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If you would like your Chair of Governors, SENDCo, DSL or Digital Leads to receive this bulletin, please email Georgia.Smith@wolverhampton.gov.uk with their email address who will add them to the distribution list.
Important - please ensure you download a copy of any of the documents which are attached/ linked to the bulletin and please save a copy to your own computer before editing. This will ensure the original version remains available to other users. Thank you.
- Message from Phil Leivers - Head of Service Educational Excellence
- Attendance and inclusion
- Early Years
- Good news
- Health and Safety
- Information
- SEND
- Training and Consultation
- DfE Update
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the summer term! I hope you all had a really good rest over the Easter holidays and are feeling refreshed. There will be a lot happening, especially engaging with external tests and assessments which haven’t happened during the pandemic.
A couple of things to draw to your attention.
We are planning to hold an additional Director’s Briefing on May 26 Thursday 8-9am via Teams. And for the Director's Briefing and SIA day on 7 July we are planning on holding face to face at Science Park, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton, WV10 9RU. Further details to follow.
The Education Safeguarding SLA for September 2022 is now available to purchase on WVES and the post of the Officer is currently being advertised on WM Jobs. There has been good interest in the post so am hopeful it will be recruited to.
Best wishes,
Phil
Phil Leivers
Head of Service Educational Excellence
phil.leivers@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Attendance Codes – X no longer to be used for COVID Absences
Not attending in circumstances relating to COVID-19
In line with living with COVID-19, schools no longer need to record pupils who do not attend for reasons related to COVID-19 using Code X. Pupils with symptoms of COVID-19 are no longer advised to get a test, and most of the scenarios that this category was brought in to record no longer apply.
Pupils who have symptoms or a positive test for COVID-19
Pupils who have symptoms of COVID-19 should follow the latest government guidance about when they should stay at home. Where a pupil is not attending because they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had a positive test, schools should record this using Code I (illness) unless another more appropriate code applies. Schools may continue to use the sub-code (I02) to record illness due to suspected COVID-19 although they are not required to.
Schools should refer to the department’s emergency planning guidance and the latest UKHSA guidance for further information.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Jameel Mullan
Inclusion & Attendance Service Manager
Jameel.mullan@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Schools Guidance: Part-Time Timetables / Specialised Personal Learning Plans
See attached updated guidance for schools on Specialised Personal Learning Plans (SPLP’s).
The Local Authority Inclusion Team will be collating the information provided by schools regarding pupils on SPLP’s. The Inclusion Team may contact schools to discuss the plans in more detail and they will be reported to the wider LA professionals through the Inclusion dashboard.
If you require further advice on the use of SPLP’s, please contact the Inclusion Team on 01902 550621.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Jameel Mullan
Inclusion & Attendance Service Manager
Jameel.mullan@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Upcoming Early Years Network Sessions Wednesday 4 May 1.30pm
This session is the opportunity for Reception Teachers to have professional conversations with their peers regarding GLD assessments and the judgments they are beginning to make. Moderation of EYFS profile assessments should be a collaborative process with colleagues, conversations will be based on the teacher’s own knowledge of their children Early years foundation stage profile handbook_2022 (publishing.service.gov.uk)
During the session you will be split into groups of 3 in breakout room and you will have the opportunity to talk about children through using the professional conversations model.
Please book on through the link below
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Stacey Henderson
Senior Advisor Early Years
07976750933
Stacey.Henderson@wolverhampton.gov.uk
&
Sophie Cross
EYFS Advisory Teacher
Sophie.Cross@wolverhampton.gov.uk
FAO Out of School Club Managers
We would like to share with you some information regarding the Club Central Conference which is due to take place on 20 May 2022 at the QEII Centre in London.
The conference is the first of its kind. It is exclusively for out-of-school clubs. The programme has been curated to inspire, inform and engage all those working in out of school, whether they are school run, a charity, privately owned or something different!
The last 2 years have been really challenging and many out of school clubs may benefit from meeting other providers. They can share issues with people who understand them and collectively create solutions to problems.
Whatever challenge an out-of-school club is facing right now, be it recruitment, uncertainty about the future, questions about fees, feeling stale about practice and so much more, the Club Central conference aim to help.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Eastfield Primary achieved 'Well Being Award'
Eastfield Primary school are delighted to share that they have achieved the 'Well Being Award'. This award shows that mental health and well-being sit at the heart of school life. Eastfield were externally assessed by Dr Mills (Optimus Education) and would like to thank everyone involved - parents, pupils, governors and staff. A huge thank you goes to Miss Griffiths, Mrs Reynolds and Mrs Warlow for all their hard work in collating all the evidence for the assessor.
COVID-19 restrictions have been replaced by public health advice
In line with national Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, we are no longer asking schools to consider Covid 19 in their risk assessments or to have a specific risk assessment in place. Covid 19 will remain a public health issue and guidance for educational settings has been replaced with public health advice that was issued by Riva Eardley in the 5 April 2022 bulletin.
Use of bouncy castles and other inflatable play equipment
Schools considering using a bouncy castle or similar inflatable play devices this summer are being reminded of the safety measures they need to take to ensure the event is run safely. This applies to both equipment which is owned or hired by schools, and whether operated by school or third party operators.
For further information please click here.
Ionising radiation inspections in schools
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is planning to undertake a programme of inspections across schools in England, to see how schools manage the safe use and storage of the radioactive sources used in science teaching. Please see attachment for more information.
Schools which hold radioactive sources should familiarise themselves with this information and require their Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) to ensure they are compliant and following recommended safety procedures and working practices. The RPS should prepare and present to the schools H&S Committee (or similar meeting) a report of their findings and recommendations.
Schools which have any queries on their radioactive sources, storage or use can contact Natalie Barrow Radiation Protection Officer, for further advice if required.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Natalie Barrow
Service Manager - Health and Safety
Natalie.barrow@wolverhampton.gov.uk
FAO Secondary school: Safety initiative regarding Prom vehicles
An important public safety initiative is taking place this summer around Prom vehicles and the importance of only using licensed vehicle operators and drivers, we would respectfully request that the schools circulate to parents and pupils the attached covering letter, frequently asked questions letter and posters, clearly its aimed at year 11 pupils, although they can distribute them as they see fit.
We also intend to physically deliver hard copies of the letters and posters to selected secondary schools over the coming weeks.
Many Thanks for Your help
Prom letter to parents.pdf
Licensed Limousine FAQ.pdf
Licensed Limousine A3 Posters 2.pdf
Licensed Limousine A3 Posters 4.pdf
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Glen Moseley
Service Lead (Compliance)
Glen.Moseley@wolverhampton.gov.uk
NQT update
In recognition of the challenging initial teacher training and induction that some newly qualified teachers (NQTs) experienced due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, all state-funded schools that have or had an NQT who completed their induction between the summer term of 2021 and the spring term of 2022 will be provided with a one-off payment to further support the development of this cohort.
Further information can be found at Additional funding for newly qualified teachers completing induction between summer 2021 and spring 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Jo Horlock
NQT and Assessment Advisor
Jo.Horlock@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Gallery Prize Up for Grabs in Queen’s Jubilee Portrait Competition
Budding artists from across Wolverhampton have the chance to get their work displayed in the city’s Art gallery in a new competition to create a portrait of the Queen.
City of Wolverhampton Council has launched the contest on Friday 7 April as part of the city’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations marking 70 years since Her Majesty became the monarch.
The competition is open to all ages and portraits can be drawn, painted or even created digitally – the only criteria is that they must feature the Queen, be the entrant’s own work, the entrant must live in Wolverhampton and portraits must be no bigger than A3 in size.
Entries need to be submitted by 4pm on Friday 31 May. They will be judged by a panel including the Mayor of Wolverhampton, local radio personality Dicky Dodd and representatives from the West Midlands Lieutenancy, the city’s youth council and a local artist.
The winners will see their work given pride of place on display in an exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery. They will also get to have afternoon tea with the Mayor and win a goody bag of jubilee-themed gifts.
For further information please click here.
#YES Survey to gain young people's views around Wolverhampton
The #YES Board have coproduced their very first #YES Survey which plans to get thoughts and opinions from young people across Wolverhampton on what activities they want to see happen. This will help the #YES Board as well as Voluntary and Community organisations to get a greater insight into how and where young people want funding to be spent across the city.
With that said we want YOU to be the first to share your thoughts 😊
Also please share this with other young people you know! This could be family, friends, peers etc!!
If you want to see more fun things happen in Wolverhampton… SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!!
For more information please click here.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Anton Wright
Participation Officer
Anton.Wright@wolverhampton.gov.uk
A quick reminder to update annual reviews
As you will be aware as part of the SEND Code of Practice, where a child has an EHC plan, the local authority must review that plan as a minimum every twelve months. As part of the review, CWC have asked schools and settings to do this on our behalf. It is the time of year where we start to follow these up before the end of term to ensure that we know the progression and exit routes for all of our children and young people.
We would like to say ‘a big thank you’ to all that have arranged or completed your reviews and we would like to add a gentle reminder for those that are yet to be arranged or where plans are likely to be ceased at the end of this term.
Thank you for all of your support and innovative approaches that you offer to our SEND children and young people.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Helen Bakewell
Head of Inclusion and Empowerment
Helen.Bakewell@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Reminder: Fair Play
The session is arranged to take place on the morning of the 10 May in the City Suite, Civic Centre. Thank you if you have already expressed an interest invites will be sent to you. If you have not registered you can still do so.
Please advise Julie Round if you wish to participate in the launch.
Further details can be found here.
Thank you
Brenda Wile
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Julie Round
Executive Assistant – Children’s Theme
Executivesupportchildrens@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Multi-faith Approaches to diversity and racial equality – Conference 26 May 2022 – Fully funded for secondary schools – facilitated by RE Today
Thank you to all those who have already expressed an interest in the project above earlier in the academic year.
We are pleased to announce that the first of two teacher-pupil conferences will be held on 26 May 2022.
This full day conference will be facilitated by an external RE specialist and will result in the co-creation of resources for your school, created by teachers and pupils.
We have funding to provide places for up to 10 secondary schools, to bring 2 teachers and 8 of your pupils from years 9 and 10. If you would like more information please get in touch.
Schools who have previously expressed an interest will have priority for booking until 29 April 2022.
Schools who have not yet expressed an interest can do so until the 3 May 2022 and any remaining places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Please email Georgia.Smith@wolverhampton.gov.uk who will confirm your booking by the 4 May and send you further details regarding risk assessments and the agenda.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Georgia Smith
Business Support Administrator
Georgia.Smith@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Free CPD - Medical Needs Session: Sickle Cell Disease
Medical Needs Session: Sickle Cell Disease on Tuesday 17 May 2022, 4 – 5.30pm at Highfields School, Wolverhampton.
An excellent cpd opportunity which aims to provide medical information about Sickle Cell Disease and explore strategies to remove barriers in education. The session is organised by the Nightingale Service and will be held at Highfields School, Wolverhampton.
The session will include:
- A presentation from a paediatric consultant on Sickle Cell Disease
- A talk from professionals working with children and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease
- Parents, carers and students sharing their experiences
The session is free and you can book a ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/medical-needs-sessions-sickle-cell-disease-tickets-271917010097.
The session is aimed at staff who work in education including support staff. For more information please click here.
If you have any questions regarding the session please contact Emma Varnam (Ward Teacher) - evarnam@lawnswoodcampus.co.uk
Reminder of Health and Safety training courses for schools Summer Term 2022
All training courses can be located on WVES, Wolverhampton Education Services and places can be reserved on this site.
Link for access to Wolverhampton Education Services and also the contact email address Wolverhampton Education Services, wves@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Click here to view a list of training courses available.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Cyndy Morris
Health & Safety Co-ordinator
Cyndy.Morris@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Education Excellence Spring Training
Click here to access the Education Excellence team Spring term training brochure.
School Governance Support Services 2022 -2023
A new brochure has been released to outline the Governor Support SLA for the up-coming year. It outlines the support that is offered to schools and governors as well as a full list of training events for the academic year 2022-2023 which includes new and revamped sessions. This service is free to all maintained schools and is substantially subsided for Academies. Please click here for the brochure or access WVES to purchase.
We also offer a reduced charge to schools wishing to access the NGA’s Learning Link platform. Please click here to view the NGA brochure
Please note all our courses are only bookable via GovernorHub. For access or to subscribe to GovernorHub please contact your clerk or email me direct for more information.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Sarah McElduff
School Governance Co-ordinator
sarah.mcelduff@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Upcoming City of Wolverhampton Governor Training
We offer a wide range of training designed specifically for governors, along with delivering bespoke training on many topics. Please share the training opportunities we offer with your Governing Body.
Click here for Governance Training for the Spring and Summer Terms 2022.
Or log onto GovernorHub to be able to book places direct!
Bespoke Governing Board Training can be designed to meet the needs of your Governing Board. If you would like to have a topic delivered at your school or across a cluster of schools, please let us know. As with all LA training, this is free to maintained schools and part of the SLA package for Academies and delivered at a time suitable to you. Please contact kay.mason@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Sarah McElduff
School Governance Co-ordinator
sarah.mcelduff@wolverhampton.gov.uk
26 April – Update to all education and childcare settings and providers
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