A new BACS File Type has been added for HSBC bank customers.

The format of this new file has been verified with HSBC using dummy data.

Schools are strongly advised to create a test BACS file from their FMS6 database and share it with their bank. This will enable them to confirm whether they can process your file appropriately.

FMS Release 6.196 will be made available to schools by EIS after Christmas.  Any school that requires access to the upgrade sooner should contact EIS directly. This is required to be able to run HSBC BACS via FMS.

Schools Financial Services provide a chargeable remote service to support with the setup of online payments using FMS6.  Please contact the helpdesk on 03000 415 415 to request further details.

Kent's leading Educational EXPO and Conference.

The date has now been finalised and the next TEP Expo will be on June 24 2021 at The Kent Event Centre, Detling.

This year, the Government allowed unspent Sports funding from the 2019-20 academic year to be carried forward into the 2020-21 academic year due to COVID-19.

This is the funding that would have been received in November 2019 and May 2020 and must all be spent by 31 March 2021.

A reminder that the first instalment of the 2020-21 academic year will be funded in November 2020, and whilst this may be carried forward into the new financial year in April 2021, it is not one of the allowable criteria to be over the BCM.

SFS have recently emailed all Kent Maintained Schools along with schools that purchase our Core Financial Support Package.

This is to ensure we have the correct up to date contact details for your school for any future communication we send out in relation to the Budget Planning Software, Funding, FMS6 etc.

Please ensure you return the form by reply, even if there are no changes required. The Deadline for this is the 8 December. Thank you to those who have already returned your forms.

• BACS File Type for HSBC Bank Customers in FMS6
• TEP Expo Date
• Schools Funding Consultation
• NatWest Bankline
• Autumn and Spring Term Training Webinars
• PE and Sports Premium Funding.

The School Funding consultation has launched. All Schools should have received details from Matt Dunkley of where you can view the consultation.

If you have any comments or queries regarding the consultation please email them to [email protected]

NatWest Bankline are enhancing their security features which include issuing upgraded card readers to help make you safer online.

The Bankline Team are sending out emails concerning delivery of QR card readers.

This is a genuine email and requires actioning. If you have any doubts around the authenticity of the email please contact Bankline on 0345 300 4108.

The SFS Training Team are holding a number of Webinars via Zoom over the autumn term, places are still available for the following:

• SFVS
• FMS6 Healthcheck 
• Income Generation.

The spring term training programme has now been confirmed and are all available to book. Some of the courses available are:

• Introduction to School Finance
• FMS6 Healthcheck
• Introduction to Finance for Headteachers
• FMS6 Closedown.

These courses are free to all Kent Maintained Schools.

If you're interested in attending, ensure you have booked your place via CPD Online.

From Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 December, the Helpdesk will be open from 9am to 3pm.

The Helpdesk will then close for Christmas on 24 December and reopens on Monday 4 January 2021.