Management Information Sheet

School Census 2006 (Formerly PLASC for Secondary Schools)

The School Census replaces PLASC in 2006 for all maintained secondary schools.

The Dfes requires all secondary schools to complete their 2006 School Census return on 19th January 2006. Please ensure that your School Census file reaches the Management Information Centre no later than 27th January 2006. Files should be sent using the AnyComms (AVCO) data transfer system. Any schools not able to use this should contact Louise Bassett, 01603 222352.

The introduction of the Dedicated Schools Grant funding arrangements make it more important than ever that your data is submitted promptly and right first time. The data will be used to finalise the funding allocation for 2006/07, so it is very important to ensure your data is accurate before sending the return. The tight timescale means there will be little opportunity to make amendments at a later date.

The Rationale behind the School Census 2006
This is the first of a new termly method of data collection with different data required on each collection. Data will now be collected in January, May and September. The Dfes has begun a data rationalisation process, in order to reduce and rationalise the number of surveys and data collections currently being sent to schools. The School Census therefore includes data items that have previously been collected via a number of other surveys, and is not collecting any new data items that schools have not provided to the LEA/Dfes in the past. The intention is to drop some of these surveys in 2006 and others in 2007, subject to successful dual running in 2006. Much of the data should already be held in your schools' MIS ready for transfer on census day and so the need for data entry on the day is kept to a minimum. These arrangements will be rolled out to Primary schools in 2007.

The Structure of the School Census
It now consists of two levels - School and Pupil.

School Setup has an additional tab for Census Info which allow entries for:

      Specialist School type - up to two types are allowed.
      Extended Services - details the categories of extended services that apply. This should include those provided
      either directly by the school, in partnership with other schools, or a third party.

A new item for Gifted and Talented has been added.

A new module for Exclusions has been added- only data on permanent exclusions for the academic year 2004/05 is statutory for the January Census collection. However, for the Summer and Autumn Census, secondary schools will be required to record both temporary and permanent exclusions for the Autumn and Spring terms 2005/06. Pearsons have included these sections within the School Census module at this time to allow schools to enter in the data over the coming term to even out a peak of work, especially relating to temporary exclusions. You will need to remember that the definition of the exclusion start date changed from 1st September 2005.

An Attendance Summary screen has been added- the data items required include possible sessions; sessions missed due to authorised absences; and sessions missed due to unauthorised absences (note that as Study Leave is under DfES guidance as authorised absence, Phoenix will interpret entries under the Phoenix category Study Leave as authorised absences).

What you can do now
It is essential that you read the full Dfes guidance, which is available on Teachernet, particularly with reference to the new modules, as there have been a number of changes to the definitions.

If you need help gathering your Exclusions data please contact either:

sally.moy@norfolk.gov.uk tel: 01603 224017 or
dave.pearce@norfolk.gov.uk tel: 01603 223610

in the Exclusions Team.

Phoenix Schools only
Full instructions on how to produce and send your School Census return are on the ICT Solutions website.
You will need to install the Phoenix Version 1.33 SR1 upgrade- this has unfortunately been delayed due to specification issues with the Dfes, but is due to be released in w/c 12th December 2005. Once installed, there are plenty of checks you can do to your data. We strongly advise that you do these checks and do not wait until census day. Guidance regarding the preparations for School Census are on the ICT Solutions website. We would also encourage you to complete at least one School Census 'dry-run', as per the guidance.

Non-Phoenix Schools
Schools are requested to use their School Census compliant software to produce their School Census return. Non-Phoenix schools will need to contact their appropriate support team.

Dates for your diaries
Could you please note the following dates in your diaries for the School Census returns due in 2006:

• Spring Census - 19th January 2006
  
• ummer Census - 18th May 2006
  
• Autumn Census - 21st September 2006