This is an umbrella term for a number of checks that will be made on those applying to establish a free school. The checks enable us to ensure that only suitable individuals are able to set up and run a free school. Early years foundation stage (EYFS) The (EYFS) sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS and they are assessed against it. Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) The ESFA is part of the Department for Education. It funds all academies; maintained schools through local authorities; other training for 16 to 19 year olds; and students with special educational needs and disabilities between the ages of 16 and 25. ESFA usually leads on capital acquisition and property costs, as well as overseeing spend on necessary works and fit out. Education, health and care (EHC) plan An education, health and care (EHC) plan describes a child or young person's special educational and other needs and the outcomes they are working towards achieving. The EHC plan specifies the special educational provision and any related health provision and social care provision a child should receive. The local authority will usually issue an EHC plan if it decides, following a statutory assessment, that all of the special help a child or young person needs cannot be provided from within the resources of the school or other educational institution. These resources could include money, staff time, and special equipment. EHC plans are available from birth up to age 25. The distinctive vision, values, and principles that inform the way a school is run. ethos If you want your school to have a distinct ethos aligned with a particular faith and you want to make this explicit, you can describe your school as having a faith ethos. This could then be reflected within the vision for the school, the values the school represents and the importance placed on particular beliefs. Having a faith ethos does not entitle free schools to any additional freedoms other than in making faith a genuine occupational requirement when hiring a senior leader. free schools See religious designation. Financial viability
This is an umbrella term for a number of checks that will be made on those applying to establish a free school. The checks enable us to ensure that only suitable individuals are able to set up and run a free school. Early years foundation stage (EYFS) The (EYFS) sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS and they are assessed against it. Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) The ESFA is part of the Department for Education. It funds all academies; maintained schools through local authorities; other training for 16 to 19 year olds; and students with special educational needs and disabilities between the ages of 16 and 25. ESFA usually leads on capital acquisition and property costs, as well as overseeing spend on necessary works and fit out. Education, health and care (EHC) plan An education, health and care (EHC) plan describes a child or young person's special educational and other needs and the outcomes they are working towards achieving. The EHC plan specifies the special educational provision and any related health provision and social care provision a child should receive. The local authority will usually issue an EHC plan if it decides, following a statutory assessment, that all of the special help a child or young person needs cannot be provided from within the resources of the school or other educational institution. These resources could include money, staff time, and special equipment. EHC plans are available from birth up to age 25. The distinctive vision, values, and principles that inform the way a school is run. ethos If you want your school to have a distinct ethos aligned with a particular faith and you want to make this explicit, you can describe your school as having a faith ethos. This could then be reflected within the vision for the school, the values the school represents and the importance placed on particular beliefs. Having a faith ethos does not entitle free schools to any additional freedoms other than in making faith a genuine occupational requirement when hiring a senior leader. free schools See religious designation. Financial viability
DfE%20Application%20and%20Criteria%20Guide.docx