This week brings preparation requirements for physical activity in prisons and practical lessons from an approved-premises inspection. Northampton organisations also have funding deadlines to review.
Published 9 November 2026. News window: 2–8 November; deadline reminders checked on 9 November.
Prison physical activity: prepare for April 2027
MoJ and HMPPS published a physical education and activity framework on 5 November. Issued on 1 November, it is in shadow form ahead of mandatory implementation on 1 April 2027 in England and Wales. It covers safe and inclusive delivery, staff qualifications, planning and community partnerships. Providers considering work with prisons should discuss readiness with their prison partners. This publication is not an open funding call.
Read the framework and implementation dates.
Fleming House: partnership strengths and recording gaps
The 4 November inspection rated Fleming House Approved Premises in Maidstone Good overall. Inspectors recognised constructive probation–NHS collaboration, while identifying gaps in recording, training and staffing resilience. For rehabilitation providers, a useful takeaway is to check whether support records show individual objectives, decisions and outcomes. These are findings about one service, not evidence of equivalent shortcomings elsewhere.
Read the Fleming House inspection.
Northampton funding: check the 11 November deadline
Northampton Town Council lists its next grant deadline as Wednesday 11 November. Its policy explicitly includes CICs, subject to local benefit and other conditions. The General Community Fund offers up to £8,000; applicants should confirm which scheme and committee timetable fits their project. This is an existing funding programme, not a new announcement this week.
See the grant timetable and eligibility policy.
West Northamptonshire: 30 November reminder
The existing Neighbourhood Fund accepts applications until 10am on 30 November. Check the priority locations and project fit before preparing a proposal. Read the council announcement.
Reader question: can I still apply to Welcoming Spaces?
The published deadline was 6 November and has passed. Do not assume an extension: check the council’s current funding page for any further announcement.
For background, see our previous update on electronic monitoring and Northamptonshire funding.
Funding remains subject to funder assessment. This roundup distinguishes new publications from existing opportunities and future implementation dates.