Education Noticeboard - 10 February 2022

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. COVID-19 Infection rates in Telford & Wrekin are going down, but still high
  3. Schools can get involved in the Telford Community Pride Awards 2022
  4. Telford & Wrekin Council launches New Domestic Abuse Policy
  5. Council flies rainbow flag to show support for LGBTQ+ History Month
  6. Job Box puts apprentices in the spotlight for National Apprenticeship Week
  7. School enjoys first onsite hot lunches in 102 years after £2.3m expansion
  8. Update on the 12 to 15 year old vaccination programme and information
  9. Children aged 12 to 15 years old can now obtain a digital NHS COVID Pass for international travel
  10. Revision help for students published for summer exams
  11. Final deadline for additional CO2 monitor requests
  12. Changes to the school admission appeals code
  13. Sustainability and climate change strategy and survey for education and childcare settings and children’s social care services
  14. Pre-exclusion Hotline
  15. Could your school provide holiday clubs for children aged 5-16 to stay healthy and active
  16. St Giles Trust Project
  17. Autism in Telford & Wrekin Council schools and provisions
  18. The DfE have launched a School Attendance Consultation
  19. Autumn terms School Attendance & Persistent Absence data
  20. Changes to the Admissions/Deletions from roll notification
  21. Penalty Notice for Unauthorised Absence
  22. End of summer term booking opportunity at Arthog Outdoor Education Centre due to late cancellation. 20 – 22 July 2022
  23. Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities – Building Works
  24. CPD courses for school staff, senior leaders and governors
  25. Celebrating 25 years of World Book Day
  26. Random Acts of Kindness Day – Thursday 17 February 2022
  27. February half term holiday activities

Director Update

Dear colleagues

As we enter the final stretch towards half term, another full Education Noticeboard for you.

I am delighted to share a number of news stories with you, including the launch of a new Telford & Wrekin Domestic Abuse Policy and the flying of a rainbow flag in support of LGBTQ+ History month.

There are also a number of updates including items from the Department for Education - mainly focused on matters related to COVID-19, as well as updates from safeguarding, SEND and attendance support. As always a full list of CPD opportunities is provided.

Applications are now open for schools to apply for a grant to run holiday clubs over upcoming school holidays. More details and a link to apply have been provided.

Before I sign off, a reminder to you all that nominations for the Telford Community Pride Awards can still be submitted until the end of the week. In particular we are keen to hear about green projects and outstanding educational achievements. It is important to acknowledge these achievements, and we look forward to doing just that.

Have a great week.

Simon

Simon Wellman
Director: Education & Skills


COVID-19 infection rates in Telford & Wrekin are going down, but still high

The number of new coronavirus cases in Telford & Wrekin has fallen in the last week but remains higher than both the regional and national average, the latest figures show.

There were new 1,608 cases reported for Telford and Wrekin during the seven day period (31 January – 6 February 2022), this is 816 less than the 2,424 recorded in the previous seven day period (24 – 30 January 2022).

For the week ending 6 February:

• 1,608 Covid-19 cases reported, 816 less compared to the previous week.

• The seven-day infection rate for Telford and Wrekin is 887 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000

• For the West Midlands, the seven-day infection rate is 728 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000

• For England, the seven-day infection rate is 792 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000


Schools can get involved in the Telford Community Pride Awards 2022

Telford Community Pride Awards are returning this year, to recognise and celebrate all those who make a difference, giving Telford and Wrekin a sense of pride. Did you know there are a couple of awards to specifically recognise school achievement?

Best School Green Project – do you have a fabulous conservation project that needs recognising for the success it’s achieved in protecting or conserving the environment?  Projects can be any size large or small why not nominate it for the Telford Community Pride Award. Nominations are welcome from all primary, junior and secondary schools.

Outstanding Educational Achievement – this award is for individuals aged 16 or over who have shown and can demonstrate outstanding educational success and progress developing their skills and or learning in the past year. Why not nominate this special individual for the Telford Community Pride Award, they can be a past or current student.

More information on these awards and all award categories and full details of the entry requirements and can be found on the Telford Community Awards website

Submit your entry online before the deadline on Sunday 13 February 2022:

Make your nomination 


Telford & Wrekin Council launches New Domestic Abuse Policy

In recognition of White Ribbon Day on the 21 November 2021, and the 16 days of action that followed, Telford & Wrekin Council introduced a new policy and guidance to support employees who are affected by Domestic Abuse. This is being shared with all schools across the borough for you to use as a best practice example for developing your own Domestic Abuse Policy.

The policy sets out how as a Council we will support our employees experiencing domestic abuse and how we will deal with employees who are perpetrators.

Our policy recognises the critical role managers’ play in spotting the signs of domestic abuse and provides them with the practical guidance and tools to support employees.

Any form of domestic abuse is unacceptable, and the new policy reinforces the council's zero-tolerance approach to this important issue.

To demonstrate this commitment, the council has adopted the GMB ‘Work to Stop Domestic Abuse Charter’ whereby we pledge that:

  • Workers will not be disadvantaged at work.
  • Workers will be supported with access to services and information.
  • Employers will train staff to be able to appropriately and confidently support staff.

Although this policy does not apply to school staff and is not part of the HR policy service under our SLA we are sharing this with you as a best practice model to adapt for your own settings and we would strongly encourage you to consider adopting the GMB Work to Stop Abuse Charter.

Our policy and guidance notes are available to download:

Domestic Abuse Policy

What is domestic abuse?

Myths around domestic abuse

Opening up the conversation around domestic abuse

Sources of support

Types of support

Dealing with perpetrators

Although our policy relates to employees should you wish to incorporate aspects of safeguarding of children into your Domestic Abuse Policy you can seek advice through the Education Safeguarding Team by sending an email to education.safeguarding@telford.gov.uk.

There is the option for us to commission some training specifically for schools from the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service – if this is something that you would be interested please email HRhelpdesk@telford.gov.uk.

Please remember that anyone can experience domestic abuse. If you think you need help, please speak to someone, anyone. It could be a manager, a trusted colleague, HR, Occupational Health, the Employee Assistance Programme, or a Trade Union Representative. Don’t suffer in silence.


Council flies rainbow flag to show support for LGBTQ+ History Month

Telford & Wrekin Council is flying the rainbow flag from its Addenbrooke House offices this month, to show support for LGBTQ+ History Month.

The flag was raised by Councillor Kelly Middleton and Councillor Richard Overton on Tuesday 1 February 2022, signalling the start of a series of events throughout February for staff from the council and other partner organisations. 

The events aim to raise staff awareness, to inform and educate colleagues on matters affecting the LGBTQ+ community, and let people know about the information and support available to them.

Staff from the council and partner organisations will have the opportunity to join a fun and informative quiz, hear about World War II forbidden love story between two soldiers and take part in a panel event to ask questions and discuss experiences.

Councillor Kelly Middleton (Labour),Cabinet Member for Leisure, Public Health and Wellbeing, Equalities and Partnerships, said: “The aim of LGBTQ+ History Month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of all. At Telford & Wrekin Council we have made a strong organisational commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, so it is important that we demonstrate this commitment by supporting LGBTQ+ History Month. In Telford & Wrekin we want to create a fair and equal environment for all residents, workers and visitors, so we’re pleased to come together with partners from the police, fire and ambulance services to celebrate diversity, promote equality and work together to build a better borough.”

Stacey Hinton, Chair of Telford &Wrekin Council’s LGBTQ+ Network, said: “I’m pleased we’re able to show our support for this important month. Through a series of events for staff and partners we’ll be creating safe spaces for people to talk openly about their experiences, ask questions and learn more about the history of LGBTQ+ rights and the continuing journey towards equality for all.”

Police Community Support Officer, David Venus who is also part of West Mercia Police’s ‘Pride in West Mercia Network’, added: “I’m pleased we’re supporting LGBTQ+ History Month alongside Telford & Wrekin Council. For me, it is so important because people who have led the fight up until the point I worked for the police have made it easier for me to work and made the job more inclusive. We want to make a better environment for LGBTQ+ people in the police force, so as part of the West Mercia Pride Network we look at policies, such as clothing policies that can affect people who are trans, and make sure we have the best support for colleagues and their families.”

LGBTQ+ History Month is a month-long annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary history, including the history of LGBTQ+ rights and related civil rights movements. It is held in February each year to coincide with the abolition of Section 28 in 2003, a law that prohibited the ‘promotion of homosexuality’.

To celebrate, Telford’s iconic Southwater One building will also be illuminated in rainbow coloured lights to mark the beginning of the month, and then each following weekend in between.


Job Box puts apprentices in the spotlight for National Apprenticeship Week

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Job Box service is putting apprenticeships firmly in the spotlight during National Apprenticeship Week 2022.

Job Box will celebrate the value that apprenticeships bring to employers and individuals during the week which runs from 7 to 13 February 2022.

People of all ages will be able to access a timetable of free, live events during the week to help them explore a wide range of opportunities and decide whether an apprenticeship is for them. They will receive support and guidance through drop in sessions, online seminars and resources.

Apprenticeships give people the opportunity to earn while they learn, achieve nationally recognised qualifications ranging from Level 2 to degree level, and gain valuable workplace experience. This year’s theme is ‘Build the Future’ and focuses on employers and how they train, retain and achieve the required outcome with apprenticeships.

During the week, daily Job Box drop in sessions and online events will focus on a range of different sectors including construction, hospitality, manufacturing, health & social care, business & professional and women in science technology, engineering and maths( STEM).

Telford & Wrekin Council has supported 417 apprentices since 2017 and there are currently 80 apprentices working for the council both corporately and within schools.

A number of current council apprentices started their journey on the Kickstart programme – a government scheme set up during the COVID-19 pandemic to support 16 to 24 year olds who are at risk of long term unemployment.

The Life Ready Work Ready and careers teams, which are part of the wider Job Box service, have created resources and organised activities for the week. The team bridge the gap between schools and the workplace while careers offer support and guidance for all apprenticeship provision.

Councillor Eileen Callear (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Employment and Skills said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many benefits that apprenticeships bring to employers, individuals and the wider economy. Apprentices are the future and a good fit for people of all ages who are looking to start their career journey or gain new skills and retrain. We’re excited to be celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and supporting the next wave of apprentices who are tomorrow’s workforce.”

Please visit the Job Box National Apprenticeship Week page to find out more about what’s on offer during the week.

To find out more about apprenticeships, please call Job Box on 01952 382888 or visit the National Apprenticeship Week page.


School enjoys first onsite hot lunches in 102 years after £2.3m expansion

Students at a Shropshire secondary school have been able to enjoy its first onsite hot lunches in 102 years after its £2.3m expansion was completed. The Newport Girls’ High School (NGHS) expansion project has been completed after monies were raised through a mixture of grants and fundraising.

The £2.3m building programme was designed to meet the demands of the school's expansion and creates new maths and science facilities for the students, as well as new school kitchens.

Head teacher, Michael Scott said he is delighted with the outcome: “Last Monday we saw the first hot food cooked and eaten onsite at NGHS in 102 years. It has been a long time coming! Our new building offers our students modern, innovative – and warm – learning facilities and is also eco-efficient."

The new building is situated at the rear of the current site on Wellington Road and meets two long-held aims; to improve the facilities for maths and science teaching but also to cook and prepare hot food on site; something which the school has never been able to do without kitchens. The ground floor houses a dining room and kitchen, which seats about 130 students, as well as a new science laboratory and pastoral office, whilst the first floor houses four spacious mathematics classrooms and a new computing laboratory.

The project was financed in part by the Department for Education (DfE), as well as parents coming together to form a ‘Primed for Success’ campaign with a target of raising £75,000. This was backed up by a number of successful bids to charities such as the Garfield Weston Foundation for new equipment.

Mr Scott explained: "Parents and governors created a campaign called 'Primed for Success' – it was a bit of a maths pun because the building was primarily for maths use. So all the increments in funding were prime numbers, and things like that. The girls and some of the parents put together an auction with donations from generous local businesses to help raise funds. Unfortunately, a lot of the things and events they organised got postponed with lockdown and Covid. So many of the ideas the girls came up with couldn't be done sadly, but they managed to raise funds, and we also had donations from some parents at the school who could help."

He added: "It has only been 12 months since the first spade hit the ground so we are very fortunate that it's all done and we're in. The building was occupied from last Monday – the girls are loving it. And having their own cooked lunches is great – having better quality food that is prepared on site and gives them more of a variety."

Newport Girls’ High School has committed to taking 30 additional Year 7 students each year for four more years to meet the demand for places locally. Sixth form applications are also welcome from Year 11 students until the deadline on February 14, 2022.


Update on the 12 to 15 year old vaccination programme and information

This is an update from the Department for Education

Thank you for your continued work in supporting the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme for 12 to 15 year olds in schools. Over 1.5 million 12 to 15 year olds have now received the vaccine helping to further reduce the risk of disruption to education.

We know that many schools have done amazing work to help more children access the vaccine or help the programme run more smoothly and we want to share this as best practice to assist other schools.

If your school has any examples of best practice, including activities undertaken in collaboration with the school age immunisation service (SAIS) teams or other health teams, to support the in-school vaccination programme or suggested improvements to the process please fill in this short survey. All examples will be anonymised.


Children aged 12 to 15 years old can now obtain a digital NHS COVID Pass for international travel

This is an update from the Department for Education

To help support international travel, including school trips, the NHS COVID Pass service for 12 to 15 year olds now includes the option of a digital NHS COVID Pass.

The NHS COVID Pass for international travel can be accessed through the NHS website for those aged 12 years and over. For young people aged 13 and over, the NHS App can also be used to access the NHS COVID pass.

Further information on how to get an NHS COVID Pass is available on the NHS website.


Revision help for students published for summer exams

This is an update from the Department for Education

Students can now access the information to help focus their revision for summer GCSE, AS and A level exams, as part of a range of adaptations to maximise fairness following the disruption to learning caused by the pandemic.

Some of the exam content, texts, topics and sub-topics, themes and skills due to be assessed have been made available for the majority of GCSE, AS and A level subjects, including maths, biology, chemistry and languages.

The additional information aims to focus students’ revision without providing exact questions that will appear.

Advanced sight of the content is one part of the adaptations in place to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on education, recognising this cohort of students were affected by school closures during periods of lockdown and disruption due to absences. Other adaptations include a choice of topics in some GCSEs like English literature and history, and support materials like formulae sheets in maths.

Exams and formal assessments will go ahead as planned this summer. More than 500,000 exam entries for vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) successfully took place in January, giving confidence in the exams system.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: "Exams are the best and fairest form of assessment, and we firmly intend for them to take place this summer, giving students a fair chance to show what they know. We know students have faced challenges during the pandemic, which is why we’ve put fairness for them at the forefront of our plans. The information to help with their revision published today, as well as the range of other adaptations, will make sure they can do themselves justice in their exams this summer."

Ofqual Chief Regulator Dr Jo Saxton said: "Students have shown so much resilience during the pandemic and we know that they are seeking certainty. Advance information published today is one of the ways we are supporting students to have that certainty as they prepare to show what they know and can do. We are also ensuring there is a safety-net for students with a generous approach to grading." 

A common set of principles has been developed for the advance information, for example avoiding providing so much detail that answers could be pre-prepared and memorised, but the information will look different for each subject and exam board, reflecting the nature of those subjects and their assessments.

Students will also benefit from other adaptations to exams and the approach to grading this year to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on their education.

There will also be choices of topics or content in GCSE English literature, history, ancient history and geography, and a formulae or expanded equations sheet available in exams for GCSE maths, physics and combined science. There are also changes to the requirements for practical assessments in sciences and art and design, recognising how the pandemic will have affected students’ opportunities in these subjects.

Ofqual’s plan for grading being more generous recognises the challenges these students have faced. Ofqual wants to get back to normal grading but over a two-year period. This summer will be a transition year, to be fair to this year’s students. Examiners will be asked to be more generous when setting grade boundaries, to provide a safety net for students who might otherwise just miss out on a higher grade.

The Government is fully committed to exams going ahead this summer, and does not expect that to change except in the very unlikely case of a public health emergency which would prevent students being able to physically sit exams. GCSE, AS and A level exams for each subject have also been spread out to maximise the opportunity for students to sit exams this year.


Final deadline for additional CO2 monitor requests

This is an update from the Department for Education

To help settings manage ventilation, we have delivered over 350,000 CO2 monitors to over 99% of eligible maintained schools, further education colleges and the majority of early years settings.

You should have received approximately one CO2 monitor for every two teaching rooms. If this is not the case or if you have not received your allocation of monitors, please contact the DfE COVID-19 helpline on 0800 046 8687 by Thursday 10 February with the following information about your setting:

  • number of pupils
  • number of teaching spaces
  • number of sites
  • your URN
  • full name of your setting

For any problems with deliveries, please contact the supplier, Rexel, directly on 0330 0450 606. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm.

Ventilation remains an important control measure to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. We have developed some new products to help settings to manage ventilation:

Further resources on ventilation include:We have also developed a newsletter template which education and childcare settings can customise to inform parents and carers about their approach to using CO2 monitors and how they are helping them to manage ventilation.


Changes to the school admission appeals code

This is an update from the Department for Education

We’re seeking views on a revised version of the statutory school admission appeals code. This allows appeals to be held remotely (by telephone or video conference) as well as in person. It also allows appeal hearings to continue with just 2 panel members if the third panel member needs to withdraw.

These changes will make permanent some of the arrangements that were temporarily put in place as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

More information is available online:

Changes to the School Admission Appeals Code


Sustainability and climate change strategy and survey for education and childcare settings and children’s social care services

This is an update from the Department for Education

As part of the recovery from COVID-19, Department for Education DfE is committed to Building Back Greener.

We have launched an anonymous survey to gather feedback on our draft sustainability and climate change strategy. We will use the results from this survey, alongside feedback from focus groups and working groups, to inform the final developments of the strategy before publication in Spring 2022.

Please read our draft strategy and then take part in our anonymous survey. Responses must be submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday 20 February. This invitation is open to all education and childcare settings, children’s social care services and associated organisations.

By submitting your response, you are consenting for us to use your answers as part of our analysis of the public’s opinion on the draft strategy.

We encourage you to share the survey amongst your networks, in line with your own data privacy notices, as well as through social media.


Pre-exclusion Hotline

The pre-exclusion hotline is working well. It has been used by schools that are considering an exclusion.

A member of the BSAT team has been able to offer immediate intervention by discussing the exclusion in more detail, and offering a preventative solution. This support is available for both the individual child and their school.

One example of this was a school who telephoned the pre-exclusion hotline requesting support.

Contact was requested because a child had got into trouble swearing and telling staff that they were going to kill them. The issue was that this individual had previously been on a fixed term exclusion. The school had noticed that the child had complex needs and had previously utilised alternative provision.

The school felt that the information provided to them by a colleague did not evidence the complex needs and support that was previously provided to the child. As Local Authority (LA) officers, the Behaviour Support Development and Advisory Team (BSATs) were able to check the protocol system to see the extensive support that had previously been provided to the child and they were able to discuss this in more detail with the school. 

A visit was planned which allowed the BSAT team to support the child and discuss the reasons for their behaviour using a restorative approach. An offer of a restorative justice session with the child and the teacher involved enabled the exclusion to be prevented. Following this, the school purchased further support sessions from BSAT. 

In this instance, the ongoing support has allowed the BSAT team to check in weekly with the child, who has remained in the school and is now doing well. This demonstrates that with the right support at the right time can prevent exclusions.

The Pre-exclusion Hotline number is 07816 372459.


Could your school provide holiday clubs for children aged 5-16 to stay healthy and active

Applications are now open for schools to apply for a grant to run holiday clubs over the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays until 2024?

The scheme called Happy Healthy Active Holidays is run by Telford & Wrekin Council and has now attracted 22 local organisations to help put on 427 holiday clubs in the past year.

The programme offers free holiday clubs to for children who receive income-related Free School Meals (FSM) across the borough. Children who previously enrolled in the holiday clubs enjoyed a range of fun activities such as sports, music, and arts and crafts, as well as a free nutritious meal each day.

Following the success of the scheme in 2021, the government confirmed the programme will continue for the next three years, and Telford & Wrekin Council have been allocated an additional £843,000 from the Department of Education to run the scheme during 2022.

The Happy Healthy Active Holidays scheme builds on the work of the Council’s own Holiday Activity and Eat Well programme, which has supported voluntary and community providers to deliver holiday clubs throughout school holidays since 2018. 

Schools that can provide healthy meals and fun activities, such as sports, arts & crafts, nature or cooking, should apply.

Venues or organisations who can provide activities for holiday club providers can register as a ‘Delivery Partner’, to help holiday clubs provide a varied programme where you may not be able to provide a full provision, but can offer your venue or be open to working alongside another local organisation.

This could be your schools chance to help support families during what can be a difficult time.

The deadline for grant applications is 18 February 2022, if you’d like further conversations to explore how your school can take part please contact Annleigh Reynolds (Annleigh.reynolds@telford.gov.uk) or Andy Cooke (andy.cooke@telford.gov.uk).

Happy Health Active Holidays: Information and applications


St Giles Trust Project

St. Giles is an established provider of services to young people affected by youth violence, offending and all forms of exploitation. During the 12-month project, with our council, St Giles will deliver a programme of education for young people under 18 years old in our borough, to equip young people with the knowledge, tools, and awareness to stay safe and make positive choices.

Their service to settings will include:·      

  • SOS+ awareness raising sessions in schools/colleges to students. Where appropriate, St Giles may also offer a girls-only session to each setting, where they will cover child sexual exploitation and healthy relationships. A female facilitator will deliver this session.   
  • SOS+ sessions to teachers and school/college staff to develop understanding.
  • SOS+ sessions to parents (organised centrally).SOS+ session topics include; County Lines, knife crime, gangs, glamorisation and joint enterprise and realities of prison.

We will provide you in the coming weeks with updates regarding the roll out of this project and how your setting can get involved.

As part of this, we would like to invite you, your Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL’s) and Governors to a webinar later this month. You can attend on either the 11 February 2022 or 15 February 2022 from 3.30pm - 5.30pm. Please click on the date that interests you to access more information, and sign-up links.

SOS+ Telford Schools’ Webinar 11 February 2022

SOS+ Telford Schools’ Webinar 15 February 2022

We will also be engaging further with you, your DSL’s and Governors as part of a consultation to ensure the offer is tailored well to local needs and context.

We encourage you and all other settings in our borough to engage fully with this project, as part of our ongoing-shared commitment to keeping our children and young people in Telford as safe as possible.


Autism in Telford & Wrekin Council schools and provisions

Gratitude is expressed to everyone who bought into the new drive for the Autism Education Trust training across Telford & Wrekin schools. There was a huge response and there is now an autism lead professional in almost 80% of schools across the borough.

The next step of the programme of professional development is to deliver training to classroom practitioners plus all additional staff. This will consist of two training inputs: The Good Autism Practice (GAP) is for classroom teachers and Making Sense of Autism (MSA) is for all additional school staff. 

The Autism Standards document was distributed during the LGAP training last term, and is the document that will help you to evaluate your school. Many attendees completed an action plan at the training, and this should continue to support you in your role. The benefit of engaging in additional training will be to further equip your staff in understanding autism and how to not only adapt the curriculum, but to also adapt learning environments to further include young people and be able to understand the perspective and experiences of the young person.  A positive outcome of this training will be an increase in attendance in schools as well as an increase in attainment levels, alongside improved experiences of positive mental health and wellbeing. 

Jo Jenks (SENDCo, Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge CE Primary school) wrote: "In order to develop our knowledge and, more importantly, our understanding of Autism, we recently received the Good Autism Practice and Making Sense of Autism training for all the staff in school.  This training has enabled us as a school to reflect upon our approaches and strategies when working with autistic children.  It has given all staff the knowledge of the key areas of differences, and how these impact learning.  Following the training, we have carefully considered our learning environments and have made simple adaptions so that all the children in our school experience a positive education that supports their wellbeing."

To access GAP and/or MSA training, please make direct contact with Michael Lane via email to michael.Lane@Telford.gov.uk. Either an EP or LSAT staff member will then be allocated to you. 

The costs of the training packages are:

GAP £300 
MSA £100

GAP is a 3 hour session which can be delivered in one whole or via twilight sessions. 
MSA is 1 hour and can be delivered via twilight or otherwise depending upon your schedule.

The aim is to accept and commit to all the training by July 2022 so please take the time to assess your training needs before you make contact. If you have questions, please liaise with your link EP and/or your LSAT link.  If you have not undergone the initial leadership training with AET and would like to receive the training, you can also make contact using the email address above.


The DfE have launched a School Attendance Consultation

The Department for Education (DfE) are seeking views on what should be included in measures to improve the consistency of school attendance support and management.

This consultation is to improve the consistency of support: The DfE is determined to address the wider underlying causes of children not being in school.

The consultation is for all school staff, Academy Trusts, Local Authorities, parents and pupils

The document is available for download: 

Attendance consultation document

The closing date for any response is Monday 28 February 2022

Queries can be sent to Kay Burford, Attendance Support Team Leader, via email to attendancesupportteam@telford.gov.uk or by calling 01952 385220.


Autumn terms School Attendance & Persistent Absence data

Our thanks to all schools and staff that provided their attendance and persistent absence data in January 2022, during what is a very busy and stressful time. It is now possible to share the Borough averages with you all.

You will all recall that on this occasion we requested data for just the Autumn term 2021-22

This local and current data is not validated by the Department for Education (DfE) but is for guidance only. It can be compared against the most recent DfE validated ‘National Average’ attendance and persistent absence figures which is for Autumn terms 2019-20 and 2020-21.  

The table is now available to download. We hope that you will find it useful:

Attendance: Autumn Term 2021-22

Queries can be sent to Kay Burford, Attendance Support Team Leader, via email to attendancesupportteam@telford.gov.uk or by calling 01952 385220.


Changes to the Admissions/Deletions from roll notification

You will all be aware of the statutory guidance and the process for informing the Local Authority (LA) that you have admitted or deleted a pupil on/from your school roll. We need to alert you to some changes in the process so that we are fully compliant with statutory guidance and more importantly we are ensuring the safeguarding of every pupil.

The changes are with immediate effect.

Admitting a pupil: The LA has embedded a brand new MIS system called Synergy to manage School Admissions and this system has allowed us the opportunity of embracing an additional portal called SAM to inform the LA when you admit a pupil, we continue to work in partnership with all schools and to simplify processes at every opportunity. 

The SAM portal

Deleting a pupil: The A/D1 form has been redesigned (and is available to download) so that schools continue to use this for deletions only. Schools must be aware of the ‘Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 - ‘Regulation 8 – Deletions from the Admission Register’ before deleting a pupil and must inform the LA within 5 days. The completed form should be submitted via email to admissions@telford.gov.uk . 

Deletions Form

Queries can be sent to Kay Burford, Attendance Support Team Leader, via email to attendancesupportteam@telford.gov.uk or by calling 01952 385220.


Penalty Notice for Unauthorised Absence

You may be aware that the Penalty Notice (PN) for unauthorised absence had been temporarily unavailable due to restrictions that had been imposed.

The Attendance Support Team (AST) are now pleased to confirm these PNs will be available, a warning notice is issued first in these circumstances. You may need to remind yourselves of the criteria which can be found in your ‘Red Book’ (AST guidance on referrals & legal intervention).

The criteria for these PNs is very strict, do contact AST if you’d like some advice about the appropriateness of any PN or notice.

Queries can be sent to Kay Burford, Attendance Support Team Leader, via email to attendancesupportteam@telford.gov.uk or by calling 01952 385220.


End of summer term booking opportunity at Arthog Outdoor Education Centre due to late cancellation. 20 – 22 July 2022

Finish a testing school year with outdoor adventures in Snowdonia complete with a dip in the sea! A real treat for your children/young people and their accompanying staff too!

Due to a last minute shortening of a course there are 90 pupil places now available for a Wednesday to Friday stay at Arthog Outdoor Education Centre.

Arrive – from 11.30am onwards Wednesday 20 July 2022.
Depart – by 1pm on Friday 22 July 2022.

Cost per Pupil –  £147
The cost includes all activities, food and accommodation. Supervising adults are free of charge (subject to terms and conditions).

The centre is normally fully booked in the summer term, so this sudden availability is unusual and is an ideal opportunity for a final Year 6 trip before the end of term. Arthog is also open for family and other organised groups in the school holidays (minimum group size of 12 paying participants) so if you are looking for ideas, Arthog maybe a great option.

For more information please send an email to info@arthog.co.uk or call 01341 250 455 to discuss options.


Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities – Building Works

In order to support schools in understanding their responsibilities when it comes to planned building works and maintenance on school sites, the Local Authority (LA) is providing two guidance documents:

Definition of Responsibilities in relation to Building Works between the School and Local Authority
In order to clarify the roles and responsibilities of schools and the Local Authority (LA) in the planned maintenance of school buildings and land we have produced a guidance document which sets out the defined roles and responsibilities that exist between the LA and schools themselves, and specifies where these day to day maintenance responsibilities lie.

Guidance on Statutory Compliance and Landlord Consent for Undertaking Building Works
Although the majority of building works on school sites continues to be undertaken utilising the LA property teams, it is becoming more common for schools and governing boards to consider undertaking building and landscape adaptations themselves. Where this is the case, it is important that Duty Holders are aware of their responsibilities for statutory compliance and health and safety as it relates to any planned building works. The attached form and guidance notes are intended as a helpful tool for schools and governing boards, to ensure they are adhering to the statutory requirements of any building works, including the requirement to seek landlord approval from the LA before undertaking any works, and how to secure this approval.

Both of these documents can be accessed from the Telford.gov.uk website.

Hopefully these documents will help head teachers and governors in understanding what the requirements are for undertaking buildings works on your site. The Local Authority continues to be able to assist schools with any planned building works, and where the Authority’s in-house property team (the biT Team) are appointed to carry out any works by schools, then they will continue to ensure that these statutory requirements are met on behalf of the school.

In the first instance, if you require any further clarification on these matters, please get in touch with the biT Team directly via an email to assetmanagement@telford.gov.uk.


CPD courses for school staff, senior leaders and governors

The CPD Booklet continues to be available on the Telford Education Services site.

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).

Online Prevent Training in partnership with the Counter Terrorism Unit (no code) – see Noticeboard article

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

10am to 2pm

Understanding Children’s Development in the EYFS – Milestones, Theories and Approaches  (EY 314)

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

9.30am to 12.30pm

Meeting the OFSTED requirements and developing reading strategies for EAL learners at KS2 (CPD 714)

Thursday, February 17, 2022

3.45pm to 6pm

Safety Intervention Refresher Training (formerly MAPA Refresher Training) (BSAT 212) -

Thursday, February 17, 2022

9am to 11.30am

Taking the Chair - part 3 (GO 504)

Tuesday, March 01, 2022

4.30pm to 6.30pm

EYFS: Areas of Learning and Development
Session 3: Physical Development
(EY 308)

Tuesday, March 01, 2022

1pm to 2.30pm

EYFS: Areas of Learning and Development
Session 3: Physical Development
(EY 309)

Tuesday, March 01, 2022

4pm to 5.30pm

Understanding Nurture (PSS 101)

Tuesday, March 01, 2022

9.15am to 12noon

Governors' Responsibilities for Exclusions (SG 104)

Wednesday, March 02, 2022

5pm to 7pm

Raising Awareness of Child Protection (SG 108)

Wednesday, March 02, 2022

9.30am to 11am

Preventing and Dealing with Racist Bullying (CPD 533)

Wednesday, March 02, 2022

1.15pm to 4pm

Youth Mental Health First Aid - Part 1 (PSS 001)

Wednesday, March 02, 2022

9.15am to 4pm

Safer Recruitment Administration - book through HR

Thursday, March 03, 2022

3pm to 5.30pm

Primary ICT Coordinators' Update (CPD 512)

Thursday, March 03, 2022

4pm to 5.30pm

Youth Mental Health First Aid - Part 2 (PSS 001)

Thursday, March 03, 2022

9.15am to 4pm

RADY network meeting (by invitation)

Friday, March 04, 2022

10.30am to 12noon

Promoting the performance of disadvantaged students (GO 505)

Tuesday, March 08, 2022

4.30pm to 6.30pm

Teaching Children with SEND: Meeting the Needs.
Session 4: Supporting Memory Across the Curriculum
(LSAT 508)

Wednesday, March 09, 2022

4pm to 5.30pm

Designated Safeguarding Leads' and Safeguarding Governors' Termly Update (SG 106)

Wednesday, March 09, 2022

4pm to 5.30pm

Raising Awareness of Prevent (SG 101)

Thursday, March 10, 2022

3.30pm to 5pm

Meeting the EYFS profile requirements for  EAL learners in EYFS (CPD 715)

Thursday, March 10, 2022

1.15pm to 4pm

Safety Intervention Training (formerly MAPA training) - Part 1 (BSAT 201)

Thursday, March 10, 2022

8.30am to 4pm

Taking the Chair - part 4 (GO 504)

Thursday, March 10, 2022

4.30pm to 6.30pm

Child Development: Physical Development in the EYFS (EY 315)

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

9.15am to 12noon

Governors’ Responsibilities for SEND (LSAT 212)

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

5pm to 7pm

Designated Teacher for Children in Care Network Meeting (Post 16) – book through the Virtual School Team

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

4pm to 5pm

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

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

9.15am to 4pm

EAL Network Meeting (CPD 526)

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

4pm to 5.30pm

Preparing for Statutory Assessment at the End of KS1 (CPD 505)

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

9am to 12.30pm

Early Career Teacher Network (CPD 720)

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

4pm to 5pm

Early Years Coordinators – Termly Update (EY 007)

Thursday, March 17, 2022

4pm to 5.30pm

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

Thursday, March 17, 2022

9.15am to 4pm

Safety Intervention Training (formerly MAPA training) - Part 2 (BSAT 201)

Thursday, March 17, 2022

8.30am to 12.30pm

Preparing for Statutory Assessment at the End of KS1  (CPD 505)

Thursday, March 17, 2022

9am to 12.30pm

Restorative Justice (PSS 003)

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

4pm to 5.30pm

SACRE Conference – further details to follow

Wednesday 23 March, 2022

Time TBC

Assessment - termly update (morning) (CPD 502)

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

9.15am to 10.45am

Assessment - termly update (twilight) (CPD 503)

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

4pm to 5.30pm

Designated Safeguarding Leads Refresher (SG 107)

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

9.15am to 3.15pm

Recently Qualified Teacher Development Programme (CPD 507)

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

4pm to 5.30pm

Designated Teachers & Governors for Children in Care Network (compulsory school age) – book via Virtual School Team

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

4pm to 6pm

Creating an Engaging Curriculum  which excites, inspires and develops the learning of EAL pupils (EY 716)

Thursday, March 24, 2022

3.45pm to 6pm

Talk Boost - KS1 – awaiting further detail

Thursday, March 24, 2022

9am to 4pm

Verbal Intervention Training (BSAT 213)

Thursday, March 24, 2022

9am to 11.30am

Verbal Intervention Training (BSAT 214)

Thursday, March 24, 2022

3pm to 5.30pm

Early Career Teacher's Annual Professional Development Conference (CPD 514)

Friday, March 25, 2022

9am to 3.30pm

Creative approaches and new ideas for sharing stories within the EYFS (EY 301)

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

4pm to 5.30pm

Accredited Safer Recruitment Training - part 1

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

9am to 12.30pm

Developing the Role of Teaching Assistants in Supporting SEND
Part 1 (LSAT 507)

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

9.15am to 12noon

An Introduction to EAL for Early Career Teachers (CPD 527)

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

3.45pm to 6pm

Accredited Safer Recruitment Training - part 2

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

9am to 12.30pm

Designated Safeguarding Leads Refresher (SG 107)

Thursday, March 31, 2022

9.15am to 3.15pm


Celebrating 25 years of World Book Day

World Book Day is a charity event held annually in the UK. The charity aims to change children lives by encouraging them to love and enjoy reading. This prestigious day is celebrated across the world, and is always celebrated on the first Thursday in March in the UK.

This year is a special year for the charity, and on Thursday 3 March 2022 World Book Day will be celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Many schools and settings across the Borough will be taking part in this fantastic day. To help you to prepare to celebrate this special event there are a number of resources available including special resource packs, live stream events, book tokens, competitions and a range of exciting activities to take part in.

For further information, please visit the World Book Day website.

This year we would like you to share your news about the books you have been reading and any special events that you have organised to celebrate World Book Day. Please send your story and photos via email to education.noticeboard@telford.gov.uk or hashtag us in your twitter post @telfordwrekin.


Random Acts of Kindness Day – Thursday 17 February 2022

Random Acts of Kindness Day takes place in mid-February each year. It's a day dedicated to kindness and taking that extra, conscious step to brighten somebody’s day.

Sometimes it’s the smallest act that makes the biggest impact – something as simple as saying please or thank you can turn a day around and make life seem that much better.

Is your school or setting carrying out any activities to celebrate this day, if so send your story (with pictures) via email to education.noticeboard@telford.gov.uk or hashtag us in your twitter post @telfordwrekin.


February half term holiday activities

This is your guide on how to keep busy during the kids week off. With so many fun activities right on your doorstep you won’t know where to start. Includes ice skating and swimming crash courses to improve those water skills and lots of Kids4£1 activities.

February 2022 half term activity brochure

 

 

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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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