Spring Term | 6 March 2025
 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 2024-25: DSLS Working Group Representatives.
Additionally, the Schools Leadership Group (SLG) (formally Schools Executive Committee) (DSLS SLG Membership 2024-25) 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/spring term meetings below.
 Schools Leadership Group - 2 x Secondary co-opted vacancies
The Schools Leadership Group (SLG) is the core consultative, advisory group and unified voice for Devon schools. SLG comprises of 12 elected voting members (6 primary plus 6 secondary) ideally with proportionate representation from L/A and academy schools from each of the 4 areas of Devon providing an optimum spread of specialist knowledge from each of the key DCC working group/statutory boards e.g. DEF, SFG, SOCA, SEND, Safeguarding and other themes identified as priority areas from time to time. There is also the option for the SLG to co-opt Associate (non-voting) members from time to time and there is a strong need for additional secondary representation.
Expressions of interest are now being sought for 2 x Secondary co-opted vacancies.
Appointment to the SLG will be supported by way of Service Level Agreement signed by the school leader, the Governing or Trust Board and DSLS CIO. Attendance at meetings will be remunerated at £50 per hour and reimbursed back to the releasing school against invoice.
Please contact Clare Coates for more information or to submit an expression of interest.
School Organisation, Capital and Admissions Group - Secondary vacancy
There is currently a vacancy on the Schools Organisation, Capital and Admissions Group (SOCA) for a secondary representative. Meetings are held 4 times a year for up to 2 hours via Teams.
Attendance at meetings will be remunerated at £50 per hour and reimbursed back to the releasing school against invoice.
Please contact Clare Coates for more information or to submit an expression of interest.
 Read more about the Devon Education Forum (DEF) objectives, terms of reference, minutes and agendas HERE.
 Read more about the Schools Finance Group (SFG) objectives, terms of reference, minutes and agendas HERE.
 Read more about the Schools Organisation, Capital and Admissions (SOCA) objectives, terms of reference, minutes and agendas HERE.
 2025-26 School Budget Share Calculator
The 2025-26 Schools Budget Share Calculator approved by the DfE is now available here. The figures have not changed since the calculator was launched on 17 February 2025.
Devon HAF Programme for 2025/2026 Update
Devon County County Council has been successful in obtaining funding from the DfE for HAF places 2025 /26, and are trying to conclude in time for Easter delivery. See the website for updates.
School organisation: local-authority-maintained schools
Statutory guidance for proposers and decision makers about opening, closing or making organisation changes to local-authority-maintained schools.
These documents are for:
- local authorities
- governing bodies
- diocese or other relevant religious authorities
They describe opening, closing, or making school organisation changes to local-authority-maintained schools. They set out how you can make those changes, and the areas where you must follow a statutory process. Read more.
Broadening Educational Pathways: The DfE and Royal SpringBoard
Royal SpringBoard work with schools and vulnerable young people to find 100/110% bursary day and boarding places in independent schools; the right school for the right child if it's in their best interests. Read more about broadening educational pathways here and the impact report here.
 Learning Briefing - Adolescent’s Safety and Care
Please read here a Learning Briefing around adolescent’s safety and care. This has been published following a Rapid Review completed across January and February 2025.
Rapid Reviews are not published. However, Devon SCP always endeavours to publish and widely share a Learning Briefing. These can be used as a tool for practitioners and managers within their teams as a prompt for discussion about practice and what we can learn about working together more effectively, from local serious incidents.
 
Read important safeguarding updates including:
Read important safeguarding updates including:
- Council finances with regards to SEND remains very challenging
- Progress being made, but there’s no quick fix
- Devon’s newest Special School takes massive step forward
 The Young Carers Action Day (YCAD) 2025
The theme for the Young Carers Action Day 2025 is "Give Me A Break". This will be focusing on the importance of rest and respite for young carers. Please mark your calendars for Wednesday 12 March 2025! More information about Young Carers Action Day and celebrating the invaluable contributions and challenges faced by young carers around the country can be read here. Additional resources: Carers Trust; Young Carers Action Day 2025: Resources
 Do you receive the latest news and updates from the Early Years and Childcare Service?
Keep up to date:
Contact: Fran Butler Early Years and Childcare Sufficiency Lead, DCC. E-mail: fran.butler@devon.gov.uk
 Click here to read the latest news from DiAS
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DAG Newsletter
Click here to view the latest newsletter from DAG.
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DSLS Summer Leadership Briefing
Book your place now for the DSLS Summer School Leadership Briefing on
Thursday 19 June 2025 at Exeter Racecourse.
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DSLS Annual School Leadership Conference 16 & 17 October 2025
BOOK ONLINE for the 2025 event, and check the DSLS website for regular news and updates. One booking form per delegate required. Terms and conditions apply, please see the online booking form for further details.
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Details of Conference Programme follow.
Delegate options:
- Option A - Two day residential - £425 + vat
- Option B - Two day residential sharing with named colleague - £405 + vat
- Option C - Two day non-residential - £350 + vat
- Option D - Day one only (Thursday 16 October 2025, includes charity dinner) - £250 + vat
- Option E - Day one only (Thursday 16 October 2025, excludes charity dinner) - £225 + vat
- Option F - Day two only (Friday 17 October 2025) - £225 + vat
 
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