Education Noticeboard - 7 September 2023

Welcome to the Education Noticeboard. A round-up of news, guidance and key updates for education settings.

Included in this update:

Director Update

Dear colleagues

Welcome back to a new term! I hope that you have all had a terrific summer and managed to get some quality downtime despite the indecisive weather. Thanks, as always, to all our Early Years Settings that have remained open!

This Education Noticeboard is a particularly full one this week, as is often the case at the start if a new academic year.

A number of exciting new stories to share!

Our brand new Primary School in Allscot has opened their doors. I’m sure that you will all join me in wishing all the staff well as they find their feet.

I am also delighted to share that Telford & Wrekin Council have been chosen to lead a new SEND pilot for the West Midlands. This is without a doubt a testament to the outstanding work delivered by colleagues in this area.

The first two family hubs to serve Telford & Wrekin have also launched, in Sutton Hill and Woodside respectively, with names suggested by the local community.

I am sure that you will agree that all of this is very positive for the local area, and all of the residents within in – especially the children and young people at the heart of our work. Exciting times are ahead.

You will find a lot if important information in the articles that follow. Please do take the time to have a look, as this really is the easiest and most effective way to get all those housekeeping bits out in one sweep!

Included are updates from the Attendance Support Team, Access and Inclusion, Safeguarding, SEND and the Virtual School. There is also information on the topic of Community Health, newsletters from the Skills Service and CPD opportunities to the end of the month. In short, far to many things to list here!

Wishing all schools and settings a good first week back!

Simon

Simon Wellman
Director: Education & Skills

New primary school in Allscott opens its doors

A brand-new primary school in Allscott, operated by the Learning Community Trust (LCT) has opened its doors this September. Allscott Meads Primary School has been built by SJ Roberts Construction Ltd working in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council and Learning Community Trust.

The new school provides 150 primary school places across six classrooms, a sports hall, kitchen, staff room, offices, storage rooms and various other rooms for one-to-one teaching and support. It also boasts a 1.1-acre sports field, hard-surfaced sports court, 40 bike parking spaces and car parking for staff and visitors. There are also plans in place to also offer nursery provision to the growing local community.

Cllr Eileen Callear (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Visitor Economy said: “We are thrilled that the brand new primary school in Allscott opened this September. It is an exciting project our Council has driven, as part of our commitment to provide more school places and great learning opportunities closer to home for more pupils in our borough.

“We hope all children and school staff will enjoy the new, modern and spacious learning environment at the newly-built village school at Allscott. Over the next years, we will continue to invest in borough schools to provide the very best educational experience for our children and young people, closer to where they live.”

Jane Hughes, chief executive of the Learning Community Trust, added: "This is a modern, light, colourful and a fantastic environment for children to learn and flourish. Our vision is to provide an outstanding education for all of our children and young people that prepares them to be successful in all they do, both now and in the future."

Kirsty Parkinson, Headteacher of Allscott Meads Primary School, said: “I’m both delighted and proud to be the head teacher of this modern school in a beautiful setting. I am extremely passionate about enabling young children to thrive, offering them equality of access to the best curriculum offer possible and very much looking forward to making each day different and lots of fun.

“I enjoy teaching young people immensely, and feel that positive relationships lie at the very heart of my collaborative approach to teaching and learning. This new role presents a unique opportunity to create a hub at the very heart of its community, where positive relationships enable all children to thrive and flourish.”

Mike Sambrook, Managing Director of SJ Roberts Construction Ltd. said: “It has been a pleasure to deliver this new school and to now witness the first pupils and their families benefit from the fantastic facilities that it offers.

“As an emerging new community, Allscott Meads appeals to a wide demographic and for families that choose to live here, the school will become a central part of their new lives. We’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with the school as construction of phase 2 of the housing here at Allscott Meads continues.”

Learning Community Trust was formed in 2017 and has grown into a family of 11 school sites, responsible for more than 5,500 children and employing just over 1,000 people. They include Hadley Learning Community, Ercall Wood and Charlton secondary schools in Telford, plus specialist education centres such as Queensway in Telford, and Severndale in Shrewsbury, and primary schools in Wellington, Ketley Bank and Crudgington. Agreement has now also been reached for it to take over the running of Burton Borough secondary school in Newport.

Over the last years, Telford & Wrekin Council has been investing heavily into borough schools, to create more primary and secondary school places closer to home for children and young people. Works are planned at other school sites across Telford and Wrekin, as part of the council’s “On Your Side “ongoing commitment and investments for its residents.

Telford & Wrekin Council to lead new SEND pilot for West Midlands

The Department for Education has selected Telford & Wrekin Council to lead a programme aiming to improve the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in Alternative Provision (AP).

The council will lead the West Midlands Regional Partnership, one of nine regional partnerships formed in the country by the Department for Education as part of its £70million Change Programme Partnership.

Working alongside Department for Education, the council will provide leadership across the regional partnership to pilot the change programme, share practices and learning, and monitor the delivery progress in the partnership. Improvements include introducing new digital requirements for local authority Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) processes, and new national inclusion standards.

Councillor Eileen Callear (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council's Cabinet Member for education, employment & visitor economy, said: "Reform and change is needed so that the experience for families navigating the national SEND and AP system is much simpler and children's needs are supported quicker. Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the current SEND system can be confusing and frustrating for parents.

"We welcome this opportunity to take a leading role to make the system clearer and more straightforward, and to deliver for children and young people with SEND consistently. This work will help to build an inclusive system with excellent SEND education at its heart."

The news comes after Telford & Wrekin Council had been chosen to be one of the few councils in the country to be part of the Change Programme Partnership. The Change Programme Partnership is aiming to have a robust approach to co-production that fully involves parent and young people groups, as well as other key partners such as multi-academy trusts, special and alternative provision schools, early years and post-16 leaders, and members of the Integrated Care System.

Councillor Eileen Callear, added: “Being chosen to lead on another pilot like this just shows the strength of children services at Telford & Wrekin Council and the confidence government has in them.”

A recent Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection report noted local area partnership's current arrangements for Telford and Wrekin typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and that the local area partnership is taking action where improvements are needed. The review looked at how well Telford & Wrekin Council, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, health providers, and education settings identify, assess, and meet the needs of children and young people with SEND and improve their experience and outcomes.

Cllr Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Young People at Telford& Wrekin Council, said: "The latest Ofsted and Care Quality Commission report outcome is a considerable achievement for Telford and Wrekin and was the highest possible outcome attainable under the new inspection framework.But that does not mean we won't stop improving our support to our borough's most vulnerable children in our mission to provide every child with the best possible start in life.

"Leading this partnership will ensure that Telford and Wrekin is at the forefront of vital changes that will improve the experiences and outcomes for families. Taking care and supporting our most vulnerable children to be healthy, happy, and safe and achieve their full potential is our priority.”

Council launches Silver Birch and Walnut, the first family hubs in the borough

On Thursday, 24 August 2023, Telford & Wrekin Council launched the first two Family Hubs in the borough, Silver Birch Family Hub in Sutton Hill and Walnut Family Hub in Woodside. Family Hubs are one-stop centres where families will be able to access information, guidance and support on a range of services, including infant feeding, mental health, healthy lifestyles and parenting classes.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds (Lab), cabinet member for Early Years, Children and Young People, said: “We want to provide the right help at the right time for every family in our borough who needs support to navigate through parenting, from pre-birth through the infant and toddler age and all the way up to 19 years, or up to 25 for young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

“Family Hubs are centres in communities that will help parents and carers to give their children the best start for life, by providing access to a wide range of services, from social care to education and mental well-being. Having all this support in one place in their community is a great benefit for families as they can go for face-to-face advice and any additional support when they need it.

“We are delighted to launch this month the Silver Birch Family Hub in Sutton Hill and the Walnut Family Hub in Woodside. These Hubs, along with future ones, are named after trees – as a symbol of stability, growth and strength, in light of our borough’s “Tree City of the World” achievement. We would like to thank everyone who recently voted for the names of these first Family Hubs."

To find out more about the council’s Best Start for Life and Family Hubs programme, visit the Telford Family Hubs website .

Please continue to get involved in 10 by 10

The second year of the “10 by 10 programme” is starting!

Thank you to all our primary schools for their dedication and commitment over the last academic year in encouraging children to try ten key activities before the age of 10.

We want 10 by 10 to continue to complement the work schools do in inspiring children and teaching them new things. As such, we are asking all primary schools to:

Continue to display their 10 by 10 banner on the school gates.
Provide every child in reception with a printed 10 by 10 adventure card and a letter to parents/carers about this initiative.
It is expected that schools will receive this week by mail the printed 10 by 10 adventure cards and letters.
Distribute an electronic copy of the 10 by 10 adventure card and letter directly to all parents/carers via the usual communication channels.
Download the 10 by 10 Adventure Card – DOCUMENT TO BE PROVIDED
Download the 10 by 10 letter to parents/carers – DOCUMENT TO BE PROVIDED
Share your 10 by 10 photos with our council via social media or email.
We will continue to be on lookout for anything schools post on social media about 10 by 10.
We would love to re-share photos of reception children receiving their 10 by 10 adventure card. It would be great if you can share those on your social channels, tag our council in (@TelfordWrekin) and use the #10by10 hashtag.
Schools can also email the photos to education.noticeboard@telford.gov.uk for inclusion in later editions of the Education Noticeboard and the council's email and social media channels. Please ensure consent to use these photos is gained.
Use any opportunity to encourage children and their parents/carers to participate in 10 by 10 - through school assemblies, lessons, parent/carers meetings, etc.
In particular, we want parents/carers to create their own 10 by 10 account through the website. This will allow them to track their child's adventures and to hear about the latest offers and news.
The 10 by 10 website has already recorded over 1,900 registered accounts and we hope many more families will sign-up!

For any enquiries on 10 by 10, please email Rebecca Carey, School Performance Team Leader: rebecca.carey@telford.gov.uk.

Increasing the school week to 32.5 hours

In recognition of the pressures currently facing school leaders, the decision has been made by the DfE to delay the deadline to meet the expectation of increasing the school week to 32.5 hours until September 2024 at the latest.

We understand that the majority of schools are already delivering this commitment and for those who have worked towards a September 2023 implementation date, we would encourage them to continue to do so. We recognise that for some schools implementing a minimum 32.5 hour week will be complex, and as such the DfE have published guidance ahead of the start of the new academic year to allow as much time as possible for them to plan and make the changes necessary.

The Attendance Support Team can be contacted with any queries by calling 01952 85220 or sending an email to attendancesupportteam@telford.gov.uk.

Reviewed and updated CME/CNRE form

Following a further review of the Children Missing Education/ Child Not Receiving Education (CME/CNRE) referral form, the Attendance Support Team also need to include information relating to vulnerability factors that are required by the DfE. Therefore, AST have amended the CME/CNRE referral form to enable referrers to provide the additional information that is required. Please begin to use the new form attached with immediate effect.

Schools will be aware that the Attendance Support Team rely on detailed information to be able to track children missing education successfully and in a timely manner. We also have to report our findings to the DfE of any vulnerability factors. Therefore, the updated referral form for CCME/CNRE now requires additional information which has now been added to the form.

Please download begin to use the new version of the CME/CNRE referral form immediately.

The Attendance Support Team can be contacted with any queries by calling 01952 85220 or sending an email to attendancesupportteam@telford.gov.uk.

Mild illness and school attendance (letter to school leaders)

A letter from the Chief Medical Officer and leading health professionals to schools about mild illness, attendance, and information for parents and carers. This letter can also be downloaded:

Dear headteachers and trust leaders,

As you begin to welcome children and young people back for a new school year, we have been asked by the Department for Education (DfE) to provide you with a clinical and public health perspective on mild illnesses and school attendance.

We are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused some parents to feel less confident with assessing whether their child is well enough to be in school so we have laid out some information which we hope you will find helpful.

There is wide agreement among health professionals and educational professionals that school attendance is vital to the life chances of children and young people. Being in school improves health, wellbeing and socialisation throughout the life course. The greatest benefits come from children and young people attending school regularly.

It is usually appropriate for parents and carers to send their children to school with mild respiratory illnesses. This would include general cold symptoms: a minor cough, runny nose or sore throat. However, children should not be sent to school if they have a temperature of 38°C or above. We would encourage you to share the NHS ‘Is my child too ill for school?’ guidance with parents and carers in your schools and communities which has further information.

In addition to respiratory illnesses, we are aware that more children may be absent from school due to symptoms of anxiety than before the pandemic. Worry and mild or moderate anxiety, whilst sometimes difficult emotions, can be a normal part of growing up for many children and young people. Being in school can often help alleviate the underlying issues. A prolonged period of absence is likely to heighten a child’s anxiety about attending in the future, rather than reduce it. DfE has published useful guidance on mental health issues affecting a pupil’s attendance and those who are experiencing persistent symptoms can be encouraged to access additional support.

Thank you for your efforts so far to facilitate immunisation sessions within schools. As we head into winter, encouraging high uptake of seasonal flu vaccination and routine immunisations for eligible children and young people will help to reduce absences and the disruption they cause.

You, and the teachers you lead, are already supporting families to build up children’s confidence to attend school regularly. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) recently approved 5 principles to promote school attendance. We hope this guidance will support GPs in having sensitive and reassuring conversations with parents, carers and pupils.

Thank you and your colleagues for your continued commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, England
Pat Cullen, General Secretary, Royal College of Nursing
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair, Royal College of General Practitioners
Dr Camilla Kingdon, President, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
William Roberts, Chief Executive, Royal Society for Public Health
Dr Lade Smith, President, Royal College of Psychiatrists

The Attendance Support Team can be contacted with any queries by calling 01952 85220 or sending an email to attendancesupportteam@telford.gov.uk

Face-to-face full day Red Book training: Friday 29 September 2023

The Attendance Support Team are pleased to be able to confirm the next date for their full day ‘Red Book’ training is Friday 29 September 2023. Thank you to those of you on the waiting list for your patience.

The training will look different from this point as we now deliver this in line with the DfE Guidance ‘Working Together to Improve School Attendance’. All delegates will receive an updated red folder Delegates should bring any old ‘Red Book’ folders to the training as they are recycled.

This training is a full day and is charged at £150 pp but with 10% discount for any staff from the same school – all resources, refreshments and lunch are provided. Please can we confirm that school staff with attendance responsibilities will be given priority for a place on this course.

Full joining instructions will be circulated shortly.

If you have a new member of staff in school or have staff who have recently been delegated school attendance responsibility please contact the Attendance Support Team as a matter of urgency to request a place.

The Attendance Support Team can be contacted with any queries by calling 01952 85220 or sending an email to attendancesupportteam@telford.gov.uk

Updated Modified Timetable form

The Modified Timetable Form has been updated, principally to reflect changes in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023 and DfE data collection requirements. This newly updated form should be downloaded and used from the beginning of the Autumn term if the school is using a modified timetable for any pupil.

The changes are:

An update of all of the page references and paragraph numbers to reflect KCSIE 2023.
Identification of key some of the changes e.g. a new heading titled ‘Children potentially at greater risk of harm’ paragraph 170.
Reference to the appropriate use of filtering and monitoring on school devices. Schools should consider this when loaning devices to pupils to use off site.
Reference to Children Who Are Absent From Education, paragraph 175. This might be relevant if the school is using a modified timetable to facilitate a return to school following an absence and as such should be noted on the MTT form.
Inclusion of the type of SEND need the pupil has, if they have one.
Added a row which asking for:
- Type of alternative provision offered.
- Date alternative provision started.
- If a pupil is on a modified timetable and attends an Alternative Provision this mist be information must be included on the form as the LA is required to share this with Ofsted during an LA inspection.
A request to only highlight the most relevant reason for the use of a modified timetable. Schools should be selecting one category only. It should be noted that the use of a modified timetable for reasons related to managing pupil’s behaviour should only be used in very rare instances, and for a very limited length of time.
An opportunity to ask for the pupil’s views, from KCSIE titled ‘Understanding the views of children’ paragraph 169.

Updated EHE policy 2023-2024 for all schools

Section 5 of the Elective Home Education (EHE) policy has been updated to reflect the changes in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023. This references the school’s responsibility for facilitating a meeting with parents and the LA following receipt of the parental intent to elective home educate. In accordance with our policy, if parents decline to attend the meeting, the meeting must still go ahead with the LA before the child is removed from the school roll for Elective Home Education.

As a reminder, the appendices within the policy includes work flow diagrams to support schools and leaders with the EHE process and should be referred to in the event of any EHE enquiries.

A reminder that Part 1 of the MAM Form, which incorporates the pupil passport information for EHE and attendance should be completed in full before the meeting with parents.

Please ensure that all staff who have responsibility for pastoral, attendance and safeguarding within schools are aware of the updated policy.

Please note that copies of the old policy should be deleted and only the new policy should be used.

All EHE Enquiries should be sent to the team email address: EHE@Telford.gov.uk

Leadership Conference for Head Teachers and CEO's: Thursday 12 October 2023

Telford & Wrekin Education Strategic Board, a collaboration between education leaders in Telford and Wrekin and the Local Authority, is pleased to announce a Leadership Conference for headteachers and CEOs of all schools across Telford and Wrekin.

Thursday 12 October 2023, 9am-1pm

This conference will provide the opportunity for all education leaders in Telford and Wrekin to meet in the Autumn 2023 term, welcome new colleagues, focus on the successes and key priority areas in Telford and Wrekin and share our ambitions to support and inspire.

Key note speakers:

The Art of Brilliance - Martin Burder
Martin Burder is a sought-after keynote speaker with a passion for wellbeing and an authentic approach that creates change in people's lives. Martin has spent the last few years developing a wellbeing curriculum for schools and businesses which means he is the world's leading expert in embedding wellbeing into workplaces. Martin will be delivering an enthusiastic and engaging session on wellbeing which will inspire all who attend.

HeadsUp4HT - James Pope
James Pope was formerly a Headteacher and executive Headteacher, and now the Director of InspirEDucate and Founder of the HeadsUp4HTs network, Associate Director of Whole Education, Founding Director of CORE Coaching Group International and Advisory Board member of CollectivED at Leeds Beckett University. James has worked in education for 26 years. With a passion for leadership and education and the transformative power that this can have on the lives of our young people James now works across the English and international education systems, collaborating with, trusts, schools, teachers and leaders. James will be delivering an insightful session to focus on what Headteachers can do for their own well-being and that of their school leaders.

Department for Education - Philip Reed
Philip Reed is the Head of Delivery for West Midlands Central at the DfE including Birmingham, Solihull, Walsall and Telford and Wrekin. Philip has held a number of roles in the DfE and its agencies including Head of School Performance for the West Midlands and Head of Financial Strategy for Open Free Schools in the ESFA. Philip will provide an update about national priorities in education for the next 12 months which will offer attendees to reflect upon.

The board is delighted to welcome all headteachers, and CEOs to this conference and early booking is advised. There may be some space for Deputy Heads to attend too, but we ask they only attend alongside their Headteacher and not as a replacement.

Tickets for this conference are priced at £60.00 per person or a discounted offer of £100.00 for two tickets when booking from the same school. We have priced this conference so that we cover our costs only. Lunch will be included! This conference will be held at a venue within central Telford and you will be sent details of the venue confirmation 10 days prior to the conference date.

To book your place for this Leadership Conference, please send a completed booking form at cpdschoolimprovement@telford.gov.uk

We really hope you can make it and it would be great to have representation from across all our schools and academies!

Making families more resilient

Making Families More Resilient is a six-week programme for parents and carers, delivered online via Zoom. This parenting programme looks at the benefits of positive parenting and developing strategies to resolve stressful situations.

The programme looks at policies and practices in relation to safeguarding children/young people by raising awareness of influences which include:

Radicalisation and extremism.
Gang affiliation/ Criminal exploitation.
Grooming - sexual and criminal.
Domestic violence and links to extremism.
Internet safety and social media awareness.
Impact of drug/ alcohol/substance misuse.

If you wish to submit a referral to the programme, please email educationsafeguarding@telford.gov.uk to receive a referral form.

Completed referral forms need to be submitted by Monday 11 September 2023 to Rahila Mann, rahila.mann@birmingham.gov.uk and Angela Cresser, angela.cresser@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk.

For further details please contact Rahila or Angela at the above contact emails.

Understanding parental couple conflict

Understanding Parental Couple Conflict, Its Impact on Children’s Outcomes and What We Can Do to Help is an online half day workshop for frontline staff and managers, from Local Authorities, NHS, Schools, Police, Probation and the voluntary/community sector.

Date: Tuesday 26 September 2023
Venue: Microsoft Teams.
Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm (Teams room will open at 9.15am for a prompt 9.30am start)
Led by: Honor Rhodes, OBE, Director of Strategy at Tavistock Relationships

Specific learning outcomes:

Brief overview of parental couple conflict research, established and new.
Understanding of the nature and impact on the child of parental conflict, parental gatekeeping, the child who is trying to manage relationships with separated parents.
Using measures and tools to start conversations and to get a sense of knowing what works for whom.
How to have relationship quality conversations.

Format

Presentations and exercises to support our learning and confidence in this area of work.

To book a place please contact Claire Hall via email: Claire.hall@telford.gov.uk.

Free resource for schools when teaching about appropriate friendships

We are pleased to be able to share the following resource on behalf of Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership. ‘Tricky Friends’ is a short animation that has been created to give a clear message to children about what is and what is not an appropriate friendship, it is short and would be ideal for Primary / KS3 children to support teaching related to appropriate relationships. The animation is personalised to reflect relevant contact details for Telford and Wrekin and is now live and available for use.

There is a link on the front Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership landing page and also in the main training pages.

SOS+ Criminal Exploitation Training for Educational Professionals

This course is being provided to schools in Telford & Wrekin free of charge and is being led by St Giles Education Trust in partnership with the Education Safeguarding Team. There is no limit to the number of delegates from each school.

Thursday, September 19, 2023 – 4pm to 5.30pm, or
Thursday, September 26, 2023 – 4pm to 5.30pm

The session will consist of a 60-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. Delegates will leave the session able to:

understand how county lines are set up
understand how young people are groomed, recruited and exploited; specifically exploring examples that involve educational settings
recognise key signs and indicators that children and young people are being exploited or at risk of county lines involvement by unpacking what this looks like within an educational setting
understand how school exclusions can increase the risk of students on the periphery
recognise how to mitigate risks practically when considering exclusions learning from successful examples
understand the perspective of an expert witness who is a survivor and/or perpetrator of a county lines operation, including how county lines operations use girls and young women
develop initial interventions and long-term strategies to prevent and reduce the risk of students of criminal exploitation, and gang and county lines involvement within educational settings.

Bookings can be made by sending a completed CPD booking form via email to: cpdschoolimprovement@telford.gov.uk.

Synergy Event: Tuesday 3 October 2023

Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands are hosting 'Synergy' at Midlands Agri-Tech Innovation Hub, Poultry Drive, Edgmond, Newport, TF10 8JZ on Tuesday 3 October 2023.

'Synergy' is an interactive training experience centred around preventing radicalisation into Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism. It is a full day event created by Prevent practitioners which aims to increase the knowledge of how Prevent Partners work together to safeguard those who are vulnerable to radicalisation. Participants will work together to examine a fictional case to identify and understand the signs, threats and risk associated to Extreme Right-Wing Ideology.

There is availability for 60 attendees at this event, please email educationsafeguarding@telford.gov.uk to receive a link to book your place. The closing date for registrations is Monday 11th September 2023. If registrations exceed the 60 spaces available, seats will be allocated on a ‘first come first served basis.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL’s) as Prevent Leads are encouraged to attend this session.

Any queries can be sent to Joanne Hanslip, Education Safeguarding Officer, via email: Educationsafeguarding@telford.gov.uk.

Our Future In Mind – Young People’s Mental Health Summit

The Summit is the idea of the Telford and Wrekin Young People’s Forum who want to make a difference to the mental health of young people in Telford. They have directed and shaped the event which takes place on Tuesday 10 October 2023, 10am – 2pm at Telford Minster and is aimed at students in years 8, 9 and 10.

There will be presentations from mental health services and interactive, fun workshops around body image, self-harm, anxiety, loneliness and happiness. There are also plenty of services coming along to a marketplace at the event so that young people can find out more about services to support their mental health.

The Year of Young People’s Wellbeing will be launched at the Summit, with students being asked to make a pledge to take positive action for their mental wellbeing.

Schools can book a place online.

For more information contact Sarah Underhill, Community Support Worker via email: Sarah.underhill@telford.gov.uk or cpt@telford.gov.uk.

Free online Cool Kids information session

Places are available to book on the next free online Cool Kids information session.

Cool Kids movement programme Session aims:

• To provide basic understanding of sensory motor development and why it is important to children in school.
• Understanding developmental stages of lying on the back, tummy, rolling, creeping and crawling.
• Understanding the underlying principles of the Cool Kids Programme.
• Identify pupils who would benefit.
• Deliver the programme effectively.
• Incorporate strategies successfully in the classroom.

The Next session will take place on Wednesday 20 September 2023, 1-3pm.
Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

To book a place:

• We can offer up to two places for this session to your school.
• We recommend that a Class Teacher/SENCo attends this session if they have not already done so.
• Additionally, the session will be valuable to any member of staff who will be potentially delivering the group in your school.

Please contact Occupational Therapy by telephone to book your place on this training and provide an email address that joining links can be sent to.

Telephone – 01743 450800 (Option 2). Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

The session will be completed online via Teams, and a link will be sent via email once a place has been confirmed.

School-aged flu programme briefing: Letter to Head teachers

A letter for head teachers about the delivery of the flu vaccination programme to school aged children and young people:

Dear Head Teacher

This year the school-aged immunisation service has been commissioned to deliver the flu programme to all eligible children and young people in school years reception-year 11 (inclusive).

As we are about to start the school programme we would like to invite you to join us in a briefing session to hear more about the flu programme and our plans. This is also an opportunity to learn from each other around what makes a successful vaccination session, how we can work together to improve the number of pupils being vaccinated and to answer any questions you may have.

We hope you are able to join us for one of the sessions:

Monday 11 September 2023, 11-11.45am Click here to join the meeting
Monday 11 September 2023, 1.30-2.15pm Click here to join the meeting

Regards
Kate

Kate Medhurst
Community Children’s Service Manager
Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust

Kate can be contacted via email: kate.medhurst@nhs.net.

COVID-19 (and other respiratory infections) guidance for educational settings – September 2023

Essentially, guidance hasn’t changed since the end of last term – below you will find guidance for staff and pupils on what to do if symptomatic (but not tested), what to do in the event of a positive COVID test and what to do as a close contact of a positive COVID case. Finally, there is some general advice on infection prevention and control, which, if followed, will reduce the number of cases you get and information on when and how to contact the Health Protection Hub.

What to do if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19, and have not taken a COVID-19 test

Advice for staff

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, until you no longer have a high temperature (if you had one) or until you no longer feel unwell.

It is particularly important to avoid close contact with anyone who you know is at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell if they are infected with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, especially those whose immune system means that they are at higher risk of serious illness, despite vaccination.

Advice for pupils

Children and young people with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend their education setting.

Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, where they can. They can go back to school, college or childcare, and resume normal activities when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough to attend.

All children and young people with respiratory symptoms should be encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing and/or sneezing and to wash their hands after using or disposing of tissues.

It can be difficult to know when to seek help if your child is unwell. If you are worried about your child, especially if they are aged under 2 years old, then you should seek medical help.

What to do if you have a positive COVID-19 test result

Advice for staff

Stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test.

Although most people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days, some people may be infectious to other people for up to 10 days from the start of their infection. You should avoid meeting people at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from COVID-19, especially those whose immune system means that they are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, despite vaccination, for 10 days after the day you took your test.

Advice for pupils

If a child or young person has a positive COVID-19 test result they should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day they took the test, if they can. After 3 days, if they feel well and do not have a high temperature, the risk of passing the infection on to others is much lower. This is because children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults.

What to do if you are a close contact of someone who has had a positive test result for COVID-19

Advice for staff

If you are a household or overnight contact of someone who has had a positive COVID -19 test result it can take up to 10 days for your infection to develop. It is possible to pass on COVID-19 to others, even if you have no symptoms.

You can reduce the risk to other people by taking the following steps:

avoid contact with anyone you know who is at higher risk of becoming severely unwell if they are infected with COVID-19, especially those whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, despite vaccination
limit close contact with other people outside your household, especially in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask if you do need to have close contact with other people, or you are in a crowded place
wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.

If you develop symptoms of a respiratory infection try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people and follow the guidance for people with symptoms.

Advice for pupils

Children and young people who usually go to school, college or childcare and who live with someone who has a positive COVID-19 test result should continue to attend as normal.

General infection prevention and control guidance

Ventilation

Letting fresh air into indoor spaces can help remove air that contains virus particles and prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

If there are areas of the setting identified that may have poor ventilation, there are several simple things that can be done to improve ventilation.

These include:

partially opening windows and doors to let fresh air in
opening higher level windows to reduce draughts
opening windows for 10 minutes an hour or longer can help increase ventilation – where possible this can happen when the room is empty in between lessons, for example you should always balance the need for increased ventilation while maintaining a comfortable temperature.

Respiratory hygiene

Covering the nose and mouth during sneezing and coughing can reduce the spread of infections.

Spitting should be discouraged.

Anyone with signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection, regardless of the cause, should follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, specifically:

cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of used tissue in non-healthcare risk waste bin and perform hand hygiene
cough or sneeze into the inner elbow (upper sleeve) if no tissues are available, rather than into the hand
keep contaminated hands away from the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose
carry out hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects and materials.

Handwashing

Hand washing is one of the most important ways of controlling the spread of infections, especially those that cause diarrhoea and/or vomiting and respiratory infections.

Settings should ensure that staff and students/children have access to liquid soap, warm water and paper towels. Bar soap should not be used.

All staff and pupils should be advised to wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating or handling food, after playtime and after touching animals.

All cuts and abrasions should be covered with a waterproof dressing.

Alcohol hand gel can be used if appropriate hand washing facilities are not available but should not replace washing hands particularly if hands are visibly soiled or where there are cases of gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and vomiting) in the setting. Alcohol hand gel is not effective against norovirus. Further information on choosing hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants to use during the COVID-19 pandemic is available online.

Cleaning

Effective cleaning and disinfection are critical in any education or childcare setting, particularly when food preparation is taking place.

In the event of an outbreak of infection at your setting, we would recommend enhanced and more frequent cleaning, to help reduce transmission - for example twice daily cleaning of areas (with particular attention to door handles, toilet flushes and taps) and communal areas where surfaces can easily become contaminated such as handrails, with hot, soapy water and an appropriate disinfectant. Milton is recommended especially when you have outbreaks of D&V, used in accordance with the instructions.

Dedicated cleaning equipment should be colour coded according to area of use.

If you require any specific advice, or to advise us of an outbreak, please email HealthProtectionHub@telford.gov.uk and we’ll provide advice and assistance. Circumstances where you should contact us include:

a higher than previously experienced and/or rapidly increasing number of staff or student absences due to acute respiratory infection
evidence of severe disease due to respiratory infection, for example if a child, young person or staff member is admitted to hospital.

Health and Safety Law – the role of school leaders

The role of school leaders - who does what?

Health and safety law applies to work activities carried out by your school, including off-site activities such as school trips. The law applies to risks to staff, pupils and visitors created by those work activities. The law also applies to the work of contractors in the school.

Health and safety risks in schools typically include on site transport movements, falls from height, slips and trips, stress management, work related violence, asbestos management, legionella, construction and maintenance activities and manual handling.

Overall accountability for health and safety lies with the employer of the members of staff in the school. However day-to-day running of the school including responsibility for the health and safety of staff and pupils is normally delegated to the head teacher and school management team. They have a key role in making sure risks are managed effectively on site.

Sensible and effective management of health and safety relies on every member of the management team making sure risk is managed responsibly and proportionately. Effective communication by all parties is critical to getting this right.

At Telford & Wrekin Council there are several safety committees that invite employee and Trade Union health and safety representatives, these meetings can play a valuable role in contributing to the development of a positive health and safety culture within a school.

You can access the minutes, date of the next meeting and raise a discussion on the Telford & Wrekin Corporate Health & Saffety Committee page.

Advice on health and safety roles for key school staff are set out below.

The Employer:

Who the employer is will vary according to the type of school. This can be Telford and Wrekin council as the local authority, a proprietor, an Academy Trust, a charity, company or partnership, or a Board of Governors.

It is the employer that is responsible for making sure that risks, particularly the risks to staff and pupils, are managed so far as is reasonably practicable.

The employer's health and safety functions are often delegated to members of staff in the school to fulfil on behalf of the employer.

However overall legal accountability for the health and safety of employees and others cannot be delegated and remains the responsibility of the employer.

The legal responsibility and thus accountability for health and safety lies with the employer. While this seems straightforward, who the employer is depends on the type of school.

The differences across England are detailed below:

School type	Employer
Community schools	The local authority
Community special schools
Voluntary controlled schools
Maintained nursery schools
Pupil referral units
Foundation schools	The governing body
Foundation special schools
Voluntary aided schools
Academies and free schools	The Academy Trust

What you need to do:

Put in place sensible approaches to health and safety, with clear policies that focus on the real risks, and do not encourage unnecessary paperwork.
Implement arrangements that manage the risks to staff, pupils and visitors who may be affected by the school's activities.
Tell your employees about the real and significant risks in the school and the precautions they need to take to manage them.
Make sure your employees have the relevant information and training to manage risks on a day-to-day basis, including access to competent health and safety advice where needed.
Check that the control measures have been implemented and remain appropriate and effective (even where funding is delegated in the case of local authority-controlled schools).

Key message:

Good health and safety is about keeping things simple, being proportionate and focusing on the real risks. Procedures should be clear and concise with assessment of risk being practical – not a paper chase or an exaggeration of risk.

Governors

In Telford & Wrekin Council, local authority-controlled schools (community and voluntary controlled schools) the Board of Governors role is to ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction. The Board of Governors may have control of the premises both during and outside the school day and may oversee a delegated budget for some maintenance activities. They are not the employer.

In England, an increasing number of Boards of Governors are also trustees of the charity that runs the school, and/or directors of the company responsible for the school. If this is the case, their role is identical to that set out for the employer.

What you need to do:

Take reasonable steps to make sure that the school is following the employer's policy and procedures e.g., through regular discussion at governance meetings.
Ensure staff receive adequate training to enable them to carry out their responsibilities.
Promote a sensible approach to health and safety, making use of competent health and safety advice when required.
Work in close partnership with the head teacher and senior management team to support sensible health and safety management and to challenge as appropriate.

Key message:

The governing body have a key part to play in tackling risk aversion, helping to provide a wider sense of perspective and helping the school to get the balance right on managing risk.

All schools within Telford and Wrekin can procure advice, guidance and support from the council’s internal health and safety team.

The internal health and safety team offer a range of H&S management training that includes The Governors Role in Health and Safety Training. See the Heallth & Safety Calendar 2023 for more detail.

Headteachers

As head teachers and the school management team/ manager you have considerable autonomy in the day-to-day running of your schools. It is important that head teachers exercise this autonomy in line with your employer's policies, procedures and standards.

What you need to do:

Ensure that the school is following the employer's health and safety policy and has effective arrangements for managing the real health and safety risks at the school.
Maintain effective communications with employers, governors, and the school workforce, and give clear information to pupils and visitors, including contractors, regarding the significant risks on site.
Make sure that the staff have the appropriate training and competencies to deal with risks in their areas of responsibility.
Consult and work with recognised TU safety representatives/employee representatives and safety committees.
Make sure that staff understand their responsibilities and know how to access support and advice to help them manage risks responsibly.

Key message:

Getting health and safety leadership right is about managing risk sensibly – not trying to eliminate it altogether. Head teachers should provide visible leadership to the whole school so that staff feel motivated, supported, and empowered to focus on the things that really matter.

All schools within Telford and Wrekin can procure advice, guidance and support from the council’s internal health and safety team. We offer a core package and a comprehensive package, and we also offer a range of Health & Safety Management Training that includes:

Managing Health and Safety in schools.
Annual refresher Managing H&S in schools.
Risk assessment training.

If you require any further information about health and safety or your role as a school leader, please do not hesitate to contact Telford & Wrekin Internal health and safety team via email: H&S_helpdesk@telford.gov.uk.

Useful information for managing and leading Health & Safety in schools:

Health and Safety: responsibilities and duties for schools

Any queries can be sent via email to Tracy.Guy@telford.gov.uk.

Virtual School key documents, ARC information and Network Meeting dates

The past academic year has been as busy as ever and we thank all our education colleagues for the support they offer our vulnerable young people to achieve, dream and believe.

We are delighted that this year we have sustained 100% Personal Education Plan (PEP) completion, with quality of them remaining high. This ensures that all our young people secure positive outcomes. Once again, a huge thank you for your support.

Key Documents:

Please find attached key documents to support your work with our children in care. These are:

Network Meetings:

Please note the following dates for your diary. Invites and agendas for the Designated Teacher and Nominated Governor Network Meeting Webinars will be sent out at the start of the Autumn Term:

Compulsory School Age:
Autumn Term: Tuesday 24 October 2023 3:45-5:15pm.
Spring Term: Wednesday 6 March 2024 3:45-5:15pm

Post 16:
Autumn Term: Wednesday 11 October 2023 3:30-5pm.
Spring Term: Wednesday 28 February 2024 3:30-5pm.

Telford & Wrekin Virtual School Conference:

Please hold the date for our Telford & Wrekin Virtual School Conference on Friday 7 June 2024. Further information to advise for Designated Teachers, Senior Leaders, Nominated Governors and other interested staff on how to book a place will be sent out shortly.

Those who attended this year found the event to be useful, moving, and impactful. Some of the many positive comments we received were:

“The conference was exceptional - so powerful and engaging.”

“What an amazing day… so thought provoking and totally inspirational! Thank you!”

“Brilliant and inspiring.”

“Just to say a big thank you for all your hard work in planning and preparing such a valuable, inspiring day.”

“It’s been a brilliant day and I know that the things that I can take back to my organisation will have a such a positive and direct impact on the support we provide.”

“Of all the conferences I attend in education, this is the one I most look forward to. It the one that provides me with the most time to reflect on both my own and my schools practice and consider how we can do more and better for not just children in care, but all children.”

Attachment Research Community (ARC)

The ARC website offers a range of tools to audit your attachment and trauma aware practice and develop action plans. All in borough school already have ARC membership and can also upload evidence for accreditation on the website.

To log into the ARC website please visit the website. Your log details will be the email address registered for your school. If you are unsure which email address was registered, please email joseph.leppington@telford.gov.uk who can provide these details or request for this to be updated.

The ARC offer includes a three-tiered award pathway that compliments the ARC Matrix, aligning with Ofsted framework and supporting schools in their journey to attachment and trauma awareness and outstanding ratings. Members will also benefit from complementary regional training workshops, conferences and panel discussions, as well a discounted rate to attend ARC’s National Annual Conference. To find out more about ARC’s membership offer please contact admin@the-arc.org.uk.

Useful guides and resources can be found online:

Arc tools and videos

ARC Nominations and programmes:

This year we were delighted to nominate those schools who shared their practice with us via the ARC pilot programme for the Alex Timpson 2023 ARC Awards. Shortlisting will take place shortly and we wish all those schools good luck.

Next year we will be working with seven in borough Secondary Schools who have signed up for this programme, where we will work closely alongside these school to audit current practice and look at how we can embed Attachment and Trauma informed principles in Secondary settings to enable all children to thrive.

ARC Conference:

Preparations are well underway for ARC annual virtual conference, ‘Supporting the journey to an emotionally informed education”. Delegates will get the opportunity to attend a day of inspiring keynote presentations, workshops hosted by previous Timpson Award Winners, sharing their journey to becoming an attachment and trauma aware school; together with a thought provoking panel discussion between school leaders and academics. The 2023 conference will be available on demand to delegates for 14 days following the conference.

‘Attachment & Trauma- Supporting the journey to an emotionally informed education.’
Tuesday 21 November 2023
9am - 4pm (8am delegates arrive)
The Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, Hill St, Birmingham B5 4EW

Members £199 +VAT Non-Member £249+VAT
There is also an opportunity to either attend virtually or face to face.

To book your place please visit the website.

Thank you:

Thank you all. Please get in touch with the Virtual School if you need any further support with our vulnerable children.

As a Virtual School Team we pride ourselves on the close working relationship with you all.Please don’t hesitate to contact us via virtualschool@telford.gov.uk or call us on 01952 381045.

Summary of changes to Ofsted inspection practice and handbook from September 2023

Summaries published by Ofsted in July and August 2023 sets out the minor changes they have made following the initial publication of the handbook for September 2023. These also set out updates that Ofsted have made to clarify some of the terminology used and to address the changes set out recently about inspection processes.

Changes published in August 2023 include:

a new section on schools raising concerns,
clarification that in trusts of over 40 schools the chair of the board of trustees may delegate some meetings (no more than half) to another trustee,
clarification regarding the DfE’s minimum expectation of at least 32.5 hours for the length of the school week

Summaries published in July 2023 show the updates Ofsted have made for clarification on terminology and changes to inspection processes. Within the handbook, Ofsted have included new definitions that clarify what Ofsted mean by:

the terms ‘school’, ‘maintained school’ and ‘academy’
the terms ‘board of governors’, ‘governors’, ‘board of trustees’ and ‘trustees’
by the terms ‘leaders’ and ‘trust leaders’.

In addition. Ofsted have also made changes that provide clarification around the role of academy trusts during inspection and how they judge safeguarding.

Further updates to the handbook include:

a new ‘conduct during inspection’ section
confirmation of the likely date of the next inspection for schools
that inspectors will protect anonymity of individuals when drawing on evidence
confirmation that evidence from pupils, parents and staff will always be considered in a proportionate way, alongside other evidence
updates to ‘behaviour’ and ‘attendance’ sections
clarity about what Ofsted mean by ‘capacity to improve’
clarity about what Ofsted mean by ‘culture of safeguarding’
clarification on schools’ obligations in relation to ‘separation by sex’ and the steps inspectors should take in relation to this.

The following updates refer specifically to sixth form:

confirmation that for secondary schools the requirement to teach relationships and sex education includes pupils in the sixth form,
the definition of ‘off-rolling’ has been broadened to include sixth-form pupils and situations where pupils are not formally removed from the roll but are not permitted to attend school.

The information above is available on both changes made to school inspections and summary of changes, with the handbook in use from September 2023 available via school inspection handbook for September 2023.

It can also be found on the Ofsted Blog school inspection update for September 2023 - changes to how we inspect schools where there are also links to webinars regarding school inspections.

Get the Jump’ Campaign from the Department for Education

This is an update from the Department of Education:

The campaign aims to raise awareness and understanding of all the different education and training pathways open to young people at post-16 and post-18. It also aims to address the feelings of being overwhelmed that we know many young people have when they are making decisions about their future, by reassuring them that it’s ok not to know what you want to do and to realise that taking a small first step is all that is needed to start them on their journey.

The campaign helps to raise awareness of technical education options – including T Levels, apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications – and supports informed choice, signposting them to pages on the National Careers Service website that bring all the options together.

The campaign aims to:

Ignite people’s interest in their options by showing them that they don’t need to make a ‘forever-decision’ and that technical education will help them to get ahead.

Inspire people to consider technical education routes by showing other people’s success.

Inform people about their options and help them navigate them.

Young people are encouraged to take the next step and understand all the choices on offer – leaders can direct young people to the new content hub on the National Careers Service website at Get the Jump: explore your education and training choices,

Learn Telford Newsletter: August 2023

The August edition of the Learn Telford Newsletter is available online:

Learn Telford Newsletter - August 2023

Life Ready Work Ready Newsletter: August 2023

The August edition of the Life Ready Work Ready Newsletter for young people not in educations, employment or training (NEETS) is available online:

August 2023 NEET Newsletter

Branching Out Fund – apply now for grants from £250-£2,500

The Tree Council is offering grants of between £250 and £2,500 for schools, constituted community groups and charities, community interest companies, Tree Warden networks, and other organisations across the UK to deliver tree-planting activities between the end of November 2023 and early February 2024.

Through the Branching Out Fund, groups can purchase:

Bare root, UK-sourced and grown, native trees of an appropriate size (priority will be given to younger trees that will establish better).
UK-sourced and grown, bare-root whips (saplings) and cell-grown (root trainer) stock for hedging projects (between 40-120cm height).
Hedgerow trees.
Orchards, such as fruit trees on semi-vigorous, vigorous, and very vigorous rootstocks.
Cardboard/bioplastic tree/hedge guards.
Non-plastic ties.
Stakes (coppiced material such as chestnut or hazel is preferred, although machined softwood will also be considered).
Mulch.
Non-peat-based soil improvers if needed.

The following may also be considered:

Non-native tree varieties if appropriate to the setting.
Non-native varieties and species that are chosen with climate change adaptation and resilience in mind.
Fruit trees on dwarfing rootstock if the setting is appropriate.
Trees in containers/raised beds if the reason is adequately explained and supported by a robust and comprehensive irrigation and aftercare plan.
More robust and costly guards if the setting justifies it.
Other project resources to support tree establishment such as irrigation equipment like watering cans/irrigation aids, and PPE.

Priority will be given to projects that utilise a wide variety of tree types. Funding is limited and groups are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The final deadline for applications is 3 December 2023. Visit the Tree Council website for more information and to apply.

Midlands Air Ambulance charity celebrates Air Ambulance Week 2023: 4-10 September 2023

Air Ambulance Week 2023 takes off across the UK from 4 to 10 September 2023, to raise awareness of the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK. Here in Shropshire, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is celebrating with various supportive organisations.

On Thursday 7 September 2023, buildings across the region such as Shrewsbury Prison will be lighting up red to reflect Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s iconic red helicopters. The local lifesaving pre-hospital emergency service is also encouraging members of the public to go red in support of the charity by lighting up their homes, gardens or workplaces, championing the lifesaving pre-hospital emergency service brought directly to the local area every day.

Organised by Air Ambulances UK, the national awareness week will see the charity joining other air ambulance charities around the UK delivering the vital message, ‘We can’t save lives without you!’, highlighting how air ambulance charities need public support to continue to deliver advanced pre-hospital care to people with a sudden life-threatening injury or illness.

Emma Gray, chief operating officer for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said: “Air Ambulance Week, by our sector’s national body Air Ambulances UK, is a vital campaign to raise awareness of the impact air ambulance services, such as ours, have on patient care across the UK. During the week, we are highlighting the difference that our specialist service brings to scene of an incident and the benefit this provides to local communities within the Midlands. Our fleet of helicopters and critical cars bring advanced clinical skills, enhanced medicines and hospital level equipment, to give patients the best chance of survival and good recovery.

“Thank you to all involved in spreading the word about the lifesaving work of our clinical team, who respond to approximately twelve missions each day across the six counties we serve. By supporting your local air ambulance, you are directly impacting lives and improving patient outcomes and your compassion and generosity play a crucial role sustaining the invaluable service we provide to our communities.”

In addition, the charity will be sharing on social media daily themes of the week to highlight the various ways people can support the charity.

To support the charity during Air Ambulance Week, or to submit images of your lit up building, contact press@midlandsairambulance.com or post the image on social media tagging the charity and using #AAW2023.

To find out more about how you can support your local Midlands Air Ambulance, visit their website and follow the organisation on social media.

International Literacy Day: Friday 8 September 2023

International Literacy Day, designated by UNESCO in 1967, is an annual awareness day that marks the importance of literacy to all countries and cultures. It takes place annually on the 8 September.

The theme for International Literacy Day 2023 is: ‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’.

Over 775 million adults struggle with basic literacy, and two-thirds of this figure are women. Celebrating International Literacy Day (ILD) is a brilliant way to raise awareness of the value of literacy and to encourage children and adults alike to develop their literacy skills.

It's even more important to discuss literacy, as thousands of schools were closed globally during the COVID-19 crisis. This meant that at its peak, 1.6 billion children and young people were out of school (this is approximately 90% of the entire student population). In 2022 it was found that the number of 10-year-old children who could not read and understand a simple comprehension had increased from 57% in 2019 to an estimated 70% in 2022. Download the Save the Children report for further facts and figures.

Going forward It's unclear to see what the impact this will have on literacy, but it's important that we actively encourage our children and young people to develop there literacy skills, as this is there future.

Free resources to celebrate World Literacy Day are available online:

Twinkl

Teacherwire

Heritage open days: 8-17 September 2023

Heritage Open Days is an annual celebration of England's architecture and culture that allows visitors free access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, it offers the opportunity to bring people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history.

The open days will take place between 8-17 September 2023.

Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

Heritage Open Days were established in 1994 with 701 events however this great event is now diversifying and expanding and currently there are over 5,000 events across the UK.

For further information and a detailed list of venues taking part in Heritage Open Days please follow the links below.

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days events 2023 - National Trust

Ironbridge Gorge

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer: 16 September 2023

The theme for International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer this year is “fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.”

The Ozone layer which is the region of high ozone concentration in the stratosphere above the earth surface, acts as a blanket to protect the earth and from harmful radiation from the sun and also helps to preserve life on the planet.

Studies have shown that the depletion is basically caused by the emissions from man-made chemicals such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

On World Ozone Day, we will be celebrating the achievements of the Montreal Protocol around the policies, actions and programmes that are being rolled out to collectively around the world to preserve the ozone and reduce climate change.

The latest update from the Scientific Assessment Panel for the Montreal Protocol confirmed that the ozone layer is in recovery and it is on track to return to 1980 levels by around 2066 over the Antarctic.

Most importantly by banning ozone-depleting substances it will also be protecting millions of people from skin cancer and eye cataracts, safeguarding ecosystems and slowing down climate change and global warming.

Over the last few years, due to climate change we have experienced shifting weather patterns which has seen extreme weather conditions with catastrophic effects across the world.

If going forward we don’t take action to reduce the damage in the ozone layer we will destroy the eco- systems within the planet and this will impact on all future generations.

For further information and resources on this topic, please follow the link below:

Twinkl

National Professional Qualifications with the Shropshire and Telford Education Partnership

Shropshire and Telford Education Partnership (STEP) is the local provider for the suite of National Professional Qualifications for Middle, Senior Leaders, Headteachers and Executive Headteachers. Fully Funded National Professional Qualifications are available for all stages of a teacher’s career and specialism/responsibility.

The reformed suite of NPQs is available for teachers and leaders in Shropshire and Telford who want to develop their knowledge and skills in specialist areas of teaching practice. There are:

4 leadership NPQs in senior leadership, headship, executive leadership and early years leadership
4 NPQs for teachers and leaders who want to develop their expertise in specialist areas of teaching practice.

If you are interested in receiving high quality training to develop your middle and senior leaders, then please consider registering on one of the following programmes:

Specialist NPQs

NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD):
The NPQLTD is available for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading the development of other teachers in their school. This may be responsibility for the development of all teachers across a school or specifically trainees or ECTs. The aim of the NPQLTD is to provide teachers with essential knowledge, skills and concepts that underpin successful leadership of teacher development.

NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC):
The NPQLBC is available for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading behaviour and/or supporting pupil wellbeing in their school. The aim of the NPQLBC is to provide evidence which underpins successful leadership of behaviour and culture and provides participants with an understanding of how to put new approaches into practice.

NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT):
The NPQLT is available for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading teaching in a subject, year group, key stage or phase. The aim of the NPQLT is to provide the participant with expertise and approaches that, through working with their colleagues, enable their school to keep improving, and contribute to a culture in which staff and pupils are all able to thrive.

NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL):
Leading Literacy for teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading literacy across a school, year group, key stage or phase in their school. The aim of the NPQLL is to provide teachers with essential knowledge, skills and concepts that underpin successful leadership of Literacy.

Leadership NPQS

NPQ in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL):
The NPQEYL is available for leaders qualified to at least Level 3 with a full and relevant qualification who are, or are aspiring to be, managers of Private, Voluntary and Independent nurseries, headteachers of school-based and maintained nurseries, or childminders with leadership responsibilities. The aim of the NPQEYL is to provide teachers with essential knowledge, skills and concepts that underpin successful leadership of Early Years Leadership.

NPQ in Senior Leadership (NPQSL):
The NPQSL is available for teachers who are, or are aspiring to be, a senior leader with cross-school responsibilities. The aim of the NPQSL is to enable participants to develop the relevant expertise and provide approaches to enable continuous improvement across the school.

NPQ in Headship:
The NPQH is available for those who are, or are aspiring to be, a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school; or for those who are a headteacher or head of school with responsibility for leading a school and are in the first 24 months of headship. The aim of the NPQH is to enable participants to gain an understanding of the expertise and approaches required to set an ambitious vision for their school, as well as learning how to establish a culture where staff and pupils can thrive.

NPQ in Executive Leadership:
The NPQEL is available for those who are, or are aspiring to be, and executive headteacher or have a school trust CEO role with responsibility for leading several schools. The aim of the NPQEL is to develop flexible expertise than participants can use to respond to challenges in a range of contexts, as well as being able to identify and address persistent and common school leadership challenges.

Length and content

All Programmes last between 12-18 months with a face-to-face session, online content and formative and end of programme summative assessment.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment takes place throughout the programme, helping you to understand the progress you are making, and facilitators to adapt your learning experiences.

There are two success criteria for the successful completion of your course:

• Participation in at least 90% of the course.
• Successfully pass the summative case study assessment.

The summative assessment requires you to answer three questions in response to a case study. The assessment will give you the opportunity to demonstrate how you would deploy the knowledge, skills and understanding gained through the NPQ to lead and implement a specific aspect of change. The assessment windows are set at the start of your course and there is an 8-day period to complete the assessment.

To book your place for 2023-2024 or find out more, please visit the STEP website or the Leading Learning website.

Please send any queries via email to Gemma.Hargreaves@leadinglearning.co.uk or Cavelle.PriestleyBird@leadinglearning.co.uk.

HLTA preparation training with the Severn Training & Schools Alliance

Severn Training & Schools Alliance (STSA) are offering HLTA preparation here in Telford in Autumn 2023. The course will be delivered in partnership with Best Practice Network and the dates for the first cohort are 5 October and 17 November 2023.

The cost for the two-day course (delivered face to face) will be £290 + VAT, following attendance candidates will need an external assessment, the cost for this will be £450.

You can find full details on the training and an application link online.

When applying please ensure you select face to face as your preferred training option, and then select Severn Training & Schools Alliance as the delivery partner. Applications close on 22 September 2023.

Queries can be sent via email to Sue.stoddart2@taw.org.uk.

CPD courses to the end of September 2023

Welcome back to school for the new academic year! We hope you have enjoyed a restful and enjoyable summer break and we look forward to seeing you again on our courses this year.

The 2023-24 CPD Booklet can be viewed on the Telford Education Services page.

The majority of courses can be booked by completing and returning a CPD booking form to cpdschoolimprovement@telford.gov.uk.

For courses run by the HR team, please either book via Ollie or by sending an email to HRhelpdesk@telford.gov.uk.

ELSA Training - part 1 (EPS 004)	Wednesday, September 13, 2023	9am to 3pm
Raising Awareness of Child Protection (SG 108)	Thursday, September 14, 2023	3.30pm to 5pm
Supporting SEND in the Classroom for Early Career Teachers - part 1 (LSAT 502)	Thursday, September 14, 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
Establishing Yourself as a SEND leader, for new and returning SENCOs - part 1 (LSAT 302)	Monday, September 18, 2023	9.15am to 3.30pm
CSE Lead Network Meeting (by invitation for CSE Leads)	Monday, September 18, 2023	10am to 12noon
St Giles' Trust SOS+ Training (SG 207)	Tuesday, September 19, 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
ELSA Training - part 2 (EPS 004)	Wednesday, September 20, 2023	9am to 3pm
Quality First Teaching for SEND (LSAT 516)	Wednesday, September 20, 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
Safety Intervention Refresher Training CPI accredited (BSAT 212)	Thursday, September 21, 2023	8.45am to 12.30pm
SENCo Network Meeting (by invitation for SENCOs)	Thursday, September 21, 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
Pupil Premium Network Meeting (CPD 721)	Thursday, September 21, 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
Managing Child on Child Abuse (SG 208)	Thursday, September 21, 2023	1pm to 4pm
Establishing Yourself as a SEND leader, for new and returning SENCOs - part 2 (LSAT 302)	Monday, September 25, 2023	9.15am to 3.30pm
Managing Employee Performance Management HR course	Monday, September 25, 2023	2.30pm to 5pm
St Giles' Trust SOS+ Training (SG 207)	Tuesday, September 26, 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
EAL Network Meeting (CPD 526)	Tuesday, September 26, 2023	3.30pm to 5pm
School Attendance Briefing Update (AST 004)	Wednesday, September 27, 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
ELSA Training - part 3 (EPS 004)	Wednesday, September 27, 2023	9am to 3pm
Newly Appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads' Training (2 days) - part 1 (SG 102)	Wednesday, September 27, 2023	9.15am to 4pm
An Introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EY 001)	Wednesday, September 27, 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
The Hearing Impaired Child in your Class (SIS 002)	Thursday, September 28, 2023	8.30am to 4pm
Safety Intervention Training CPI accredited – Part 1 (BSAT 201)	Thursday, September 28, 2023	8.30am to 4pm
Newly Appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads' Training (2 days) - part 2 (SG 102)	Thursday, September 28, 2023	9.15am to 4pm
Red Book Training for Accessing Legal Interventions – in line with ‘Working Together to Improve School Attendance’ (AST 006)	Friday, September 29, 2023	Full day

Malinsgate Police Station to open its doors to the public

Malinsgate Police Station are opening their doors, and would like the help of schools to spread the message:

We’re opening the doors to Malinsgate Police Station in Telford to the public next month for a unique look behind the scenes of West Mercia Police.

The public are invited to come along on Sunday 10 September, between 12pm and 4pm, to meet their local policing teams, as well as explore the station’s custody suite.

People will get the chance investigate a crime scene, meet our police dogs, speak to their local officers and even find out how they could join West Mercia Police.

The event is open to all ages, and entertainment for children will also be provided.

Inspector Richard Jones, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to come along and meet some of their local officers and share any concerns or thoughts they may have with us. The day will offer members of the public a unique look at what a working police station looks like, as well being able to sit in a police car and visit custody.

"There will also be lots of entertainment in place for children, including a guest appearance by our force's mascot PC Peeler. The event is completely free, and I would encourage anyone interested in policing, or anyone who wants to experience first hand what our job looks like, to come along on the day."

A number of external exhibitors are also expected to be there on the day, including other emergency services.

If you have family and friends who would love to have an insight into policing, or to have a fun day out then tell them about our police open day at Malinsgate. Or maybe you're police staff and thinking of becoming an officer, this event is perfect as you get the opportunity to speak to officers and experience policing first hand.

This entry was posted by Claire on Wednesday, 06 September 2023.

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Every week during term time we publish a new update for the education community. It includes essential briefings and specialist information about education.

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