SFVS returns process
SFVS return
The DfE have confirmed that the SFVS return is a mandatory requirement for the 2023/24 financial year. The SFVS applies to all local authority maintained schools, nurseries and pupil referral units. It does not apply to academies.
The SFVS is a self-assessment undertaken by maintained schools to evidence the effective financial management of their resources and can be used to identify where a change in practice could benefit the School.
The SFVS self-assessment document comprises of a checklist that asks questions in six areas of resource management. The SFVS submission form must be discussed at governors’ meeting(s) and approved by the Chair of Governors.
- the return is word based, and can be accessed below
- the competed return must be approved by the Chair of Governors and kept by the School
- an electronic version of the return must be returned to SIAS by 29th March 2024 and emailed to sias@hertfordshire.gov.uk
SFVS return required for 29th March 2024
The information below includes the necessary documents to complete the SFVS return form.
SFVS return form
The SFVS form can be downloaded from the DfE by following the link below. It should be completed and submitted to SIAS electronically.
Once the form has been submitted, this should be kept at the School, along with the approval provided by the Chair of Governors.
If you have questions regarding the checklist element of the form, please email the SIAS inbox on sias@hertfordshire.gov.uk or call Tina Parhar on: 01438 343593.
Department for Education (DfE) guidance
The current SFVS form and detailed guidance can be found at:
DfE: Schools financial value standard (SFVS)
The detailed checklist guidance refers specifically to the series of questions to be answered.
SFVS timetable
SIAS have created a suggested schedule for schools to ensure that the SFVS return is submitted on time.
SFVS timetable - Hertfordshire Grid for Learning (thegrid.org.uk)