In previous years, the bidding round for the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) has opened around October half term and closes just before Christmas. If you wait until the bidding window opens, it doesn’t leave much time for you to plan your project and write a successful bid. Why not start now?
If you are a standalone academy or a small multi-academy trust do you know how to apply for the funding? Do you know why you should apply for the funding?
If not, then read on, SAAF Education will answer everything.
Who’s it for?
Following on from last year’s round, if you want to apply for the CIF, you must fit into one of these specific guidelines:
- Be an open academy or sixth-form college by 1 September 2018
- Be a school with a signed academy order by 1 September 2018
- If your application is successful, then your school must have converted to academy status and have a funding agreement in place by 31st March 2019 otherwise you will not receive the funding.
- You cannot be part of a multi-academy trust that has at least 5 academies and more than 3,000 pupils.
- Trusts with 5 or more academies will receive formulaic allocation that can be used across all of it’s academies through the financial year.
- You cannot be part of an opted-in chain that is receiving formulaic funding.
- You cannot be a selective school, such as a grammar school, unless you are attempting to improve buildings to address overcrowding.
If you fit into one of these guidelines then congratulations, you can apply! However, we know how tough it can be to fill out the application pack and locate all the relevant supporting documentation for the funding, so we want to help.
Our no win no fee bid writers can take the stress of applying away from you, just click here to find out more.
What is the CIF?
CIF is an annual bidding round for high performing academies and sixth-forms (rated OFSTED ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’). The funding helps pay for improvements to the school site in terms of safety to ensure all buildings are in good condition, and expansion projects to allow the academy or trust to increase admissions.
The funding prioritises projects that demonstrate an urgent need and are well supported by supportive documents and evidence.
High priority projects include anything that involves:
- Emergency asbestos removal
- Fire /gas/electrical/lift safety
- Security
- Legionella
- Safeguarding
Although, as we noted from past years, the most common previous projects involved such things as:
- Roof refurbishments / Roof covering replacements
- Window replacements
- Boiler and heating replacements
- Fire risk assessments
However, these are not the only areas your project can cover. The DfE outlines all areas, and their level of priority, in their CIF document.
Need help applying?
If you fit into the specific guidelines and want to apply but don’t have the time or experience to write a detailed bid, then don’t worry.
SAAF Education works with external bid writers who work on a ‘No win, no fee’ basis and can help your school write an effective and professional application, helping you locate the correct supporting evidence that will boost your chance at a successful bid.
Interested? Just click the button below and request a call back from our bid writers.
