Summer term | 12 May 2020 | Issue 1
DfE Guidance:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings
Guidance for education and childcare settings on how to implement protective measures.
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Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020
Next steps for the phased wider opening of educational and childcare settings.
What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak
Information for parents and carers about the wider opening of nurseries, schools and colleges, transport, attendance, free school meals and remote education.
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
The Government’s roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis - read the DfE guidance.
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives - read the DfE guidance.
Priority Message for Headteachers (Official Sensitive): Headteacher update from Dawn Stabb, Head of Education and Learning
You should have received an email from Dawn Stabb, Head of Education and Learning for DCC distributed to all headteachers just after 12.45pm on 11/05/20 providing the latest advice in respect of school closures and the emerging situation due to COVID-19.
If you have not received a copy of this email, please contact the DAPH Office by email daph@devon.gov.uk and we will arrange to forward a copy to you.
The message included details of:
- New COVID 19 – Attendance Register – Live from 11/05/20
- May Half Term Provision
- School Transport - request for advance notice of requirements for May half term
- Update on IT kit from DfE
- Early Years Digest
P L U S Children returning to school:
The message below has been added to the DCC website – you may also wish to use the text and personalise it for your own school webpages, newsletters or social media.
Many families will have heard the Prime Minister’s address on Sunday 11th May in which he stated that:
“At the earliest by June 1 – after half term – we believe we may be in a position to begin the phased reopening of shops and to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6. Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays.”
Currently, schools will continue to offer places for vulnerable children and those of key workers but we understand that many other parents will want to know more about when their children will return to school. Schools across the country will also have heard this news for the first time on Sunday and over the course of the next week or two, schools will be reviewing the detailed guidance government has said it will provide. They will then take any action required to open the school to the year groups identified in a safe way. When they are in a position to do so each school will provide information on their website and in newsletters so that parents will know exactly when the school will be able to once again offer a place for their children. In the meantime, it would be appreciated if parents could avoid contacting their school directly.
Schools will also be interested to know that we are expecting a further update later today from the DfE, and regional meetings are planned for tomorrow. I have arranged with Phase Association representatives that this will again be the focus of our planning meeting on Wednesday once we have the latest information.
School Leadership Support Service (SLSS) is still here for you
Let’s talk: 01392 380518 or 07970 905511
During these challenging times, we wanted to remind you that the team of SLSS Mentor Heads is still here to provide confidential support and guidance to school leaders.
We know these are tough, unprecedented times and the shifting sands can make some feel vulnerable; but this pastoral service can help on a number of levels. This may be in the form of a phone call, by email or meeting, albeit virtually at the present time. As experienced school leaders, we act as a sounding board and can offer reassurance and advice. We can help with navigating the relentless stream of information and guidance or assist with signposting and access to other services which may be more relevant.
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DAPH & DASH MS Teams Meetings - an opportunity to question / feedback
The next round of DAPH & DASH MS Teams meetings have been organised and we'll be discussing the recent DfE guidance on COVID-19. We don't necessarily have all the answers but this is an opportunity to share and discuss concerns with other colleagues and will help your DAPH & DASH reps to collate information and feedback from schools to take back to meetings with DCC and other partners.
See below for further details:
DASH MS Teams Meeting - Friday 15 May 2020 at 1.00pm
An MS Teams invitation has been sent to secondary school leaders regarding this Friday's Teams meeting - please get in touch if you have not received this communication.
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Monday 18 May:
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1.30 - 2.30 pm North (hosted by Alun Dobson)
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3.30 - 4.30 pm East (hosted by Paul Walker)
Tuesday 19 May:
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1.30 - 2.30 pm Central (hosted by Rachel Shaw)
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3.30 - 4.30 pm South & West (hosted by Jamie Stone)
For more information and to book | READ MORE
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DAPH Annual School Leadership Conference
Note - contingency dates 11 & 12 March 2021
Prices confirmed for 2020:
- 2 day residential - £375.00pp (non-sharing)
- 2 day residential - £355.00pp (sharing with named colleague)
- 2 day non-residential - £300.00pp
Terms and conditions apply. Please see booking form for further details.
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Covid-19 Assessment FAQs
In these very uncertain times, Babcock LDP have begun the process of providing schools with some clarity in terms of assessment expectations.
They have collected together some FAQs and attempted to answer where they can, and indicate where an answer as yet is not possible.
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Join research on implications of school closures
Professor Anna Mountford-Zimdars, Co-Director of the University’s Centre for Social Mobility, is leading a research team comprising academic and professional service colleagues who are undertaking rapid response research which will inform policy makers about the implications of the current school closure in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey received University of Exeter ethical approval and is open to parents or guardians, students (aged 16 and older), Teachers, and Admissions and outreach professionals.
Further information about the survey is available online. The online survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and we are donating £50 for every 200 completed surveys (up to a maximum of £1000) to the Charity ChildLine. You will also have the chance to be entered into a draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher (or if preferred a £50 donation to the WHO Covid19 fund).
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KS2 Step into the NHS competition
Read details of the national KS2 Step into the NHS competition, which launched last summer, which asks pupils to design a ‘thank you’ to our inspirational NHS staff.
Now more than ever, the competition takes on a truly special meaning. This is why the deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 19 June 2020, giving you and your pupils more time to get creative and recognise the work of NHS staff across the country.
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Families urged to check if their children are eligible for free school meals
Please communicate the DCC News Centre link to parents who are eligible for free school meals.
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Coronavirus: Parents support and advice on the NSPCC website
The NSPCC has created Covid 19 – Parents Page, an online Hub providing advice and support for parents and carers during the coronavirus outbreak. Content includes: information on keeping children safe from abuse; tips and advice to help parents working from home; and ways to talk to a child who is anxious or worried about coronavirus. Please share with your networks, family and friends.
CHILDLINE / Childline.org.uk / 0800 1111
NSPCC HELPLINE / nspcc.org.uk / 0808 800 5000
It is our priority to let children, young people, families, carers, professionals and communities know we are still here for them.
- Childline provides an essential service to vulnerable children, which is why our staff and volunteers (key worker status) are working tirelessly to keep Childline running.
- To continue to support children during this challenging period, and to adapt to the ever- changing situation.
Please continue to visit our website to access lots of resources for schools or professionals here or for parents/carers at nspcc.org.uk/. If you have any concerns about a child, please contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or at help@nspcc.org.uk .
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Ofqual | Clarity on arrangements for dual registered students
Read the Ofqual update on centre assessment grades and rank orders for private candidates and for students who have worked with other centres (updated 30/04/20).
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 DAPH and DASH Group Representation on Local Authority Working Groups
The scope and role of DAPH (Primary Representation) and DASH (Secondary Representation) within the local context is illustrated in the Working Groups Representation Chart effective for the current academic year.
 When attending meetings of Devon Education Forum (DEF), its sub-groups and other statutory or working groups, DAPH & DASH Representatives provide a summary of key messages and issues affecting schools.
- Details of Membership on DEF, agendas and full minutes of previous meetings and other information about DEF are advertised on the DEF website
- Contact the Forum: E schools.forum@devon.gov.uk T 01392 382305
 To view the objectives, Terms of Reference and minutes of meetings for Schools' Finance Group, which is a sub-group of Devon Education Forum, visit the SFG website
 To view the objectives, Terms of Reference and minutes of meetings for School Organisation, Capital and Admissions Group (SOCA), which is a sub-group of Devon Education Forum, visit the SOCA website
Devon Children and Families Partnership
Read the latest DCFP news HERE | dcfp.org.uk
The advice to anyone in Devon who may have suspicions of child abuse or neglect is to contact Devon’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
Children & Young People's Plan 2019-2023 can be viewed HERE
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Guidance | Babcock One Minute Guides
The Babcock One Minute Guidance documents are just a few of the essential resources available to Designated Safeguarding Leads, Headteachers and Governors.
As well as quick reference guides they can be used to cascade information to staff, Governors and volunteers as part of their regular safeguarding training. READ MORE on the Babcock LDP website.
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Babcock Safeguarding Update newsletter - April & May 2020
Read the latest news and updates in the recent Babcock newsletters for April and May which include:-
- Safeguarding and Escalation Flow Chart
- Safeguarding Appendix to Schools' Child Protection Policy
- Covid19 Early Help Additional Support
- New One Minute Guides on Disclosure / Visiting Music Teachers / DSL Role during
- Covid-19 / Domestic Abuse
- Training
- Recruitment
- Vulnerable Pupils
- Online Grooming and Child Exploitation
- Communicating with pupils
- Seeking support
- Revised One Minute Guides and supporting Podcasts
Babcock Early Years Consultancy Team | EYFS Newsletter 2 (April 2020)
Read the latest Babcock EYFS newsletter which includes the Government's published guidance for early years providers about the temporary disapplications and modifications of certain elements of the EYFS statutory framework during COVID-19, transition planning and useful contacts.
 Devon SEND Local Offer and Strategy
Statutory Guidance SEND Code of Practice: 0-25 years defines that the Local Offer has two key purposes:
- To provide clear, comprehensive, accessible and up-to-date information about the available provision and how to access it.
- To make provision more responsive to local needs and aspirations by directly involving disabled children and those with SEND and their parents, and disabled young people and those with SEND, and service providers in its development and review.
For more information visit the Devon SEND Local Offer website.
Keep up to date with the latest news - subscribe to the newsletter HERE or view recent SEND news and updates on the SEND website.
Read the latest news and updates in this month's SEND Improvement Board newsletter.
 Requests for Delayed Admission to Reception – notes for schools
Read the guidance to schools on delayed admission which has also been emailed directly via the Admissions team - visit the Education and Skills (SharePoint) website.
Policies will be uploaded to academic year folders which are at http://devon.cc/schoolpolicy.
These folders will replace the school folders:
- 2019-20 school admissions policies
- 2020-21 school admissions policies
- 2021-22 school admissions policies
Please use these versions, either uploading to your website or link to them using http://devon.cc/schoolpolicy.
Contact: Andrew Brent, Policy and Strategy Officer
schoolsadmissionpolicy-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Is your school information accurate?
A reminder to all schools to check / update information held within the DCC Admissions Directory or use the Update Form via this LINK
Admission Arrangements and School / Academy Trust Websites
A reminder that all schools must publish determined admissions policies and proposed policies on their school / Academy Trust website during the consultation period.
Devon SACRE – Annual report 2018/19
SACRE’s role is to provide advice and support, and to monitor the provision and quality of Religious Education and collective worship in Devon schools.
Read more on the Devon SACRE website pages which include a copy of the Annual report 2018/19.
RE Newsletter – April 2020 - Coronavirus Edition!
Read the latest RE newsletter for schools and teachers of RE including resources and ideas for home learning.
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Visit this page to SUBSCRIBE to the Early Years and Childcare Service newsletter, a weekly email digest of new updates (sent every Friday morning).
HR ONE COVID-19 Advice
The HR ONE Policy pages now have an additional folder entitled COVID-19. This will be updated with COVID-19 Schools and Academy related information as it becomes available.
This file is accessible to all customers, regardless of what level of service you purchase from HR ONE. If you have any HR related COVID-19 questions, please contact: humnres.coronavirushrenquiries-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
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NJC (Support Staff) Pay Award 2020 – Update
Read the update on the 2020 pay award discussions which applies to support staff in schools.
Resources for secure home working
The SW Police Regional Cyber Crime Unit have lots of resources for ensuring that people are able to securely work from home. Sign up to their fortnightly newsletter which includes information on the latest threats we are seeing, and some simple advice to help mitigate them.
The National Cyber Security Centre, also have a lot of good articles and blogs which may be useful including:
Read more at www.swrocu.police.uk/cyber
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Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) Update
Subscribe to receive a weekly round-up of information and actions for Education and Skills Funding Agency funded organisations.
To find out more about the Education and Skills Funding Agency | READ MORE
Read the latest DAG newsletter Issues HERE
Most of the web pages and documents on the DAG website are restricted to DAG members - if you are a DAG member please log in
Subscribe to DAG | if you would like to join the Devon Association of Governance (DAG), gain access to the members only content and receive the DAG e-newsletter by email, please complete the F O R M on the DAG website.
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Devon Association of Primary Headteachers (DAPH) &
Devon Association of Secondary Headteachers (DASH)
View the current Executive Committee members here - see DAPH & DASH
Contact us: T 01392 380518 E daph@devon.gov.uk W daph.org.uk
DAPH / DASH Office | Venture House, One Capital Court, Bittern Road, Sowton Industrial Estate
Exeter EX2 7FW
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