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.
Awaiting minutes of Meeting 21 June 2023
Next DEF Meeting - 22 November 2023
Read more about the Schools Finance Group (SFG) objectives, terms of reference, minutes and agendas H E R E.
Awaiting minutes Meeting 7 June 2023
Next SFG meeting date - 13 July 2023
School Funding Arrangements 2024-25
In 2024-25, as in previous years, the local authority will continue to set a local schools’ funding formula, in consultation with its schools, under what is known as a ‘soft’ National Funding Formula (NFF).
Wednesday 4 October 2023 – 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Thursday 5 October 2023 – 9.30am – 12.30pm
Further information on the consultation and how to book your place, please visit the DCC Schools Consultations web page where more detail will be added shortly.
Read more about the Schools Organisation, Capital and Admissions (SOCA) objectives, terms of reference, minutes and agendas H E R E
Awaiting minutes Meeting 23 May 2023
Next SOCA meeting date - 26 September 2023
Demographics and Local Plans update
Colleagues from the school place planning team, within Climate Change, Environment and Transport Directorate, will be contacting all schools over the summer and potentially into the Autumn to discuss demographics in their area as well as any updates on existing or emerging local plans and housebuilding.
As we know the demographics in early years is significantly lower than the number of children transitioning into secondary and that September 2023 has seen a challenging normal admissions round into secondary. DCC are keen to support schools’ decision making for the short to medium term based on this changing demographic picture.
Due to the way the planning of schools places is still managed, this will be on the previous Local Learning Community (LLC) model. If you are still meeting as a LLC, please can you contact the relevant area lead below to arrange a slot on your next meeting, otherwise DCC will arrange to release a data set and offer a virtual meeting to LLCs should they wish to discuss the data further.
Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) allocations for academic years 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024
An uplift to the per-meal rate for Universal Infant Free School Meals has been agreed and will be increased from £2.41 to £2.53 from the start of the 2023 to 2024 academic year. The ESFA will publish the final allocations for 2022 to 2023, and the provisional allocations for 2023 to 2024 shortly.
ESFA Update
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
Working Together to Safeguard Children: changes to statutory guidance
The DfE are seeking views on revisions to the Working Together to Safeguard Children statutory guidance. READ MORE
The consultation closes
Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners
A revision of non-statutory advice to support practitioners in the duties and decisions they take to share information. READ MORE
Early years foundation stage (EYFS): regulatory changes
The DfE are seeking views on proposed changes to requirements in the early years foundation stage (EYFS). READ MORE
The consultation closes on 26 July 2023.
Generative artificial intelligence in education call for evidence
The DfE are seeking views on how generative artificial intelligence (AI) is being used across education in England, and the opportunities and risks it presents. READ MORE
The consultation closes o
Net Capacity Assessment (NCA) programme
Find out about the NCA programme and when school site visits will take place. READ MORE
What are we doing to recruit more teachers and improve retention?
READ MORE about what the DfE are doing to recruit and retain teachers.
National behaviour survey reports
Survey findings on behaviour in schools, including school behaviour culture and policies, pupil experience, frequency and impact of misbehaviour and response. READ MORE
Next steps taken to ensure age-appropriate relationships, sex and health education
Leading experts in child safeguarding, health, teaching, curriculum development and equalities to contribute to review of the statutory guidance on relationships, sex and health education. READ MORE
Ofsted’s work with schools - Inquiry
The Education Committee has launched an inquiry into Ofsted’s work with schools. The inquiry aims to assess how well Ofsted is fulfilling its role in inspecting schools and whether and how it could be improved, to inform the work of the incoming His Majesty’s Chief Inspector. The inquiry will look at the impact of Ofsted judgements on schools and pupils, including the impact on workload and wellbeing for all members of the school community, and the usefulness of Ofsted inspections for schools and parents. READ MORE
This blog post helps to clarify when schools can expect their next Ofsted inspection. READ MORE
International experts highlight the importance of a child’s early years
Ofsted has published a report exploring early years provision in an international context. READ MORE
Speak out. Stay safe. is a safeguarding programme for children aged 5- to 11-years-old. It is available FREE to all primary schools in the UK and Channel Islands. It helps children understand:
abuse in all its forms and how to recognise the signs of abuse
that abuse is never a child’s fault and they have the right to be safe
where to get help and the sources of help available to them, including our Childline service.
If you would like more information, please email me: Rachel.Patchett@NSPCC.org.uk (Schools Coordinator for Devon)
Behaviour and Mental Health in Schools Report
The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition (CYPMHC) have released a report to explore the links between behaviour and mental health, to look at the impact of school behavioural policies on children and young people, and to understand what can be done to improve the approach to behaviour and mental health in schools. READ MORE
Keeping children safe in education
Added statutory guidance on keeping children safe in education for 2023. This is for information only and does not come into force until 1 September 2023. READ MORE
Secondary SEND Forum
Following on from discussions with some secondary SENDCos, and recognising the increasing number of pupils with SEND in secondary schools across Devon and the challenges this presents, the LA is considering holding a specific Secondary SEND forum next term. READ MORE
SEND Improvement Partnership Board Newsletter
For more news from the SEND Improvement Partnership Board Click here for the latest newsletter.
