Education Noticeboard 15 November 2024
Welcome to the Education Noticeboard. A round-up of news, guidance and key updates for education settings
Included in this edition of Education Noticeboard
Included in this update
- Directors Update
- Telford and Wrekin’s Children’s Services: Building on Outstanding achievements with a forward-thinking action plan
- TWSP Training newsletter
- Telford & Wrekin Domestic Abuse Service Open Day
- FAQ's - Information from the DfE regarding Admission and Attendance registers
- Developing Early Phonological Awareness Training
- Early Years Staff recruitment and DfE incentive briefing
- Watch Somebody Else's Child for Private Fostering Awareness
- CPD courses to the end of Autumn term 2024
- Sky reach high ropes course
- Christmas Smile Donation Points
- Christmas Smile
Dear Colleagues
There are some important updates and resources for you in this week’s Education Noticeboard, as always, I hope you find the information about what is happening across Telford and Wrekin useful.
It is Children in Need this Friday, an event I know you all enthusiastically commit to. I am sure there are exciting activities planned in schools and settings across the borough. As always, we would encourage you to send stories and photos to education.noticeboard@telford.gov.uk or tag us on social media with @TelfordWrekin.
Lastly, also included are some valuable training opportunities and CPD courses which may be of interest to you.
Best wishes
Simon
Simon Wellman
Director: Education & Skills
News
Telford and Wrekin’s Children’s Services: Building on Outstanding achievements with a forward-thinking action plan
Following the recent news (Friday 12 July) of Telford and Wrekin's Children’s Services ‘outstanding’ rating from OFSTED, the Cabinet approved the future work of the action plan that will continue to support families across the borough by maintaining the exceptional service at their latest meeting (Thursday 7 November).
While Children’s services overall performance remains outstanding for social work practice for children in care and care leavers, to participation and co-production, it is important to also identify and address areas of improvement. The action plan will target specific areas for development, ensuring that services sustain high standards while consistently elevating the experiences and outcomes for children and families.
Cllr Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment & Skills, said: “Today's approval of the action plan marks a significant step forward in our unwavering commitment to the families and children of Telford and Wrekin.
“We are proud to uphold our outstanding OFSTED rating; however, excellence is not a destination but a journey. Our focus remains on identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies that will ensure every child and family receives the best possible support.
“As a community, we stand united in our dedication to nurturing an environment where every child and young person can thrive because they are cared for and cared about. Together, with determination and collaboration, we will elevate our services to new heights, continually setting a precedent for others to follow.”
By maintaining an outstanding judgement, Telford & Wrekin Council remain part of only a small group of Local Authorities with this rating nationwide.
Our commitment to continuous improvement is a defining feature of Telford & Wrekin Council’s Children’s Services. Our dedicated teams are focused on refining our practices, embracing new methodologies, and implementing innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. This initiative reinforces Telford and Wrekin’s position as a leader in children’s services, setting a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
To read the action plan, please click here. You can read the full OFSTED report here
Safeguarding
TWSP Training Newsletter - Free TWSP multi-agency training
TWSP face-to-face training – either virtually or in-person – is available to all TWSP partner agencies. If you already have an Ollie account, please log in to Ollie and book your place, unless otherwise instructed. If you do not have an existing Ollie account, please email partnerships@telford.gov.uk and they will be able to assist.
Please click on the link to see full October 2024 update on training opportunities
TWSP Training Newsletter: October 2024
Telford & Wrekin Domestic Abuse Service Open Day
Wednesday 27th of November at 9am until 1pm - As part of 16 Days of Activism, Cranstoun Telford and Wrekin Domestic Abuse Service, We are inviting you to come along to our offices to meet the team, learn about the work we do, and meet some of the victim-survivors that we have supported.
Our services include SPOC, victim-survivor outreach, dedicated male victim support, safe accommodation, perpetrator interventions, a children and young people service, peer support group, and a variety of programmes.
Open day is at Suite A, Jordan House East, Hall Court, Hall Park Way, Telford TF3 4NF
DfE
Frequently Asked Questions – information from the DfE regarding Admission and Attendance Registers
The DfE have circulated this information to LAs - See attached PDF - Please also follow the links in the article for more detailed information
DfE - Working together to Improve School Attendance – 2024
Dear Colleagues
We received a number of enquiries in the first half-term regarding the admission and attendance registers which we have reviewed to identify the most frequently asked questions.
We have answered these questions in the attached document and also in a recording that is now available at:- FAQ - School attendance and admission registers.
You can also find the full set of attendance webinars here: Working together to improve school attendance local authority effective practice examples - YouTube.
Thank you for all of the work that you are doing to improve school attendance.
Education for children with health needs who cannot attend school - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Working together to improve school attendance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/attendance-hubs
Major national drive to improve school attendance
Early Years
Developing Early Phonological Awareness Training
Friday 31st January 2025 1-4 at Mercure Telford Centre Hotel, Forge Gate, Telford, TF3 4NA
Open to all provider types
Free training and resources included
Age range: 2-4 year olds
Spaces are limited
By attending the training practitioners will be able to use a range of evidenced based approaches and key practices to;
· to explicitly and implicitly teach sound discrimination and manipulation through intentional opportunities in play and small group, across the pedagogical continuum.
· to plan and deliver sequential learning of phonological knowledge and skills for nursery age children.
The training will; clarify age-related expectations around early phonological development, identify key approaches and practical strategies to support;
- Auditory (sound) discrimination
- Awareness of rhythm, rhyme and alliteration
- Hearing and matching initial sounds,
- Oral blending and segmenting
There will be opportunities to see the approaches in action and rehearse new strategies, reflect on how phonological awareness can be taught through guided play and targeted group time
To express your interest in this free fully-funded training, please click the button here: Expression of Interest Form
Early Years staff recruitment and DfE incentive briefing
Early Years staff recruitment and DfE incentive briefing
Face to face
18th November venue to be confirmed
4:00pm to 5:00pm or 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Virtual
19th November 6:30 to 7:30 via teams
Booking forms and venue details will be sent out shortly
Please see Flyer here
Fostering
Watch Somebody Else's Child for Private Fostering Awareness!
This Private Fostering Awareness Week, we encourage you to take some time to watch Somebody Else’s Child, a powerful film from the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) about private Fostering that sheds light on the unique dynamics and challenges of private fostering.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQDVzHXdISA
The film offers valuable insights into the experiences of privately fostered children and the important role that private foster carers play in their lives. Understanding these stories is key to helping us identify and support private fostering situations better within our community.
Please take a moment to watch and reflect on the vital role we all play in safeguarding and supporting these children and families.
Private fostering occurs when a child under 16 (or 18 if they have a disability) is cared for by someone who is not a close relative for more than 28 days.
Many people don’t realise that private fostering arrangements must be reported to the local authority. This ensures the safety and well-being of children and provides support for the families involved. It’s important that professionals and communities are aware of these arrangements so that children can access the care they need.
Throughout the year our kinship team provide bi-monthly training, and this can be found by visiting the link to the Safeguarding Partnership, here - https://www.telfordsafeguardingpartnership.org.uk/site/index.php
Join us to learn more about identifying private fostering situations, how to report them, and the support available to foster carers, children, and families. Your participation will help ensure that children in these arrangements receive the protection and care they deserve.
If any professional has any queries around private fostering, please contact Melanie Hamilton-Smith with the kinship fostering team.
CPD
CPD courses to the end of the Autumn Term 2024
Further details of these and all other courses are available in the 2024-25 CPD booklet on the Telford Education Services website and on the Ollie website.
The CPD Booklet for the remainder of the 2024-15 academic year can be viewed via Telford Education Services.
As always, courses can be booked by completing and returning a CPD booking form to cpdschoolimprovement@telford.gov.uk (unless denoted differently)
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Meeting the OFSTED Requirements for Equality and Diversity for Governors (CPD 717) |
Monday, November 18, 2024 |
6pm to 8.30pm |
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Assessment - termly update (CPD 502) |
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 |
9.15am to 10.45am |
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SEND and AP Change Programme Learning Lunch |
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 |
12.30pm to 1pm |
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Listen with Lucy (EY 023) |
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 |
1.15pm to 4pm |
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Safer Recruitment Administration (HR course) |
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 |
3pm to 5pm |
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Understanding Islamist extremist narratives (free online course) |
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 |
3.30pm to 5pm |
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Bright Ideas and Inspiration - for your breakfast, holiday and out of school provision (EY 303) |
Thursday, November 21, 2024 |
9.15am to 12noon |
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Improving Oracy for EAL Learners (CPD 731) *Postponed to 3 February 2024 |
Thursday, November 21, 2024 (*) |
1.15pm to 4pm |
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Supporting Emotional Needs of Learners (PSS 022) |
Monday, November 25, 2024 |
9.15am to 12noon |
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Tuesday, November 26, 2024 |
4pm to 5.30pm |
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Induction Training for New Governors (GO 502) |
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 |
9.30am to 3.30pm |
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Raising Awareness of Prevent (SG 101) |
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 |
9.30am to 11am |
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Managing English as an Additional Language in Early Years Settings (CPD 710) |
Thursday, November 28, 2024 |
1.15pm to 3.30pm |
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Early Years Coordinators – Termly Update (EY 007) |
Thursday, November 28, 2024 |
4pm to 5.30pm |
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The Role of the Key Person in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EY 106) |
Thursday, November 28, 2024 |
1.15pm to 4pm |
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School Attendance Surgery (AST 005) |
Friday, November 29, 2024 |
10am to 12noon |
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Literacy Pathway - part 3 |
Monday, December 02, 2024 |
9.15am to 12.30pm |
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Webinar session: Ensuring the quality of safeguarding records (SG 110) |
Monday, December 02, 2024 |
3.30pm to 5pm |
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Supporting pupils with down syndrome and behaviour challenges (PSS 023) |
Tuesday, December 03, 2024 |
9.15am to 12noon |
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School Attendance Briefing Updates - additional date re DfE Guidance (AST 004) |
Wednesday, December 04, 2024 |
4pm to 5.30pm |
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EAL & Maths (CPD 603) |
Wednesday, December 04, 2024 |
1.15pm to 3.30pm |
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Accredited Safer Recruitment Training (HR course) |
Thursday, December 05, 2024 |
9am to 4.30pm |
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Thursday, December 05, 2024 |
5pm to 7pm |
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Behaviour as Communication (PSS 013) |
Friday, December 06, 2024 |
1pm to 4pm |
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PROTECT Professional Campaign Launch |
Monday, December 09, 2024 |
9.30am to 1pm |
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SEND and AP Change Programme Learning Lunch |
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 |
12.30pm to 1pm |
Arthog Outreach
Sky Reach High Ropes Course – School bookings available November & December
A great way of combining Cultural Development and Physical Development by combining half day at Sky Reach and half day exploring the Telford Christmas Market 2024.
Sky Reach (Arthog Telford Town Park) based in the heart of Telford Town Park will be open to pre- booked school parties during November and December.
If you are taking your pupils to the Christmas Market, why not add some Sky Reach adventure into the day.
A morning and an afternoon for two groups of up to 14 pupils per session (28 in total and self-led to Christmas market) is £480 including minibus transport.
For more information, please email outreach@arthog.co.uk
Other Information and Resources
Christmas Smile Donation Points
Is your school willing to host a donation hub for the Christmas Smile project in Telford this year?
This Christmas not everyone in our community has a roof over their head, a loving family, food on the table or gifts under the tree. Christmas Smile collects and distributes donated gifts to some of the most vulnerable children and adults across the Telford & Wrekin community each year.
If you think your pupils, parents and staff would like to make gift donations and put a smile on someone's face, please consider hosting a donation hub to collect gifts between now and 1st December.
All you need to do is contact hello@christmassmile.org.uk to register as a donation hub, then let your pupils and parents know you are collecting gifts.
To help you, here are a few ideas of the sorts of gifts Christmas Smile is looking for:
Adults and senior citizens: Bath/shower sets, aftershave, books, gloves, scarf, puzzle books and colouring pencils, hand-warmers, bed socks, chocolates, biscuits.
Babies 0-2: Cuddly toys, baby clothes, puzzles, soft balls, baby books, bath toys, rattles baby lotions/bubble bath/shampoo etc.
Children 3-6: Books, early board games, character toys, toy cars and dolls, bath toys, hats, gloves, scarves.
Children 7-10: Footballs, sports items, books, character toys and games, STEM activities, craft kits, stationery, puzzles, jewellery and accessories, hats, gloves, scarves.
Teens 11-16: Sports items, jewellery, make-up sets, bath/shower sets, books, STEM activities, craft kits, bags and purses, rucksacks and wallets, watches, hats, gloves, scarves.
Generic – Family board Games, jigsaw puzzles, selection boxes, biscuit selections, chocolates, sweet treats.
As a reminder, all gifts should be new and unwrapped please.
Christmas Smile is very grateful for all the donations they receive. Their website provides further information including other donations points across Telford.
http://www.christmassmile.org.uk/
Be kind this Christmas and give someone a
Christmas Smile!
Thank you
Christmas Smile
Christmas Smile collects and distributes donated gifts to some of the most vulnerable children and adults across the Telford & Wrekin community each year.
If you would like to make a donation there are collection points at Darby House (ground floor near to the lifts) SW1 (2nd floor) and Granville House where you can drop off any gifts you would like to donate.
You can also access the Christmas Smile website to view public donation points across Telford if they are more convenient.
Christmas Smile is very grateful for all the donations they receive. Here are a few gift suggestions:
Adults and senior citizens: Bath/shower sets, aftershave, books, gloves, scarf, puzzle books and colouring pencils, hand-warmers, bed socks, nail varnish, chocolates, biscuits
Children 0-2: Cuddly toys, baby clothes, puzzles, soft balls, baby books, bath toys, rattles baby lotions/bubble bath/shampoo etc
Children 3-6: Colouring books and pencils, books, hats, gloves, scarves, early board games, toy cars, dolls, arts & crafts, bath toys
Children 7-10: Footballs, sports items, hats, gloves, scarves, pencil cases, jewellery, craft kits, books, puzzles
Teens 11-16: Sports items, hats, gloves, scarves, toiletry sets, jewellery, makeup, nail varnish, purses, wallets, bags
Generic - Board Games, Selection boxes, biscuits, chocolates, sweet treats
Donations need to be in by Wednesday 4 December please!
Christmas Smile is very grateful for all the donations they receive. Their website provides further information including other donations points across Telford.
http://www.christmassmile.org.uk/
Be kind this Christmas and give someone a Christmas Smile!
Thank you