My Calendar

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.

Details may be found in the School Bulletin

• South: Monday 5 October – Reaseheath College

• North: Tuesday 6 October – Oakenclough Family Hub  Wilmslow

• South: Monday 5 October – Reaseheath College

• North: Tuesday 6 October – Oakenclough Family Hub,  Wilmslow

Details may be found in the School Bulletin

The pupil census will take place on Thursday 1 October 26. Some new information is being collected by the DfE starting this academic year, some of which will affect funding. Full details can be found on their website Complete the school census – Changes for 2026 to 2027 – Guidance – GOV.UK, but briefly these include:-
• Information about Targeted and Expanded Free School Meals
• Breakfast club attendance
• Kinship Care
• Managed Moves

A few headteachers on the ECAPH exec have been working with Suzie Roberts from Public Health, regarding toilet training issues for pupils starting school. It would be helpful if we had a rough indication of the scale of the problem. I have added a very simple survey to the zip file this week . If you have anything to add please fill it in and send it back to me gill@ecaph.org before 1st October as I need to let Suzie know the scale of the issue in CE schools. It will take just a  couple of minutes to fill in.
Thank you, Gill

Toilet Training survey 2026

Budget forecast return due by Thursday 24 September 2026
Thank you to those academy trusts that have already submitted their budget forecast return (BFR).
We’d like to remind those that have not yet submitted their BFR that the deadline is Thursday 24 September 2026.
You can find further information about the academies BFR and details of the support available to help you complete the return.

Appleton Suite – Cranage Hall

Invitation to Designated Teacher Training – 9 September 2026
Key Speaker: Jaz Ampaw-Farr
Jaz’s life is an extraordinary chronicle of defying the limits of what is possible. From foster care and life on the streets to an international government advisor, Jaz holds two honorary doctorates for her significant contribution to education and public life.
Following the regrettably cancelled training on 30 April, the session has been moved to the new academic year and will now take place on Wednesday 9 September 2026 (due to our key speaker’s schedule).
All other details remain unchanged: Hybrid Lounge, Crewe Alex Stadium, 09:00–16:00.
As per statutory guidance, it is essential that all Designated Teachers attend regular training which includes those DTs within schools who don’t currently have a cohort of cared for children. This will be a great opportunity to network with colleagues from across Cheshire East, hear more about how the new Ofsted framework applies to your role, and develop your practice as a Designated Teacher.
As you know, this was due to be our biggest event in many years and having Jaz Ampaw-Farr join us is a real boon to our service and the support we can offer you in working with your cared-for and previously cared-for children. We are very hopeful that as many of you as possible will be able to join us.
To reserve your place, and to receive a copy of Jaz’s new book (funded by the Virtual School), please RSVP to vstraining@cheshireeast.gov.uk.