Education Noticeboard - 2 February 2023
Welcome to the Education Noticeboard. A round-up of news, guidance and key updates for education settings.
Included in this update:
- Director update
- Council’s investment in borough schools helps children and young people with support needs thrive
- Children and parents lead design of Telford & Wrekin playground
- Annual guide launches to support carers in Telford & Wrekin
- Photo ID now required to vote at polling stations
- More grants up for grabs to help run holiday clubs
- Supermarket School Holiday Food Vouchers
- National Referral Mechanism Support
- Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership – January update
- The Attendance Support Team have reviewed and updated the referral form (ASTR) for schools
- SEND Newsletter – January 2023
- The Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Show – 16 March 2023
- Your questions about apprenticeships answered
- Learn Live Broadcast by Telford College for National Apprenticeship Week
- T-Level Strategic Overview: New date
- Post-16 Retention Strategies and Techniques
- Subsidy for Schools: RSHE Programmes in 2022/23
- 2023/24 School Budget Briefings on Teams
- LGBTQ+ History Month
- Children’s Mental Health Week: 6-12 February 2023
- Race Equality Week: 6-12 February 2023
- Safer Internet Day: 7 February 2023
- An opportunity to place your CPD course bookings
- Free online briefing regarding Early Career Teacher Appropriate Body arrangements from September 2023
- Secondary Subject Networks being run by University Centre Shrewsbury
- School closures during the 2023 teacher strike
- How all settings need to prepare for the new national Emergency Alerts system
- Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) webinar series for schools
- Free quality assured mental health lead training for schools and colleges
- Supporting National Apprenticeship Week: 6-12 February 2023
Director update
Dear colleagues
Some positive news stories to share with you. Below we feature an article that showcases the new secondary specialist running at the Telford Langley School in collaboration with Southall School. This compliments our existing hubs at Hollinswood and Old Park Primary Schools and a more recent development at Newport Infants.
Shortwood Primary School recently took part in the planning of a new play park, situated near the school, also working alongside local residents and a housing developer. The final result is now open, and a fantastic achievement by all concerned. The park will be a fantastic addition to the local area.
The Happy, Healthy and Active Holidays scheme is now well established, and it is time for schools to apply for a share of the funding to put on holiday clubs that will take place over Easter. This provision has made so much difference to young people in the borough, helping alleviate some of the financial pressures that school holiday periods can bring. Please do support us with the scheme if you can.
With February, LGBTQ+ History Month has arrived and the rainbow flag is now flying proudly on top of Addenbrooke House. There are a number of events planned through the month, designed to foster inclusivity and acceptance.
Other updates include safeguarding, SEND and a number of updates relevant to the upcoming National Apprenticeship Weeks. These include a rearranged date for the upcoming T-Levels briefing at Telford College, and a reminder that the Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Show will still be going ahead on 16 march 2023.
Have a great week everyone.
Simon
Simon Wellman
Director: Education & Skills
Council’s investment in borough schools helps children and young people with support needs thrive
In recent years, Telford & Wrekin Council has been investing heavily into schools across the borough, to create more school places and several Specialist Provision Hubs within existing school buildings for children and young people with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities).
The Council has been working with some of the borough’s primary and secondary schools to develop Specialist Provision Hubs (which are adapted classrooms within school buildings), which help eligible children and young people with SEND to access mainstream education.
Each Specialist Provision Hub developed by the Council provides eight additional places in mainstream primary and secondary schools for children and young people with SEND.
Specialist Provision Hubs are already in place at a number of primary schools across the borough, such as Hollinswood, Old Park and Wrockwardine Wood Infant Schools, with another Hub soon to be finalised at John Randall Primary school.
In the last year, a Secondary Specialist Hub has been running at The Telford Langley School, to support young people from Southall School.
Since accessing the Specialist Provision Hub at The Telford Langley School, young people from Southall School said that they feel “a lot more independent”, “capable” and are “getting more opportunities and more lessons” that can help them in life.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds (Lab), cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “We are strongly committed to continue to invest in our schools, to create more school places so every local child and young person can attend the local school of their choice.
“As part of this investment, we are also expanding some schools’ provision with Specialist Provision Hubs - to give children and young people with special needs the same opportunities in mainstream education that others of their generation have and to create more inclusive schools. It’s fantastic to hear about the progress students attending these Hubs are making!
“In the coming years, further Specialist Provision Hubs will be created at schools in our borough, so more children and young people with special needs benefit from enhanced support and from the opportunities of their local mainstream schools. We are on their side, we want to them to thrive and get the best start in life.”
Steven Carter, Headteacher at The Telford Langley School said: “Young people who join the Specialist Provision Hub of our school have an academic profile that enable them to take part in the lessons of a mainstream school - they wouldn’t have this opportunity otherwise. The Hub is now an integral part of our school and this is incredibly beneficial for all our students”
Abi Martin, Headteacher at Southall School said: “Since they go to the Specialist Provision Hub at The Telford Langley School, I have seen our young people flourish and become more independent. The Hub is a huge success both for our school and The Telford Langley school - for the staff, the parents and carers but most importantly, for the youngsters who attend it.”
Children and parents lead design of Telford & Wrekin playground
A brand-new playground, inspired by the community, is in full swing in Telford & Wrekin.
The play area in John Broad Avenue, Arleston, is the latest to be revealed by Telford & Wrekin Council which is transforming play areas across the borough and creating more opportunities for children to enjoy outdoor play. It has reopened following an exciting makeover which has been led by residents and children at Short Wood Primary School.
It now features equipment suitable for a wider range of ages and abilities. It includes a parent and child swing seat and a basket swing which can be used by children with disabilities. There is a wheelchair accessible roundabout and access to the slide. Imaginative interactive panels which time how fast children use the equipment while the multi-unit with monkey bars appeals to an older age group.
Carolyn Healy, (Lab), cabinet member for climate change, green spaces, natural and historic environment and cultural services said: “I am delighted that Telford & Wrekin Council has delivered another fantastic playground transformation which will benefit a wider range of ages and abilities. It is vital that children have access to high quality play facilities. It’s especially important during the cost of living crisis because play areas don’t cost money to use. This council is on the side of all residents, including our young people, and that’s why we are investing in a number of other play areas across the borough.”
Ward member for Arleston, councillor Angela McClements said: “The consultation with the community and the school was really positive and the design is overwhelmingly what they asked for. This is an excellent example of how the council is giving residents a voice and listening to their feedback. The new play area looks brilliant and I am sure it will be well used. It’s great that we are extending the age range of children using playgrounds because getting young people outdoors is good for their health and for their social development.”
The play area is the first in the borough to feature a ‘TikTok stage’ which was popular with residents and Short Wood Primary pupils.
Anna Lewis is a teacher at the school and said: “We are very keen to make a positive contribution to our community. The park was the perfect opportunity for ‘Short Woodies’ of all ages to contribute. The nursery children in particular invested time visiting the old park and coming up with new plans and designs to send to the council. The new park is a welcome improvement and we are pleased it is inclusive for all children.”
John Broad Avenue play park has been funded by contributions from 106 agreements with a nearby housing developer. So too, has the refurbishment of the ball court at Gresham Drive and a new outdoor gym which is underway.
Work is also on track at Donnington recreation ground where a new outdoor fitness centre is being built, believed to be the biggest in the Midlands.
Meanwhile, further play area projects funded by Telford & Wrekin Council’s £750,000 ‘On Your Side’ investment programme are progressing rapidly. New equipment is already in the ground at Parrots Beak play park in Wrockwardine Wood. Next month, further projects are expected to start at First Avenue in Ketley, Tweedale Crescent in Madeley and Dallamoor in Hollinswood.
Annual guide launches to support carers in Telford & Wrekin
Telford & Wrekin Council, together with Telford All Age Carers Centre and a range of local organisations are launching the third edition of the Carer’s Wellbeing Guide, to support all borough’s carers in their role.
The Carer’s Wellbeing Guide is a one-stop guide that contains useful information, advice and contacts for carers to use in day-to-day life. It is available now for download from the telford.gov.uk website.
Printed and digital copies of the guide will be distributed in the coming weeks to registered Carers in Telford and Wrekin via the “Telford & Wrekin All Age Carers Centre” as well as to the borough’s Independent Living Centre and Age UK.
Anyone who wants to request a printed copy of it can do so by calling 01952 457181 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm) or by filling in the online contact form.
The Carer’s Wellbeing guide is at its third edition and includes updated information for carers in the borough on a wide range of benefits and financial support schemes to help with the cost-of-living, community services, wellbeing advice, getting out in the borough and many more.
Councillor Andy Burford (Lab), cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health, Integration and Transformation said: “Do you provide care or support to a relative, partner, child or friend who has an illness, disability, addiction or is older and frail? If the answer is yes, then you are a carer. We are on your side. We know that caring can be challenging and exhausting at times and we want to help all carers in our borough.
“The third edition of the Carer’s Wellbeing Guide developed by our Council and local partners tells you in one place about the support you are entitled to as a carer and signposts to many local organisations that can be of assistance. In the previous years, people told us that they found this guide “very useful and informative”, “very helpful and reassuring to know it is there and someone is interested in carers”, “a great little book”, “a first port of call when requiring advice” - to quote just a few of the feedback received.
“We hope this newly launched, updated Carer’s Wellbeing Guide will continue to help you make the most of the support available to you. Let us know what you think about the guide and whether it is helpful for you and your family. Please also help us spread the word about the guide, so many local carers can benefit from it.”
Photo ID now required to vote at polling stations
Local elections are being held on 4 May 2023 in Telford & Wrekin. New government legislation means you will need to show photo ID to vote at a polling station.
We’re particularly keen to make younger voters aware of this new requirement. This includes anyone who will turn 18 by 4 May 2023 – please help us to spread the word.
If you don't have an accepted form of photo ID, you can now apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Please note, you will not need to show photo ID to apply to vote by post for this election.
You can check if your ID is acceptable, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, find out more about voter ID, or apply for a postal vote by visiting the Electoral Commission website.
More grants up for grabs to help run holiday clubs
Schools can apply now for a share of an £854,000 funding pot to put on free holiday clubs to keep children healthy, happy and fed over Easter.
Telford & Wrekin Council is looking for organisations who can provide a healthy meal or fun activities, such as sports, arts and crafts, nature or cooking as part of Happy, Healthy and Active Holidays.
1,500 eligible children have attended a free holiday club in Telford & Wrekin in the past year.
The school holidays can be financially challenging for families, and some children feel isolated. These holiday clubs make a difference to those who need them most, so please get involved.
Read more on the Telford Newsroom website.
Supermarket School Holiday Food Vouchers
The government has provided the council with funding via the Household Support Fund for the period from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023. We have already used part of it to issue Holiday Food Vouchers for October half-term and Christmas 2022 to those in receipt of income-based Free School Meals, the Pupil Premium, Service Pupil Premium, Talking Two’s and Early Years Pupil Premium.
We will soon be using another part of this funding to provide a further round of vouchers to the same pupil groups for the following school holidays:
- £15 per pupil for the week of the February 2023 half-term holiday. We are planning on issuing these either on or soon after Friday 10 February 2023.
- £15 per pupil per week for the two weeks of the Easter 2023 holiday (making a total of £30 for each of them). Like we did last year, these will be combined with the February half-term vouchers, so we are also planning to issue them either on or soon after Friday 10 February 2023.
We will continue to send vouchers out directly by email to all parents / carers we hold an email address for.
Our communication to parents will include contact details for if they experience any problems with the voucher, plus a link to a Frequently Asked Questions web page. In the unlikely event that a parent contacts the school with a query regarding vouchers they have not received, please direct them to winterfunding.grant@telford.gov.uk. If the query instead relates to problems downloading or spending the voucher, please refer parents to our voucher provider Select Essentials. They can be contacted on 0800 587 2294 or by completing a form online: How to apply.
There are a small number of families that require assistance obtaining their vouchers or who do not have an email address. These will again be distributed to schools, and this will take place around Tuesday 14 February 2023 for the February half-term and Easter 2023 voucher round. Please forward these to the parents of the child each has been allocated to. This will help us track who has received them in the event of queries.
Thank you very much for your ongoing support with providing us your data and distributing these vouchers.
The current funding we have been given ends on 31 March 2023, so at this stage we don’t know if vouchers will be provided for any holidays beyond Easter 2023.
For more details on how we are distributing the Household Support Fund, including details of our application process for those experiencing severe financial difficulties, please visit the Household Support Fund website. We have also created two financial advice leaflets – one for people of working age and one for pensioners. The Council has also developed Cost of Living web pages, which contain a range of help, support and advice. Please feel free to share these links.
National Referral Mechanism Support
The NRM is the process the government uses to identify people who might be victims of modern slavery. It is also used to refer victims to organisations who can help to provide the protection and support you need to recover.
A leaflet is available to download, which provides further information on what the National Referral Mechanism is, who it supports and how it works:
Download: National Referral Mechanism Support leaflet
Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership – January update
The January Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership (TWSP) newsletter is available to download:
Download: TWSP January newsletter
The Attendance Support Team have reviewed and updated the referral form (ASTR) for schools
The Attendance Support Team (AST) have reviewed and updated the Attendance Support Team Referral (ASTR) form for schools.
Schools will now need to provide additional information when making referrals. Please start use the new form with immediate effect.
Schools will be aware that the Attendance Support Team are working towards implementing changes in line with the Department for Education guidance ‘Working Together to Improve School Attendance’ that was published in May 2022. The referral form (ASTR) now requires additional information as AST will require evidence that appropriate support has been offered to families before punitive measures are taken.
Queries can be sent via email to attendancesupportteam@telford.gov.uk.
SEND Newsletter – January 2023
Discover all the current news and information about Special Educational Needs and Disability in Telford & Wrekin
Download: SEND Newsletter January 2023
The Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Show – 16 March 2023
The Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Show 2023 is back on Thursday 16 March 2023. The event will take place at The International Centre, Telford 12noon-7.30pm, with the 12noon-12.30pm slot available exclusively for SEND students as a quieter time before the event gets too busy.
It’s the largest event of its kind this side of the NEC in Birmingham and aims to promote local apprenticeship opportunities to people across Telford, Shropshire and the West Midlands. It is completely free to attend.
Apprenticeships are a great way to build the workforce of tomorrow and are now seen as a very viable alternative to university. The show is also a great opportunity for businesses to showcase careers and jobs that exist now and in the future.
Please make sure this date is in your diary and reserve a slot for your school – we very much look forward to seeing you and your students at the show in 2023.
Places can be booked online.
Your questions about apprenticeships answered
Find out about apprenticeships, with the Marches Careers Hub with a 'Learn Live' broadcast. This will go out on 7 February 2023, 10–10:45am. To register for this event, click on the joining link. For more information you can view the trailer.
Learn Live Broadcast by Telford College for National Apprenticeship Week
Telford College is laying on a series of webinars and Facebook live sessions as part of a busy programme of activities during National Apprenticeships Week.
The campaign aims to shine a light on some of the amazing work being done by employers and apprentices, and the employment opportunities currently available.
Telford College currently offers 32 different apprenticeships, and will be spotlighting a different area of its curriculum each day during the week, which runs from 8-14 February 2023:
Engineering and electrical apprenticeships will be in focus for the first day of the programme, Monday 8 February 2023, including a webinar and Facebook live forum.
Tuesday 9 February 2023 will concentrate on apprenticeships in early years, healthcare, and teaching assistant roles, and will again include a webinar and Facebook live broadcast.
Attention will switch to hands-on careers on Wednesday 10 February 2023, including programmes for construction groundworkers, highways operative’s bricklaying and property maintenance.
On Thursday 11 February 2023, there will be two webinars and a Facebook live session to focus on professional services, including IT, human resources, customer service, business administration, and accountancy.
The week’s programme of webinars and Facebook live sessions will finish on Friday 12 February 2023 with sessions on the college’s range of automotive apprenticeships.
Throughout the week, Telford College will also be showcasing the achievements of its latest apprentices, and some of the 700 employers which partner with the college on apprenticeship programmes.
Full details about the college’s National Apprenticeship Week programme, and links to the webinars, can be found on the Telford College website.
Beckie Bosworth, Telford College’s employer engagement manager, said: “This week is all about promoting the great work of our apprentices, whilst highlighting the many benefits apprenticeships bring to local businesses. We will shine a light on how our apprentices of all ages and backgrounds are helping to transform a range of businesses across the county, and further afield too.”
T-Level Strategic Overview: New date
Due to forthcoming industrial action the T-Level Strategic Overview arranged for 1 February 2023 has now changed to Thursday 16 February 2023.
The session will take place at Telford College, 4-5.30pm.
Timings for the event will remain the same and the agenda is as follows:
| 4pm | Arrival and welcome refreshments. |
| 4.10pm | Welcome and Introduction, strategic overview T-Level presentations. |
| 4.50pm | Group workshops – working in partnership to secure the futures of the young people of Telford. |
| 5.20pm | Closing address. |
| 5.30pm | Depart. |
Please RSVP for this new date by Friday 3 February 2023 by emailing melissa.whitrick@telfordcollege.ac.uk.
Post-16 Retention Strategies and Techniques
The Department for Education have released a new publication sharing strategies to support pre-census retention for 16-19 full time learners.
The document gives examples of approaches that have been used by colleges, sharing both strategic and operational techniques.
The document reported over 50% of colleges had drop our rates within the first 42 days of between 4% and 8%. Of all learners that dropped out 7.6% were aged 18 and the percentage of females was slightly higher than that of males. A clear indicator in retention was deprivation, and analysis by level of provision identifies a clear issue with retention on lower level provision. This is particularly true of Level 1 in both in GFE and Sixth Form Colleges, which is over double that of level 3 withdrawls.
A levels have the lowest withdrawl rate. Subject areas including Health, Public Services and Care, Construction, Retail and Commercial Enterprise, and Arts, Media and Publishing all lost significant numbers of learners during that initial 42 day pre census period.
The full report containing strategies and case studies is available to download.
Subsidy for Schools: RSHE Programmes in 2022/23
Telford & Wrekin Council have once again secured funding for schools to have Loudmouth’s RSHE programmes this academic year.
This academic year, schools are entitled to all 3 of the following offers:
Offer 1:
Year 7 – choose 1 of the following fully funded theatre in education programmes:
- Talking Heads on mental wellbeing (live, face to face programme).
OR - Bully 4 U virtual session (film and live, online workshops) on bullying, resilience, online safety, homophobic and sexual/sexist bullying.
Offer 2:
Year 9 upwards – fully funded, for one year group only:
- Calling Out on harmful sexual behaviours (live, face to face programme)
Offer 3:
Year 8 upwards – choose up to 2 of the following live, face to face programmes for £3 per pupil per programme:
- Working For Marcus on child exploitation.
- Safe & Sound on abuse in teenage relationships.
- Trust Me on sexual health.
Each live, face to face programme consists of a drama performance and character Q&A for one year group, followed by consecutive, class size workshops. Alternatively, they can be delivered as an hour-long assembly style session.
Loudmouth will have virtual, back-up options available for every programme.
To register your interest or if you’re ready to book, please ring Caroline on 0121 446 4880 or email caroline@loudmouth.co.uk as soon as possible.
2023/24 School Budget Briefings on Teams
The annual briefings on the forthcoming year’s school budgets will once again be offered on Teams. These provide an opportunity to be updated on the make-up of school budget allocations for 2023/24, significant changes compared to this year, etc. There are two alternative times being offered:
- Wednesday 8 February 2023, 9.30am
- Friday 10 February 2023, 9.30am
If you would like to attend one of these sessions please email Amy Farmer, amy.farmer@telford.gov.uk, and you will be sent you a Teams invite.
LGBTQ+ History Month
February marks LGBTQ+ History Month a month-long annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual trans, and non-binary history, including the history of LGBT+ rights and related civil rights movements.
LGBTQ+ History Month 2023: Behind the Lens celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. Directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, makeup artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond.
With that in mind we have a number of events to celebrate and promote the month which include:
- 1 February 2023 – Flag raising at Addenbrooke.
- 1 February 2023 – History’s a Drag (16+) at Telford Theatre, with RuPaul drag stars Vanity Milan and Elektra Fence. A show that promises to be sexy, savage, Sugar and spice and everything nice. To book please visit the Telford Theatre website.
- 2 podcasts will be available, one talking about film and the other talking about literature.
- 3 March 2033 – A film showing at The Orbit Cinema Wellington – ‘Blue Jean’ is a quiet and soulful drama, about a closeted PE teacher as she reckons with her identity during the introduction of stigmatising law to Thatcherite Britain. Peter Tatchell will also attend the screening to give a talk and Q&A. It’s £8 or £7 concessions for the film and Q&A or £14 and £13 respectively which also includes meat or veggie chilli. To book or for general enquiries please visit the Wellington Orbit website or call 01952743377.
At a time when LGBTQ+ lives are in the media we also encourage you to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to the lived experiences of the LGBT+ community.
For more information aboout LGBTQ+ History Month, please visit the Stonewall website. They also provide a resource hub for schools.
Children’s Mental Health Week: 6-12 February 2023
Children's Mental Health Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about children and young people's mental health. This important event is a brilliant opportunity to open a discussion about mental health and wellbeing with children and young people.
The children's mental health charity, Place2Be, set up Children's Mental Health Week to highlight the importance of mental health for children and young people. Up to 1 in 4 people experience some sort of a mental health issue at some point during in our lifetime.
This year’s theme is “Lets Connect” and as human’s we thrive living in communities, and this is vital for our wellbeing, and our survival. When our connections are not met, we can sometimes feel isolated and lonely – which can have a negative impact on our mental health.
It is important that we encourage our children and young people understand how important it is to make meaningful connections. When we have healthy connections – to family, friends and others – this can support our mental health and our sense of wellbeing in our everyday lives.
One very simple but powerful way to connect with others is through friendships and kindness.
Please see below some free resources which are available to teachers about this subject:
Twinkl: Children's Mental Health Week
Race Equality Week: 6-12 February 2023
Race Equality Week is a UK-wide initiative, uniting hundreds of organisations and individuals in activity to address the barriers facing race equality in the workplace.
The theme for 2023 is #ItsEveryonesBusiness because tackling race inequality is everyone’s business
This theme was chosen as 79% of respondents believe it would have a meaningful impact on tackling race inequality.
Overall, since the flurry of pledges many organisations were making back in 2020 to become more inclusive, which for many included black squares, signing charters and race action plans, progress in addressing racial inequality is proving to be a challenge.
Race Equality Matters’ survey highlighted that the majority of respondents felt very little had changed in the last 12 months. Whilst some organisations are now taking a nudge approach, which is starting to impact change. Many have struggled to know where to start.
The drive to achieve race equality has to come from everyone! And that’s where the 5-Day challenge comes in #ItsEveryonesBusiness,
Ambition: A UK wide collaboration of thousands of organisations and millions of employees creating change to achieve Race Equality in our workplaces. Race Equality Matters are creating a movement, a collaboration of companies, organisations, race networks, experts in the field, allies, and employees to improve workplace equality across the public, private and charity sectors
For further resources please visit the links below:
https://www.raceequalitymatters.com/race-equality-week/
Race Equality Matters: 5-day Challenge
Safer Internet Day: 7 February 2023
Safer Internet Day is celebrated every year in early February. This year it will take place on Tuesday 7 February 2023, with the theme theme ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’.
The aim is to raise awareness and starting a conversation about internet safety, particularly with young people who may not understand how to stay safe when using the internet.
The internet plays a huge part in the lives of young people today, with many playing games, posting on social media, and/or using video sharing platforms. It can be used positively, by helping young people to learn new skills, express themselves creatively, and strengthen social bonds.
Safer Internet Day is organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre, and through working with other organisations they promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
In the UK, they are celebrating by putting children and young people’s voices at the heart of the day and encouraging them to shape the online safety support that they receive.
Over the years, Safer Internet Day has become a landmark event in the online safety calendar. Starting as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 and taken up by the Insafe network as one of its earliest actions in 2005, Safer Internet Day has grown beyond its traditional geographic zone and is now celebrated in approximately 170 countries worldwide.
It’s important to keep our Children and Young People safe whilst using the internet. Free resources are available on the following websites:
Safer Internet Day: Educational resources
An opportunity to place your CPD course bookings
The CPD Booklet continues to be available on the Telford Education Services site to the end of the academic year 2023.
Course bookings with a course code are made by sending a completed CPD booking form via email to cpdschoolimprovement@telford.gov.uk.
Other courses and briefings without a course code are usually booked by sending your email address name and school name to cpdschoolimprovement@telford.gov.uk (unless stated otherwise).
Free online briefing regarding Early Career Teacher Appropriate Body arrangements from September 2023
You will already be aware that the Government is transitioning the responsibility for the Early Career Teacher Appropriate Body services from local authorities to Teaching School Hubs (TSH).
From September 2023 Telford & Wrekin Local Authority will no longer be providing an Appropriate Body Service. We are working closely with the STEP Teaching School Hub, based at The Priory School, Shrewsbury, to ensure this transition runs as smoothly as possible. We recommend that when schools either choose, or have to transfer their Early Caree4r Teachers (ECTs) at the end of August 2023, they choose the STEP TSH.
This free online briefing will be led by Telford & Wrekin Local Authority in partnership with STEP and is taking place Thursday 9 March 2023 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. The briefing will inform you of the arrangements going forward and what actions you need to take to ensure your ECT remains registered with an Appropriate Body.
To book your place please send a completed CPD booking form to cpdschoolimprovement@telford.gov.uk.
Secondary Subject Networks being run by University Centre Shrewsbury
Termly subject networks are delivered by associates who are experts in their area. Delegates are updated on national and local developments that are new and emerging. The networks provide an opportunity to develop subject knowledge and share best practice, resources, and ideas. Visiting speakers are often invited to present at the meetings.
The timetable is as follows:
| Date: | Time: | Subject/course title: | Venue: | Cost per person: |
| 6 February 2023 | 9.30-11am | Secondary Geography Network | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 7 February 2023 | 9.30-11am | Secondary ICT Network | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 8 February 2023 | 2-4.30pm | Secondary Science Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
| 9 February 2023 | 1.30-3pm | Secondary Art Network | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 14 February 2023 | 9.30-11am | Secondary Drama Network | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 28 February 2023 | 3.45-17.15pm | Pastoral Care and Support (Secondary) | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 28 February 2023 | 4-5.30pm | Secondary History Network | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 1 March 2023 | 9.30-12am | Secondary English Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
| 6 March 2023 | 1.30-4pm | Secondary Design and Technology Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
| 8 March 2023 | 1.30-3pm | Secondary Modern Languages Network | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 17 May 2023 | 3.45-5.15pm | Pastoral Care and Support (Secondary) | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 23 May 2023 | 9.30-11am | Secondary Drama Network | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 5 June 2023 | 9.30-12am | Secondary Geography Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
| 15 June 2023 | 1.30-4pm | Secondary Modern Languages Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
| 22 June 2023 | 9.30-11am | Secondary PSHE/RSHE Network | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 27 June 2023 | 1.30-3pm | Secondary Physical Education Network | Online Microsoft Teams |
£70 |
| 29 June 2023 | 9.30-12am | Secondary ICT Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
| 29 June 2023 | 2-4.30pm | Secondary Science Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
| 3 July 2023 | 1.30-4pm | Secondary Design and Technology Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
| 4 July 2023 | 1.30-4pm | Secondary Art Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
| 4 July 2023 | 1.30-4pm | Secondary History Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
| 6 July 2023 | 9.30-12am | Secondary English Network | Face to Face University Centre Shrewsbury |
£100 |
To book onto a network meeting please visit the University Centre Shrewsbury website.
For enquiries please contact:
- Lucy Adams l.adams@chester.ac.uk (01743 297596)
- Pam Welsh cpd@chester.ac.uk (01743 297168)
School closures during the 2023 teacher strike
This is an update from the Department for Education
A summary of data collected by the Department for Education relating to the 2023 teacher strike.
It specifies the proportion of state-funded schools in England which were:
- fully open
- open but restricting attendance
- closed
The full summar is available to download from the DfE website.
How all settings need to prepare for the new national Emergency Alerts system
This is an update from the Department for Education
The government is set to roll out a new Emergency Alerts system, which will send alerts to mobile phones when there is a danger to life in the area you are located. It is expected to launch this year with all compatible 4G and 5G devices in England receiving a “welcome message”.
If you get an emergency alert on your mobile phone or 4G/5G device, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check online if an alert is genuine.
Please read the new Emergency Alerts guidance and review your setting’s risk assessments and emergency plans to include relevant processes, should an emergency alert be issued in your area.
Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) webinar series for schools
This is an update from the Department for Education
Join us and our subject experts for a series of safeguarding webinars to help schools feel supported in safeguarding children, following statutory safeguarding guidance ‘keeping children safe in education’ (KCSIE). You can now register for the following sessions:
- Monday 6 February 2023 (4pm to 5pm): Low Level Concerns
Improve understanding of low-level concerns, including handling and barriers in managing these. - Tuesday 7 February 2023 (4pm to 5pm): Single Central Record
Improve understanding of the statutory requirements for the single central record, including guidance on the checking and auditing process. - Wednesday 1 March 2023 (4pm to 5pm): Sexting/Online Harms
Improve understanding around motivations for ‘sexting’, particularly in teenage males, including guidance on handling. - Monday 6 March (4pm to 5pm): Safeguarding Partners
Improve understanding of the safeguarding partners’ role and the role school staff play in the relationship.
Recordings of all sessions will be available following the events.
Free quality assured mental health lead training for schools and colleges
This is an update from the Department for Education
Take 5 minutes to reserve a £1,200 grant for Department for Education quality assured senior mental health lead training.
This develops knowledge and practical skills to embed an effective whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing, which contributes to improved learning, attendance and behaviour, by:
- understanding and identifying mental health and wellbeing needs
- planning and leading change to improve your approach
- developing your setting’s universal and targeted support offer
- developing strategies to listen to student/pupil voice and developing positive relationships with parents, families and carers
- working effectively with community mental health services
The grant can also be used to pay for supply cover to backfill the individual undertaking training, or for further support to sustain your approach to mental health and wellbeing.
Supporting National Apprenticeship Week: 6-12 February 2023
This is an update from the Department for Education
Our interactive online map has now launched, where you can view the variety of events that have been organised across the country to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
We will be showcasing the best events, videos and activities in our newsletters and across our social media channels.
If you are planning to host an event, please complete our events form as soon as possible to get your event added to the events map.