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Education Noticeboard

19th June 2025

A round-up of news, guidance and key updates for education settings

Contents

Directors Update

Hundreds of children join debating session

Still time to enter Telford flag competition

School wins national sporting award

Education Safeguarding Partnership Group: Key Messages for School and Setting Leaders from Scott Thomas-White, Sally Sixsmith and Simon Wellman

Lunch and Learn: Understanding Sexual Violence in the Pathfinder context.

Working together to Safeguard children - Contact details update

Registration coding for Year 11 pupils

Registration coding for transition days

Good news about attendance % in the Borough!

Developing Curiosity in the Curriculum with Hannah Picken

Key Updates for Early Years Leaders

Arthog Outreach – Academic Year 25/26

CPD courses to the end of the Summer Term 2025

Telford & Wrekin’s Annual Leadership Conference for Headteachers, Principals and CEO’s – an opportunity to place an early booking!

Free CPD opportunity - How to safely develop Digital Literacy in school in the age of AI – Tuesday 24 June 2025

Michael McCarthy a local author is providing a book for every child aged 4-7 in Shropshire including Telford & Wrekin.

World Refugee Day

Directors Update

Dear Colleagues Welcome to this week’s edition of the Education Noticeboard. Telford & Wrekin Council has proudly won Council of the Year 2025 at the prestigious LGC Awards, shining on the national stage for its exceptional service and dedication to residents. This incredible achievement reflects outstanding work across children’s and adult services, environmental management, and transformative projects like Station Quarter. With back-to-back ‘Outstanding’ ratings from OFSTED and glowing reviews from national bodies, Telford & Wrekin is leading the way in local government excellence. We are thrilled to congratulate the outstanding achievement of Grange Park Primary School in Stirchley, who have been awarded the School Games Mark Platinum Award. Well done to all the staff, pupils, and the wider school community, your hard work and enthusiasm truly deserve this national recognition! Another well done must go to the children from schools across Telford and Wrekin who gathered at St George’s Primary for a lively debate on topics like banning plastic bags and animal testing. The event helped pupils build confidence, practise respectful discussion, and another tick off a 10 by 10 milestone. Please don't forget there’s still time to enter our competition to find the best flag design to represent Telford and Wrekin. The competition closes on Friday 13 July at 5pm and the winner will be announced during the autumn term later this year. There are several important safeguarding updates this week. Staff are encouraged to take time to read through them where possible to stay informed and ensure best practice. AST are delighted to report that data from ‘View Your Education Data’ shows that Telford and Wrekin schools are above the National average for attendance in Secondary, Primary and Special schools. Huge congratulations to you all for the efforts you have made in ensuring pupils are attending school so they can achieve the best possible outcome from their education. I must also draw your attention to the Annual Leadership Conference for Telford & Wrekin Headteachers, Principals and CEO’s which is taking place on Wednesday 22 October 2025 from 8.45am to 1pm, including lunch on departure. This is an exciting opportunity for you all so please ensure you book your place for this pivotal and unmissable event  Enjoy the rest of your week. Best Wishes, Simon Simon Wellman Director: Education & Skills

News

Telford & Wrekin Council wins ‘Council of the Year 2025’

Telford & Wrekin Council has been crowned ‘Council of the Year 2025’ at the prestigious Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards.

Held in London on Wednesday 11 June, the LGC Awards celebrated the best of the best across UK councils, with Telford & Wrekin Council not only scooping the top award but also being shortlisted in the best Environmental Services and best Public Partnership categories too.

But the night belonged to Telford, who took home the trophy for Council of the Year 2025, beating off stiff competition from all other councils across the country.

Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said:

“Together with David Sidaway, I would like to congratulate and thank every member of Telford & Wrekin Council, our Cabinet colleagues and our tremendous staff, who work so skilfully, tirelessly and passionately as we create a better borough together, all whilst maintaining the lowest Council Tax in the Midlands for our residents.

“We would never be complacent, we will always look to do more, but we are rightly proud of our work.

“It’s deeply gratifying to see Telford rightly celebrated on the national stage like this, and to receive external endorsement of a job well done, as we continue to protect, care and invest to create jobs and homes, boost skills, support businesses and our high streets, nurture our communities and protect our green spaces."

David Sidaway, Chief Executive of Telford & Wrekin Council, said:

“I’m enormously proud of this achievement as it confirms what we hoped – that we’re on the right track, providing Telford and Wrekin residents, businesses and partners with the best service in the country from their local authority.

"We’re honoured to have won this award and look forward to sharing our best practice with local government peers nationally."

Telford & Wrekin Council was named Council of the Year for 2025 after achieving back-to-back ‘Outstanding’ ratings by OFSTED for its children’s services as well receiving a Good outcome from the Care Quality Commission and being branded ‘exceptional’ by the Local Government Association for adult services.

In addition, the Council’s day-to-day work in environmental services to manage the Borough’s roads and greenspaces as well as its ongoing investment plans, including the Station Quarter development, were all recognised in the award.

Hundreds of children join debating session

Hundreds of children from schools across Telford and Wrekin were able to discuss the big issues of the day in a recent school debate.

The event, organised by St George’s Primary School, saw groups of pupils from different schools, including Donnington Wood Junior and HLC Primary take to the floor and discuss their views on hot topics such as whether plastic bags should be banned and whether animals should be used for scientific research and testing.

It gave the children the opportunity to learn and practise putting their point across, while learning the importance of listening and challenging the views of others in a respectful way.

All the children taking part were also able to tick off a 10 by 10 activity, as taking part in debating is one of the activities to try by the age of ten as part of Telford and Wrekin Council’s 10 by 10 programme.

Still time to enter Telford flag competition

There’s still time to enter our competition to find the best flag design to represent Telford and Wrekin.

We want our young creative minds to come up with a design that they feel best represents their hometown – whether it’s celebrating the Borough’s industrial past and the iconic Ironbridge, the Wrekin or the many green and open spaces that make up the Borough.

We’re looking for a bold and simple flag design that could create pride in the community and become synonymous with the Borough in the months and years ahead.

We can’t wait to see the ideas that the young people come up with.

The winner will receive a £250 voucher for their school for new arts and craft materials, courtesy of the competition’s media sponsor, Telford Live.

The competition closes on Friday 13 July at 5pm and the winner will be announced during the autumn term later this year.

If your school is planning to take part, please share details, including the eligibility criteria, with parents and carers.

We’re asking schools to send a picture of each entry as individual jpegs to flagcomp@telford.gov.uk. Please include name, age, school and description of the design with each digital entry as well as confirmation that the parent/carer agrees to the eligibility criteria.

If you’re unable to send the entries through by email, please contact flagcomp@telford.gov.uk to make alternative arrangements.

School wins national sporting award

A Borough primary school is celebrating picking up the highest level of a national award in recognition of its sporting achievements.

As National School Sports Week is marked across the country, it gives us great pleasure to congratulate Grange Park Primary School on their recent sporting award.

Grange Park Primary School in Stirchley was recently awarded the national School Games Mark platinum award.

The platinum award recognises schools that consistently excel in promoting physical activity and competition, both within the school and in the community. 

It's the highest level of the School Games Mark, which is a Government-led initiative.

In achieving the top gong, the school was recognised for its PE and school sporting opportunities offered to pupils in key stage two over the last five years.

Safeguarding

Education Safeguarding Partnership Group: Key Messages for School and Setting Leaders from Scott Thomas-White, Sally Sixsmith and Simon Wellman

9 Key messages from the Education Safeguarding Partnership meeting held on 2 June 2025.

1. Sector Representation

• The Education Safeguarding Partnership is addressing current gaps in representation from childminders and post-16 settings to ensure inclusive safeguarding leadership.

2. Workforce Development

• A blended training model (face-to-face and online) is being proposed for asthma training, with a strong preference from schools for face-to-face delivery in response to the proposal for asthma training to be accessed via an online module.
• 7-minute briefings on the LADO role and CSE are in development to support staff understanding and professional development.

3. Safeguarding Practice

• The asthma policy is under review. Feedback highlights the need for:
• Stronger safeguarding focus, including educational neglect.
• Clearer communication between health professionals and schools.
• Real-life scenarios in training to build staff confidence.

4. Referral Pathways

• DSLs are reminded to promote the anonymous referral option for CSE on the Family Connect webpage Family Connect Child Exploitation Referral Form - Online form - Telford & Wrekin Council.

• Tools like the Explore More document and CATE consultation service offer valuable resources that can greatly benefit all settings. Promoting and continuing to utilise these tools will enhance their effectiveness and reach even further.

5. Service Transparency

• Commissioned services, including School Nursing, are being reviewed. There is a need for clear service specifications and defined roles and responsibilities which are shared and understood by schools and settings.

6. Leadership and Governance

• Thematic visits and audits in schools and colleges show a need for stronger leadership oversight of Early Help impact
• Concerns about Headteacher isolation in managing complaints are being addressed through support from the Achievement and Enrichment Service

     7. Safeguarding Trends

• 46 Ofsted safeguarding complaints have been recorded in 2024/25, with a reduction in primary school complaints.
• Key complaint themes include:
• Child-on-child abuse
• SEND
• Mental health
• Medical needs

8. Families First Reforms

• Education settings should prepare for the Families First reforms starting April 2025. Minimal disruption is expected, but a shift in approach to family support is anticipated.

9. Strategic Work Plan

• A new 12-month Education Safeguarding Work Plan is being developed, aligned with TWSP priorities. It will include:
• A safeguarding data dashboard
• A communication strategy
• Pupil voice integration
• Identification of system gaps and priority actions

Lunch and Learn: Understanding Sexual Violence in the Pathfinder context.

The Pathfinder Project, a service designed to support individuals experiencing complex mental health challenges linked to sexual trauma, who are not currently involved with the criminal justice system.   

This important initiative aims to bridge gaps in mental health support and provide a coordinated, compassionate response for individuals with multiple unmet needs.

The course includes an overview of trauma-informed practice, the impact of sexual violence, and how both Pathfinder Project Axis Counselling can work alongside you to support clients in your care.

Why Attend?

Sexual violence is a widespread issue with complex impacts. The Pathfinder Programme, funded by NHS England, aims to improve trauma-informed responses across health, policing, and voluntary services. By attending this session, professionals will gain key insights and practical strategies for identifying signs and symptoms of sexual violence and responding safely and appropriately.

What Will You Gain?

• Increased awareness of the scale and impact of sexual violence.
• Understanding of the Pathfinder Programme’s role in improving outcomes for survivors.
• Tools to recognise trauma responses and respond with sensitivity.
• Knowledge of local referral pathways including SARCs and Axis Counselling.
• Confidence to support survivors while reducing duplication and demand across services.

Email: vicki@axiscounselling.org.uk

Working together to Safeguard children - Contact details update

Page summary: Statutory guidance on multi-agency working to help, support and protect children.

Change made: Amended the contact details in point 109 from ‘Foundations (What Works Centre for Children and Families) (policy@foundations.org.uk)' to the ‘Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements Unit (Child Protection and Safeguarding Division – DfE) (safeguarding.reform@education.gov.uk

Attendance

Registration coding for Year 11 pupils

Year 11 pupils are now close to their official school leaving date of Friday 27^th June 2025. The registration coding to use in the last few weeks of year 11 are as follows.

• Pupils who are attending school marked present
• Pupils who are not in school and revising in readiness for exams should be recorded as S – study leave

An extract from the DfE statutory guidance: Working together to improve school attendance’ Aug 2024:

 Code S: Leave of absence for the purpose of studying for a public examination

330. Schools maintained by a local authority and special schools not maintained by a local authority can grant leave of absence, under regulation 11(5), for a pupil to study for a public examination where the leave has been agreed in advance with a parent who the pupil normally lives with (or the pupil if they will be over compulsory school age by the time of the absence).
331. Study leave should not be granted by default once tuition of the exam syllabus is complete and should be used sparingly. If schools do decide to grant study leave, provision must still be made available for those pupils who want to continue to come into school to revise.
332. Schools that are not required to follow regulation 11, must still use this code to record when a pupil is absent with leave that has been granted for the purpose of studying for a public examination.
333. This code is classified for statistical purposes as authorised absence.

• Between the dates that the exam syllabus has finished and Friday 27^th June 25, Yr 11 pupils should be recorded using the C code if they are not required to attend school- this is an authorised absence.
• For pupils who remain on school roll in readiness for sixth form in September 2025, these pupils can be recorded using the X code from Monday 30^th June until the end of the academic year as they are no longer compulsory school age.

Registration coding for transition days

Registration Code ‘B’ should be used for pupils who are attending an alternative school during transition days.

An extract from the DfE statutory guidance: Working together to improve school attendance’ Aug 2024: see below

Code B: Attending any other approved educational activity

309. The pupil is attending a place for an approved educational activity that is not a sporting activity or work experience. The educational activity must take place during the session for which it is recorded.
310. A pupil can only be recorded as attending a place for an approved educational activity if:

• the place is somewhere other than the school, another school where the pupil is registered, or a place where educational provision has been arranged for the pupil by a local authority under section 19(1) of the Education Act 1996 or sections 42(2) or 61(1) of the Children and Families Act 2014;
• the activity is of an educational nature;
• the school has approved the pupil’s attendance at the place for the activity; and
• the activity is supervised by a person considered by the school to have the appropriate skills, training, experience and knowledge to ensure that the activity takes place safely and fulfils the educational purpose for which the pupil’s attendance has been approved. Supervision means the pupil is physically supervised by someone who meets this definition.

311. Schools must also record the nature of the approved educational activity (regulation 10(5)), examples are: • attending transition days at other schools; • attending courses at college; • attending unregistered alternative provision arranged by the school.
312. Schools have responsibilities for the safeguarding and welfare of pupils attending an approved educational activity. The school will need to be satisfied that appropriate measures have been taken to safeguard the pupil. Schools should ensure that they have in place arrangements whereby the provider of the educational activity notifies the school of any absences by the pupil. The school must record the pupil’s absence using the relevant absence code.
313. This code is classified for statistical purposes as attending an approved educational activity.

Good news about attendance % in the Borough!

AST are delighted to report that data from ‘View Your Education Data’ shows that Telford and Wrekin schools are above the National average for attendance in Secondary, Primary and Special schools. Huge congratulations to you all for the efforts you have made in ensuring pupils are attending school so they can achieve the best possible outcome from their education.

The data for compulsory pupils shows:

• Attendance for all pupils is 0.6% above national average at 93.9%
• Attendance for primary pupils is 0.3% above national average at 95.1%
• Attendance for secondary pupils is 0.9% above national average at 92.6%
• Attendance for special pupils is 3.7% above national average at 90.8%
• The Telford & Wrekin persistent absence rate for all pupils is 2.8% below national average at 15.3%

Early Years

Developing Curiosity in the Curriculum with Hannah Picken

We’re thrilled to announce an upcoming learning opportunity that we believe will be incredibly valuable. Hannah Picken from Green Park School has kindly agreed to share her expertise on ‘Developing Curiosity – a gateway to gaining attention through the curriculum’.

Hannah is a dedicated teacher from Green Park School in Wolverhampton, where she is passionate about helping every pupil feel happy, safe, and achieve their full potential. She works with children who have a range of special educational needs, but she treats each child as an individual, and they consistently astound her with their achievements. One of her most effective approaches is using curiosity as a powerful vehicle for learning across the entire curriculum.

This is a fantastic chance to learn practical strategies for fostering engagement and attention in your students.

We’ll be hosting two events: Webinar Wednesday 15^th October 5-6PM - Webinar: Developing Curiosity- a gateway to gaining attention through the curriculum

Networking Session Thursday 13^th November 5-6PM - Network: Developing Curiosity- a gateway to gaining attention through the curriculum

Key Updates for Early Years Leaders

Thrive Together Training Programme (June – September 2025)

Webinar Wednesdays

Beyond serve and return; keeping conversations going webinar 2^nd July 2025 9:30 – 10:30AM (Online)

Register: Beyond Serve and Return; Keeping Conversations Going Webinar

Interactive Reading: An Effective Strategy to Support CL Development 20^th August 2025 9:30 – 10:30AM (Online) Register: Interactive Reading an Effective Strategy to Support C&L Development Webinar

Networks LEY SEND Effective Implementation Part 1 Network 8^th July 2025 4 – 5PM (Online) Register: EY SEND Effective Implementation Part 1 Network 4-5pm

EAL – Understanding EAL and SEND 16^th September 2025 6:30 – 7:30PM (Online)

Register: Seeing children through an EAL or SEN lens network

Early Years Leader Staffroom – Getting off to a good start network 17^th September 2025 4-5PM (Online) Register: Early Years Leader Staffroom - Getting Off to a Good Start Network

CL & Literacy – Read and Talk All About It Network 18^th September 2025 4-5PM (Online) Register: CL & Literacy Read and Talk All About It Network

Inclusive Insights Beyond the Bucket: Supporting SEND Through Play Are you using Attention Autism in your setting – but wondering how to take it further? Discover how to move beyond the bucket and embed the powerful principles of Attention Autism into children’s play through a neurodiverse lens. Developed using evidence-informed approaches from the EEF Evidence Store, this blog introduces a staged model that strengthens connection, collaboration, and communication – the 3 C’s. “I see you… I need you… I want you to hear me.” Explore practical strategies like mirror play, buddy bags, cause-effect toys, and collaborative games – all designed to help children with complex needs build meaningful relationships through play.

Read the full blog here: Posters

Spotlight in Leadership

EYFS Framework Revisions (Effective September 2025) Significant changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) will come into effect from 1^st September 2025. Key updates include:

• Enhanced Safeguarding Measures: Strengthened requirements for safer recruitment, designated safeguarding leads, and child absence procedures
• Nutrition Guidance: Introduction to non-statutory nutrition guidelines to replace current menu guidance. While optional, providers will need valid reasons for non-compliance, as Ofsted will assess adherence during inspections.
• Childminder Flexibility: New category of ‘childminders without domestic premises’ allows care in non-home settings like community halls. Additionally, the maximum number of individuals working together under a childminders’ registration increases from 3 to 4.

 Practice in Action

Poetry Pond

Creating a Poetry Pond – an approach to supporting children’s language and literacy. After reviewing our curriculum offer, we wanted to increase the children’s weekly diet of poetry and use it to teach vocabulary and experience/awareness of rhyme.

Read the full blog here: Posters

Setting News, Updates & Resources

Childminders

Ofsted Inspection Reforms

Ofsted is proposing a shift from single-word judgements to a five-point scale: ‘causing concern’, ‘attention needed’, ‘secure’, ‘strong’, and ‘exemplary’. This aims to provide more nuanced evaluations. The consultation has concluded, and outcomes are awaited.

Feedback from childminders highlights concerns about inspection processes, including the need for clearer communication and understanding of individual settings.

Telford Childminder Play & Stay Impact Since the start of the Stronger Childminder Hub in Donnington, we have cultivated a warm and inviting environment that fosters connection, collaboration and creativity. This supportive group has become a cherished space for us all to come together, exchange ideas, and form meaningful friendships.

EYFS Framework Changes You Need to Know! Childminders, are you up to date with the latest EYFS changes? The new statutory framework (effective from September 2023) brings key updates in safeguarding, assessment, and learning areas.

Why it matters:

• Ensures your practice meets Ofsted & DfE expectations
• Helps you provide high-quality care & learning
• Supports better child development outcomes

Read the latest EYFS guidance here: Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK

Schools

Information for Early Years Settings and Local Authorities: Stay Connected with Foundation Years

Foundation Years is the go-to platform for Early Years Educators, providing the latest policy updates, expert guidance and practical resources to support you in delivering high-quality Early Education and Childcare

Nurseries & PVI’s

Expansion of School-Based Nurseries

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced funding for 300 school-based nurseries, with plans to expand to 3000. However, this initiative has raised concerns among private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) providers about potential displacement and reduced childcare capacity.

Upcoming Changes to Funding & Free Childcare Entitlement

The government has announced a major expansion of the 30 hours free childcare offer, now extending to children from nine months old by 2025.

This is a fantastic opportunity for PVIs to grow – but it also means careful planning for staffing, space, and funding adjustments.

What’s changing?

A new national funding formula takes effect in April 2025.

More demand as working parents take advantage of extended entitlements.

Funding increases will support additional places, but nurseries must be prepared.

Read more and start preparing here: 15 and 30 hours childcare support | Childcare Choices

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Nutrition Guidance Changes from September 2025 The DfE is committed to ensuring that all children in Early Years Settings have the best possible start in life. As part of this, we are introducing new nutrition guidance in the EYFS statutory framework, replacing the ‘Example menus for Early Years Settings in England’ guidance from September 2025. Developed with nutrition and sector experts, the new guidance will help early years providers understand how to meet the existing EYFS requirement: ‘Where children are provided with meals, snacks and drinks, these must be healthy, balanced and nutritious’. Good nutrition in the Early Years is crucial for settings the foundations for a lifetime of good health. From September 2025, providers will be required to have regard to the new nutrition guidance, meaning they must take it into account and should follow it unless there is good reason not to.

To read the new nutrition guidance, visit Early Years Foundation Stage nutrition - GOV.UK

What’s On Offer Early Years Online Child Development Training This free, online training, developed by experts, provides an overview of child development and gives practical advice for supporting children in your setting. It gives practitioner opportunities to reflect and reinforce upon their learning. It also links to other resources. Each module covers an important area of child development. The training is free for childminders and nurseries and again practitioners can gain certificates of completion. To access this training please go to: Early years child development training : Home page

Early Years Level 3 SENCO Award (PVI Nurseries and Childminders only) The Level 3 Early Years SENCO qualification is for a level 3 practitioner in a private, voluntary or independent setting. It is also appropriate for Ofsted-registered childminders and Ofsted-registered childminder agencies. This is an important role to ensure the best possible educational outcomes are achieved for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

You can apply by following the link: Early Years SENCO - Level 3 | Best Practice Network

Outdoor Education

Arthog Outreach – Academic Year 25/26

Telford and Wrekin Council has grown an amazing Outdoor Educational Service beyond the excellent Arthog in Wales, with Arthog Outreach available locally.

At the heart of all our provision is the individual. We will work with you to plan each day, course or program to fit with your desired outcomes, our planning may help discover what these outcomes might be.

Arthog for all, leaving no one behind!

 A residential experience at Arthog Wales is a significant rite of passage and life experience but there have always been those young people unable to attend.

Arthog Outreach want’s no one to miss out, whether it is a single day of adventure, five days developing or a short residential. We have options to ensure every child has the opportunities available and stories to compare with their residential peers.

During academic year 23/24 our dedicated team of outdoor educators proudly supported over 850 groups, introducing 1000’s of learners to unforgettable experiences through the power of outdoor learning.

 This year we have reached even more!

A reflection of the growing impact and demand for high-quality outdoor education.

From forest skills to team challenges, every session has been about building confidence, resilience, and connection – with each other and with nature. 

It is a joy to help create lasting memories in the stunning natural beauty of Shropshire, and we’re excited to continue this journey – growing, inspiring, and welcoming even more learners to the outdoors.

For further information please contact the team, where we will help you create something that meets the needs of your learners, curriculum and budget: outreach@arthog.co.uk

Our highly qualified and experienced staff are experts at adapting plans and activities to meet the requirements of the day, considering the weather and individual’s needs. The following are a sample of the activities we offer.

Activities

Team building and Problem solving: Activities to challenge and develop teams and individuals using purpose built equipment including our low ropes course. We can also run many of these activities at your site. These development outcomes run throughout all of our activities.

Climbing: Outside on real rock in the scenic surroundings of Shropshire. Climbing offers an exhilarating and rewarding challenge, actively involving all participants, where self-confidence, co-operation, trust and teamwork develop. We also have our mobile climbing tower, which can travel to your site.

Climbing wall: We have our own recently extended indoor wall for all weather climbing and we run courses and clubs offering NICAS and GCSE qualifications.

Canoeing & Kayaking: Venues to suit all abilities and weathers from our on-site swimming pool, to local lakes and pools, local canals and the River Severn. Opportunities to work together and independently gain skills.

Caving: A real experience exploring the tunnels and chambers, formed by man and nature, at Llanymynech cave. Or visiting the mining ‘ghost town’ at Snailbeech, once one of the biggest Lead mines in the world. Provides the opportunity to learn geological and human history and overcome challenges together.

Hill Walking: Students discover the beauty of our local landscape by journeying in the Shropshire hills. This gives opportunities to learn about the formation of the landscape, develop map work skills, raise awareness of the environment, and discover the fascinating human history of the area as well as discovering local fauna, flora and habitat.

Bush Craft: We introduce students to basic skills that allow them to identify, look after, and use natural materials available in local habitats. Students build their confidence and gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the outdoor environment.

Orienteering: Use our purpose-built course to develop map skills and fitness, working independently or in small teams. We have a variety of other sites mapped or can develop new sites.

Archery: For all ages inside our sports hall, or outside if weather allows. This can also be brought to your site.

Arthog @ Telford Town Park – Variety of activities from orienteering, canoeing, teambuilding and can include the high ropes course.  This activity in the heart of Telford can cater for larger school groups, as well as our usual small group work.

Easily accessible and with our Arthog Outreach supportive instructional staff. 

Introduction to the outdoors: This approach is very child centred with an emphasis on learning by discovery. Groups of younger students gain confidence in the outdoors, studying mini beasts or other projects, making stories come alive.

CPD

CPD courses to the end of the Summer Term 2025

Further details of all courses are available in the 2024-25 CPD booklet on the Telford Education Services website and on the Ollie website. 

As always, courses can be booked by completing and returning a CPD booking form to cpdschoolimprovement@telford.gov.uk (unless denoted differently).

In addition to the courses run by Telford & Wrekin Council which are advertised in our CPD booklet, you may also wish to look at the range of courses run by other local providers, whose web links are detailed below:

AmazingCPD

Severn Training Schools Alliance

Telford & Wrekin’s Annual Leadership Conference for Headteachers, Principals and CEO’s – an opportunity to place an early booking!

An exciting opportunity to book your place for this pivotal and unmissable event, taking place Wednesday 22 October 2025.

The Annual Leadership Conference for Telford & Wrekin Headteachers, Principals and CEO’s is taking place Wednesday 22 October 2025 from 8.45am to 1pm, including lunch on departure. 

We are delighted to announce details of our key note speaker – Richard Gerver – one of the world's leading thinkers on human leadership and organisational transformation.  Richard’s biographical details are included in the accompanying flyer below.

The focus of the conference will be inspiring leadership and will build on the success of last year’s event, which was attended by virtually all schools in Telford & Wrekin. 

The event will also provide an opportunity to share data on the performance of our schools across the borough, comparing to regional and national data, looking at trends over time and identifying hot issues.  The presentation will include school performance data, SEND, CiC, Fairshare, attendance, exclusions and suspensions and will help to focus strategic networking discussions on the range of issues challenging our schools.

The Partnership Board is delighted to welcome all Headteachers, Principals and CEOs to this event.  There is also some space for Deputy Heads to attend too, but we ask that they only attend alongside their Headteacher, and not as a replacement. 

The delegate fee for this event remains competitively priced at £70 per person, with a discounted offer of £120 for two delegates from the same school, including lunch and all refreshments.  The event is priced to simply cover costs and to hopefully encourage maximum attendance from all of our schools. 

To secure your place/s please send a completed CPD booking form to cpdschoolimprovement@telford.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Free CPD opportunity - How to safely develop Digital Literacy in school in the age of AI – Tuesday 24 June 2025

An opportunity to book places on this free course being run by Richard Smith of Amazing ICT in collaboration with Telford & Wrekin’s IDT Service.

Digital literacy in education should include the teaching of how to assess authenticity in online research and critical thinking skills when using AI. 

Suitable for school leaders and all teachers in primary schools, this 60 minute course is free of charge and is taking place Tuesday 24 June 2025 - delegates can choose between 1.30pm to 2.30pm and 4pm to 5pm.

The course will provide both lesson ideas and resources to support the development of high quality digital literacy in your school and will cross reference ideas to the recent interim curriculum review, providing useful documents such as an AI policy template.  Lesson ideas included have been tested in school and evaluated by teachers in the UK.

The course will be presented by Richard Smith from Amazing ICT, who delivers AI sessions to both staff and students.  Richard has also spoken on BBC radio about the topic.

Items which will be included:

• DFE policy: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education (including GDPR) 
• Definitions of key concepts that you can use with staff, parents and students
• How AI can help and hinder staff in schools 
• 3 lessons to use with students in your school that link to digital literacy
• Using AI to provide challenges to students

By attending, delegates will gain an:

• Increased knowledge of the key terms
• Increased confidence to discuss AI with students, staff and parents
• Increased awareness of the role of AI within digital literacy 

To book your place/s, please click on the button below:

Other Information and Resources

Michael McCarthy a local author is providing a book for every child aged 4-7 in Shropshire including Telford & Wrekin.

Michael is blind, hemiplegic with learning difficulties. Through his own achievements he has inspired many people to reach their goals. Michael’s latest project came from a conversation with his father, Brian, who shared a troubling statistic: over 10% of children don’t own a single book, nor do they have one in their home. Michael’s immediate and heartfelt response was simple—“We should give them a book!”

Michael McCarthy, of Weston u Redcastle is the author behind a growing collection of children’s books.

Following a car accident at the age of 8 Michael has many challenges including not being able to read. However his vivid imagination finds life through the words of Catherine Brown, who carefully transcribes his stories. Their creative process unfolds over several sessions, during which Catherine captures Michael’s ideas and weaves them into cohesive tales. The final touch comes from illustrator Rob Bennett, whose enchanting artwork brings the stories to life with charm and magic.

The inspiration for Michael’s latest project came from a conversation with his father, Brian, who shared a troubling statistic: over 10% of children don’t own a single book, nor do they have one in their home. Michael’s immediate and heartfelt response was simple—“We should give them a book!”

Thanks to the generosity of friends who share his passion for reading, Michael’s vision is becoming a reality. Every child in Shropshire between the ages of 4 and 7 will receive a copy of his book, All Aboard.

This ambitious project is being supported by Eleanor Dixon, a successful local author, and the David Lloyd Club in Shrewsbury, who are helping to fund the printing of 10,000 copies. Together, they’re making sure that every child can experience the joy of having a book to call their own.

Michael’s message to the schools.

Something I’d love to share is that when I visit schools, I’m always amazed by how excited and full of energy you all are! You have such great ideas and love working on your own projects. Everyone has something special they’re good at.

When you get the chance to try new things and follow your dreams, it helps you feel happy, proud, and strong inside. And when we feel strong inside, we can do anything—even when things get tricky!

Every school in Shropshire will receive books for children in Key Stage One. Michael can also come and visit your school. This project will be launching in October 2025. Please do answer the questions in the forms below. This will help Michael and his family to plan logistics. Thank you.

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