirements. You can view the tool and a ‘how to’ guide here.

Trust Partnerships - Guidance for academy trusts and prospective joiners

The DfE has published new guidance on 'Trust partnerships: guidance for academy trusts and prospective joiners’(October 2021) as part of the suite of guidance on Building Strong Academy Trusts.

Salary boosts for new maths, physics, chemistry and computing teachers

The government has announced (6 October 2021) that teachers in the early years of their careers will be able to get a salary boost of up to £3,000 tax-free to teach maths, physics, chemistry and computing in order to support recruitment in disadvantaged areas. It will be available to eligible teachers in the first five years of their careers.

Skills and Post-16 Education Bill: Supplementary policy notes (October 2021)

This new DfE note gives further details relating to the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill.

School Teachers Pay and Conditions 2021

The DfE has published the School Teachers Pay and Conditions document and guidance, 2021 (September 2021).

The school admissions appeals code – updated guidance (30 September 2021)

This guidance has been updated to reflect that the temporary regulations have been extended until 30 September 2022. The appeals code has not been amended.

Behaviour hubs

The DfE is now accepting applications for new lead schools and multi-academy trusts to join the behaviour hubs programme. The DfE has published the application form and application guidance. The deadline is midnight on 9 October 2021.

Pupil Premium and the Recovery Premium

The DfE has amended the Pupil Premium Guidance (6 September 2021) to make the pupil eligibility and funding rates and use of the pupil premium sections clearer. They have also published Using pupil premium (6 September 2021).

Tutoring

New guidance (2 September 2021) has been published to support schools and Trusts to offer their own school-led tuition.

School admissions code – updated fair access protocols (August 2021)

The fair access protocols (FAP) guidance has been updated.

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021 – amended guidance now in force (1 September 2021)

The September 2021 version of the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance is now in force and replaces previous versions.

Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children – amended guidance now in force (September 2021)

The 2021 version of ‘Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges’ is now in force and replaces both the 2018 version, and the document published in July for information.

Changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (1 September 2021)

Changes to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework became law on 1 September 2021. This guidanceexplains how changes to the EYFS framework will affect early years provision.

Changes to the payment process of schools’ business rates – consultation outcome (18 August 2021)

The government has published the outcome to the consultation it ran on changes to the payment process of school’s business rates.

Academy conversion - important dates in the Autumn term 2021

The DfE has published information (2 August 2021) about key dates for schools converting to academy status in the Autumn term 2021.

Condition Improvement Fund - new Trust financial template

The DfE has updated Information (2 August 2021) for eligible academy trusts. New information has been added on submissions for Urgent Capital Support, updated guidance and application form, and a new Trust financial template.

School resource management self-assessment checklist – new guidance

The checklist (6 August 2021) for 2021/22 has been published. All academy trusts which have an open academy on 31 December 2021 must complete the self-assessment checklist (which you do each year).

The checklist is intended to help trust boards to:

  • check you have appropriate financial management and governance arrangements
  • check you are meeting the right standards to achieve a good level of financial health and resource management
  • identify areas for change to make sure resources are used to support high-quality teaching and the best education outcomes for pupils

This is an update to the school resource management self-assessment tool (SRMSAT), which previously consisted of the self-assessment checklist and dashboard. The self-assessment dashboard has been moved to the benchmarking website.

The deadline for submission of the checklist will be in Spring 2022 but a specific date is not yet given.

Government funded programme for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children

The government has announced a new programme for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children, intended to boost educational attainment, tackle exclusion and drop-out rates and improve pathways to employment. The pilot will reach 150 schools and is taking place in Bradford, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hillingdon and Surrey. The pilot areas were chosen as those with the highest number of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils attending primary and/or secondary school, according to data from the DfE 2020 National Pupil Database. You can read the government’s announcement here (22 July 2021).

National funding formula (NFF) for 2022/23

The DfE has published a policy document (July 2021) setting out the schools and high needs NFF for 2022/23. This is the final year of the three-year settlement for schools and high needs pledged in September 2019. Tables showing provisional allocations for the schools, high needs and central school services blocks from 2022 to 2023 can be found here.

Accountability in 2021/22

The DfE has announced (19 July 2021) how accountability will operate for the 2021/22 academic year.

School building programme

The DfE has announced the second set of 50 new schools in the Prime Minister’s ten-year School Rebuilding Programme. The first 50 schools in the programme were announced in February 2021.

The Reading Framework – new DfE guidance

The DfE has published guidance (10 July 2021) teaching the foundations of literacy. The guidance is for primary schools and trusts, initial teacher training partnerships and specialist provision. It focuses on the early stages of teaching.

Further support for schools is available through the government’s English Hubs Programme.

Breakfast Clubs – new funding

The DfE has announced a programme targeting disadvantaged pupils who will benefit from free breakfast clubs in the next two academic years. Family Action has been confirmed as the delivery partner for the National School Breakfast Programme, and they will source and deliver breakfast food products to schools from September. The DfE has published guidance(9 July 2021), which includes information on eligibility and how schools can sign up by contacting Family Action.

Keeping Children Safe in Education – coming into force from 1st September 2021

The statutory guidance, Keeping children safe in education 2021 has been published. This document is for information only and does not come into force until 1st September 2021.

Separate guidance on Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges, also with effect from 1st September 2021, was also published on 6 July 2021.

DfE’s optional curriculum guidance

The DfE has published new optional guidance (2 July 2021) on curriculum recovery.

NPQ scholarships – updated guidance

The policy paper for the reformed NPQs has been updated (1 July 2021)

Free school revenue funding – updated guidance (June 2021)

The guidance on free school revenue funding has been updated for 2021/22.

  • AP free school revenue funding guidance is here. The financial template is here.
  • 16-19 free school revenue funding guidance is here. The financial template is here.
  • Special free school revenue funding guidance is here. The financial template is here.
  • Mainstream free school revenue funding guidance is here. The financial template is here.

Model articles of association

The Department for Education have released new Model Articles (30 June 2021) for use by mainstream academies, special academies and 16 to 19 academies, alternative provision academies, free schools and studio schools.

Additional funding for teachers currently undertaking induction – updated guidance (21 June 2021)

The DfE guidance on induction for NQTs has now been updated with further details about the government’s plan to provide additional funding to support protected time for second-year teachers from September.

Phonics Screen Check (DfE general)

In the 2021 to 2022 academic year, it will be statutory for schools to administer a past version of the check to year 2 pupils (16 June 2021) during the second half of the 2021 autumn term. Cancellation of the phonics screening check in June 2021 means incoming year 2 pupils did not take the check in year 1.

Schools should return results to DfE in the usual way. The data collection process for the autumn check is designed to mirror the existing summer collection process, to minimise change for schools and local authorities.

Dates for the autumn 2021 data collection:

· collection opens - Monday 6 December 2021

· deadline for submitting data - Friday 21 January 2022

Further information is available here.

The Academy Trust Handbook 2021 (formerly the Academies Financial Handbook)

The DFE has published the 2021 edition of the Handbook - which comes into effect on 1 September 2021 – as a PDF available to download

The digital handbook will be amended to reflect the 2021 edition on 1st September 2021. Until this time the webpage will continue showing the AFH 2020 content.

We know that there are some concerns about the changes within the sector and we continue to discuss these with the DfE

PE & Sports Premium 2021/22

The DfE has announced (17 June 2021) the PE and Sport Premium will be continued next academic year. The press release also explains that unspent funds from this year can be carried over to 31st July 2022. This is now reflected in the updated guidance (17 June 2021).

Curriculum planning for relationships, sex and health education - new guidance (June 2021)

The DfE has published new non-statutory guidance for schools and trusts on curriculum planning for relationships, sex and health education. There are two guidance documents, one for primary schools and one for secondary schools. The guidance includes information on a range of issues children and young people have been concerned about throughout the Covid-19 pandemic:

  • Not being able to socialise with family and friends
  • Sleep problems
  • Bullying
  • Friendships
  • Staying safe online

The guidance covers information on which modules from the curriculum cover these issues, how to approach teaching this content and links to additional resources and support.

This is complemented by new guidance on Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources (June 2021) on similar themes.

COP26 education packs on climate change

The government has announced (10 June 2021) the availability of education packs to support conversations with students on climate change. This is being done in relation to the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow 1-12 November 2021. The pack can be found here.

Post-16 capacity fund

The page hosting details on the post-16 capacity fund has been updated (10 June 2021) to show the closing time for applications of 11.59pm on 21 June 2021.

Early Career Framework reforms and time off timetable for NQTs in their second year – update June 2021

As part of the recovery package, the DfE announced that in recognition of the challenging initial teacher training and induction current newly qualified teachers have experienced, all state funded schools will be given a one-off payment to further support the development of this cohort.

Yesterday, the DfE published new guidancesummarising the reforms to teacher development. The guidance provides information on each of these reforms and how they will be delivered. The overview(7 June 2021) of ECF reforms has also been updated with information about the funded provider-led programme.


Mental health and wellbeing support

Along with other national organisations, we have been advocating for information about the range of mental health and welling being support and programmes to be made available in one place. DfE has published a new webpage (2 June 2021) which also shows how the different Green Paper commitments fit together. The DfE has also published more information about the senior mental health leads training(2 June 2021) that provides more detailed information about the grant funding and training schools and colleges will be able to access.

Summer Schools - updated funding allocations and guidance

To enable more secondary schools to participate in the Summer Schools programme, and to maximise the funding available for special schools and alternative provision settings, the DfE has made the following changes to schools’ funding allocations.

  • Funding for special schools and alternative provision settings has now been calculated on the basis of 50% of their year 11 cohort, in recognition that these settings generally have few year 7 pupils. For any special schools or alternative provision settings whose year 7 cohort is larger than their year 11 cohort, those schools’ initial funding allocations will stand.

  • Funding for secondary schools with an older pupil intake, such as upper schools in a three-tier system, will be calculated on the basis of 50% of their intake year.

  • Funding for new secondary schools due to open in September will be calculated on the basis of 50% of expected year 7 pupils or other intake year if there is no expected year 7 cohort.

You can still sign up for the programme to indicate you intend to run a summer school.

In June, the initial sign-up form will be replaced by a confirmation form, when we will ask you to confirm, by the end of June, the timing of your summer school and the number of pupil places offered. Schools that did not complete the initial sign-up form can still join the programme by completing the June confirmation form. Schools with a new funding allocation, such as new secondary schools and those with an older pupil intake, should wait until the June confirmation form opens in order to sign up.

Subject to overall take-up, schools may be able to claim funding to cover additional places and can request this in the June confirmation form. Those schools will be notified quickly of any additional funding, but should plan to deliver their summer school within their published maximum allocation in the meantime.

The guidance on summer schools will shortly be updated to reflect these changes. The DfE will also update the guidance to confirm the conditions of funding, expand the section on academic, enrichment and mental health resources and provide a link to the DfE summer schools webinarwhich includes input from headteachers and other experts.

If you have any questions, please contact the DfE at learning.recovery@education.gov.uk

School sports days

The DfE has provided some clarification in relation to sports days. Schools have the flexibility to decide how physical education, sport and physical activity will be provided while following the measures in their system of controls.

School sports days and competitions can now take place both indoors and outdoors and schools should follow the measures in their systems of controls. Parents and pupils are permitted to attend these events as spectators however close attention should be placed to legal gathering limits set out for the different settings in which these events are taking place, see guidance for safe provision including team sport, contact combat sport and organised sport events.

Alternative provision – transition fund and research reports

The DfE has announced(21 May 2021) a further £8 million as part of the AP Transition Fund for 2021/22 to support up to 11,400 Year 11 pupils as they move into the next stage of their education, work or training after they leave school.

DfE guidance(21 May 2021) has been amended to for the 2021 application round.

School Improvement Offer and School-to-School Support – clarifications

The DfE has summarised the current position on reforms here (20 May 2021).

AP Transition fund

The DfE has announced (21 May 2021) a further £8 million as part of the AP Transition Fund for 2021/22 to support up to 11,400 Year 11 pupils as they move into the next stage of their education, work or training after they leave school.

See the guidance for more details.


Recruit teachers from overseas – updated guidance

See the guidance (19 May 2021) for more details.

School workforce census – updated DfE guide (20 May 2021)

The guide to submitting workforce census data has been updated by the DfE.

Behaviour hubs (13 May 2021)

The Behaviour Hubs programme, set up to support school leaders by providing expert help to improve their school’s behaviour cultures, is open for applications.

For more information about the programme and funding, see the brochure or visit www.gov.uk/guidance/behaviour-hubs.

Updated DfE financial templates (19 May 2021)

The DfE financial templates and supporting guidance to support schools plan their budgets have been updated for 2021/22:

Special schools

Alternative provision free school

Mainstream and 16-19 free schools

Trust Capacity Fund (TCaF)

The TCaF arrangements for 2021 to 2022 have been published (19 May 2021). The total fund for the period is £24 million. All activities funded by this round of TCaF must be completed by 31st March 2022. There is a particular focus on supporting strong trusts, and strong schools forming trusts, to take on underperforming schools in areas of higher need.

Updated guidance, eligibility checkers and application form for 2021 to 2022 round can be found here.

A list of successful applicants from the TCaF 2019/20 funding round has also been published.

Diocesan multi-academy trust pilots

A list (19 May 2021) of confirmed participants for the Diocesan multi-academy trust formation pilot and the Catholic turnaround trust pilot. It will run until 31 March 2022.

Multi-Academy Trust Assurance Framework – School Improvement (May 2021)

The DfE has replaced the old Multi-academy trust (MAT): school improvement capacity framework with a new iteration in the form of the Multi-academy trust (MAT): assurance framework. A guidance document on how to use the framework has been published as well. The guidance ‘Building strong academy trusts: guidance for academy trusts and prospective converters’ has also been updated, as has the ‘Trust partnership guidance.’ This collection can be found here.


Supporting SEND – new DfE Report

The DfE has written a new report (13 May 2021) and summary (13 May 2021) document on supporting SEND.

School admissions code – consultation outcome and updated guidance

The DfE has published its outcome (13 May 2021) on the consultation on changes to the Schools Admissions Code. It has, therefore, updated the School Admissions Code for September 2021 (May 2021) which, subject to Parliamentary approval, will come into force from 1 September 2021.

Early language training

The DfE has announced (13 May 2021) that schools in England with a Reception class will be offered training in early language and communication. The programme will be delivered by the Nuffield Foundation. Online training is provided over 20 weeks. Places are limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis. More details here.

Behaviour hubs

Guidance on Behaviour Hubs has been updated (13 May 2021) to clarify the aims of the programme, provide new guidance on what support is available and a list of current lead schools and hubs.

Flexible working case studies

The DfE has added two case studies on flexible working to its existing collection(12 May 2021).

Mental health and wellbeing – charter and investment (10 May 2021)

At the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, the DfE published The Education Staff Wellbeing Charter, supported and endorsed by CST. Along with other national organisations, the charter sets out our belief that everyone working in education should have the opportunity to enjoy the highest possible standard of wellbeing and mental health.

The DfE also announced a mental health and wellbeing investment package, with £17.4 million to improve support in schools and colleges.

Funding will go towards training senior mental health leads, a new Wellbeing for Education Recovery programme and an adapted ‘Link' programme, designed to improve partnerships between health and education leaders in local areas.

A comprehensive list of accessible and free mental health resources for all ages has been published

DfE guidance on the trust and school improvement offer (28 April 2021) and multi-academy trusts: establishing and developing your trust ( 28 April 2021)

I am sure you will not have forgotten that today is the deadline for submitting your centre policy.

CST Annual Conference 2021 - Secretary of State’s Speech 28 April 2021

The full text of the Secretary of State’s speech can be found here.

New Guidance referred to in the Secretary of State’s speech:

  • Multi-academy trusts: establishing and developing your trust – new guidance published 28 April 2021
  • Trust and school improvement offer (28 April 2021) - What improvement support schools and trusts can get in the 2021 to 2022 academic year.

Government launches review into sexual abuse in schools

On 31 March 2021, the Government announced a major review into sexual abuse in education settings alongside a dedicated helpline to provide support and guidance to adults and children who have been victims of abuse. This builds on the publication of the Government’s Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy in January. The Strategy is intended to galvanise a whole-system response that brings together agencies, sectors and society to tackle child sexual abuse, as well as a focus on prevention and early intervention.

New Model Music Curriculum

The DfE has launched the Model Music Curriculum (26 March 2021) non-statutory music curriculum guidance for Key Stages 1 to 3 developed by an independent panel of 15 music education specialists. This guidance supplements the existing National Curriculum programme of study. As non-statutory guidance, it is intended as good practice advice.

The DfE has also committed £79 million in the 2021-22 financial year forMusic Education Hubs which support schools and trusts to provide high quality music education and £1 million for the seven National Youth Music Organisations, the In Harmony project and the Music for Youth project.

Behaviour hubs

The Behaviour hubs (25 March 2021) page has been updated to remind you that you can apply for the next cohort and begin receiving support in September 2021.

Benchmark your school’s financial data

The DfE has published a new benchmarking tool (23 March 2021) for schools or trusts to compare income and expenditure against another school or trust.

Pre-election guidance for schools and trusts

The Government has published guidance (19 March 2021) for school and trust leaders during the pre-election period for the local elections on 6 May 2021.

School rebuilding programme

The DfE has updated the School Rebuilding Programme website, with information about the process to identify the next 50 schools to benefit from the programme. The updated information about the programme is published here(17 March 2021).

Turing Scheme (March 2021)

The DfE has announced that schools, colleges and universities can now apply for funding to allow students to study and work across the globe as part of the new Turing Scheme. The Turing website includes the programme guide, funding levels and eligibility, and details of webinars available to help inform applications. The DfE has published a blog on what you need to know about the Turing Scheme along with a graphic.

PE and Sports and Sports Premium for Primary Schools

The DfE has amended guidance (16 March 2021) about any PE and sport premium carried forward from the 2019 to 2020 academic year. The deadline to spend carried forward funding is now the end of the 2020 to 2021 academic year.

Private Candidates

On 15 March 2021, the DfE publishedguidanceon eligibility for exam centres to claim funding for assessing private candidates this summer. Centres should work with private candidates to assess them on a range of evidence, which could include evidence from an established educational provider and the board-provided assessment materials. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) have also issued guidancefor centres about assessing private candidates, considering their different circumstances. Further guidance on assessing all candidates (including private candidates) will be published before the end of March.

Free School Meals supplementary grant: 2018 to 2019 – updated guidance (24 February 2021)

The free school meals supplementary grant provides schools and trusts with extra funding to help them meet the higher costs of providing extra meals before the lagged funding system catches up.

The grant was due to end in 2019 to 2020 but has now been extended by one additional year to 2020 to 2021. Information about the supplementary grant and allocations can be found here(24 February 2021)

Harmful online challenges and online hoaxes – new guidance

The DfE has published new non-statutory guidance (12 February 2021) which aims to support designated safeguarding leads (DSL) or equivalents, and senior teams to respond effectively to incidents involving harmful online challenges and online hoaxes.

Information about what you are required to publish on your Trust website

This is a quick reminder about the information you are required to publish on your Trust’s website – updated 12 February 2021.

The DfE has recently added a section on remote education - linked to the guidance on remote education provision expectations and the optional template.

Making significant changes or closure by agreement – amended guidance

The DfE has amended guidance (16 February 2021) for academy trusts planning to make organisational changes or close an academy by mutual agreement with the Secretary of State. Specifically, the DfE has updated the 'Full business case application form' and the 'Fast track application form'.

School land - amended guidance and forms

The DfE has published updated school land guidance and application forms(10 February 2021). The guidance explains how and when it is mandatory to involve the Secretary of State in school land transactions, including the disposal of school land, the change of use of school playing fields and the acquisition of new land.

School land transaction proposal – new non-statutory guidance

This non-statutory guidance (February 2021)is designed to provide information in relation to dealings relating to land and when the Secretary of State needs to be involved.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in roofing in schools – new guide

The DfE has published a new guide (10 February 2021) to help schools identify and take action if reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is found in roofs.

The School Rebuilding Programme (February 2021)

The Prime Minister announced the first 50 schools to benefit from the ten-year school rebuilding programme. These schools were prioritised because they have buildings of specific construction types that require replacement and/or their buildings have the highest condition need. The methodology for prioritising these projects can be found here.

The press notice is here (5 February 2021) and further information about the programme is published here.

Pupil Premium - allocation changes from 2021 to 2022

From 2021 to 2022 onwards, DfE will be basing pupil premium funding on the October census for mainstream and special schools. This information has been added to the pupil premium guidance (1 February 2021).

Key dates for schools converting to academy status on 1st September 2021

DfE has published guidance on key dates for schools covering to academy status on 1st September 2021. If your trust is working with a maintained school to convert, you may wish to be familiar with these dates. The guidance indicates the final dates for documents and other information to be sent to the DfE project lead and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in order to ensure opening on 1st September 2021. If these deadlines are not met, DfE warns that they cannot guarantee conversion by 1st September.

Initial Teacher Training – amended guidance

DfE has updated guidance on Assessment only Route to QTS: criteria and supporting advice (22 January 2021) and guidance on Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice (22 January 2021) to reflect changes to checks for EU sanctions on EEA teachers and recruiting teachers from overseas. Candidates who have lived or worked outside the UK must undergo the same checks as all other staff in schools and colleges. In addition, further checks should be carried out so that events that occurred outside the UK can be considered. The Home Office has published guidance on criminal record checks for overseas applicants and DfE has published changes to checks for EU sanctions on EEA and recruit teachers from overseas.

"Skills for jobs: lifelong learning for opportunity and growth – white paper (21 January 2021)

This new government white paper (21 January 2021) sets out reforms to post-16 technical education and training.

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