Education Noticeboard

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

We are now in the final week of the area SEND inspection. Many thanks to those that have met and worked with the inspectors – your support is much appreciated. As you will understand the outcomes from the inspection will be kept under wraps for some time but as soon as we are able we will let you know.

It is hard to believe that we are so close to the Easter Holidays, this academic year is flying by. In the noticeboard this week is a reminder of how families can access the Happy Health Active Holidays scheme as bookings are now open. We are also welcoming the return of one-pound activities for kids, which is fantastic value and open to all. Please do publicise both these to the families and carers of the children in your setting (noting there is eligibility criteria to access HHAH).

This week’s Education Noticeboard also includes advice for schools during Ramadan, updates from SEND, the Department for Education and Virtual School. Telford & Wrekin have also had some tickets for a special Deaf men’s England Vs Germany football game, hosted at AFC Telford, made available to them. This takes place tomorrow, so act quickly to take advantage of this offer as it is first come first served. All the information you need is in the article below.

Wishing you all a good rest of the week.

Simon

Simon Wellman
Director: Education & Skills

Halesfield Day Nursery start create a ‘Green Group’ to help the environment

Children and staff at Halesfield Day Nursery have started this year off well by going green and helping the community. A small group of children are having a big impact on the area around them by helping tidy up the environment and setting up some new recycling initiatives. The ‘Green Group’ are working through all the accreditation criteria set out by campaigners ‘Surfers Against Sewage’, with children working towards gaining plastic free status for the nursery in addition to making the setting more sustainable.

The children have set up a group and have been litter picking out and around the nursery, then sorting the rubbish collected and evaluating what they’ve found. Using their newfound knowledge they have vowed to minimise the use of single use plastics in the nursery and have so far banned plastic straws, balloons and polysterene cups from being used in the setting.

Helen Childs, nursery manager says: “This project has really had an impact on the children’s views on recycling. Not only have they learnt a lot themselves, they have started to educate others on what they can do to help reduce plastic and help the environment. Children have been keen to get involved and have enhanced the recycling systems already in place in nursery by introducing the recycling of cans and a compost heap for food waste. We are so pleased with the enthusiasm the children have shown and the difference they are making. We look forward to seeing what other ideas they come up with next”.

One pound school holiday activities launched for Easter

Telford & Wrekin Council’s one-pound kids holiday activities are back for the Easter school holidays, helping residents to spend less and stay local once again.

The latest school holiday brochure has all of the family favourite activities like swimming, bike hire, tennis, golf and soft play available 7 days a week from Monday 3 to Sunday 16 April.

As the weather gets warmer, those families wanting to make the most of the outdoors can look to Telford Bike Hub in Telford Town Park who are offering one pound bike hire. Adventure golf, disc golf and Sky Reach are also open during the Easter holidays. Many of these activities are also part of the council’s 10 by 10 programme which offers all children ten activities they should try before they are ten years old.

The latest brochure can now be found on the Kids for a quid website.

Important advice for schools during Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the holiest months of the Islamic year for Muslims. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. As this is shorter than the solar year, the month of Ramadan begins 10 or 11 days earlier each year. Ramadan in 2023 will begin on Thursday 23 March 2023.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that fasting has many benefits. For instance: it strengthens self-discipline; it creates sympathy for the poor and the destitute; it reminds them that they belong to a larger Muslim community. Fasting is prescribed for all healthy males and females once they attain the age of puberty. However, it is a common practice for Muslim children to begin fasting before they attain puberty, to become progressively accustomed to the act. Although fasting for the entire month is not prescribed until the age of puberty, many children under the age of 11 may be seen observing the daily fast on certain days of the week or for the entire month.

Muslims also regularly offer extra prayers every night during the month of Ramadan, called ‘Taraweeh’ prayers. Many Muslims of all ages will stay up late saying prayers and reading the Holy Qur’an.

Schools can play a pivotal part in the development of the spiritual, moral and social aspects of their pupils by recognising and building upon the spirit of Ramadan. This will help in promoting diversity, and in enhancing mutual understanding on respective faiths. There are various areas of support that schools can provide for their pupils during the month of Ramadan. Features of good practice in schools include:

Make sure that all staff are aware that it is Ramadan and its implications on school life. Inform midday supervisors and other support staff so they can also support children who are fasting.
Contact parents/ carers to discuss a Ramadan plan. Talk to parents/ carers and work with children who are fasting to see how best they can be supported by holding a meeting, sending a letter or both.
It may beneficial to talk to other students or peers in school about Ramadan and discuss how the fasting month impacts children who will be fasting.
Use Ramadan positively as an educational experience for all pupils, by holding assemblies about it so that the whole school community can learn about its place in Muslim life; by discussions in history or religious education lessons etc.
Plan for teaching and learning opportunities during lessons and assemblies, including speakers to come into school for all pupils to acknowledge, appreciate, and build understanding.
Waking up before sunset to have the first meal will mean disturbed sleep for many, so concentration levels may be low. Make special provision at lunchtimes for pupils who are fasting. This could involve setting up a space or room where they can rest, pray or read the Holy Qur'an with other Muslim pupils or staff.
Keep fasting children occupied during lunchtime with activities. Perhaps set-up a Ramadan club during the lunch hour.
Take care in the timetabling of activities that no pupil who is fasting is required to do anything that would make her/ him break the fast or become dehydrated or weak. This could include swimming, strenuous physical exercise or tasting food in food technology/ cooking sessions.
PE activities may need to be adjusted to suit the needs of pupils who are fasting.
Provide space for older children who may want some quiet time for reflection or maybe to observe prayers.
On sunnier days aim to provide shaded areas during outdoor play. Encourage adequate sun protection.
Be aware of the timing of evening events such as parents’ meetings, so that Muslim staff and pupils either have time to return home to break their fast or are given earlier times before the end of fast.
When planning any activities, after-school clubs, day-trips or any residential during Ramadhan give consideration to how this will affect children who fast.

Weblinks for Useful Resources

BBC Ramdan teaching resources

Resources for schools for Ramadan

For further advice and guidance, please contact Multicultural Development Team via an email to multicultural.development@telford.gov.uk.

Easter 2023 activities available to book on to now, don’t miss out!

The Happy Healthy Active Holidays (HHAH) scheme will be running through the Easter holidays (Saturday 1 April to Sunday 16 April 2023) with multiple holiday clubs running in the first and second week of Easter.. Holiday activities will be available for children and young people who are receiving income-based free school meals (FSM).

There will be a range of activities on offer at Holiday clubs for children in reception to Year 11. Every day a child attends they will be provided with a nutritious meal and at least 4 hours of enrichment activities, including 60 minutes of physical activity, arts, crafts and nature walks. In order to access the scheme parents and carers of children who are eligible must register on the HHAH website. Video tutorials on how to register, manage and cancel bookings are all available on the website.

Parents and carers who are eligible for income-related FSM have been directly notified of the scheme and how to apply by letter (a copy of the letter is available for download). We have notified families and registered users that bookings have gone live from 13 March 2023.

If you are able to further promote the HHAH scheme to eligible families then that would be appreciated. We know some families will need your support to register for the scheme and therefore we have created a paper registration form to help any that are finding it difficult to apply online. Please can we ask that schools support these families in completing the form and returning it to us so that we can get them in contact with the holiday club?

Thank you for help with this!

Like last year, there is some flexibility for other children, not eligible for FSM to access the scheme. This may include children and families living in areas of deprivation, those known to children services and those that have SEND as examples. If you feel a child would benefit from the HHAH programme, please contact the HolidayActivityHub@telford.gov.uk inbox so we can provide more information and a special code for the family to register on the website.

We have put together a brochure of some of the activities running over the Easter holidays. All income related FSM families will have received this with their letters!

CSE Inquiry Response – Site Security Audit

With thanks to the 28 settings who have provided responses so far, we would like to remind our schools and colleges that the Site Security Audit is open for responses until 30 March 2023.

As you know the council is working with various partners to implement the recommendations from the CSE inquiry that was published last year. With regard to education some of those recommendations apply to all schools/settings and others apply to specific phases. We are writing to you today specifically about recommendation 35 which applies to all schools and colleges (post 16 providers).

For your information recommendation 35 states:

Schools and Colleges to carry out an annual review of site security

In association with the Council, all schools and colleges in Telford should carry out an annual review to consider the adequacy of the school’s site security provision, including arrangements for monitoring and recording any unauthorised access, to ensure that pupils are protected from potential perpetrators of CSE while at school, and to ensure appropriate liaison with WMP or Safeguarding where required.

To help achieve this recommendation, we have developed a site security self-audit form, in consultation with schools and colleges, for you to determine the effectiveness of your site security. It asks leaders to assure themselves that risk assessments, policies and procedures are in place to help protect children from the risk of CSE while attending school or college. This self-audit should be considered in conjunction with any relevant advice from your health and safety and building surveyor.

We ask that all schools and colleges (post 16 settings) complete the self-audit and return by 30 March 2023. Many thanks to all 24 of settings who have responded so far. For those who still have to respond, please follow the link below.

The intention is that the audit will both help you inform your site security risk assessment and enable you to identify any actions you may need to take to strengthen the security of your site further and support our understanding of site security procedures in place across schools and colleges to safeguard children. Returns will be audited and we will feedback where additional information may be needed.

The longer term intention will be to include an annual review of site security as part of the 157/175 statutory safeguarding return. This current survey will help us shape the longer term ambition.

We thank you for your help.

Complete the Site Security Audit

Independent Travel Training (ITT) – part of the SEND Telford & Wrekin Local Offer

To support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to become more independent, we are offering the Independent Travel Training as part of the local SEND offer.

If a young person is eligible for travel assistance from our council or currently has travel assistance in place and would like to undertake the travel training, our team can support and can be contacted via an email to travelassistance@telford.gov.uk.

To find out more, watch the video about ITT and visit the Independent Travel Training (ITT) page on the SEND Local Offer website.

Post 16 Provider Survey – Feedback from young people, parents, carers and families

Please share the survey link below with children, young people and their families.

Since 2020, we have seen a number of specialist post 16 provisions open in Telford such as; Derwen@Telford, Crossbar (Inspire+), Really NEET and Mencap. As the first young people are completing their programmes and moving on from these settings, we wanted to give you the opportunity to share your experience of attending one of these settings or supporting a young person to attend.

Your feedback will help us understand what is working well in post 16 education in Telford, but also to identify things that could make the experience in Post 16 education even better.

Please share your feedback to 'Make a Difference' for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities in Telford & Wrekin.

The closing date has been extended until: Sunday 30 April 2023

Complete the Post 16 Provider Survey

Support for school leaders

We want to ensure you are aware of all the internal and external support services available to our school leaders. We know that you can face significant pressures and will often put others before self but it’s important to look after yourselves first – you can’t pour from an empty cup!

We know many of you will enjoy close relationships with your peers and access support through local networks but please feel you can always touch base with us at the local authority when you need to. However, it is still so important that you know there are a range of services that you can access confidentially should you need to.

Support Available:

Local Authority Employee Assistance Programme (run by Health Assured)

Call 0800 783 2808 which is a 24 hour, 7 days a week, confidential telephone support line which can be used for advice or to access counselling support.

They also have online support via a health hub and an app which provides a range of useful resources. For details on how to access the online support please refer to the HR SharePoint site or contact HR: hrhelpdesk@telford.gov.uk.

Education Support Charity

This is the UK’s only charity providing mental health and wellbeing support services to all staff working in education. In addition to the confidential helpline their website contains a wealth of wellbeing information, including webinars and guides.

They also have funding from the DfE to support leaders directly via their School Leaders Service, this provides six session of individual support to focus on your mental wellbeing and help you develop new coping strategies to feel more fulfilled and in control.

HeadsUp for Headteachers

This is a network for headteachers; past present and future with the vision to ensure that headteachers are given the support to be the leaders they are set out to be.

They offer free virtual support sessions both for Headteachers and other senior leaders, as well as a range of coaching packages.

They also have an Early Headship Coaching Offer for all those within the first 5 years of their headship. This is a 12 month programme of intentional well-being support that consists of 1-1 Coaching and Group Peer Support as well as opportunities to assess your own wellbeing as a purposeful leader and sustain the support for your groups beyond the duration of the programme and for years to come. This is provided free (subject to meeting certain criteria).

Further information can be found on the Heads Up website.

As always we thank you for your dedicated work with our children, young people and families across Telford and Wrekin.

Telford sings – giving children and young people a chance to participate in a music performance

Over two days, more than 300 children from 16 schools took part in Telford Sings, inspiring children in our community to discover a talent and a love for singing.

Telford & Wrekin Music Service staged Telford Sings for children to participate in a musical performance with each other and show their creativity.

A short film has been created about the event, which featured mainstream primary and secondary schools, special schools, refugee groups and children educated at home. Thanks to everyone who made it possible!

Telford & Wrekin Music can provide and support your child's music education in schools across the borough. To book lessons or learn more, visit the Telford & Wrekin Music website.

WMVS Children in Care Foundation 2023 Designated Teacher Conference: 17 July 2023

Join colleagues from across the West Midlands for the first regional designated teachers’ conference brought to you by the 14 Virtual Schools in the West Midlands. The event will offer a great opportunity to network with colleagues from across the West Midlands and to hear from national and regional speakers about great practice in supporting care experienced children. The content is aimed at designated teachers and senior leaders with responsibilities for looked after children within the West Midlands region.

Save the date:

Monday 17 July 2023
9am – 4pm
Birmingham Conference Events Centre, Hill Street, Birmingham, B5 4EW

This event will have a limited number of live tickets, with additional virtual tickets also available. Further details regarding the booking process will be released in due course.

Visit the WMVS CiC Foundation website to find out more.

World Autism Acceptance Week: 27 March – 2 April 2023

World Autism Acceptance week is back, 27 March – 2 April 2023. This year the theme is colour.

On world autism awareness day, April 2nd, you may see plenty of blue being shown off to support autism awareness. The colour blue's association to autism originated with the autism advocacy association known as Autism Speaks.

There are currently around 700,000 autistic people in the UK, If we want to live in a more inclusive world, and a world where autistic people are accepted in society and able to live a life of choice and opportunity. Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Don’t stereo type autistic people as they also all have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Below is a list of difficulties autistic people may share:- social communication, social interaction, repetitive and restrictive behaviour, they may be over or under sensitivity to light, sound, taste or touch, could be highly focused on interests or hobbies, and could demonstrate extreme anxiety, have complete meltdowns.

However we have all come a long way in the past 60 years, and today almost everyone has heard of Autism. But far too few people understand what it’s actually like to be autistic and to understand both the strengths you can have and how hard life can be at times.

No one should feel judged for being autistic. We need society to change. Autistic children, adults, and their families just want to be understood, supported and accepted in their communities, schools and workplaces. 

Some resources are available online to help everyone to better understand Autism.

Telford Autism Hub

World Autism Acceptance Week-2023

Beyond Autism teacher resources

Earth Day: 22 April 2023

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on 22nd April each year, and is dedicated to awareness about the environmental challenges facing our planet, and to celebrate those projects that have improved our planet. Co-ordinated by the Earth Day Network, over 193 countries celebrate Earth Day, with more than 1 billion people getting involved every year.

In 2023 the theme of Earth Day will be “Invest in Our Planet” a continuation of the 2022 theme, designed to remind people around the world the need to invest in improving our environment and protecting our planet for future generations.

We need to think about what we can do to keep it special, e.g thinking about what we can do towards saving water and energy, reducing the pollution, recycling and protecting our animals, trees and plants. Children and young people are our future and therefore it is important that we get them interested in protecting the environment they live in.

Are you doing anything to celebrate World Earth Day? Or have you already got an ongoing environmental project within your school/setting?

Veolia have just launched a Sustainability Fund which could help your project come to life with a cash donation, in kind resources or volunteers. The application deadline is 29 September 2023. Visit the Veolia website for further information.

We would like you to share with us your environmental projects or your news on how you have been celebrating World Earth Day. Please send us your stories and photos to education.noticeboard@telford.gov.uk or tag us in your twitter post @TelfordWrekin

Free educational resources for World Earth Day 2023 are available online:

An opportunity to place your CPD course bookings

CPD courses to May half term 2023. Further details of these and other courses are available in the CPD booklet on the Telford Education Services website.

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).

Designated Teachers & Governors for Children in Care Network (compulsory school age) (GO 503)	Wednesday 29 March 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
Designated Safeguarding Leads Refresher (SG 107)	Thursday 30 March 2023	9.15am to 4pm
An Introduction to EAL for Early Career Teachers (CPD 527)	Thursday 30 March 2023	3.45pm to 6pm
Observing Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EY 011)	Wednesday 19 April 2023	1pm to 3pm
Primary Maths Conference (CPD 723)	Friday 21 April 2023	9am to 4pm
Understanding School Finances (GO 508)	Tuesday 25 April 2023	9.15am to 12noon
Safeguarding Refresher Training for All Governors (SG 206)	Wednesday 26 April 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
Managing Sexual Violence & Sexual Harassment in Schools (SG 201)	Tuesday 25 April 2023	1pm to 4pm
Safety Intervention Refresher Training (formerly MAPA Refresher Training) - CPI accredited (BSAT 212)	Thursday 27 April 2023	8.45am to 12.30pm
Child Protection Supervision (SG 203)	Thursday 27 April 2023	9.30am to 12.30pm
Best practice in your breakfast, after-school and holiday provision (EY 104)	Wednesday 03 May 2023	9.15am to 12noon
Newly Appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads' Training (2 days) - part 1 (SG 102)	Wednesday 03 May 2023	9.15am to 4pm
Talk Boost KS1 TBC	Thursday 04 May 2023	TBC
Newly Appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads' Training (2 days) - part 2 (SG 102)	Thursday 04 May 2023	9.15am to 4pm
Listen with Lucy (EY 023)	Tuesday 09 May 2023	1.15pm to 4pm
Safeguarding Training for Newly Appointed Governors (SG 103)	Tuesday 09 May 2023	9.15am to 3.30pm
Child Development: Supporting self-regulation development and positive behaviour outcomes with children in the EYFS (EY 313)	Wednesday 10 May 2023	9.15am to 12noon
Safety Intervention Training (formerly MAPA training) - part 1 - CPI accredited (BSAT 201)	Thursday 11 May 2023	8.30am to 4pm
Understanding Intent, Implementation and Impact within the EYFS in a school (EY 319)	Thursday 11 May 2023	1.15pm to 4pm
EYFS Moderation Trialling (CPD 612)	Tuesday 16 May 2023	1pm to 4pm
Understanding Children’s Development in the EYFS – Milestones, Theories and Approaches (EY 314)	Wednesday 17 May 2023	9.15am to 12noon
Safety Intervention Training (formerly MAPA training) - Part 1 - CPI accredited (BSAT 201)	Thursday 18 May 2023	8.30am to 12.30pm
Effective Support and Supervisions in the EYFS (EY 306)	Thursday 18 May 2023	4pm to 5.30pm
The Importance of the Early Years Foundation Stage in Schools (GO 603)	Tuesday 23 May 2023	5.30m to 7pm
Designated Safeguarding Leads Refresher (SG 107)	Wednesday 24 May 2023	9.15am to 4pm
Behaviour Support Intervention Refresher Training - Non-accredited (BSAT 302)	Thursday 25 May 2023	8.45am to 12.30pm
Early Career Teacher Network (CPD 720)	Thursday 25 May 2023	4pm to 5pm (with optional informal drop in 3.30pm to 4pm + 5pm to 5.30pm)
Governors' Responsibilities for Exclusions (SG 104)	Thursday 25 May 2023	5pm to 7pm

Primary Maths Conference: Friday 21 April 2023

We are delighted to share that we are staging a whole day Mathematics Conference on Friday 21 April 2023.

The conference, for mathematics' subject leaders, senior leaders and teachers in primary schools, aims to bring together colleagues from across the borough for an informative day of professional development, discussion, networking reflection and exploration of impactful teaching and learning.

This event will provide an invaluable opportunity to explore problem solving and reasoning routines, whilst making and extending professional connections in a stimulating environment that encourages face-to-face sharing and learning.

Gareth Metcalfe (founder of I See Maths) will be joining us to lead two professional development sessions: Building Problem Solvers and Embedding Reasoning Routines:

Embedding Reasoning Routines:
In this session, we will explore how mathematical reasoning can be embedded at all phases of learning. We will look at establishing routines within interactive class teaching that focus thinking on key maths concepts and ensure all children participate with learning. Then, we will see how reasoning can be built within the different phases of a lesson. This will include the use of misconceptions, visual representations, variation and questions with multiple possible answers.

Building Problem-Solvers:
In this session, we explore how to introduce problem-solving so that all children think about the deep structure of a problem and to build coherently towards children completing problem-solving tasks. We will see how 'Slow Reveal' questions and carefully constructed sequences of tasks can be used. We also see how, by using sequences of challenges, all children can have success as problem-solvers and make connections between their mathematical experiences.

In addition, we will be facilitating a number of workshops alongside SHaW Maths Hub colleagues and practitioners from our local primary schools focused on a range of hot topics in maths:

Number Sense
Preparing for a Deep Dive on Inspection
Early Maths Development

Our aim is to welcome at least one representative from each of our schools and we very much look forward to seeing you there.

Subsidised costs for T&W schools and academies for this full day conference, including all refreshments and a two course lunch:

One delegate - £120
Two delegates from the same school - £180
Each additional delegate from the same school (over and above the first two places booked) - £90 per person

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

Secondary Subject Networks

Secondary Subject Networks being run by University Centre Shrewsbury are open to schools and academies in Telford & Wrekin.

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.

To book onto a network meeting or for further information, please visit the University Centre Shrewsbury website.

Date:	Time:	Subject/course title:	Venue:	Cost per person:
29 March 2023	9.30-11am	PSHE / RSHE Network (Secondary	Microsoft Teams	£70
17 May 2023	3.45-5.15pm	Pastoral Care and Support (Secondary)	Microsoft Teams	£70
23 May 2023	9.30-11am	Secondary Drama Network	Microsoft Teams	£70
5 June 2023	9.30am-12noon	Secondary Geography Network	University Centre Shrewsbury (face to face)	£100
15 June 2023	1.30-4pm	Secondary Modern Languages Network	University Centre Shrewsbury (face to face)	£100
22 June 2023	9.30-11am	Secondary PSHE/RSHE Network	Microsoft Teams	£70
27 June 2023	1.30-3pm	Secondary Physical Education Network	Microsoft Teams	£70
29 June 2023	9.30am-12noon	Secondary ICT Network	University Centre Shrewsbury (face to face)	£100
29 June 2023	2-4.30pm	Secondary Science Network	University Centre Shrewsbury (face to face)	£100
3 July 2023	1.30-4pm	Secondary Design and Technology Network	University Centre Shrewsbury (face to face)	£100
4 July 2023	1.30-4pm	Secondary Art Network	University Centre Shrewsbury (face to face)	£100
4 July 2023	1.30-4pm	Secondary History Network	University Centre Shrewsbury (face to face)	£100
6 July 2023	9.30am-12noon	Secondary English Network	University Centre Shrewsbury (face to face)	£100

An update on the Spring Budget education sector announcements

This is an update from the department for Education

At the Spring Budget on Wednesday 15 March, the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a series of major childcare reforms, including:

working parents in England will be able to access 30 hours of free childcare per week, from when their child is 9-months-old to when they start school
an uplift to the funding rates of existing childcare entitlements
a new national wraparound childcare pathfinder scheme
start-up grants to help people become childminders.

Extra funding was announced for Skills Bootcamps to give adult learners the chance to develop new skills and move into a higher skilled job.

The budget also announced:

the expansion of the Staying Close programme, which will help more care leavers into employment
a pilot expansion of the Supported Internship programme, to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities to transition from education into the workplace.

You can find out more on the DfE Education Hub blog.

An update for primary schools on the PE and sport premium

This is an update from the department for Education

The PE and sport premium helps primary schools improve the quality of their PE, sport and physical activity.

During the pandemic recovery when it was difficult for schools to spend their premium, we allowed unspent funding to be carried between academic years.

We have extended this exception for the current academic year (2022/23). In future, we will recover any premium underspend at the end of each academic year.

Before the end of the summer term, to support management of the premium, we will launch a new digital reporting tool to make it easier for schools to meet grant requirements and report spend.

Special educational needs or disability opportunities for school and further education settings

This is an update from the department for Education

A number of free SEND CPD opportunities for practitioners and leaders in schools and further education settings are available through our Universal SEND Services programme. These range from bite-sized online learning units, through to peer mentoring for school leaders.

Universal is delivered by the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen), through the Whole School SEND Consortium, in strategic partnership with the Education and Training Foundation and the Autism Education Trust.

Find out more and register online.

School resources for the coronation of King Charles III

This is an update from the department for Education

The Royal Collection Trust have published resources and activities to help schools celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

These explore a number of themes related to the Coronation and the role of the King and they are accompanied by downloadable teacher notes.

You can explore the resources online.

An update for education settings on the experience of Ukrainian children

This is an update from the department for Education

The government is keen to better understand the challenges faced by Ukrainian children arriving over the last year. To share views, please contact the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Local authorities are becoming aware of situations where parents are returning to Ukraine, leaving children in the care of a sponsor or family member.

Where education settings become aware of these situations they should notify their local authority, so that appropriate parental consent and safeguarding checks can be completed.

Free tickets available for AFC Telford hosted England Vs Germany men’s deaf football game: Friday 24 March 2023

AFC Telford United are hosting England Vs Germany men’s deaf football game at The Bucks head stadium on Friday 24 March 2023. Kick off will be 7.45pm.

Telford & Wrekin council have very kindly been offered a series of free tickets for this event which are available to our local community groups for children and young people. The tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis with limited availability.

This is a great opportunity not to be missed and is a great way of involving our children and young people in a local community sport. AFCTU has full wheelchair accessibility with designated seating areas for siblings’ family and friends.

If you would like tickets, please use the link below to place a free order – please ensure you detail how many tickets you require and the child’s age.

Apply for tickets: England Vs Germany men's deaf football game

Tickets will be allocated and they can be collected from reception in Darby House before Friday. Alternatively, if you are unable to collect from Darby House the tickets will be left on the gate for entry at AFCTU.

Tickets are also available to purchase from the AFC Telford website.

If you have any further queries, please send an email to becky.shelley@telford.gov.uk.

This entry was posted by Claire on Wednesday, 22 March 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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