School Census - 2008 Spring Census

The DCSF requires all Schools to complete their 2008 Spring Census return on Thursday 17th January 2008. Please ensure that your School Census file reaches the Information and Research Centre not later than 23rd January 2008. It is important that your file is received on time so that our Finance department can calculate your Budget Share.

Files should be sent using Anycomms (AVCO) data transfer system. Any school unable to use this should contact Louise Bassett on 01603 222352 or Gill Williamson on 01603 222355.

There are two new pupil level data items for this year:

Service Children in Education Indicator
Service Children in Education Source Indicator

Annual absence and annual permanent exclusions data is no longer being collected.

You are reminded of the need to ensure your Gifted and Talented pupils are correctly identified and recorded. Any queries on Gifted and Talented pupils should be referred to Jan Utting in Children's Services on 01603 700236.

All schools (especially those with an Approved Travel Plan) should collect and record pupil's usual mode of travel to school in advance of the January Census Day. If you have specific questions relating to this data please contact Emma Luxford in Planning and Transportation on 01603 638083.

What can I do now
It is essential that you read the full DCSF guidance, which is available on Teachernet.

Phoenix Gold Schools only
You should by now have received the new CD version of Phoenix Gold (v1.42). This provides the software for you to undertake the School Census in January. If you have not yet received the CD you will need to contact ICT Solutions on 0845 303 3003.

Please remember to check the ICT Solutions website for updates before completing your return. The Phoenix Gold guidance notes for completion can also be found here. It is recommended you undertake a dry run before census day to identify any potential problems.

E1 Schools
Your software has already been updated for the January Census. Separate guidance notes are being prepared for you and should be available on the ICT Solutions website by the end of term. Again it is recommended you undertake a dry run before census day.

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.

Could all non-e1 schools please also remember to do your January 2008 LA return as usual.