Please could all schools and trusts familiarise themselves with the notifiable incidents and changes protocol 

Schools and trusts are asked to notify the local authority of significant events (like emergencies, Ofsted inspections, or closures) and major changes (such as leadership changes or new premises).

An online form will soon replace the email process, but until then please email all notifications to:
school.closures@shropshire.gov.uk

A link to the protocol is also available in the 'Online Forms' section of the SLG.

The Shropshire Schools HR Policy – Managing Attendance – Special Leave Policy has been reviewed.  The policy is now accessible on MS Teams channel Shropshire HR – Education and on the SLG under Schools HR Policies. 

It’s important that all staff have clear and easy access to up-to-date policies. We kindly ask Headteachers to ensure this policy and all current policies are it is added to their school’s stored policy section (whether these are held in hard copy or electronically) and that staff are informed of the update. We also encourage schools to remind staff where policies are stored and to review any changes as part of routine practice.  

Should there be any questions to the Managing Attendance - Special Leave policy, please do not hesitate to contact your Schools HR Advisor.

Kind regards

Trish Cadman

Schools HR Advisor, Enabling Directorate

Tel: (01743) 251374

Email: trish.cadman@shropshire.gov.uk

Primary Inclusion Development Grant

Thank you to those schools who have already submitted requests for funding via the Primary Inclusion Development Grant. In order to ensure we can consider requests alongside each other, we are asking that any further requests are submitted according to the timeframe below. Once we have received your request, you will be invited to discuss further at a panel meeting on Teams before a final decision is made.

Autumn Term 2025

Final submission date: Friday 28^th November at 5pm

Panel date (MS Teams): Friday 5^th December, 9am – 12pm

Decision: by Friday 12^th December

Spring term 2026

Final submission date: Friday 30^th January at 5pm

Panel date: Friday 6^th February, 9am – 12pm

Decision: by Friday 13^th February

Further information and the request form can be found on the SLG: Primary Inclusion Development Grant | Shropshire Learning Gateway

Empowering Professionals to Deliver Outstanding Support for Children and Young People with SEND

Are you responsible for conducting or contributing to annual reviews of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans? Would you like to ensure you are up to date with the latest statutory guidance and best practice?

This training is mandatory for all SENDCO’s but we will be rolling our further sessions which repeat this training should you not be available for this session.

Join Our Comprehensive Training Session

This essential training is designed for SENCOs, school leaders, local authority teams, and all partners involved in the EHC Plan review process. Our expert-led course will guide you through each stage of the annual review, helping you to:

• Understand the legal requirements and timescales for annual reviews
• Prepare effectively and coordinate with families and multidisciplinary teams
• Write clear, outcome-focused recommendations
• Address complex cases and avoid common pitfalls
• Ensure the voice of the child is central to the process

Why It Is Mandatory to Attend?

• Stay compliant with current SEND legislation
• Increase your confidence in leading and contributing to reviews
• Share experiences and practical tips with peers
• Receive course materials and resources to support your work

Training Details

• Date: 16th January 2026
• Time: 13:00-14:30
• Location: Delivered online via Teams
• Cost: Pre-paid

How to Book

To reserve your place, please contact https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1964833822856?aff=oddtdtcreator . Early booking is recommended as spaces are limited.

Empower yourself and your team to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) more effectively. We look forward to welcoming you!

Thanks

Heidi White, Education Quality Adviser (SEND and AP)

This survey aims to capture information relating to number of children schools can place in terms of capacity, not just how many attended.

This informs the DfE of how the funding allocated to each setting is impacting on the provision and number of places.

Please support us in responding to these surveys in a timely manner and before the deadline.

Here are the key dates outlined below for Autumn term:

Please mark your diaries.  If you have not received the survey link- please email me.

• Monday 10th - Friday 14th November: Provider reporting week (This week is the ‘sample’ data week, i.e. you will be asked questions on capacity and how many children attended for this week)

• Monday 17th - Friday 21st November: Provider reporting window  (Please note: The survey is now open, and answers can be submitted. I would encourage you to answer as soon as you know the data to avoid last minute entries)
• Friday 21st November: Provider reporting deadline.  (This is when you must have completed the survey by, failure to do so may result in funding being terminated)

Any questions, please reach out to Dan.Steele@shropshire.gov,uk

For the attention of LA maintained schools Heads and Business Managers

Three-year budget forecast statutory requirement for maintained schools;

The Department for Education requests that the local authority supports and oversees the production of three-year budget forecasts for maintained schools and this has been a statutory requirement since the 2021 to 2022 funding year.   Financial forecasts will be used for confirming schools are undertaking effective financial planning, evidence to support the local authority’s assessment of schools financial value standards and used in support of the authority’s balance control.  Three-year budget forecasts should be completed by schools regularly and at least annually and shared with the local authority for review and/or support.  Schools who buy into the School Finance Team’s future year planning or Gold traded service should liaise with their finance officer regarding completion and submission.  To assist non-subscribing schools we are attaching a Future Year Planning Template which can be adapted and submitted to the local authority via  education-finance@shropshire.gov.uk   the deadline for submission is the end of the autumn term 2025.  

Jo Morris

Schools Finance Team Leader

On the 7^th of November the fire service were called out to a Shropshire School after reports of a potential fire inside a radiator, the crew discovered combustible material inside the radiator. This is a reminder of the potential risks of placing combustible material within close proximity of a heat source, in particular displays or notice boards placed above electric heaters/radiators. It only takes one piece of paper to drop and land in the wrong place for a fire to develop and spread. Please review your controls on this matter together with the end of day closedown procedures.  

Thank you.

Kevin Jenkins

Health and Safety Officer – Schools

Firefighters called to Shrewsbury primary school over radiator fire concern | Shropshire Star

Following on from the Education Update on 21^st October 2025 inviting you to  the “Shropshire Speaks Up” White Ribbon Day Campaign on 25^th November; please let our Domestic Abuse Project Team know how your school is planning to participate by completing this form. 

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are launching the Asthma Friendly School scheme.  The first drop-in session is 19th November.

Please see the attached communications, flyer, checklist and advisory policy guidance which is everything that schools need to apply for the scheme.

Asthma Friendly School Scheme comms.pdf

25_11_10 Asthma School Advisory Policy Guidance V2 Final.pdf

Become an Asthma Friendly School Flyer.pdf

Become an Asthma Friendly School Checklist.pdf

The dates for the next Cohort of ELSA Training have now been confirmed for February/March 2026.  Please contact eps@shropshire.gov.uk or 01743 258414 for more information.

ELSA Training Flyer - February & March 2026 Cohort 9.pdf

Shropshire ELSA Training - February & March 2026.pdf

Subject specific training days coming up in 2026 at Shifnal primary School - ‘Meaningful progress and assessment in foundation subjects’.

Primary history – getting the focus right 9:15 to 3:30pm Wednesday 28 January 2026   (See attached flyer)

Primary geography – getting the focus right   9:15 to 3:30pm Tuesday 3 February 2026

Primary Religious Education – getting the focus right   9:15 to 3:30pm Wednesday 18 March 2026

Please follow this link for other DPSI professional learning programmes

We would like to share some resources with you from Health Professionals for Safer Screens

This site offers a wealth of resources tailored for education professionals and health practitioners. It’s an excellent place to find more information on this topic. 

Please find a link to the attached poster: 12_Sept__EY_thrive.pdf.

This poster contains important information that we encourage you to look at and share with your parents.

We also recommend watching the informative webinar available at the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN-2N1UDrtE . The webinar provides insights into how smartphone usage can affect young children.

Alison Rae

Education Improvement Adviser (Early Years)

Please share the attached poster from Early Help.

This 8-week course will help you understand how domestic violence impacts on you as a parent and how it affects your children. The course objectives are to empower, support and develop further understanding of your role as a mother in addressing the needs of your children and young people

You and Me Mum Group Poster.pdf

Please share the attached newsletter from Kids.

Kids Newsletter Nov-Dec 25 (1).pdf