Summer term | 16 July 2021 | Issue 7
  Join colleagues at this cross phase school leadership event - a two day CPD opportunity for all school leaders at Saunton Sands Hotel in North Devon.
Target audience: primary and secondary school leaders and other members of the school leadership team.
With keynote speakers:
Day 1 | Thursday 14 October 2021
Day 2 | Friday 15 October 2021
READ MORE AND BOOK ONLINE. Residential, non-residential and single day booking options are available. One booking form per delegate required. Terms and conditions apply, please see the online booking form for further details. Note that this is a new event - all previous 2020 bookings cannot be carried forward. Please re-book for the 2021 event.
DSLS School Leadership Briefing - Autumn term
SAVE THE DATE | Wednesday 3 November 2021
(all-day event, venue to be confirmed)
Speakers will include:
- Ofsted
- RSC SW Office
- DCC Head of Education & Learning
- a focus on RSE curriculum provision and response to the Ofsted Report on Sexual Abuse in schools & colleges
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 HT Email Update 16/07/21 from Dawn Stabb, Head of Education and Learning, DCC
Schools should refer to Dawn Stabb’s email of 16/07/21 for important guidance from 19/07/21 which includes Covid Information Updates for next week:
- Track and Trace and Isolation
- What schools must do when informed of a positive case
- School transport
- Return in September
- Google sharing platform links
Not received this Schools Priority Alerts email? Please let us know.
Covid restrictions in education settings to end at Step 4
Further Covid restrictions in schools, such as class and year group bubbles, will be lifted but protective measures will remain in place next term | READ MORE
Learning during the pandemic
A collection of 5 reports from Ofqual studying aspects of learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 and 2021 | READ MORE
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Reminder | Notification of confirmed positive Covid cases to the LA
Reporting of positive COVID-19 results through the Schools Smart Survey remains a priority as it provides more timely and vital local information to support the overall response to the pandemic.
DCC Devon Schools Key Information Website
Visit the private Education (staff only) website which hosts all the key information and guidance in one place so it can easily be referred to by school leaders and other senior staff. Here is the link to the website - schools are to log in via their usual DCC account.
Headship can be isolating and overwhelming, particularly during these challenging times. We wanted to remind you that the team of aHead Professional Partners are here to provide confidential support and guidance to school leaders.
Additionally, Devon SLS member schools have access to the Devon SLS Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - free individual access to confidential information, support and counselling service plus the option of purchasing for the whole school at a discounted price.
Question or need support? Contact us:
E aHead-DevonSLS@devon.gov.uk T 01392 380518 / 07970 905511
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 Education Secretary launches call for evidence on behaviour in schools
The Government is asking teachers and school leaders for views on managing good behaviour, including on the use of mobile phones in the school day | READ MORE
Open consultation: Behaviour management strategies, in-school units and managed moves: call for evidence (this consultation closes at 12:15am on 10 August 2021)
School funding to be made fairer and clearer
School funding will be made simpler, fairer and more transparent as the Government levels up education across the country | READ MORE
Open consultation: Fair school funding for all: completing our reforms to the National Funding Formula (this consultation closes at 11:45pm on 30 September 2021).
Proposed changes to the assessment of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2022
Summary - a joint consultation published by Ofqual and the Department for Education on proposed changes to the assessment of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2022 | READ MORE
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 1 August 2021.
A separate but related consultation on proposed changes to assessments for vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) in the 2021 to 2022 academic year is also taking place.
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 26 July 2021.
Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE)
Statutory guidance for schools and colleges on safeguarding children and safer recruitment. Note this revised guidance comes into effect 01/09/21 | READ MORE
KCSIE Consultation outcome: proposed revisions 2021
Summary of the responses received, along with the government’s response outlining the next steps | READ MORE
Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges
Advice for schools and colleges on how to prevent and respond to reports of sexual violence and harassment between children | READ MORE
More support for schools and colleges to tackle sexual abuse
Schools to be encouraged to dedicate staff training to handling sexual abuse and harassment | READ MORE
Research commentary: teaching about sex, sexual orientation and gender reassignment
Chris Jones, Ofsted’s Director, Corporate Strategy, discusses research on teaching about the protected characteristics of sex, sexual orientation and gender reassignment in England’s schools | READ MORE
Breakfast clubs programme 2021-2023
The DfE are now investing up to £24 million in a new two year contract to continue their support for school breakfast provision until July 2023. All participating schools will receive a 100% subsidy for Breakfast Club Provision until 31st March 2022 | READ MORE
Teaching a broad and balanced curriculum for education recovery
Optional guidance for school leaders and staff in reception, and key stages 1 to 3, who are responsible for the curriculum and its teaching | READ MORE
 Section 8 school inspection handbook
Guidance for Ofsted inspectors carrying out school inspections under section 8 of the Education Act 2005 | see SUMMARY OF CHANGES (last updated 28 June 2021)
Inspections to look at how schools and colleges work to prevent sexual harassment, online sexual abuse and sexual violence
Ofsted has published updated education inspection handbooks, clarifying how inspectors will assess how schools and colleges confront sexual harassment, abuse and violence among children and young people | READ MORE
Ofsted publishes annual report and accounts 2020-21
Ofsted publish their latest annual report and accounts for 2020 to 2021, highlighting their work and financial information for the last year | READ MORE
Pupil premium: allocations and conditions of grant 2021 to 2022
Read the ESFA published allocations and conditions of grant for the 2021 to 2022 financial year (last updated 24 June 2021) | READ MORE
DCC Education Finance Blog | PE and Sports Premium – Conditions Update
The 2020 to 2021 conditions of grant for the PE and Sports Premium has been updated | READ MORE
Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) funding allocations
The ESFA have published:
Note: Due to school opening restrictions in place this year, schools were asked to report in the school census the number of meals taken as would be the case on a typical day. As there were inconsistencies in this data, the EFSA were unable to use it for funding purposes.
The methodology for calculating the UIFSM funding allocations has therefore been updated for the final allocations for 2020 to 2021. The calculation uses the total number of UIFSM eligible pupils from the current academic year and applies the school level take-up rate from the January 2020 census, the last reliable pre-COVID-19 data available.
Using this data is the fairest and most consistent way to calculate the allocations and has resulted in a higher total allocation when compared to using the January 2021 census data.
The provisional allocations for 2021 to 2022 are the same as the final allocations for 2020 to 2021.
School funding in England - National Audit Office (NAO) Report
This report examines the Department for Education’s funding provision and distribution of funding for mainstream schools in England | READ MORE
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Letter to academy trust accounting officers: July 2021
Letter sent from Eileen Milner, Chief Executive of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, to academy trusts in July 2021 | READ MORE
Reminder: suitability checks for academy trust chairs of trustees
ESFA carries out suitability checks on newly appointed chairs of trustees on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education. These checks are intended to provide confidence in the suitability of chairs of academy trusts and support safeguarding requirements set out in Keeping children safe in education (2020).
Academy trust chairs of trustees must complete a suitability check as soon as they are appointed. This is in addition to any checks arranged locally by the academy trust.
If your trust has recently appointed a new chair of trustees or, extended the term of office of an existing chair of trustees’ and they did not receive a check when originally appointed, they should do this without delay. Apply for a suitability check now.
 Devon Education Forum (DEF): Appointment of Academy members (Secondary) and named Substitutes effective from 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022
For details of the proposed Secondary Academy Membership at DEF from 1 September 2021, read the DSLS newsletter dated 9 July 2021.
Babcock LDP Keeping Children Safe Newsletter
July 2021
Read the latest news from the Babcock LDP team including updates on:
- S175 Audit findings
- Early Help
- MASH update
- Overseas recruitment
- KCSiE 2021
- Ofsted review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges
- Babcock training courses
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 SEND Local Offer website now updated
The brand new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) website has been launched, designed for children and young people with SEND and their families to help them find the right information about education, health and care support in the local area to help them achieve their goals in life.
Every local authority is required to provide a Local Offer for children and young people aged 0-25 and to make sure information about what his offer is easily accessible.
The new website has been developed alongside parents and carers, those working with children and young people and young people themselves to make sure families can easily find the information that matters most. It will play a vital role in helping families to understand what help and support is available in their area and will also help us to make sure our SEND provision is more responsive to local needs.
Feel free to share the new website with your contacts and ask them to give their feedback via the feedback option on every page.
I CAN | Supporting Children and Young People with Developmental Language Disorder
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a diagnosis given to children and young people who have life-long difficulties with language that are not associated with other biomedical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, or autistic spectrum disorders.
Developed in partnership with nasen and Whole School SEND, and funded by the Department of Education, this practical guide will give school-based professionals guidance on how to identify and support children with DLD in mainstream primary and secondary schools. This resource can be accessed here: ICAN DLD guide
In addition there are FREE webinars for staff in Early Years, Primary and Secondary Schools. These can be accessed here: ICAN webinars on DLD
I CAN report | Speaking Up for the Covid Generation
A report by I CAN identifies that as a result of Covid-19 1.5 million children are at risk of being left behind with their speaking and understanding. Access their report via the I CAN website or download here.
SEND Written Statement of Action - Strategic Action Group
Feedback to schools from the recent meeting included:
- For the new September school year, a reminder to include voice of all young people (including SEND) in pupil voice and school councils.
- Schools starting an EHCP in July should note that staff would need to be available to work on the response in the 6 week timescale; it is therefore recommended to wait until the autumn term unless staff are prepared to working during August to meet statutory timelines.
SEND Operational Delivery Group
Schools to note feedback from the recent meeting held on 1 July 2021:
There are still a lot of EHCPs coming into the system and the capacity to process these is stretched. 30% of EHCP requests are initially being refused and additional evidence is still required which stretches administrative capacity and slows down the rest of the system. Therefore, we need to ensure the requests we submit have the evidence needed to progress to the next stage.
SENDCo's required to join new Working Party
2 x SENDCo's (primary and secondary) are required to join a working party for improving the annual review process - please submit your interest via email to devonsls@devon.gov.uk
Devon Information Advice and Support (DIAS) for SEND
Read the latest DIAS newsletter Issue 10 dated 16/07/21.
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 Schools in Exeter to note changes to 2022 Year 6 Transition Days
Exeter based primary and secondary schools should note the local agreement for the following dates in relation to Transition 2022:
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Year 6 Opening evening - 6 July 2022
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Year 7 Transition days - 7 & 8 July 2022
 Schools Health Education Unit (SHEU) Pupil health and wellbeing survey
Letters have been sent to schools inviting sign up to this free health and wellbeing survey for pupils, which will take place in the Autumn 2021. Details are attached and to sign up please follow this link.
 Apprenticeships within the Schools Workforce
The Devon County Council Apprenticeship Team have developed a new guide to Apprenticeships within the Schools Workforce to support Community and Voluntary Controlled who contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy.
The guide provides step by step guidance on identifying an apprenticeship standard, training providers, recruitment & selection, apprenticeships for existing members of staff and how to access levy funds | READ MORE
Keep up to date:
Devon Association of Governance (DAG) Newsletters
Visit the DAG website to subscribe to newsletters and register for DAG membership.
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 DSLS would like to say farewell and best wishes to the following colleagues who are retiring or moving on to pastures new at the end of this term:
- Joanne Arscott - Head of School, St Rumon's CofE (VC) Infants School
- Nick Banwell - Headteacher at Rydon Primary School, Education South West
- Mick Cammack - Principal at Braunton Academy
- Deborah Eveleigh - Executive Headteacher at The Valley Partnership
- Catherine Higley - Headteacher at East-the-Water Primary School, Bideford
- Ruth Ingrouille - Head of School at Tipton St John CofE Primary School, Otter Valley Federation
- Sian Lane - Executive Headteacher, Cedar Tree Federation
- Sarah Mackay - Headteacher at Stoke Hill Infants and Nursery School, Stoke Hill Federation
- Emily Mayo - Headteacher at Beaford Community Primary School
- Gary Read - Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation
- Lynette Selbie - Headteacher at Tavistock Community Primary School
- Roy Souter - Headteacher at Stoke Hill Junior School, Stoke Hill Federation
School Leadership changes and Headteacher email updates
We should be grateful if you would kindly bring to our attention any known forthcoming or impending changes to school leadership roles eg. Headteacher, Head of school etc. as it is not always possible to pick these up, particularly within MATs and Federations.
Please email devonsls@devon.gov.uk
Additionally, to ensure that school leaders are well informed and kept up to date with important information from the Local Authority and the DfE, regular headteacher updates are being emailed directly to you via Dawn Stabb, Head of Education & Learning.
If you are not receiving these on a regular basis please let us know via email and we'll make sure you are added to the distribution list.
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