The DCSF requires all schools to complete their 2008 Autumn Census return on Thursday 2^nd October 2008. Please ensure that your School Census file reaches the Information and Research Centre not later than 8^th October 2008. Files should be sent using Anycomms (AVCO) data transfer system. Any School unable to use this should contact Gill Williamson on 01603 222355.

As part of the department's aim in seeking to reduce the number of surveys sent to the schools and Local Authorities, the October School Census 2008 comprises the data collected in May 2008, except:

Attendance data will be collected for individual pupils, both 'On Roll' and 'No Longer on Roll' for the period between 24^th March 2008 to 24^th May 2008 inclusive.

Exclusions data required for pupils specified in the exclusions Module who were subject to any exclusion start date during the period 1^st January 2008 and 23^rd March 2008 inclusive and for which Exclusion Appeal is not equal to 'R' or 'O'. If you need help gathering your exclusion data please contact Sally Moy on 01603 224017 or Allan Turner on 01603 224102.

Post 16 Learning Aims
The Autumn 2008 Census will collect data on all learning aims being pursued by pupils in Year 12 or above (regardless of their age and the level of their learning aims), and for all level 3 or higher learning aims being pursued by pupils in Year 11 or below. Data should be returned for ALL learning aims (as at the first day of term) being pursued in 2008/2009.

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

Phoenix Gold Schools only
Please ensure you have updated your Phoenix with the latest upgrade / patch before running your School Census. You should now be using version 1.44.

E1 Schools
Your software has already been updated for the October Census.

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 software team.

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