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- Message from the Head of Education Excellence
- Covid -19 Public Health
- Letter to Parents & Carers
- Health and Safety
- HR Workforce
- Assessment Information
- Early Years
- Finance Information
- Leadership and Management - Autumn Support Visit
- SEND
- Training
- Teaching and Learning
- Wolverhampton Youth Council
- DfE daily update
Dear Colleagues,
What an interesting first two weeks of term it has been! I am really impressed with the way you and your staff have ensured that you are open for business and kept calm as the number of Covid – 19 cases has increased and impacted on your school or setting.
School leaders will have received an email inviting you to an Engagement Session on Thursday or Friday this week. I'm sorry for the short notice but the Local Covid-19 situation is changing rapidly. These will be an opportunity to hear from our local Public Health colleagues to support you responding to the current situation. Arrangements are underway for a similar session to be arranged for Early Years settings and childminders and you will receive an invite soon.
The DfE is having daily calls with Emma and myself and we are thankful for the data returns you have been doing to enable the City wide overview. There are ongoing conversations with Public Health England and local public health and ourselves to support you in making appropriate and safe decisions should you have a possible or confirmed case. We are aware of the frustrations whether that be the time for a phone call to be returned or access to a test. Locally, public health have added capacity to their phone line and I understand an additional test station is to open in the City.
As part of the Council’s response to the increasing Covd-19 cases Emma chairs a daily Incident Management Team with representatives from Education, Public Health, HR, Health and Safety, Communications. Issues that you raise with Council colleagues will be brought to that meeting. We will continue with a Bulletin twice a week.
I would like to draw your attention to the item from Wolverhampton SACRE regarding the review of the Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. This has to happen every five years and I would encourage you to please pass on this item to your Religious Education lead.
A couple of weeks ago I included information about the leadership of the Education services in the Council. This is the updated Children’s Services Directorate leadership click here (EY). Recruitment is underway for the vacant Deputy Director – Education and some of you will be involved with that process.
We are likely to see more local measures to limit the spread of the virus in the next couple of days. We are here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Phil Leivers
Head of Education Excellence
COVID-19 Reporting procedure, testing and isolation guidance for schools.
We are sorry that there is a national log jam in relation to accessing testing. It is not a problem specific to Wolverhampton and we are working with the department of health to get this remedied for improved local access as quickly as possible.
We are aware that schools are facing tough times as they implement the guidance. We are here to support in whatever way we can. The slides that are a part of this bulletin are a reminder of how to access that support.
The attached slides (click here EY) provide a summary of information and guidance for schools from the Wolverhampton Public Health team. The slides cover:
- COVID-19 Reporting procedure for schools
- COVID-19 Isolation and testing guidance
- Returning to school
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Howard Jobber
Senior Public Health Specialist
Tel. Office: 01902 555928
Howard.Jobber@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Letter for parents/carers from Director of Public Health.
Please can you distribute this letter (click here EY) using your usual channels seeking support to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Howard Jobber
Senior Public Health Specialist
Tel. Office: 01902 555928
Howard.Jobber@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Covid Self-Assessment Audit and Guidance
You may re-call from engagement sessions held over the summer that schools were asked whether a Covid self-audit tool would be useful and beneficial to you. As this was welcomed by the vast majority of schools, the attached document has been produced for you. (click here EY).
I hope you will find this helpful and please try not to be put off by the length of the document. Once you start to complete it you should be assured that these are all areas you have been addressing over the last few weeks and months and they are being brought together in one document designed not to test you but to help you ensure that no areas are overlooked.
In light of postponed H&S school improvement visits, we are asking that all community schools return the completed checklist and action plan back to natalie.barrow@wolverhampton.gov.uk by 23rd October.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Natalie Barrow
Health and Safety Advisor
Natalie.barrow@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Staffing capacity and childcare responsibilities
It is recognised that there are increased pressures on schools regarding staffing capacity.
Public health colleagues are continuing to support Schools in their decisions to isolate bubbles or groups to ensure this happen where it is absolutely necessary and unavoidable. We understand this impacts on staff with parental responsibilities.
How to manage situations where employees’ childcare arrangements are disrupted by Covid 19
We advise to take a pragmatic approach given the exceptional circumstances and to give due consideration to each individual’s circumstances. Whilst there are provisions contained in the Grey Book - Absence for reasons other than sickness, policy does not consider situations resulting from a pandemic.
Discussions should take place with the member of staff to understand their childcare requirements and to explore their individual circumstances, for example the working arrangements of their partner, or the availability of other people within the household who may be able to help; however it is recognised that individual’s circumstances are different and usual childcare arrangements, such as grandparents, may not be available.
Where possible, working hours and rotas may be reviewed to allow employees to work at times where there are others who are able to care for their children.
If an unavoidable childcare issue is identified resulting in the employee being unable to physically attend work, consideration should be given to extended flexible working arrangements and whether or not the member of staff can work from home, for example by supporting remote education, carry out lesson planning or other roles which can be done from home.
https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-and-information
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Marie Marenda
HR Business Partner
Marie.marenda@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Phonics screening check for Year 2 Pupils Autumn Term 2020
Audience -All Primary Schools
This guidance is for schools administering the phonics screening check to year 2 pupils during the second half of the 2020 autumn term. In the 2020/21 academic year only, it is statutory for schools to administer a past version of the phonics screening check to year 2 pupils during the second half of the 2020 autumn term and return results to the LA.
Further details to follow regarding deadline of submission to the Research & Assessment Team.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-1-administering-the-phonics-screening-check-to-year-2-pupils
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Donna Evison
Senior Analyst
Tel. Office: 01902 555296
Donna.Evison@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Please find attached 'Assessment Updates' (click here EY). Contents cover:
- Statutory assessment arrangements 2020/21
- Reception Baseline Assessment
- EYFS early adopter networks
- Autumn phonics check 2020
- Local Authority Baseline Assessments: years 2 – 6
- Engagement Model
- Moderator recruitment
- Resources supporting learning and well-being
- Annual assessment report
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Jo Horlock
NQT and Assessment Advisor
Tel. 07792 556576
Jo.Horlock@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Upcoming training
Safeguarding Training for Childminders, Playgroups and Nursery Settings
Further safeguarding training dates have been added for the upcoming academic year
Please book on through http://www.wves.wolverhampton.gov.uk/
4 and 14 November 9.00-12.30
6 and 15 March 9.00-12.30
8 and 14 May 9.00-12.30
Lead Person to Contact in the LA:
Rachel Cook
Quality and Access Officer
07773187055
Rachel.Cook@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Developmental Matters
The Department for Education (DfE) has published Development Matters, new non-statutory curriculum guidance which supports the delivery of the revised early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
Please see below the link for the new Developmental Matters document
Development Matters
Lead Person to Contact in the LA:
Stacey Henderson
Senior Early Years Advisor
Tel: 07976750933
Stacey.henderson@wolverhampton.gov.uk
We would like to invite you to the Black Country Early Outcomes Celebration Event 23 – 30 September 2020
As our project year comes to an end, we would like to invite you to the Early Outcomes Celebration Event, this week-long event will not only inform attendees of the work carried out within the project but will support practitioners and professionals going forward in the light of the Covid 19 outbreak.
All sessions will be held through Mircosoft Teams, with links 24 hours prior to each session.
Guest speakers include the National Literacy Trust, Anni McTavish, Jan Dubiel and Greg Botterill.
If you would like to receive an Eventbrite invitation to one or all of these sessions, please contact Claire Hardiman by Monday 21st September. For further information please click on the link here or here (EY)
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Claire Hardiman
Early Years and Childcare Development Officer
Mobile: 07717732737
Claire.Hardiman@wolverhampton.gov.uk
The attached schedules show school cleaning charges for the periods 24th June 2020 to 21st July 2020 (click here EY) and 22nd July 2020 to 18th August 2020 (click here EY). Should you have any queries, please contact Caroline Holt (Caroline.Holt@wolverhampton.gov.uk), on 01902 55 or Lisa Green, Cleaning Manager, on 01902 555202 (Lisa.Green3@wolverhampton.gov.uk).
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Andrew McCloskey
Finance Officer
Tel. Office: 01902 554158
Andrew.McCloskey@wolverhampton.gov.uk
As part of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s School Improvement 2018-2021 Strategy, all maintained schools are regularly reviewed and categorised to determine their allocated level of challenge and support.
As a result of Covid, the strategy has temporarily been suspended, and therefore the first autumn visit will be one of support and an opportunity to identify priorities and how the team can work with you. This will be the identified as the Autumn Support visit, and these will commence from the end of September through to early November. The agenda is attached (click here for the Nursery School agenda) for reference.
It is anticipated that the established Support and Challenge visit will resume in December 2020 and continue into January 2021.
Full details can be found at below: School_Improvement_Strategy_2018-2021.pdf
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Linda Brown
Senior School Improvement Advisor
Linda.Brown@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Guidance comparisons for full opening of schools relevant to SEND
Mainstream schools can find additional detailed information within the DfE Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings, relevant to mainstream. This includes further information on Risk Assessments for children with EHC plans and extending provision for those age 19 and over. Both updated guidance include information on extending the provision set out in an EHC plan.
The DfE updated Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings, as of 8th September 2020 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-full-opening-special-schools-and-other-specialist-settings
There are also updates for SEND within the mainstream DfE updated Guidance for full opening: schools, as of 10th September 2020 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools#B
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Anna Vrahimi
School Improvement SEND Advisor
Tel. Mobile: 07812495090
anna.vrahimi@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Wolverhampton SACRE Locally Agreed Syllabus Review – RE Online Consultation – we want your views!
Every five years Wolverhampton SACRE undertakes a review of their Locally Agreed Syllabus. They are now reviewing the current syllabus, published in 2015.
We’d like to hear your views on the current Locally Agreed Syllabus and accompanying scheme of work and to gather further information about the nature of RE teaching in Wolverhampton to inform the review of the syllabus.
If you are happy to help, please ask someone with a good understanding of RE in your school (RE lead or Head of Department for example) to complete the following questionnaire https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage by 25 September 2020.
As you are aware the Locally Agreed Syllabus is the legal basis for RE in maintained schools. However, we are aware that non maintained schools, faith and religious schools also make use of the syllabus and support of SACRE in a variety of ways and so seek views from schools of all types, across all phases.
Before completing the questionnaire, please be advised
- Your name, the name of your school and your email address will only be used by City of Wolverhampton Council
- If you forward the link to other staff members please be aware that when they submit their response this will automatically include their email address. If you or they do not consent for City Of Wolverhampton Council to have access to the email address, do not submit a response
- Your response will be anonymised by City of Wolverhampton Council (personal data above removed along with email addresses included with your response) before it is sent to our consultancy service RE Today for in depth analysis
- If you would like more information about City of Wolverhampton Council’s GDPR arrangement with RE Today please contact Laura Jude before submitting your response
- Your response will only be used to inform the review of the Locally Agreed Syllabus and related materials
- By submitting your response you are consenting to the data you provide being used as outlined above
We look forward to hearing your views.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Laura Jude
Disadvantaged Pupils Advisory Teacher
Tel. Mobile: 07973715929
Laura.Jude@wolverhampton.gov.uk
School Improvement Adviser Day:
Please see the attached (click here EY) agenda for the upcoming SIA Day on Tuesday 29th September. Please book through WVES if you wish to attend.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Hardip Jassal
Education Training & Finance Officer
Hardip.Jassal3@wolverhampton.gov.uk
CLL Primary and EYFS CPD
Here attached (click here EY) are the training courses we are offering to settings in the next few weeks. All are online and will be recorded. We know that many teachers may not be able to be released but if they are interested in seeing the recording and having the resources please book them on WVES online.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Mark Smith
Citizenship Language & Learning Senior Advisor
Mark.Smith2@wolverhampton.gov.uk
For those who missed the Primary baseline meeting and are still interested in taking part, you can watch a guide to the baseline at https://vimeo.com/456580923 and read the guide here. If you want to take part and haven’t yet registered interest please email Mark.Smith2@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Mark Smith
Citizenship Language & Learning Senior Advisor
Mark.Smith2@wolverhampton.gov.uk
My choices - positive about 2020
Online Career Surgeries are available to view here (click here EY)
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Niginder Kaur
Connexions Team Leader
Niginder.kaur@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Funded Teaching for Maths Mastery Opportunities from SHaW Maths Hub. Details are attached here or here (EY).
Lead person to contact:
Cathryn Hardy
Teaching for Mastery Lead, SHaW Maths Hub
cathryn@cathrynhardymaths.co.uk
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Health and Safety Training courses for schools
Due to Covid-19 the following training courses for schools will take place on Microsoft Teams and not in the Civic Centre.
Before the training courses takes place, all attendees will be sent an invite to the training via teams
COSHH Awareness – 28.09.20
Risk Assessment – 01.10.20
Control of Legionella – 08.10.20
Provision & Use of Work Equipment (PUWER) – 13.10.20
IOSH Working Safely in Schools – 11.11.20
Working at Heights – 13.11.20
Asbestos Awareness – 17.11.20
IOSH Managing Safely in Schools – 24.11.20 and 01.12.20
Fire Risk Assessment – 02.12.20
Letters for the training courses are now accessible on CloudW and can also be found on Wolverhampton Education Services.
Places can be reserved on either CloudW or Wolverhampton Education Services.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Cyndy Morris
Health & Safety Co-ordinator
Cyndy.Morris@wolverhampton.gov.uk
01902 554209
11th September 2020
Dear Headteacher
My name is Syed Naqvi I’m the chair of the City of Wolverhampton Youth Council. I’m writing to ask whether you would be able to share with me your procedure or policy for Home Education in response to lockdown and any future lockdowns.
The City of Wolverhampton Youth Council would like to explore further the experiences young people had during lockdown and reflect on the policies in place for secondary schools in order to develop recommendations that could be shared with Secondary Schools and the City Council to support pupils learning in the event of future lockdowns in the city.
The Youth Council is keen to know what worked well and the barriers schools faced due to Home Education. Our members have reflected on their experiences during lockdown and will be seeking the experiences of other young people in their schools as well.
I be grateful if you could share your response to YouthCouncil@wolverhampton.gov.uk by Friday 25th September 2020.
Yours Sincerely
Syed Naqvi
Chair of Youth Council
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14 September – Coronavirus – Daily update to all early years, children’s social care, schools and further education providers - here or click here (EY).
15 September – Coronavirus – Daily update to all early years, children’s social care, schools and further education providers - here or here (EY).
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