Summer Term | 20 July 2023
On behalf of the DSLS Board of Trustees, Schools Executive Committee and office team, we would like to thank you for your continued support during the 2022/2023 academic year and wish you all a very happy and restful summer break.
The DSLS office will close on Friday 21 July and will re-open on Wednesday 6 September 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.
- Awaiting minutes for Meeting 7 June 2023 & 3 July 2023
- Next SFG meeting date - 13 September 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
 DCC Improvement partnership Board Meeting Feedback - 20 June 2023
The new Partnership Action Plan focuses on multi agency work, reducing significant harm and achieving better outcomes for children and families.
The external partners supporting Devon are helping to secure the change needed to meet the aims and agencies are working more collaboratively with time being given so that all partners can understand each others roles, responsibilities and challenges. Schools are seen as key partners in the development of this work.
 Healthy Schools Steering Group
Health for Kids
Please click here to download posters to promote the Health for Kids initiative in your setting.
Devon County Council and Safer Devon Partners are in the process of developing a Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme for schools which will aim to reduce the harmful behaviours of young people. Click here for more information and to complete a short survey.
 Guidance on the National Funding Formula (NFF) for 2024/2024
The DfE’s guidance details the NFF system for schools and high needs in 2024/2025. Through the minimum per pupil funding levels, in 2024/2025, every primary school will receive at least £4,655 per pupil and secondary schools will receive at least £6,050 per pupil. READ MORE
High needs funding arrangements: 2024 to 2025
Information for local authorities, schools and colleges about high needs funding arrangements for the 2024 to 2025 financial and academic year. READ MORE
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
 Everything you need to know about the 2023/24 teacher pay award
School teachers in England have been given a pay award of 6.5% as the Government accepted all the recommendations set out by the independent body advising on teacher pay. READ MORE
DfE delays the expectation for schools to offer a 32.5-hour week to September 2024
As set out in the 2022 schools white paper, schools were going to be expected to offer 32.5 hours per week by this September; however, this has been delayed until September 2024.
The latest guidance provides information on the expectation for all state-funded mainstream schools to deliver a school week of at least 32.5 hours by September 2024 at the latest. READ MORE
Pupil attendance in schools 2022/23
Data on the levels of attendance and overall, authorised and unauthorised absence in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. READ MORE
Sir Martyn Oliver recommended as new Chief Inspector of Ofsted
The Education Secretary has selected Sir Martyn Oliver due to his successful track record and experience on the front line of education. READ MORE
Schools commentary: Deep dives in school inspections
In September 2019, Ofsted introduced the education inspection framework, which places greater emphasis on the curriculum. When inspectors evaluate the quality of education during an inspection, they carry out ‘deep dives’ in order to understand the school’s curriculum. This involves gathering evidence on the curriculum intent, implementation and impact over a sample of national curriculum subjects. READ MORE
School inspection handbook
Updated Ofsted guidance on inspecting maintained schools and academies in England under the education inspection framework. READ MORE
Education inspection framework (EIF)
This framework sets out Ofsted's updatedinspection principles and the main judgements that inspectors make. READ MORE
Mathematics education in schools is improving despite recruitment challenges
Ofsted has published a subject report looking at how mathematics is being taught in England’s schools. READ MORE
Subject report series: History & Maths
Ofsted subject reports on the quality of history and maths teaching in the schools inspected in England.
History
Maths
 
Upcoming change in SEND Leadership at Devon County Council
Jackie Ross, Interim SEND Strategic Director, has decided to move on from Devon County Council and Kellie Knott will be joining us to lead the SEND service at the end of July 2023. READ MORE
Update from the Communication and Interaction Team
The SEND Communication and Interaction Team have published a series of 'one-minute' guides. READ MORE
SEND Improvement Partnership Board
The Autism and Us programme offers support for families of children and young people who have an autism diagnosis, are waiting for one, and those not seeking a diagnosis but would welcome support. It is designed for parent/carers of primary and secondary school children in Devon. It gives families an opportunity to develop their understanding of autism and looks at practical solutions to managing and supporting children and young people’s needs. It also offers the opportunities for parents and carers to connect with other families.
A parent who has attended the course said: “I’m feeling less alone. I’ve already implemented small tips and it’s made such a difference. All I’ve ever wanted is to have a happy child, and this has already helped me achieve that even just in a few days since the course.” READ MORE
For more news from the SEND Improvement Partnership Board Click here for the latest newsletter.
 Click here to read the latest news from DiAS
 Changes to the Attendance Improvement Team
Important information about changes to the DCC Attendance Improvement Team READ MORE
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Education Support Newsletter
Click here to view the latest newsletter from Education Support
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DAG Newsletter
Click here to view the latest newsletter from DAG.
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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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