My Calendar

The DfE Energy for Schools deadline is approaching – act now
The deadline to register for the DfE Energy for Schools April 2027 basket is Friday 6 November 2026. All documentation and meter details must be submitted by this date.
If you haven’t already registered, now is the time to get your paperwork in order and secure your next energy contract. Register today. https://get-help-buying-for-schools.education.gov.uk/categories/energy/energy-for-schools

New local authority-maintained school data now live in the Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool The latest financial data for local authority-maintained schools (2025 to 2026) is now available in the Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool (FBIT). FBIT is the sector’s go-to resource for benchmarking spending and identifying opportunities for improvement, used by 98% of schools in the last year. A brief introduction and advanced features of the Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool • Wednesday 7 October 2026, 3pm to 4pm • Tuesday 13 October 2026, 3pm to 4pm • Thursday 5 November 2026, 3:30pm to 4:30pm • Tuesday 24 November 2026, 3pm to 4pm Register on Eventbrite.

Free school meals checks – operational deadline extended for the autumn census The operational deadline for completing free school meals (FSM) checks for the autumn census has moved from Thursday 1 October to Monday 2 November 2026. This one-off extension is designed to support successful implementation of the FSM expansion and new checking arrangements. The extension applies to: • rechecks for pupils who were receiving FSM support in the previous academic year • checks for new FSM applications For funding purposes, FSM eligibility checks must be completed and recorded by Monday 2 November 2026. Schools and local authorities should refer to the updated free school meals guidance for operational information on eligibility checks and the updated school census guidance for information on recording FSM eligibility.

Applications open now for DfE funded bursaries to study the CIPFA Level 7 Diploma in School Financial and Operational Leadership.
The bursary covers 75% of the course cost and supports school business professionals to develop skills in strategic planning, governance, procurement, financial management and operational leadership.
Apply by filling in the Bursary Application Form. Applications must be submitted before 11:45pm on 20 October 2026.
For further information, email SBP.policy@education.gov.uk

Our 2026 annual governors’ conference will be held on the morning of Friday 16 October 2026 at Cranage Hall, Holmes Chapel.
The School Governance & Liaison Service has recently received a financial donation from the former Cheshire East Association of Governing Boards (CEAGB) towards the cost of future school governor events.
Therefore, this autumn we will be offering at least one free governor/trustee place per school/academy at our conference.
We would like to sincerely thank the CEAGB for this generous contribution, which we pledge to use in supporting the continuous professional development of school governors within Cheshire East.
Further details of the conference will follow in due course.

Help shape the digital national curriculum
The DFE are looking for educators involved in curriculum planning in schools and trusts to take part in research for a new digital national curriculum.
They want to understand how a digital national curriculum could make it easier for teachers and education professionals to find and use curriculum content. Over the next year, they will be designing, building and testing the new service.
Your feedback will help them understand what works well, identify barriers and make sure the digital national curriculum meets the needs of schools, trusts and curriculum teams.
If you are interested in taking part in research activities, please register by completing our 3-minute survey by 16 October 2026.

(LA) are keen to work collaboratively with school leaders to explore and address the challenges, opportunities and risks currently facing the education system. This event will provide an opportunity to hear key updates, engage in professional discussion, share best practice, and help shape the future development of the Education Partnership in Cheshire East.
To provide flexibility and accommodate as many colleagues as possible, the event will be delivered
in two identical sessions:
Morning Session
9.15am to 12.00pm (refreshments available from 8.45am)
Link to ChESS Hub to book your place: https://chesshub.co.uk/Event/310807
Afternoon Session
1.15pm to 4.00pm (refreshments available from 12.45pm)
Link to ChESS Hub to book your place: https://chesshub.co.uk/Event/310809

New local authority-maintained school data now live in the Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool The latest financial data for local authority-maintained schools (2025 to 2026) is now available in the Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool (FBIT). FBIT is the sector’s go-to resource for benchmarking spending and identifying opportunities for improvement, used by 98% of schools in the last year. A brief introduction and advanced features of the Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool • Wednesday 7 October 2026, 3pm to 4pm • Tuesday 13 October 2026, 3pm to 4pm • Thursday 5 November 2026, 3:30pm to 4:30pm • Tuesday 24 November 2026, 3pm to 4pm Register on Eventbrite.