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Dear Colleagues,
Please see this week's Education Update below.
Best wishes,
John
John Rowe
Head of Education Quality and Safeguarding
john.rowe@shropshire.gov.uk
Important news for schools and partners
We are pleased to share an update, we have seen an increase in the requests for education health and care plans, this has meant that regarding the ongoing development of the EHCP Team growth model. In response to increasing demand and evolving needs across our schools and partner organisations, we are implementing a structured approach designed to enhance support and efficiency within the EHCP Team.
We acknowledge that, due to recent pressures and resource constraints, the EHCP Team has not consistently been able to meet statutory deadlines for Education, Health and Care Plans. We deeply regret any impact felt by schools, families, and young people awaiting support. However, as we enter a focused recovery period, we are committed to restoring compliance and improving our processes to ensure ongoing timeliness in meeting statutory requirements. This renewed approach will help us deliver a more reliable and efficient service for all stakeholders as we move forward.
This growth model focuses on expanding our team’s capacity, improving training and professional development opportunities, and ensuring a more responsive service for children and young people. Our aim is to foster stronger collaboration with schools and external partners, enabling us to address challenges proactively and deliver high-quality outcomes for all stakeholders.
Please see the structure of the team which we aim to have fully appointed to for a September start.
In the meantime, we have recruited a number of contract staff to support with an ambitious recovery plan and who will focus entirely on working through the backlogs of EHCNAs and outstanding Annual Reviews. It is expected that these will have been recovered by the end of October 2026.
Our substantive team will be working on current requests and Annual Reviews and will be keeping these to statutory timescales at least 85% of the time (in line with the national average).
We recognise that our success relies on being a cohesive partnership, working together in collaboration to achieve the best possible outcomes. By sharing expertise, maintaining open communication, and supporting one another, we can create a unified approach that benefits children, young people, and all those involved in their education and wellbeing.
We look forward to continuing working closely with you as we grow and refine our services. Further details, including timelines and opportunities for feedback, will be shared in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the growth model in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact the EHCP Team.
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Ofsted / CQC have notified us that they would like us to take part in a SEND Thematic Review on the local offer Thematic reviews of the SEND local offer - GOV.UK
Inspectors will be arriving in Shropshire the week commencing 5th to 8th May. Today marks the beginning of our three week inspection, where inspectors will be provided with a range of information to support them with their on site assessment during week 3. Inspectors will be evaluating:
- How well the Local Area Partnership understands the needs of children and young people with SEND in the local area
- The Local Area strategic oversight and delivery of services outlined in the local offer.
- How parents, carers, children and young people are involved in developing the local offer
- The experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND and their families when accessing services in their local area.
It is important to clarify that this review will not result in an Ofsted judgement but is likely to result in a report that summarises the strengths and areas for improvement.
As part of this visit, we have been asked to share the following surveys with you. I would be grateful if you could encourage your colleagues, parent carers and children and young people with SEND to engage in the survey process.
These survey links will be open from 20 April 2026 to midday on 29 April 2026. The survey links are:
If paper copies of the surveys are required for people who cannot access the online links or when needed in a different format or if requested, please contact me.
Many thanks,
John Rowe
john.rowe@shropshire.gov.uk
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It was great to see so many at SEND roundtable event on Friday at Shrewsbury Town.
As promised, please find the slides from the session. Please do continue to send us your reflections via the QR codes. Once we have collated the feedback we will share this with you too.
17th April - White Paper Roundtable event_Final slides.pdf
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In order to fulfil moderation duties, please find attached the Shropshire Local Moderation Agreement for 2026. Can we ask that all schools complete the attached agreement returning it to Beth.Parry-Jones@shropshire.gov.uk by Friday 8th May 2026.
The process for moderation is explained within the agreement, with Key dates being
- Notification of Moderation 18th May
- Contact made by moderator by 26th May
- Moderation visits to take place between 1st and 26th June.
For any queries regarding the process, please contact Claire Jones, Moderation Manager, claire.jones@shropshire.gov.uk
See - Shropshire Local Agreement Moderation in 2026
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Dear colleague,
I would like to invite you to take part in in-person and online stakeholder engagement events about the Government’s consultation on new 16-19 level 1 English and maths qualifications for students with prior GCSE attainment of a grade 2 or below.
The new qualifications will enable these students to consolidate the key foundational skills and knowledge needed to pass the GCSE and help ensure that students only re-take exams when they are ready to make progress.
The events are aimed at Heads of English and maths and teachers and will be an opportunity to learn more about the proposals, share your views on the qualifications and help shape their design and delivery, as well as to engage with peers and collaborate on key policy questions.
To sign up, please use one of the the links below:
Manchester: DfE, Picadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD – Monday 27 April 2026: 11.00 – 13.00
Coventry: DfE, Cheylesmore House, 5 Quinton Road, Coventry, CV1 2WT – Tuesday 5 May: 11.00 – 13.00
Online – Tuesday 28 April: 10.00 – 12.00
Attendance is limited and your name will be added to a waiting list if the event is full. We will consider holding future events if demand is high.
If you have any questions, please contact:
16-19L1englishmathsqual.consultation@education.gov.uk.
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The capacity for our PEGS Professional Information Sessions has been increased from 25 to 40 spaces to accommodate those who were previously unable to register.
These sessions are specifically designed for professionals who may encounter child-to-parent abuse within their roles.
What the Session Covers
This is an opportunity to learn the essentials of our service and how we can support your practice:
- Who we are: An introduction to PEGS and our mission.
- Support Pathways: Who we support and the specific services offered to parents.
- Referral Process: Guidance on how to refer individuals into PEGS.
- Q&A: A chance to ask specific questions or discuss potential referrals.
Important Details
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Cost: Completely free to attend.
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Participation: We kindly ask that you keep your camera on during the session to facilitate better engagement.
PEGS - Professional Information Session
If you missed out on a ticket previously, please use the link above to secure one of the newly released spots. We look forward to seeing you there.
PEGS is a multi-award-winning social enterprise dedicated to supporting parents, carers, and guardians impacted by Child to Parent Abuse (CPA). We provide a judgment-free lifeline through direct support, professional training, and national advocacy—ensuring no family has to face these complex challenges alone.
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For EYFS Setting Leaders including PVI, Preschool, School-Based and Specialist.
TWO-DAY TRAINING COURSE FOR EYFS SENIOR LEADERSTuesday 8th and 15th September 2026 9.30am – 4.00pm (arrival from 9am).
Shropshire Council offices, Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HQLight refreshments provided.
The 2-day interactive course covers:
• What is Emotion Coaching and how we can use it
• Why it supports children and young people to understand and manage
their emotions
• Trains you to be an Accredited Trainer.
Please see the attached flyer for more information and to register your interest.
Early Years ECUK training September 2026.pdf
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Free Training Conference for all Primary & Secondary Schools in Shropshire.
Training includes
- Changes in the new syllabus (2026-2031)
- How to build or update the RE curriculum for your school
- How to incorporate ‘ways of knowing’ in your
curriculum
- Opportunity to meet with RE leads from across
Shropshire
Date: Thursday 2nd July 2026
Time: 9:30am - 3:15pm
Location: William Brookes School
Please see the attached poster for more details
RE Syllabus Training Poster 2026.pdf
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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
● Free resources from the DFE funded OAK National Academy with guest speaker
Stuart Davison (including how this call be used safely by all staff in school)
● Key vocabulary for learning: How to check it is UK based and valid
● 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)
● How AI can help and hinder staff in school (advice from my work with over 100 staff in
2026)
Book directly via Richard Smith via amazingict@icloud.com or 07527464322
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