DfE Updates ESFA Guidance
The DfE recently updated it's information and guidance on the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Please keep reading below for a summary of the key additions and changes.
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DfE ESFA Update - Feb 2024
1. 16 to 19 Funding Arrangements (2024-2025):
• Increased national funding rate for students aged 16 and 17, and students aged 18 and over with high needs.
• Confirmed funding rates for T Levels and other students.
• Introduction of new policies such as core maths premium and English and maths funding.
• Increased rates for disadvantage funding and advanced maths premium.
• Changes to the maths and English condition of funding regarding teaching hours and phased removal of tolerance.
2. Further Education Mastery Specialists (FEMS) Expansion:
• The DfE expanded the FEMS programme for post-16 level 2 maths, offering fully funded training for at least 80 FE teachers in 2024 to 2025.
• The programme is coordinated by NCETM and supports participants in developing effective teaching approaches for GCSE maths resit and Functional Skills Maths based on teaching for mastery principles.
3. Introducing the Customer Help Portal:
• The DfE and ESFA are introducing a new Customer Help Portal on March 4, 2024, to improve the process of asking questions and receiving tailored support.
4. FE Workforce Data Collection Submissions:
• The collection period for the 2022 to 2023 data round closed, and the DfE thanked institutions for their submissions, which will inform future policy decisions.
• Next steps include analyzing and publishing findings, as well as providing guidance and supporting documents for the upcoming 2023 to 2024 data round.
5. Feedback Requested from Independent Training Providers (ITPs):
• ESFA is seeking feedback from ITPs regarding the financial submissions process.
• ITPs are encouraged to complete an online survey or register for an interview to share their views and improvement suggestions regarding the process.