FSM Transitional Protection Update 

The DfE have confirmed that the earliest date the Free School Meal protection could end is March 2023. However, taking into consideration the phase element of the protections, the first date a pupil could lose their eligibility is the end of the summer term following this date which means that summer 2023 is correct as stated in the school census guidance.  Please note that this will only affect year 6 and Year 11 pupils. For example a pupil starts in reception in September 2022 and is entitled to a Free School Meal, they will have protection until they finish primary education in Year 6. The Free School Meals guidance has not yet been updated to reflect this, however according to the DfE the guidance regarding Free School Meals is accurate within the school census guidance. The census team are keeping a watchful eye on this topic and will update you directly if there are any changes to be made in relation to the census.

National school breakfast club programme

The breakfast cub programme is going to be available for all schools who have 40% or more of their pupils under band A-F of their IDACI, and aims to assist pupils of schools in disadvantaged areas. Primary, Secondary and Maintained are all eligible for this programme. Eligible schools will be contacted by the DfE in January 2022.

All Participating schools will receive a 100% subsidiary up until July 2022. After then this will reduce to 75% subsidiary expecting schools to contribute the remaining 25% from other funding streams. Every child in eligible schools will be entitled to a free breakfast at no cost to the parents. 

Senior Mental Health Lead Training Grant 

The Department for Education (DfE) is offering a grant for senior mental health lead training to around a third of all eligible state-funded schools and colleges in the 2021 to 2022 financial year. Eligible settings that can undertake training before March 2022 and want to develop, or introduce, their whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing are encouraged to apply for the grant. The government remains committed to offering senior mental health lead training to all eligible state-funded schools and colleges by 2025.

COVID-19 mass testing funding

You will now be able to claim for Premises-related exceptional costs if you are supporting with the Covid-19 mass testing, between Jan 4th - 14th 2022. 

There is however a claim threshold of a minimum of £250, so if your claim doesn't exceed £250 you will not be able to claim this. 

To request a claim form you should email GrantPayments.ESFA@education.gov.uk with the subject ‘Mass testing January 2022 claims’ and provide your institution name and UKPRN and you will be issued with a form to complete and submit.