Correspondence

ESFA Update academies: 21 June 2023

Published 21 June 2023

Applies to England

1. Information: a reminder about cyber security

Given the increase in recent cyber security incidents, we would like to remind educational settings of the importance of good cyber security hygiene.

Cyber criminals may seek to access systems used by schools to gain access to sensitive data.

For extra protection:

• ensure that all staff are following password policies
• stay vigilant against phishing emails
• familiarise yourself with the department’s Cyber Standards and NCSC’s infographic

We’ve also updated the ESFA cyber crime and cyber security guidance on GOV.UK.

2. Information: Net Capacity Assessment programme

From 2023 to 2025 the Department for Education Net Capacity Assessment programme will ensure accurate, up-to-date information on pupil capacity for secondary and special schools in England.

Valuations Office Agency (VOA) will visit 4,500 schools, collecting data on pupil capacity,

VOA will:

• measure rooms
• record room types
• use the NCA tool and methodology to calculate the number of children a school can accommodate, based on the size and use of spaces available

NCA reports will be shared with:

• schools
• local authorities
• dioceses
• multi-academy trusts

Benefits of the programme include:

• Identifying spare capacity where demand for places is high
• Providing a complete record of pupil capacity in special schools for the first time
• More effective use of space and curriculum planning
• Independent verification of capacity for admissions / appeals

Further information can be found on GOV.UK, or contact [email protected].

3. Information: RPA Members - book your place on this Regulatory Mock Trial

The Department for Education, in conjunction with Willis Towers Watson, has developed a bespoke training seminar, ‘The Regulatory Mock Trial’ on 7 July 2023.

This workshop has been designed to assist governors, trustees, directors, and members of Senior Leadership Teams to understand the challenges they face in implementing compliant health and safety management systems, enhance the prospects of avoiding enforcement action and improve the school’s defensive capabilities where a prosecution is pursued.

Places are for RPA members only and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

4. Information: crime, fire safety and health and safety workshops for RPA members

Willis Towers Watson is providing risk management support for all RPA members through audit, guidance and advice. As part of the risk management support, RPA members are invited to a workshop covering:

• overview of the crime, fire safety and health and safety resilience programme
• information/advice on maintaining internal fire doors and fire compartmentation

Place will be allocated on a first come first served basis:

• 6 July 2023
• 13 July 2023

5. Information: Buying for Schools webinars – book your place now

Are you a school business professional who buys goods and services for your school?

We host regular webinars on how using our approved frameworks could help your school get value for money. Click on the links to find out more and book your place:

• Buying education management systems – 29 June
• Leasing advisory service framework - 4 July – including leasing options and types of assets
• Multi-functional devices and digital solutions - 4 July
• Corporate software and related products – 4 July – including HR, finance, MIS and payroll services
• Leasing and loan finance - 13 July – find out about financing options, including hire purchase, operating lease, sales and leaseback and secured loans

6. Information: buying sustainable IT hardware for your school or trust

In our latest buying for schools blog post, Kirsty Bridgland, Commercial Manager at KCS Procurement Services, discusses the options available to schools or trusts looking for a sustainable alternative when sourcing IT hardware through the DfE-approved KCS IT Hardware framework.

You can use our Find a Framework tool to explore the range of DfE-approved frameworks that offer ICT solutions.

7. Information: book a 1:1 chat to discuss your school’s buying needs – spaces available 28 June

The Schools Commercial Team are offering the opportunity for a free, virtual 1:1 conversation with a member of the team to see how we can support you.

You can speak to us about anything you like to help you make informed buying choices for your school.

There is no pressure or obligation to take any of our recommendations forward following the conversation.

Book your 1:1 conversation now.

8. Information: buying IT hardware for your school through the Crown Commercial Service aggregation

DfE is encouraging schools and MATs, who are planning their ICT hardware purchases for the next academic year and beyond, to consider joining the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) IT Hardware Aggregation.

Your order could be large or small, one laptop or a dozen, you can still join this aggregation and save money.

Sign up for our webinar for more information and details of how to join the aggregation.

9. Your feedback: volunteer to help improve related party transaction (RPT) submissions

We are updating the RPT submission service in September 2023. We need your feedback to improve the experience. This research involves a confidential online interview and prototype testing of the online submission service.

We invite you to register your interest to take part in this research.

If you have any questions about the research, please contact us.