Spring Term | 24 March 2023
 DSLS Working Group Representatives
To ensure that the voice of schools is heard, Devon school leaders attend numerous statutory boards and working groups across the county.
Each year, representation on these groups is reviewed and the following representatives were agreed for 2022-23: DSLS Working Group Representatives
Additionally, the Schools Executive Committee (SEC) (DSLS SEC Membership 2022-23) acts as a conduit for two-way communication to regularly update schools with key messages and on work being undertaken at local authority groups. See the updates from the various autumn term meetings below.
 Devon Education Forum (DEF)
Read more about the Devon Education Forum (DEF) objectives, terms of reference, minutes and agendas H E R E.
 Read more about the Schools Finance Group (SFG) objectives, terms of reference, minutes and agendas H E R E.
 Read more about the Schools Organisation, Capital and Admissions (SOCA) objectives, terms of reference, minutes and agendas H E R E
Senior mental health lead training
Schools and colleges can apply for a grant to access DfE quality assured training to help develop a whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing.
Devon has one of the lowest numbers across the whole country for schools who have signed up for the DFE Senior Mental Health Lead grant funded training.
We would like to urge as many schools as possible to take advantage of this training as it is fully funded (£1200) and helps to support schools in developing a strategy for supporting children and young people with their mental health.
We all know this is an increasing area of concern in our schools and is impacting on our children and young people's ability to attend school regularly and cope with the demands of the education system.
Unfortunately, the funding for this grant will be ending on 31 March 2023 so if you want to take advantage of this you will need to complete the first stage of your application within the next week.
Once you have completed the first stage you will get confirmation from the DFE and this will enable you to book a place on a DFE approved training course by 31 March. The training needs to have started by 31 July 2023 READ MORE
School sports given huge boost to level the playing field for next generation of Lionesses
New standard for school sports will see girls and boys offered the same sports READ MORE
Education Committee launches new inquiry into teacher recruitment, training, and retention
The Education Committee has launched a new inquiry into teacher recruitment, training and retention in state-funded English schools. The inquiry will investigate the current situation of teacher retention and recruitment, the main factors leading to difficulties in the process and the impact it has on pupils. READ MORE
Change to dates for return of key stage 2 test results for 2023
A change the date 2023 KS2 test results will be returned to schools will be necessary due to the additional bank holiday in honour of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III taking place on Monday 8 May 2023. Results will be returned one week later than usual. READ MORE
 Headteachers petition to have Ofsted replaced
Following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry, teachers and headteachers have handed a petition signed by 45,000 people to the government calling for Ofsted to be replaced with a “supportive, effective and fair” accountability system.
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman has now released a statement, rejecting calls to halt inspections and saying she does not believe “stopping inspections would be in children’s best interests”. Ms Spielman also said that the debate over removing inspection grades was “a legitimate one”, but did not make any announcements or pledges regarding reforms.
 SEND and alternative provision improvement plan
The government has published its SEND and alternative provision improvement plan following a public consultation on proposals in the SEND Review published last year.
This sets out the government's plans to change the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision system in England.
SEND Improvement Partnership Board News
Click here for the latest newsletter.
 Click here to read the latest news from DiAS
ESFA Update contains the latest information and actions from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for academies, colleges, local authorities and further education providers. READ MORE
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DAG Newsletter
Click here to view the latest newsletter from DAG.
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 Changes to the ‘Spotty Book’
The Spotty Book provided information on infectious diseases and their control. It also included advice on routine childhood immunisations, isolation periods, guidelines on food hygiene and when to notify Public Health.
It has been replaced by : Health protection in children and young people settings, including education – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Keep up to date:
Contact: Fran Butler Early Years and Childcare Sufficiency Lead, DCC
E-mail: fran.butler@devon.gov.uk
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