Further to my email yesterday and anticipation of higher temperatures towards the end of the week, please find some further resources to support risk assessments during this spell of hot weather.

Risk assessment from H&S team

Heat Health Alert Update from Public Health

Shropshire Council Elective Home Education Policy - May 2026 (Interim).pdf

The policy is interim and will be further revised in line with evolving DFE Guidance as Local Authorities prepare for the changes in the Children’s Bill. At that point there will be opportunities for training to support embedding of the EHE Policy.

Best Wishes

Jo Smith, Lead of Education Access Service 

If you missed the live DfE session RISE Reception Quality Webinar - Mastering the EYFS profile assessment, please find the recording here to share with your Early Years Teams. 

RISE Reception Quality Webinar - Mastering the EYFS profile assessment - YouTube

I have put the slides from the headteacher briefings that took place last week on the SLG.

Headteacher Briefings and meetings | Shropshire Learning Gateway

Designated Teachers are invited to join an upcoming PEP Working Group, offering a valuable opportunity to collaborate on redesigning the Virtual School Personal Education Plan.

Through shared expertise and practical co-production, the session will focus on embedding the 6 Principles of Nurture to better support children and young people in care.

Your professional insight will help shape a more inclusive, meaningful PEP that reflects real classroom experience and strengthens outcomes for learners.

Be part of this collaborative approach to improving practice and making a lasting difference. See flyers for more information including dates and times. We are offering three sessions for Primary-Secondary, KS5 and Specialist schools and settings.

13.07.26 KS5 PEP working group.pdf

13.07.26 PEP working group for DT's.pdf

14.07.26 PEP working group PACC and specialist.pdf

The DfE have launched a consultation about screen use by children aged 5-16 , calling for evidence seeks robust and clearly presented evidence to inform the development of new parental guidance resources on screen use for children and young people aged 5-16. It will also inform future policy thinking on the use of screens in schools.

The evidence gathered from Part A (the use of screens by 5-16 year olds) will be considered by our 5-16 Expert Advisory Group (EAG), who will be developing an independent evidence review to inform new parent-facing guidance resources on 5-16 screen use.

The evidence gathered from Part B (screen time and usage in schools) will be considered by the department alongside continued engagement with the education and EdTech sectors to inform future policy development.

The consultation ends 29th June 

Screen use by children aged 5-16: call for evidence - Department for Education - Citizen Space

We are running an online update for school leaders on 2nd July from 4-5pm in order to provide an update with respect to the SEND reform programme. There is no need to book on this session. 

SEND Transformation - Update for SENCOs and Headteachers | Shropshire Learning Gateway

N.B. This is a change to the date that was shared at the headteacher briefing

Monday 13th July, 3.30-4.30pm

MATi Outreach Services are pleased to share our offer for 2026-27 academic year, designed to support schools in delivering high quality SEND provision in line with the ambitions of the 2026 SEND Reform.  Further detail are included within the enclosed brochure, support options overview, SLA and purchase option form. These documents provide a full outline of the support available and how it can be used across the academic year. To get in touch with the team, please contact outreach@mmat.co.uk or telephone 01743 583451.  MATi Outreach Services looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with Shropshire and local area schools.

2. MATi Outreach Services Purchase Option Form 2026-27.docx

3. MATi Outreach Services SLA 2026-27.docx5.

MATi Outreach Services Support Options 2026-27a.docx

Excellence in Reception Teaching

Strengthen your reception practice with fully‑funded, evidence‑based professional development

The Excellence in Reception Teaching programme is designed to deepen your reception‑specific pedagogical knowledge and strengthen your classroom practice. This DfE‑funded course focuses on four core areas of high‑quality early years provision: child development, classroom practice, inclusive practice, and effective partnerships.

Who is it for?

Current reception teachers

Teachers moving into reception who want to build confidence and expertise

(Please note: PVI settings and childminders are not eligible for DfE scholarship funding for this programme.)

Programme details:

Cost: Fully funded for eligible state‑funded school settings

Duration: Around two school terms

Time commitment: Minimum 20 hours, combining flexible self‑study and live facilitated sessions

Next cohort: Autumn 2026

Registrations open: 6 July

Apply here:

Excellence in reception teaching

Develop confident, effective leadership across the Early Years sector

The NPQ in Early Years Leadership offers high‑quality, evidence‑based training to help you lead strong early education and care. Build your skills in organisational management, staff development, working with families, and leading inclusive practice for all children, including those with SEND.

Who is it for?

Leaders or aspiring leaders in Early Years

Managers or room leaders in PVIs

Childminders with leadership responsibilities

Headteachers or leaders of school‑based or maintained nurseries

Reception teachers or EYFS coordinators with leadership ambitions

Programme details:

Cost: Fully funded for publicly funded early years settings and maintained nursery schools

Duration: 18 months

Time commitment: 1–2 hours per week, with a blend of self‑study and live group sessions

Next cohort: November

Registrations open: 23 June

Apply here:

Apply for a national professional qualification (NPQ)

Early years leadership national professional qualification - GOV.UK

Teachers and FE professionals are invited to engage in an inspiring opportunity to explore Positive Masculinities alongside leading expert Mike Nicholson of Progressive Masculinity.

This session will focus on supporting boys and young men to develop healthy, respectful identities, with practical insights for use across school and FE settings.

Attendees will also have the chance to access further funded training to embed this work in their own contexts, helping to foster inclusive environments and improve outcomes for young people.

Schools and FE - Positive Masculinities.pdf

This month’s Early Years Newsletter is now available to view via this link - Early Years Newsletter - June 2026