Education Noticeboard - 14 September 2023

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

Included in this update:

  1. Director Update
  2. The Council’s Summer Arts College marks 10 years of success
  3. Pupils make a splash in new temporary pool!
  4. Council run 10 by 10 programme continues in the new school year
  5. Starting Reception, Junior or Year 7 in September 2024
  6. Admissions Team contacts
  7. School Attendance Briefings & School Attendance Surgeries
  8. Leadership Conference for Head teachers and CEO's: Thursday 12 October 2023
  9. Subsidy for the Loudmouth SHE and safeguarding programme in primary and secondary schools
  10. SOS+ Criminal exploitation Training for education professionals
  11. Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership newsletter: September 2023
  12. Children with a social worker drop-in session
  13. It’s Time to Talk
  14. A strong foundation in the early years is crucial to children’s success
  15. Early Years at the Family Hub launch
  16. CPD courses to the end of September 2023
  17. Promoting strong attendance
  18. Access improved monitor your school attendance data reports to support the return to school
  19. Communicating with families to support attendance
  20. Keeping illegal vapes out of schools
  21. Use the National Tutoring Programme grant to fund 50% of your tutoring costs
  22. Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and staff this academic year
  23. StayWise: a blue light initiative – saving lives through education
  24. Prevent duty: risk assessment templates
  25. Come along to the Reuse pop-up shop

Director Update

Dear colleagues

The new academic year is now fully underway. It is lovely to already be able to share positive stories with you all.

This summer marked the 10th year of our three-week summer arts programme. The initiative is aimed at care experienced young people across the borough and empowers them to explore their creativity in a nurturing environment. Long may this fantastic resource continue!

Pupils at one of our primary schools arrived back from the six-week break to a surprise. Sir Alexander Fleming Primary installed a temporary swimming pool on their ground, to enable more of their pupils to access swimming lessons. It also coincided nicely with the heat wave we experience last week, which now seems to have disappeared.

Our fantastic 10 by 10 programme continues this academic year, to encourage children across Telford and Wrekin to explore life skills. There are now almost 2000 pupils registered with the scheme, and we are keen to build on that, so please continue to promote within schools and settings.

A reminder also that the Leadership Conference for Head teachers and CEO's is approaching. It takes place on 12 October 2023, and will focus on the successes and key priority areas across the borough. Lots of you have already signed up, but it is not too late. If you are interested, please book as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss out on a place.

This Education Noticeboard is packed with information for you. Please do take the time to have a look, there is information regarding school admissions and school attendance. The Early years and Virtual School teams have provided articles and there are also a few DfE and safeguarding updates plus CPD opportunities. Overall, there are a few ‘housekeeping’ bits, designed to support you with keeping school organisation running smoothly.

Have a great week!

Simon

Simon Wellman
Director: Education & Skills


The Council’s Summer Arts College marks 10 years of success

For the past ten summers, Telford & Wrekin Council has been running a three-week arts programme for care experienced young people aged 14-19 years old.

Young people are referred to the Summer Arts College by the council’s Children’s Services workers. The programme offers them the opportunity to explore creative arts and different career opportunities as well as to gain an accredited qualification. The Summer Arts College is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support the borough’s care experienced young people into their adult life. 

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Young People said: “We know that care experienced young people face additional challenges as they move into adulthood and we want to help them as much as we can. Celebrating a decade of success, the Summer Arts College run by our council is a remarkable programme that empowers young people to explore diverse art forms, nurturing their creativity and opening future opportunities. 

“What’s unique to this programme is that the students can bring their personal creative preferences into it and choose what they want to explore. The artworks that our students produced over these ten years have been fantastic. We are immensely proud of their achievements, well done to all of them! “

Rod Grainger, Personal Adviser – Children in Care, Leaving Care at Telford and Wrekin Council said: “We work with care experienced young people to raise aspirations and assist with their personal and professional development, through a wide range of activities, workshops and tailored mentoring. The Summer Arts College has again been a real success this year, with amazing artworks produced by our students. 

“We can hardly believe the programme has reached its 10 years milestone, it has made such a positive impact on the lives of all participants.”

In addition to exploring individual areas of interest, students participating in the programme come together as a group to produce collaborative pieces of original artwork, such as large pieces of graffiti art.  Every year the Summer Arts College culminates in a live performance event, where students have the opportunity to showcase the creative art skills they’ve developed and to give live performances. 

All of the students enrolled in the Summer Arts College achieve an accredited qualification through the college’s affiliation with the Trinity College of London and the Arts Council England. 

For the full story please visit the Telford & Wrekin Newsroom.


Pupils make a splash in new temporary pool!

Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School in Sutton Hill, has installed a temporary pop-up pool for swimming lessons.

The pool will be on site for six weeks, with children from Years 3-6 benefitting from swimming lessons. The children are having two 45-minute swimming sessions a week with a qualified swimming instructor in groups of just 10.  

The school and staff are hoping to see vast improvements in the childrens’ swimming ability and that they gain water confidence by the end of the 6 weeks. The pool has been hugely popular with the children and their families, enabling easy access to the lessons on their playground! The school hope to continue this each year, in order to see progression throughout the year groups.


Council run 10 by 10 programme continues in the new school year

The council-run 10 by 10 programme, launched last academic year, continues this year across all borough primary schools, to encourage children to explore and get better at ten important life skills.

From learning to swim and ride a bike, to stepping back in time at a local museum, taking part in debating and in performing arts, 10 by 10 is an inclusive package of activities that help children to build their confidence, to discover new talents and opportunities before the age of ten. 

Since its launch last year, the 10 by 10 website has recorded over 1,900 registered accounts, with parents and carers using it to get information on the ten activities, local offers and to follow their child's adventures.

Every primary school in the borough is involved with 10 by 10 - with swimming lessons, library usage, bike riding and many other activities part of their curriculum or extracurricular offer, including accessible activities for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. At the start of this academic year, children in all primary year groups are receiving 10 by 10 adventure cards, so they can track their progress as they try each of the 10 activities. 

Council Leader Shaun Davies said: “We are the first council in the UK to run 10 by 10 and this makes us immensely proud. Seeing children across the borough discovering and enjoying a wide range of life-enriching activities, especially those who might not have had this opportunity otherwise, is truly amazing.

“As a dad of a 7 year old just participating in 10 by 10, I thoroughly enjoy it together with my family! I encourage all families in our borough with primary school-aged children to join 10 by 10, as many of the activities are affordable or free to do.”

Councillor Shirley Reynolds (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for Early Years, Children and Young People, said: “A happy and fulfilling childhood gives the best start in life - this is what we want for every child in our borough. Over the past academic year, by working together with schools and local partners, we have achieved so much with 10 by 10.  Families enjoyed free swimming lessons, discounted entry to Attingham Park and bike rides, green space visits and many other activities. 

 “Over the summer, a natural history museum has been launched at Exotic Zoo, to spark children’s interest in museums while the Summer Reading Challenge helped children to enter the captivating world of books. The first year of “10 by 10” has been truly great and we are thrilled to extend this programme into the second year. We will be adding new offers and activities to 10 by 10, accessible for children of all abilities. Whether through school or by finding local offers on the website, we hope borough children and families will enjoy as many 10 by 10 activities as possible.”

For the full story please visit the Telford & Wrekin Newsroom.


Starting Reception, Junior or Year 7 in September 2024

The online application form for children who are due to start primary school (Reception), secondary school (Year 7), or those transferring from infant to junior school (Year 3) in September 2024 is now available via the Telford & Wrekin website.

  • Parents will need to make an application to the Local Authority in which they live even if they want to apply for a school in another LA area.
  • If a child is attending a school based nursery, they still need to apply for a school place.

All parents will need to apply online via the parent portal and are advised to apply to four schools, including their nearest or catchment area school.

The application deadlines for each process are:

  • Reception – 15 January 2024
  • Junior – 15 January 2024
  • Secondary 31 October 2023

If a child has an Education, Health and Care Plan the closing date is 31 October 2023 for all applications.

  • Further information is available on the Telford & Wrekin website, including links to the updated primary and secondary school admission brochures.

Please can all primary schools send out these letters to all parents of Year 6 children and display the poster in school:

Junior to Secondary transfer: Letter to parents

Starting school: Apply online

For infant schools, please sent the following to all parents with year 2 children:

Infant to junior transfer: Letter to parents

If parents have any difficulties completing their application, they should contact the School Admissions Team at admissions@telford.gov.uk.


Admissions Team contacts

As a reminder, a list of the Caseworkers from the School Admissions Team for each school is available to download:

Caseworker areas 2023

The Caseworker for your school is the first point of contact for all school admissions, including those starting reception, infant to junior, and in-year transfers. 

General enquiries from parents should be sent to admissions@telford.gov.uk. Please contact Jo Doody, School Admissions & Transport Team Leader, via email if there are any issues that your Caseworker is unable to resolve: Jo.doody@telford.gov.uk.


School Attendance Briefings & School Attendance Surgeries

Schools will be aware that the Department for Education (DfE) guidance 'Working together to improve school attendance' expects the Local Authority to be sharing good practive and also have a responsibility for communication and advice. Telford & Wrekin have therefore introduced two new opportunities for where school attendance can be discussed. Questions can be raised by schools in the briefings and individual cases can be discussed (anonymised) in the surgeries.

We invite you to attend these Microsoft Teams sessions for free by requesting a place via the CPD booklet. Please download the briefing and surgery details for more information, including dates.

Any queries can be directed to the Attendance Support by calling 01952 385220 or emailing attendancesupportteam@telford.gov.uk.


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

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

Thursday 12 October 2023, 9am-1pm

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

Key note speakers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Subsidy for the Loudmouth SHE and safeguarding programme in primary and secondary schools

This academic year, schools are entitled to subsidised sessions of Loudmouth’s theatre in education programmes for Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)  and safeguarding.

Primary Schools

Subsidised sessions of Helping Hands on staying safe in on and offline relationships, at a cost of just £3 per pupil. The programme is for Year 5 or Year 6.

Secondary Schools

Calling It Out  on harmful sexual behaviours, sexual harassment and assault (suitable for Year 9 upwards) This programme will continue to offered free of charge subject to allocated funding being available.

Choose up to 2 programmes from the following, for just £3 per pupil:

Working For Marcus on child exploitation (Year 8 upwards),
Safe & Sound on abuse in teenage relationships (Year 8 upwards).
Trust Me on sexual health (Year 8 upwards).
Talking Heads on mental wellbeing (Year 7 - 9).

Each session consists of a drama performance, character Q&A and discussion workshop. The programmes are accompanied by a set of online lesson plans that teaching staff may use for prep and follow up work on the issues.

Loudmouth will have virtual, back-up options available if required.

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.


SOS+ Criminal exploitation Training for education professionals

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

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

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

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

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


Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership newsletter: September 2023

The Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership (TWSP) News and Updates for August is now available:

TWSP Training Newsletter: September 2023


Children with a social worker drop-in session

Telford & Wrekin Virtual School is pleased to announce that our team of Education Advisers for Children with a Social Worker are offering drop-in sessions to discuss key concerns, responsibilities, research, guidance and training.

On average, children with a social worker do worse than their peers at every stage of their education. For example in 2018, 50% of children who had a social worker in the last six years, were able to achieve a good level of development in the early years, compared to 72% of children who had never had a social worker. At KS4, those with a social worker were around 3 times less likely to go onto study A levels at the age of 16. Furthermore, children with a social worker are around 3 times more likely to be persistently absent from school, and between 2 to 4 times more likely to be permanently excluded.

Therefore, we are looking to work with school leaders to create a culture of high aspirations and to bring greater awareness to the disadvantage that this cohort of children can experience.

As a team, we will host a series of ‘drop-in’ sessions which will endeavour to address key concerns, trends and enable you to ask questions of different professionals relating to this cohort of children and your setting.

Our first session will introduce the Children with a Social Worker team of Education Advisers, and will outline:

  • Responsibilities.
  • Key research and data.
  • Key concerns (such as attendance, suspensions and modified timetables).
  • Communication with social care and other professionals.
  • Student Engagement Programme will also be available to discuss their offer and how they can support schools and students.
  • An opportunity for you to tell us what you think you and your members of staff might need from us (advice, support, guidance, training)..​​​
    When: Thursday 21 September 2023, 4-5pm
    Where: House 1, Queens Way, Hadley, TF1 6AJ.
    To book: Please email virtualschool@telford.gov.uk by 5pm on Tuesday 19 September 2023.
    The Team: Rebecca Best, Zoe McLaughlin, Suzy Rogers - Education Advisers for Children with a Social Worker,

If you have any questions regarding this event, please don’t hesitate to contact the Virtual School Team via email to virtualschool@telford.gov.uk.

The Team look forward to meeting you all in person (and will even provide cake!)


It’s Time to Talk

Places are now available for each school nursery and childcare settings to access the It’s Time to Talk training.

What is It’s Time to Talk?

It’s Time to Talk is a group intervention for children in the early years who are struggling with early interaction, single word vocabulary, attention and listening. It is designed to be run by early years professionals and covers these skills through a topic based approach.

Who is the intervention suitable for?

The children who are likely to benefit most from this intervention are those in early years who have delayed language skills as a result of limited early stimulation. Appropriate early intervention will help to narrow the gap between those with delayed language skills and their peers. These children may present with difficulties in some of the following areas:

  • Listening and paying attention.
  • Sitting for any length of time.
  • Waiting and taking turns.
  • Following an adult’s lead.
  • Understanding words.
  • Saying words.

Please download the flier about the ‘It’s Time to Talk’ intervention. Each setting will receive a copy of the book and the opportunity to book places on the training which will be via teams and led by speech and language therapists from Stoke. There are three sessions available this term:

  • 21 September 2023, 6.30-9pm
  • 12 October 2023, 6.30- 9pm
  • 15 November 2023, 6.30- 9pm

To book places on any of our training courses, please complete and return the booking form to talkingchildcare@telford.gov.uk

Any queries can be sent via email to Lisa.seymour@telford.gov.uk,


A strong foundation in the early years is crucial to children’s success

Ofsted has published the second part in its series of research reviews drawing on a range of research relating to early years education.

The report highlights that frequent interactions between children and adults are fundamental to developing all young children’s knowledge in the prime areas of learning – communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development (PSED). Every interaction between a practitioner and a child plays an important role in building the knowledge and skills children will need. High-quality interactions are more likely to take place when:

  • practitioners are aware of what children already know and can do and respond accordingly
  • practitioners know the curriculum they want children to learn in advance
  • all children experience enough planned and incidental interactions with adults to learn what they need to know.

Read the ‘Best start in life part 2: the 3 prime areas of learning’ report.

While high-quality interactions are central to developing children’s knowledge and understanding, they are not sufficient in themselves to guarantee that all young children will learn what they need. By prioritising the prime areas in their curriculum thinking, leaders can ensure children receive an early education that prepares them for what comes next.

Children’s development and success in education depends on securing their learning in the prime areas. Learning in the prime areas is interlinked. For example, more developed language and communication skills are associated with better emotional well-being. The research is clear: prioritising the prime areas is essential to preparing children for the opportunities ahead.

Amanda Spielman, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, said: "A strong foundation in the early years is crucial for children’s success throughout their education and beyond. The research clearly shows that early years practitioners who focus on the prime areas, and understand that every interaction is a teaching opportunity, leave children equipped with the tools they need to thrive. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank practitioners for their hard work helping young children to catch-up on the learning and development they missed during the pandemic. I hope this review helps them in designing a curriculum that gives children the best start in life."

The series of early years reviews aims to support practitioners in raising the quality of early years education. The new report builds on the findings of part 1. The final part of the research series will focus on the four specific areas of learning – literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design.

Any queries can be sent via email to Lisa.seymour@telford.gov.uk,


Early Years at the Family Hub launch

The Early Years team took part in the Walnut and Silver Birch Family Hub launch on Thursday 24 August 2023. Families who came to the event were able to meet the local service providers and the organisations that are available to support them and their children to grow and develop. This information, advice and support is free, and designed to be all in one place to help families within their community.

The Early Years team had a table to share information about childcare funding for 2, 3 and 4 year olds, talking about what is available and how to apply. They also offered advice on types of childcare that families can access locally, and the support available for anyone wishing to start a career in childcare. Whilst we spoke to parents and carers, the children enjoyed playing at the activity table.


CPD courses to the end of September 2023

The CPD Booklet can be viewed on the Telford Education Services website.

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

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

St Giles' Trust SOS+ Training
(SG 207)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

4pm to 5.30pm

ELSA Training - part 2
(EPS 004)

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

9am to 3pm

Quality First Teaching for SEND
(LSAT 516)

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

4pm to 5.30pm

SENCo Network Meeting
(by invitation for SENCOs)

Thursday, September 21, 2023

4pm to 5.30pm

Pupil Premium Network Meeting
(CPD 721)

Thursday, September 21, 2023

4pm to 5.30pm

Managing Child on Child Abuse
(SG 208)

Thursday, September 21, 2023

1pm to 4pm

Managing Employee Performance Management HR course

Monday, September 25, 2023

2.30pm to 5pm

St Giles' Trust SOS+ Training
(SG 207)

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

4pm to 5.30pm

EAL Network Meeting
(CPD 526)

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

3.30pm to 5pm

School Attendance Briefing Update
(AST 004)

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

4pm to 5.30pm

ELSA Training - part 3
(EPS 004)

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

9am to 3pm

Newly Appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads' Training (2 days) - part 1 (SG 102)

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

9.15am to 4pm

An Introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EY 001)

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

4pm to 5.30pm

The Hearing Impaired Child in your Class (SIS 002)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

8.30am to 4pm

Safety Intervention Training CPI accredited – part 1 (BSAT 201)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

8.30am to 4pm

Newly Appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads' Training (2 days) - part 2 (SG 102)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

9.15am to 4pm

Red Book Training for Accessing Legal Interventions – in line with ‘Working Together to Improve School Attendance’ (AST 006)

Friday, September 29, 2023

Full day


Promoting strong attendance

This is an update from the Department for Education

A new school year marks a fresh start for children to reconnect with friends and it’s a chance to reset their patterns of behaviour, including attendance. Every professional adult and parent that interacts with a child plays an integral part in supporting children back to school.

We know that a small number of settings will be impacted by RAAC, but the vast majority are back to school as normal. We encourage you to promote the importance of attendance with parents. The first days matter. Last year, of those absent for at least one day in this period, 55% went on to be persistently absent.

You can help by resharing guidance on good attendance practices such as Is my child too ill for school? to aid in making judgements about mild illness or how to seek support with attendance challenges. The Chief Medical Officer and other health leaders have just written to schools on this, and their letter can be shared with parents to reinforce the messages.


Access improved monitor your school attendance data reports to support the return to school

This is an update from the Department for Education

Local Authorities and 85% of schools now access new and improved attendance reports. The tool helps support schools, trusts and local authorities analyse attendance patterns and target support for the return to school period.

What’s new?

  • indicators for termly trends in attendance
  • data visualisations for quick trend insight
  • weekly view of pupil attendance
  • pupil attendance codes from the start of the academic year improved loading times
  • fixes to some data quality issues.

To share, log in to your Wonde portal and accept the request. Sharing data is voluntary. Read our data collection principles.

Please agree to share child in need (CiN), child protection plan (CPP) and pupil leaving date, even if you do not record these in your management information system (MIS). To agree, log in to your Wonde portal.

Register for September's attendance data webinar and watch a previous webinar.


Communicating with families to support attendance

This is an update from the Department for Education

Working with a research agency, the Department for Education has published a toolkit to support effective communication with families about school attendance.

The toolkit includes:

  • top tips for communicating with parents and carers about attendance.
  • research that supports the suggested messages parents and carers engage with most and adaptable templates for communicating with parents and carers.

Keeping illegal vapes out of schools

On 30 May 2023, as part of new plans to clamp down on youth vaping, the Prime Minister announced that: “action will also be taken in schools, making sure that dedicated police school liaison officers across the country are using new resources to keep illegal vapes out of schools”.

A letter has been sent by Policing Minister Chris Philp to all police school liaison officers in England:

  • informing them about UK laws applying to nicotine vaping products and the role of trading standards, guidance to assist the development of school policies, and how to report a suspected injury associated with vaping.
  • signposting to educational resources, including OHID’s new vaping resource pack to be published on the School Zone website.
  • setting out the actions the government is taking to tackle vaping among youth, including a new £3m illicit vapes enforcement squad.

Schools have the autonomy to decide which items should be banned from their premises, and these can include e-cigarettes and vapes.


Use the National Tutoring Programme grant to fund 50% of your tutoring costs

This is an update from the Department for Education

This academic year, schools can use the National Tutoring Programme (NTP) grant to contribute to 50% of tutoring costs.

View your funding allocation and use the 2023 to 2024 calculator tool to plan and track your tutoring.

We are hosting webinars to support schools to deliver tutoring. There is one date remaining. Please register using the link below:

For more information, read the NTP guidance for schools or contact the NTP support desk.


Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and staff this academic year

This is an update from the Department for Education

Good mental health and wellbeing supports improved learning, behaviour, and attendance. This academic year, prioritise mental health and wellbeing by joining 14,000 settings that have benefitted from DfE-funded senior mental health lead training.

The training develops your mental health lead’s knowledge and practical skills on their journey to introduce an effective whole school/college approach to mental health/wellbeing.

Training will help you:

  • identify need, and monitor impact, of mental health/wellbeing support
  • develop approaches aligned with your DSL/SENCO’s work
  • develop your universal and targeted support offer
  • engage students/pupils and develop positive relationships with parents/carers,

We offer flexibility to choose the right course for you, tailored to your needs/experience. If you haven’t already applied for a £1,200 grant, apply now.


StayWise: a blue light initiative – saving lives through education

This is an update from the Department for Education

StayWise is a library of educational resources created by emergency services and their partners to embed safety messaging into everyday learning, and to support teachers, organisations and families in delivering consistent national guidance. The range of resources covers multiple key stages, subjects and languages, including SEND provision.

Find out how to register to StayWise free of charge. Visit the StayWise website to find lesson plans, activities and more.


Prevent duty: risk assessment templates

This is an update from the Department for Education

Prevent duty risk assessment templates for early years, schools and further education providers are available online.

Prevent duty: risk assessment templates


Come along to the Reuse pop-up shop

The Reuse pop-up shop will be held on Tuesday 10 October 2023, 8am-6.30pm at Telford Theatre (Limes Walk, Oakengates). The event is in aid of local charities – entry is free but sales are on a cash only basis.

Please note that this is a sale event, and the donation or swapping of items cannot be accepted.

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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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