We are pleased to invite headteachers, principals and CEOs from Shropshire schools, together with partners from across the SEND system, to participate in a Round Table discussion. The focus of this will be the Government’s SEND reform proposals and White Paper, with the aim of shaping the future of SEND provision throughout Shropshire.

This event offers a valuable opportunity for senior leaders and system partners to reflect on the national direction of SEND policy. Participants will be able to consider how the Government’s proposals will impact local systems and schools, and engage in open, collaborative discussion regarding how we can collectively develop an inclusive and sustainable SEND landscape for children and young people in Shropshire.

Friday 17th April at 12.00pm

Shrewsbury Town Football Club

Book here

Places are limited, so please book and confirm your attendance in advance using the booking link provided to ensure your place.

The completion and submission of the SFVS is a statutory requirement for maintained schools.

The deadline for returns is 31st March.

 Further information is available at Schools financial value standard (SFVS) and assurance statement - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) including the checklist and guidance and a the ‘related party transactions’ return.  

Please ensure your SFVS checklist and related party transaction return (if relevant) are completed, signed and returned to the local authority by the 31 March deadline.  Please return via email to education-finance@shropshire.gov.uk

Please ignore this notice if you have already submitted your return.

Schools will not be required to complete an SFVS return if they have been granted a live academy order in the financial year covered by the return. If the school has not converted to an academy by the end of the next financial year, they become eligible to complete the SFVS return again.

Thank you.

Jo Morris, Schools Finance Team Leader

Just a gentle reminder, that the end of the finance year is fast approaching, therefore we are attaching a Closedown Memo for Schools again which details the deadline dates and year end supporting information. Year end and Closedown | Shropshire Learning Gateway We are also attaching our Finance Review manual and would urge schools to reference the Housekeeping section on pages 17-20 which details how to close or delete any outstanding orders, please can we ask that you do this as soon as possible and before the end of March 26. Training Manuals and Forms | Shropshire Learning Gateway

Amanda Collett, Lead Schools Finance Officer

Please see attached document with updated details and pricing (where applicable) of subscriptions for CLEAPSS advisory service to support schools with science, technology and design curriculum and relevant Health and Safety advice for these activities.  CLEAPSS subscriptions are supplied free of charge to maintained schools, but we also offer this to Academy schools and pricing is in the attached document.

We also provide a Radiation Protection Officer advice and auditing service to secondary schools and colleges and again pricing and details are in the attached document.

Academy schools are asked to please inform us via email at laura.e.howells@shropshire.gov.uk if you do wish to utilise the CLEAPSS subscription, Radiation Protection Service or indeed both.  If we do not hear from you, we will not be able to subscribe you to the service.

Please let us know by Wednesday 15^th April 2026. 

Our local procedures and pathways for suicide prevention and self-harm are currently being reviewed by a multi-agency working group. The revised Pathway will be one resource that communicates the pathways for both suicide and self-harm with reference on when which pathway should be considered. It will include:

• Guidance for professionals across relevant settings (e.g., education, Early Help, Children’s Social Care, Health, VCSE, Emergency/Urgent Care) on recognising and responding to suicide and/or self-harm risk in children and young people aged 0-25 years.
• Clear escalation routes, safeguarding/information sharing principles, and signposting.

The work is being completed over the Summer period, with the aim of a revised pathway being in place by Autumn 2026. The group would like to invite interested Safeguarding/Mental Health Leads/Education employed school nurses to ensure there is direct representation and practice involvement from Education Providers in the review.  Please contact Emma Harding if you would like your Safeguarding/Mental Health Leads to be part of the task and finish group.  

Reception year continues to be a pivotal stage in children’s development, laying the foundations for their learning, wellbeing and long‑term success. In support of the government’s ambition for 75% of children to reach a Good Level of Development (GLD) by 2028, we are pleased to share two important developments within the national RISE offer: the launch of the Reception Networks Programme and the publication of enhanced EYFSP Assessment Support. Both initiatives are designed to strengthen practice, build confidence and ensure every child begins school ready to thrive.

RISE Reception Networks: A New National Support Offer

Reception networks - GOV.UK

The Department for Education has introduced the Reception Networks Programme, a national initiative aimed at improving the quality of reception year provision and supporting schools to embed strong, evidence‑informed practice. Reception networks form part of the wider RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) universal support offer and contribute directly to the Best Start in Life strategy.

Each region now has five reception networks, led by schools with a track record of strong and sustained reception outcomes. These lead schools will support others locally by:

• Hosting open days and school visits to showcase high‑quality reception practice
• Facilitating professional discussions on teaching, learning and leadership in reception
• Sharing resources and evidence‑informed approaches
• Convening virtual network meetings to ensure flexible, accessible collaboration

This programme is designed to complement, not replace, existing early years support, including Stronger Practice Hubs, English and Maths Hubs, and local authority early years improvement activity.

EYFSP Assessment Support: Building Confidence and Consistency

Early years foundation stage profile assessment support - GOV.UK

To further strengthen reception year quality, the DfE has published a comprehensive package of Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) assessment support for school leaders and practitioners. This aims to improve the reliability of assessment, build teacher confidence and address common misconceptions.

The support package includes:

• Online EYFSP training materials, including written guidance, bite‑size videos and case studies
• EYFSP content within Module 7 of the Early Years Child Development Training, with additional reception content to follow in Spring 2026
• In addition, the DfE is funding local authorities to facilitate EYFSP assessment support sessions for schools and pre‑reception settings.

The first session will take place in the summer term, followed by two further sessions in the autumn and spring.

Working Together for Stronger Outcomes

The Reception Networks Programme and the EYFSP Assessment Support package are designed to complement existing early years support and strengthen collaboration across the system. Together, they provide a powerful opportunity to enhance reception year quality, improve assessment practice and support more children to achieve a strong start.

We encourage all schools to engage with these offers and make full use of the expertise and collaboration available.

Laurie Johnson, Education Quality Improvement and Learning Co-ordinator (Early Years)

Parent and Carer Council (PACC) Secures Three Years of Lottery Funding: PACC has been awarded three‑year lottery funding to continue two key programmes that directly complement school‑based SEND support: 

• Navigator Programme:offering structured 1:1 guidance for parent carers, helping families navigate complex systems more effectively. Link here. 
• Healthy Lives Programme:delivering community‑based holiday activities that promote social development, broaden experiences and reduce isolation for young people with SEND. Link here. 

Premiere of PACC Healthy Lives Film: PACC has launched a new film created by neurodivergent young people, exploring their experiences of inclusivity within a community café setting. This resource may be valuable for staff training or discussions around community participation and accessibility. Subtitles are being finalised ahead of wider release. 

Shropshire Local Government Association (LGA) Peer Review Update: A number of colleagues contributed to the Shropshire LGA peer review, aimed at improving strategic SEND practice across the area. The draft outcome report has been received and the final version will be shared once published. Findings are expected to inform system‑wide development work affecting schools. 

Raising Awareness of Stammering: BBC Radio Shropshire: Steph Scott (Co‑Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist, Shropshire Community Health Trust) featured on BBC Radio Shropshire discussing stammering. The segment included an interview with a local young person and their parent and may serve as helpful material for raising staff awareness. Link here. 

Talking Mats Rollout Begins: Training for the Talking Mats rollout starts next week. The train‑the‑trainer model is designed to build capacity across parent carer forums and partner organisations, supporting earlier and more effective communication with children and young people—including those with limited verbal communication. Link here. 

Kids Launches Updated Information Webpage: Kids has introduced a redesigned webpage aimed at making information more accessible. This may be a helpful resource to signpost families to when they need clearer guidance. Link here. 

Background

PACC is keen to ensure that the learning from PINS continues to benefit the Shropshire System going forward and forms part of the move towards an inclusive mainstream system. Based on the success of the delivery of training developed by PACC on working in partnership with Parent Carers and delivering co-production in schools, this proposal extends this training and support offer into secondary schools and Post 16 settings.

The ’working with parent carers’ and ‘co-production’ training would be combined into one half day training session, delivered in three different locations. This would then be followed up with a Teams meeting with each Senco / Head to support the development of co-production projects in individual schools / setting.

This activity would be delivered before the schools break up for summer in July 2026.

PACC would then provide follow up support to the schools from Sept 2026 from our School Liaison role which we are self-funding until March 2027. This would include at least one in person school visit to meet with parent carers and school leaders to support the delivery of the agreed coproduction project.

Aim

The aim of the training would be to enable schools to;

• Build their understanding of the impact of raising a SEND child and how it impacts Parent Carers, strengthening their ability to develop meaningful and productive relationships with SEND families

• Understand the importance of effective communication and information provision in both building positive relationships with Parent Carers and delivering co-production
• Understand what co-production involves, its value and how to deliver it.
• Experience coproduction in a hands on way, so that schools and parent carers can see the change it can make.

The schools will also benefit from the Co-production in Schools guide that PACC is currently developing based on our PINS experience. In addition, building relationships with more schools will enable PACC to connect more Parent Carers into a wider support network and improve the distribution of quality and accurate information about the SEND system and what support is available.

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) SEND team have developed a resource which describes the range of support available locally for CYP with SEND who have difficulties with sleep. This resource can be found  here  on the Healthier Together website. The Healthier Together website also houses details of support for a range of other needs including Neurodiversity , Speech Language and Communication Needs and Support While Waiting for an Appointment. 

Shrewsbury College are running a Project Search and Supported Internship Information Event for students with an EHCP who are keen to take the next step towards paid employment.

At the event students can meet the dedicated teams behind Shrewsbury College’s DFN Project Search and Supported Internship Programmes.

A link to the page on the website is below

Supported Internship

SEND Governor Training

This online training session is for SEND Link Governors and will provide an outline of the legal duties of the Governing Body under the Children and Families Act 2014 in relation to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as well as providing a brief overview of the Code of Practice and the support available for schools to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.

• Wednesday 25th March 2025, 6-8pm via MS Teams.

Booking can be found here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shropshire-training-for-send-governors-and-trustees-tickets-1781028276519?aff=oddtdtcreator

New dates and booking links for the Summer Term CPD Schedule have been added to our Safeguarding in Education Training  page including:

• Raising Awareness in Safeguarding and Protecting Children (All Settings)
• School Governor/Trustee Safeguarding and Child Protection Training
• School Safeguarding Link Governor/Trustee Briefing.

Education Quality and Safeguarding Team

Safeguarding and Child Protection | Shropshire Learning Gateway (shropshirelg.net)

This course is being held on 26 March, 9:30am–4:30pm at The Lantern, Shrewsbury is now open for booking at: Suicide First Aid: Understanding Suicide Intervention | Shropshire Council

This accredited, full‑day course is fully funded and provides practical skills to identify when someone may be thinking about suicide and to intervene safely. 

The course covers: • the hidden toll and wider impact of suicide • the suicide continuum and contributing factors • prevention, intervention and postvention • intention vs outcome • partnership working • the 3‑step Suicide Safety Guide and personal safety planning • skills practice and self‑care

Courses are £79 to schools.  In-school sessions are £140 (am, pm or twilight) including travel and resources

Richard can be contacted via AmazingICT@icloud.com or 07527464322

Richard offers free support via email.  Please see the attached PDF for a full list of services.

The TREES team have asked us to to share drug, alcohol and nicotine education resources information and resources from 'Talk About Trust'. Talk About Trust

Alongside the resources, Talk About Trust are able to visit your school to deliver CPD training sessions for staff. These sessions focus on how to make the most effective use of our materials, while also sharing the latest information and trends relating to drugs, alcohol and nicotine use among young people. Their aim is to help staff feel confident, informed and well-equipped when discussing these topics with students.

They also offer the option of coming into school to deliver bespoke assemblies or small group workshops for students. These sessions can be tailored to the needs of your school and can focus on particular issues or concerns you may be seeing locally or within specific year groups. Workshops are designed to be engaging, informative and supportive, helping young people to make safer and more informed choices.

For more information, visit the website or contact

Sarah Boyle

07811146967

The TALK ABOUT Trust

www.talkabouttrust.org

Target audience: DSLs, Heads and Deputies and Governors

Date: 29th April 2026

Time : 1.30-3.00

Cost £79 (including 7 resources to share)

Agenda:

• Definitions of key concepts that you can use with staff, parents and students
• How AI can help and hinder staff in school (advice from my work with over 100 staff in 2026)
• DFE policy insight: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education
• Developing an AI policy that is both practical and useful
• Using 'Shadow' AI tools: guidance for home use by staff
• The growth of AI toys: what to be aware of
• Using AI to provide both support and challenge to students (including SEND)
• Time to try out some of the AI tools discussed in an educational context

Book directly via Richard Smith via amazingict@icloud.com 

National PD Groups are facilitated, cohort-based groups designed to support professionals to work on a defined school improvement project over time.

These groups are not webinars or one-off CPD sessions.

Participation involves active engagement across a series of sessions, with work taking place in your setting between sessions, alongside opportunities to reflect, share progress, and problem-solve with peers.What to expect:

As part of a National PD Group, participants will:

• identify a clear focus for improvement in their school or setting
• plan, develop and implement a sustained improvement project
• reflect on impact and next steps with others working on similar challenges

From the first session, you will be expected to identify and commit to a clear project focus. This may involve planning, developing, or implementing:

• a school or department improvement project
• a professional development initiative
• a classroom-based improvement project

The project should be relevant to your role and setting and something you are able to work on consistently over the duration of the group.

Commitment and suitability:

Each National PD Group runs as a series of sessions. Participants choose one group and are expected to attend all sessions within their chosen group.

National PD Groups are best suited to professionals who are ready to:

• commit to attending a series of sessions
• actively contribute to discussion and shared reflection
• apply work directly to a sustained improvement project in their own context

If you are looking for a single session, drop-in CPD, or a webinar-style experience, these groups may not be the right fit.

Confirmed National PD Groups (April–July 2026)

• Leading in SEND Professional Development (PD) Group
• Oracy Professional Development (PD) Group
• Building a Positive Behaviour Culture Professional Development (PD) Group

Full details and booking links are available on the following links:

Register here:

Oracy Professional Development (PD) Group | Whole School SEND 

Leading in SEND Professional Development (PD) Group | Whole School SEND

Building a Positive Behaviour Culture Professional Development (PD) Group | Whole School SEND

Join us for the MATNetworks West Midlands Regional Network focusing on Community & Inclusion, hosted in partnership with Empower Multi-Academy Trust.

This free event brings together trust and school leaders to explore practical approaches to inclusion, pupil wellbeing, SEND, and school operational excellence. The morning will feature pupil voice, expert insights, a case study from Empower Trust, and opportunities to connect with colleagues and sector partners.

📅 23 April 2026

📍 Shrewsbury Town Football Club

☕ Networking breakfast and brunch included

Places are free but limited.

https://matnetworks.org/

Shropshire Public Health is asking for the input of parents in understanding views of the HPV vaccine offered to year 8 and year 9 students. We would be grateful if you could circulate this short survey about HPV vaccination to parents of year 8 and year 9 students. The survey is being sent to all secondary schools in Shropshire and responses will be collected anonymously. It should only take a few minutes for parents to complete, but the information provided will be valuable in developing future resources to improve vaccine uptake.

https://forms.office.com/e/sBgT7SqzA0