External Funding Support Service (EFSS) works to support School Improvement and Extended Services initiatives across Waltham Forest.

We support schools by managing the Standards Fund Programme and providing Standards Fund guidance and Standards Fund allocations.

We support Extended Services through fundraising, and programme management, for example the Jack Petchey Foundation ‘Learning Outside of the Classroom’ (LOTC) programme and the Voluntary Sector commissioning process for study support.

As the Extended Schools Area Partnership Groups move to Area Boards, EFSS will continue to support the project and financial management of the Extended Schools programmes.

We are leading on a number of initiatives to ensure high quality provision across all such programmes by rolling out Quality Assurance schemes for schools, Area Partnership Groups and the Voluntary Sector which encourage self-evaluation of study support and extended service provision and leads to accreditation.  The schemes include Quality in Study Support (QISS), Quality Development Framework (QDF) and Certificate of Minimum Standards (CMS).

Another area of work is the international dimension.  We are working with the British Council and North London Schools International Network (NLSIN) to develop schools involvement in international activities, including the International School Award (ISA).

Voluntary Sector

EFSS manage the Children and Young People Service 15 as part of the Voluntary and Community Sector Commissioning Programme 2007-2010.

This service aims to commission voluntary and community organisation to provide activities that:

  • increase the proportion of pupils in the identified schools that achieve L4+ in English and Maths at Key Stage 2
  • increase the proportion of pupils in the identified schools achieving 5+ A*-C GCSE Grades or equivalent
  • improve progression opportunities for young people.

Groups receiving funding from this programme need to produce satisfactory quarterly monitoring reports to the EFSS to continue to receive funding.

Small grants of up to £5,000 are available for organisations that meet the criteria.

Contact us

External Funding Support Service (EFSS)
Tel 020 8496 3000
Email externalfunding.supportservice@walthamforest.gov.uk