Education Noticeboard - 20 October 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. Launch of ‘Childhood’ – a short film to raise awareness of the need for foster carers
  3. Muxton Primary School enjoy book tour visit
  4. Free activities for 8 – 16 year olds this half term
  5. Applying for secondary school 2023: Reminder
  6. Schools Pre-Inspection Data and Insight Team’s communication
  7. Bandi Choor / Diwali (Festival of Light)
  8. Black History Month – A reflection
  9. Autumn Term Education Conference – 15 November 2022
  10. An opportunity to place your CPD course bookings
  11. £180 million to improve children's development in the early years
  12. Support for apprentices with a learning difficulty or disability
  13. Kids4£1 this October Half Term
  14. Schools in mind: Classroom wellbeing toolkit

Director update

Dear Colleagues

We are officially on countdown to half-term, a fact I’m sure those of you who have been under the scrutiny of Ofsted will welcome! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work, not only in preparing for inspections, but the day to day effort that goes into educating the young people and children within the borough all year round! You really are appreciated.

Raising the outcomes of all children is at the heart of what we do in education but, as we all know, home life has just as much of an impact. With this in mind, we have shared a fantastic new film, which aims to recruit more foster carers and draw attention to the impact on neglected children. Please do give this a watch, and share if you feel appropriate.

This is a lighter Education Noticeboard than recent weeks, but there are still some key pieces of information included. These include some great free half term activities for 8-16 year olds, a reminder that the deadline for school applications is almost here and there is the usual comprehensive list of CPD opportunities.

As always, a reminder to send us your good news stories, with photos if possible. We do love to share these!

Wishing you all a great week.

Simon

Simon Wellman
Director: Education & Skills


Launch of ‘Childhood’ – a short film to raise awareness of the need for foster carers

Telford & Wrekin Council have been working with 55 other local authorities to raise awareness of the need for foster carers and to show that those with space in their home and heart can make a huge difference.

As part of this, we have launched a new video called ‘Childhood’, that highlights the impact of neglect on children, particularly brothers and sisters who may be left at times to try and care for each other.

The video is shared on social media and other platforms to enable us to reach as many people as possible and lead them to consider whether the rewarding role of fostering could be an option for them.

Please help us share the video and spread the word about the range of fostering opportunities in Telford and Wrekin.

Watch the social media 'Childhood' clip on YouTube. The full 'Childhood' video is also available on there, or you can watch below:



Muxton Primary School enjoy book tour visit

The author and illustrator of new book ‘Every Book Tells a Story’ visited Muxton Primary School. The visit was part of a tour organised by Quarto Kids and Authors Aloud. The book looks at some of the most astonishing and amusing words in the English language.

Children at the school just loved playing with words with author Tom Read-Wilson, whilst illustrator Ian Morris drew at the same time. The school have said that: “Tom and Ian were positively iridescent – dazzling us with their words and pictures!”


Free activities for 8 – 16 year olds this half term

Urban Games is a free multi-sports programme offering physical activities for kids to get involved with this October half term. From BMX biking and skateboarding to multi sports sessions which include cricket, football, cricket, basketball and lots of others.

The sessions are hosted by professional coaches from AFC Telford United and Wrekin Riders BMX club, and there is something for everyone at a host of venues. Best of all, they are completely free and have been funded by Telford & Wrekin Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities project.

Please note, BMX bikes and skateboards are available to use, but kids are welcome to bring their own. 

The Safer & Stronger Communities project aims to tackle concerns around neighbourhood safety and to also look at longer term solutions through social groups that can support and engage people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Leading the investment with £2m, the council is working in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion who is also providing a further £500k.

Full details are available on the Urban Games website. For more information about the Safer and Stronger Communities Project, visit the website or contact the Safer & Stronger Communities neighbourhood coordinator via an email to saferstronger@Telford.gov.uk.


Applying for secondary school 2023: Reminder

As you are already aware, applications are open for Year 6 children that are due to start Secondary School in September 2023. The deadline for applications is Monday, 31 October 2022.

We would appreciate if you can now check that applications have been submitted for all your Year 6 pupils.

Please consider the below to support you:

  • You can see who has made their application by viewing the round summary page “Secondary Place 2023” on your SAM portal and viewing the leavers’ list.  Each applicant who has confirmed their current school on their application will appear in this section. If they didn’t supply this information,  then we might still have their application, so please check with the Admissions Team, so that they can check for an application and update if necessary. 
  • If the child resides outside of the Telford and Wrekin area,  then they will have applied to their home Local Authority (LA) and we don’t always know about their applications until after the closing date (when we receive files from the other LA’s). If out of area children are yet to apply, then they should be directed to their home LA.
  • For those that haven’t applied to us, if you are able to chase parents/carers and remind them about the closing date: 31 October 2022 that would be appreciated. We also ask that you confirm that all your Telford and Wrekin resident children have applied to us by the end of this half term. 
  • As a reminder, all children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) applying for a reception, junior (on roll at infant schools only) and secondary place for September 2023 also need to submit applications by 31 October 2022. 

Parents can submit up to four preference schools on their application and we encourage parents to apply for more than one school as, if we are unable to offer their preferred school, they may be allocated a school that is some distance away if their catchment school is already full. 

Each year we do see a lot of applications that have only one preference which can lead to a lot of disappointment when allocated a school at some distance from their home address.

Thank you for your cooperation.

If you or parents/carers have any queries, please contact the Admissions Team via email to admissions@telford.gov.uk.


Schools Pre-Inspection Data and Insight Team’s communication

Now available is the Schools’ Pre-Inspection Data and Insight Team’s updated inspection data summary report (IDSR).

The update is now live and can be accessed online:

Ofsted: Inspection Data Summary Report

For all schools, this update includes 2020/21 exclusions data and contextual information, based on January 2022 census data.

The IDSR now shows phonics screening test data for 2022, Key stage 1 & 2 attainment data for 2022, and Key stage 2 progress data for 2022.

At this time, the Schools Pre-Inspection Data and Insight Team have not updated stability data & disadvantaged pupil group data, nor added new multiplication table check data. These will be included in a future update.

For further information please see the IDSR guidance on the GOV. UK website. This, and all future updates to the IDSR will also been announced on the IDSR News Page.


Bandi Choor / Diwali (Festival of Light)

Bandi Choor/Diwali is a festival of lights and is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs from all across the world.

The festival usually lasts five days and  celebrates the triumph of good over evil with beautiful rituals which includes festive lights, fireworks, sweet delicacies and family gatherings. 

The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word “deepavali”, which means “rows of lighted lamps”. Households across India celebrate by decorating their space with small lamps called “Diyas” along with other colourful lights. 

People decorate their streets and homes in colourful festive lights, they use fireworks and sing and dance. They believe the noise from the dancing, singing and fireworks will help to scare away evil spirits, promoting the victory of good over evil. 

The dates for Bandi Choor/Diwali change each year, as they are based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The festival usually falls between mid-October and mid-November. This year the celebrations start on Monday 24 October 2022.

Schools should ensure that they mark this special celebration and to help there are a range of resources to support the teaching of Diwali for all three religions on the Telford and Wrekin SACRE website.

The Multicultural Development Team (MDT) can also help SLA schools by arranging a visit to a place of worship, and additional resources are available on the MDT website in the resource library. Additional resources are available on the MDT website in the resource library.

For further information please contact Kirsty Holden and Qamar Maqsood in the Multicultural Development Team via email to  MulticulturalDevelopment@telford.gov.uk.

Resources:
Listed below are some of the other free resource packs available to support your school/setting to celebrate Bandi Choor /Diwali:

Diwali: Primary teaching resources

Diwali: Key stage 2 (years 3-6) resources


Black History Month – A reflection

This year’s Black History Month we are happy to say, has been the best ever yet in Telford & Wrekin schools! Over 5000 pupils in the borough have accessed a free workshop, delivered by the Multicultural Development Team (MDT) and the Telford African and Afro-Caribbean Resource Centre (TAARC) thanks to Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) funding!

The overarching aim of Black History Month 2022 in schools is to promote awareness of a shared British history, provide staff with the opening for difficult discussions in class around racism and hate crime, as well as to develop pupil’s understanding of wider issues in the media and local context around equality and diversity issues. This supports schools’ development of pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values and the protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010. The theme for the workshops this year was the Commonwealth Monarchy, with a focus on life in the UK today.

The MDT would like to thank Cllr Shirley Reynolds for her support in attending a workshop, in which she praised the wonderful work that MDT and TAARC were doing in supporting pupils understanding of our shared history.

The team have received wonderful feedback from schools following these sessions:

“The children thoroughly enjoyed the workshops. They now have a greater understanding of the Commonwealth, and the feelings of people about the empire.”
Hollinswood Primary.

“A very enjoyable experience for all involved.”
Donnington Wood Infants.

“It has been extremely helpful in raising the profile of black history month, and the number of students interested in celebrating. We have been able to use these workshops, to continue spreading the celebration into each of our house assemblies. More students have been asking about black history month, and taking a general interest in events in other countries. It was a brilliant workshop, and the students loved it. I hope to be able to work with you next year!”
Abraham Darby

MDT support for individual schools to plan and develop staff knowledge is available upon request. The workshops for all the PCC funded projects can booked by contacting the MDT team directly. If you would like to enquire about upcoming workshops or resources please contact the MDT team.


Autumn Term Education Conference – 15 November 2022

The Telford & Wrekin Autumn Term 2022 Conference - Diversity, Accessibility and Equity for all: within and beyond the curriculum will take place Tuesday 15 November 2022.

This conference will explore diversity, accessibility and equity within the curriculum across all ages, with the aim of raising aspirations and achievement for all children and young people.

The aim is to consider how to maintain the momentum and to build upon current practice by bringing colleagues together to further consider reading in terms of diversity and accessibility.

We want all of our children and young people to ‘see’ themselves within their curriculum, and to be enabled to have full access, regardless of their background or previous experiences. It is our collective job to raise aspirations and to support all children and young people to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The day will consistent of key note speaker presentations, as well as the opportunity to attend workshops.  We will also be accompanied by Peters - specialist suppliers of books to primary and secondary schools.

Key note speakers and contributors will include:

Liz Pemberton, The Black Nursery Manager is an award winning outstanding practitioner, who has significant experience in gaining excellent results in pupil engagement and raising aspirations. Liz states that ‘as children are growing and developing, it is our job, as educators, to help them form a positive sense of themselves and the people in the world around them’.

Lekha Sharma: An experienced and current school leader, who is the author of ‘Curriculum to Classroom’ and contributor to chapters within ‘Primary Huh’ (a Mary Myatt publication). Lekha explores the importance of curriculum coherence and sequencing of curriculum materials, with a focus on how to maximise the chances that pupils will secure understanding over time. Lekha will share practical examples of how this can be achieved in a primary context at both curriculum and lesson design level.

Andy Smith: A local practitioner and mentor for a number of young people in Telford & Wrekin. With direct experience of the social care system, Smash Life is an award winning company who promote diversity and celebrate children’s individuality – working with schools across the borough to engage pupils within the education system.

Olivia Taylor: Speaks candidly from the pupil perspective about the effects of the language of ‘disadvantage’ on those who have experienced it. Her experiences and achievements have enabled her to advocate for those who struggle to be heard against society’s noise. The alternative word presented is ‘underserved’. This word makes us stop and think about our perception of those who find themselves in this category.

Costs for T&W schools and academies:
One delegate - £158pp
Two delegates - £250
Each additional delegate (over and above two places being booked) - £100pp

To book your place/s please send a completed booking form via email to cpdschoolimprovement@telford.gov.uk. Any queries can be sent to the same email address.


An opportunity to place your CPD course bookings

The 2022-23 CPD Booklet is 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).

The role of the Early Years practitioner in supporting and enhancing play
(EY 008)
Tuesday 1 November 2022 1.15pm to 4pm
Meeting the EYFS profile requirements for EAL learners in EYFS
(CPD 715)
Tuesday 1 November 2022 1.15pm to 4pm
Employee investigations training
(book via Human Resources)
Wednesday 2 November 2022 2.30pm to 5pm
Designated Safeguarding Leads' and Safeguarding Governors' termly update
(SG 106)
Wednesday 2 November 2022 4pm to 5.30pm
Effective circle times in the EYFS
(EY 302)
Thursday 3 November 2022 1.15pm to 4pm
ECT induction tutor and mentor – termly update
(CPD 516)
Thursday 3 November 2022 4pm to 5.30pm
Working together to improve school attendance expectations for schools AST 
(001)
Thursday 3 November 2022 2pm to 3.30pm
Awareness raising of emotion coaching – level 1
(PSS 0041)
Tuesday 8 November 2022 4pm to 5.30pm
Designated teachers and governors for Children in Care Network
(compulsory school age)  (GO 503)
Wednesday 9 November 2022 4pm to 5.30pm
The importance of the Early Years Foundation Stage in schools
(GO 603)
Thursday 10 November 2022 5.30pm to 7pm
Managing sexual violence and sexual harassment in schools
(SG 201)
Thursday 10 November 2022 9.30am to 12.30pm
Safety intervention refresher training
(formerly MAPA Refresher Training) - CPI accredited (BSAT 212)
Thursday 10 November 2022 8.45am to 12.30pm
Diversity, accessibility and equity: within and beyond the curriculum
(CPD 722) See separate article
Tuesday 15 November 2022 all day - TBA
Primary computing update
(CPD 512)
Tuesday 15 November 2022 4pm to 5.30pm
Developing the role of the EAL coordinator
(CPD 616)
Tuesday 15 November 2022 3.45pm to 6pm
Listen with Lucy
(EY 023)
Wednesday 16 November 2022 1.15pm to 4pm
Understanding school finances
(GO 518)
Wednesday 16 November 2022

9.15am to 12noon

Supporting behaviour and learning – hildren with ADHD / Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD)
(PSS 104)
Wednesday 16 November 2022 4pm to 5.30pm
Early Career Teacher Network
(ECTs in year one of their training) (CPD 720)
Wednesday 16 November 2022 2.30pm to 3.45pm
Early Career Teacher Network
(ECTs in year two of their training) (CPD 720)
Wednesday 16 November 2022 4.15pm to 5.30pm
Governor’s responsibilities for SEND
(LSAT 212)
Wednesday 16 November 2022 5pm to 7pm
Designated Safeguarding Leads refresher
(SG 1070)
Wednesday 16 November 2022 9.15am to 3.15pm
Exploring the 7 areas of learning in a school based EYFS environment
(EY 318)
Thursday 17 November 2022 9.15am to 12noon
Behaviour support intervention training
Non-accredited (BSAT 301)
Thursday 17 November 2022 8.30am to 4pm
Understanding nurture
(PSS 101)
Thursday 17 November 2022 9.15am to 12noon
Assessment - termly update
(morning) (CPD 502)
Tuesday 22 November 2022 9.15am to 10.45am
Assessment - termly update
(twilight) (CPD 503)
Tuesday 22 November 2022 4pm to 5.30pm
Safer recruitment administration
(book via Human Resources)
Wednesday 23 November 2022 3pm to 5.30pm
Establishing yourself as a SEND leader, for new and returning SENCOs
(LSAT 302)

Wednesday 23 November 2022

4pm to 5pm
Newly appointed Safeguarding Governor induction training
Part 1 (SG 103)
Wednesday 23 November 2022 5.30pm to 8pm
Governors' responsibilities for exclusions
(SG 104)
Thursday 24 November 2022 5pm to 7pm
Accredited safer recruitment training
(book via Human Resources)
Thursday 24 November 2022 9am to 4.30pm
Raising awareness of Prevent 
(SG 101)
Thursday 24 November 2022 9.30am to 11am
Bright ideas and inspiration - for your breakfast, holiday and out of school provision
(EY 303)
Thursday 24 November 2022 9.15am to 12noon
Induction training for new governors
(GO 502)
Tuesday 29 November 2022 9.30am to 3.30pm
Managing English as an Additional Language (EAL) in Early Years Settings
(CPD 710)
Tuesday 29 November 2022 1.15pm to 4pm
Early Years coordinators – termly update
(EY 007)
Wednesday 30 November 2022 4pm to 5.30pm
Working together to improve school attendance expectations for schools
(AST 001)
Wednesday 30 November 2022 10am to 11.30am

£180 million to improve children's development in the early years

This is an update from the Department of Education

Every region in England will benefit from programmes to improve teaching of children’s early speech, language and numeracy, along with professional development to build strong leadership skills and improve the understanding of children’s development. New opportunities will also be provided for graduates looking to embark on a career in early years teaching, as well as staff looking to train as early years special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs).

Evidence shows that access to early education is crucial in supporting children to thrive in adulthood and contribute to society. The Education Endowment Fund has also shown that improving young children’s pre-school language skills could boost the economy by up to £1.2 billion over the course of their lifetimes.

Up to £180 million of government funding over the three years will support the sector to focus on children’s development in their earliest of years and help to address existing recruitment and retention challenges. It follows commitments by the Government to improve parents’ access to affordable, flexible childcare through ambitious reforms, for which work continues.

More information is available on the GOV.UK website.


Support for apprentices with a learning difficulty or disability

This is an update from the Department for Education

Learning support funding is available for apprenticeship providers to make reasonable adjustments to support apprentices who have learning difficulties or disabilities.

This guidance outlines:

  • how providers should assess and identify the needs of their apprentices
  • how to make a claim in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

More information, including a downloadable PDF, is available on the GOV.UK website.


Kids4£1 this October Half Term

Telford & Wrekin Council’s kids4£1 programme includes weekend and weekday across the full 7 days from Monday 24 October to Sunday 30 October. 

Telford Ice Rink have also planned their Halloween themed fun including a spooky disco and fancy dress competition on the ice. 

Find out more and start planning on the Kids for a Quid website.


Schools in mind: Classroom wellbeing toolkit

Schools in Mind have teamed up with the Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) to create a brand-new toolkit for secondary school staff.

The toolkit shares practical steps that staff can take to promote and support mental health through their everyday interactions with students. It focuses on enhancing the quality of the classroom environment and relationships between students and staff.

Download: Classroom Wellbeing Toolkit

Other resources are also available:

Seminar on understanding emotionally-based school avoidance

Free resources on addressing emotionally-based school avoidance

Sign up for a free seminar (3 November 2022) about supporting students’ mental health

 

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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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