An introduction to the initial teacher training reform set up grant

What is the initial teacher training reform set-up grant and how can you apply and how can you use it to support your school?

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on gov.uk

To support the delivery of the recommendations set out in the government response to the ITT market review, providers awarded accreditation in 2022 are eligible for a one-off £25,000 set-up grant. This grant is intended to help providers with the additional costs of establishing ITT courses that meet the new quality requirements ahead of 2024.

What you can spend it on

Your proposed expenditure plans will be assessed as part of the application process. Suggested activities you could use the grant for include:

• resourcing, for example, hiring extra staff, or for your current staff’s overtime;
• costs associated with extra administration;
• education consultants or specialists;
• costs associated with curriculum development;
• costs associated with partnership development.

What you cannot spend it on

• travel;
• hospitality;
• marketing.

You have until 31 March 2024 to spend the grant.

How to apply

• Read the ITT funding guidance.
• Complete both the ITT set-up grant application form and the ITT set-up grant expenditure plan template.
• Email your completed documents to [email protected] by 9 February 2023.

Reporting and accountability

Providers who choose to spend grant funding on ineligible activities will be liable for a grant clawback and this could impact their eligibility for future ITT reform delivery grants. The DfE will collect actual expenditure information as part of the end of financial year assurance processes in March 2023 and March 2024.

Conditions of funding

There will be three conditions of funding, in addition to standard grant terms and conditions. You are required to:

• engage in all stage two quality assurance processes;
• maintain other ITT courses that lead to qualified teacher status (for example, early years or further education);
• provide DfE with financial transparency.