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- Message from Brenda Wile - Deputy Director of Education
- Early Years
- Finance
- Good News
- Information
- Training and Consultation
Dear Colleagues,
I hope you have all had a chance to have some time for relaxation over the last few weeks with family and friends. Isn’t it just typical that this week the weather is forecast to be glorious, back to school September sunshine?
So, the academic year rolls round again far too quickly for many, but I’m sure not so much for parents and pupils, for whom most will be glad to return to routine.
The big news this last week in the media is of course the issue of RAAC and we have been aware of the concerns now for some time. Fortunately we have listened to the warnings and as far as we are aware none of our schools are in the challenging situation of having to close or partially close school buildings to enable remedial safety work to be carried out.
DfE reported to us today that they are still awaiting final confirmation from two of our primary schools that any RAAC found in the schools has been appropriately installed and of the right quality so that it does not pose a safety risk to building users. We have made these schools aware and asked that they do what is still needed as soon as possible and report to both the DfE and ourselves on the findings.
There are also a few secondary schools who have not yet submitted their unvalidated results to us and for the purposes of planning and support as well as preparation for annual conversations with Education Excellence colleagues, we would ask that these are forthcoming as matter of priority. Of course we shall keep the information confidential until the results are validated and in the public domain.
I would though, like to congratulate those students and colleagues who have surpassed all expectations in their GCSE, A-level and Vocational qualifications. We have had some outstanding successes in the city and this is testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication of not only the young people, but also their teachers, parents and mentors.
For those young people who have not achieved as well as they had hoped or who may have changed their mind on future pathways, please point them in the right direction for guidance and remember our Connexions Service will also be happy to help talking to young people and looking at what options might be available to them.
Finally, a big thank you to those colleagues who did work in the summer holiday period, whether that was planning for this forthcoming academic year or working directly with young people in summer camps, residentials or in holiday activity sessions. You are vital to shaping the lives of young people and we at the council genuinely appreciate all that you do to support their academic and holistic development.
I look forward to visiting you soon.
Brenda
Five to Thrive Training
Public Health have arranged two Five to Thrive training sessions for all providers working with under 5s. Five to Thrive is an approach that helps bridge the gap between the latest neuroscientific theory and effective attachment-based practice in early intervention and positive parenting. These sessions will be held on:
• Wednesday 6 Sept 10.00-12.30 on Zoom
• Monday 2 Oct 13:00-15:30 on Zoom
If you are interested in attending one of the sessions, please email Harpreet Sohal, and a meeting link and resource pack will be sent to you.
For more information please click here.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Harpreet Sohal
Senior Public Health Specialist
Harpreet.Sohal@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Upcoming Childminder Sessions
Childminder play and stay session, focusing on loose parts play
Tuesday 12 September 9.30am to 11.00am or 1.00pm to 2.30pm Children’s Village Strengthening Family Hub, Graiseley Lane, WV11 1PE
An Outdoor play workshop for childminders and their minded children to attend, the session is hosted by Wolves Play Café.
Thursday 14 September 9.30am to 11.00am Gatis Street Community Space, Gatis Street, WV6 0ET
The play and stay sessions are free of charge and offered on a first come first served basis. Please contact Wendy Round to book a place.
The next childminder update session will take place through teams on Tuesday 19 Sept at 7.00pm, more details to follow.
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Wendy Round
Quality and Access Officer
Wendy.Round@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Flexible Support Fund Information from DWP
New posters have been created and are being used across the Black Country Job centres. The posters included information on possible support with childcare costs, help with identification and digital access. Help with Childcare Poster If you would like the posters to display in your setting please get in touch.
Useful links:
Understanding Universal Credit - Children and childcare
Universal Credit childcare costs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Stacey Henderson
Senior Advisor for Early Years
Stacey.Henderson@Wolverhampton.gov.uk
School cleaning charges for the period 24.07.23 – 21.08.23
The attached schedule shows school cleaning charges for the period 24.07.23 – 21.08.23
Please click here for charges.
Should you have any queries, please contact Caroline Holt on 01902 555700 (Caroline.Holt@wolverhampton.gov.uk)
Lisa Green, Cleaning Manager, on 01902 555202 (Lisa.Green3@wolverhampton.gov.uk).
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Andrew McCloskey
Finance Officer
Andrew.mccloskey@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Families First for Children pathfinder programme
We are delighted to announce that Wolverhampton is one of three areas in England to be chosen to deliver the Families First for Children pathfinder programme.
As a ‘pathfinder’ we will test new ways to reform the children’s social care system, helping children to stay with their families in safe and loving homes, whilst protecting vulnerable children where and when needed. The programme aims to ensure early help and intervention is available for families with challenges such as addiction, domestic abuse, or poor mental health, to help them overcome adversity and stay together where possible.
This 'test and learn' process forms part of the Government’s wide-ranging children’s social care implementation strategy, Stable Homes, Built on Love, which will transform the current system, focusing on more early support for families, reducing the need for crisis response at a later stage. It will help develop the best practice models for the entire children’s social care system that can then be rolled out across the country.
We are proud to have been chosen to be part of this important piece of work. All members of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together are committed to be on this reform journey which will enable us to develop wider partnership working for the benefit of our city's children, young people and families and influence policy nationally.
Further information can be found here
Lead person to contact:
Kelly Jones
Education Safeguarding Officer
Kelly.jones@wolverhampton.sch.uk
RAAC Update
You will be aware that last Thursday the Government announced that around 104 schools in England found with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in their buildings would need to shut or partially close to enable remedial work to be done.
The City Assets team have been very proactive in responding to the potential RAAC issue since it was first highlighted in 2018, commissioning investigations and surveys in schools where RAAC may have been present. RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete which was used in schools, colleges and other building construction from the 1950s until the mid-1990s.
To date, there has been no evidence of RAAC being present in Wolverhampton schools. A small number of additional investigations were required over the summer holidays, so far these have all come back negative for the presence of RAAC.
Academy schools in Wolverhampton have also either carried out this work already or are in the process of completing investigations and are reporting directly to the Department for Education.
The safety of pupils and staff is of course paramount and if the situation were to change, we would take appropriate action. The City Assets team will continue to monitor the situation and to liaise with the DfE as required.
Please contact Bill Hague in the first instance if you have any concerns or queries.
Lead person to contact:
Bill Hague
Head of School Business and Support
Bill.Hague@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Education Excellence Strategy – Autumn Conversations for 23/24.
Schools and settings will shortly receive an invitation for the Autumn Conversation. Our aim is to for these to be a hybrid meeting, with the SIA in attendance and the Chair fulfilling duties remotely. More detailed information will be in the letter of invitation.
Adherence to the allocated meeting times is appreciated.
Schools:
B2 and B1 schools – September / October dates
AS and A schools – October / November dates
Please note, the proforma for these conversations should capture the key information and headlines. There will be other school / setting documents and information which will document the finer details which do not need to be captured in the Autumn conversation proforma.
In order to enable the meeting to run smoothly and keep to time, please:
• Access the Autumn conversation proforma
• Remove rows that do not apply e.g. EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS4, Sixth-form etc
• Complete the proforma in advance of the meeting (headlines / brevity) - use the guidance document to help as necessary
• Return the proforma to your allocated SIA (at least 5 working days in advance of the meeting) to enable LA information to be documented in readiness for the conversation.
• In addition, email your School Improvement Plan for 23/24 to your allocated SIA at least 5 working days in advance of the meeting
We look forward to our discussions with you.
The Autumn Conversation for proforma for schools can be accessed here
We have also provided a guidance document for schools to assist which can be accessed here.
Lead person to contact:
Linda Brown
School Improvement Senior Advisor
linda.brown@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Ofsted updates
Ofsted have released two documents relating to the teaching of the protected characteristics in schools, as well as information relating to what happens if Ofsted inspectors find separation by sex on an inspection.
More information can be found:
Inspecting teaching of the protected characteristics in schools - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Separation by sex: implications for inspections of mixed-sex/co-educational schools - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Ofsted have also released a very succinct summary of the types of state funded school inspections which can be located via:
Types of school inspections (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Ofsted have also shared their risk assessment methodology when scheduling inspection activity:
Risk assessment methodology for good state-funded schools - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Lead person to contact:
Linda Brown
School Improvement Senior Advisor
linda.brown@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Assurance checks 2023 - City Council Employees
Annually, we provide information to school and setting leaders regarding the necessary checks employment checks undertaken for council employees, to support Safeguarding arrangements.
The letter attached here provides the necessary assurances needed for your internal records.
This Pre Employment Assurance letter for 2023/24 is also located in Stat Shelf under the ‘safeguarding’ section.
Lead person to contact:
Lisa Morgan-Danks
HR Business Partner - Education & Schools
lisa.morgan-danks@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Measles and vaccine information
Students who are not up to date with all their childhood vaccines are at increased risk of serious diseases such as measles as they will be mixing with large numbers of other children as they are playing and learning. We are urging all parents and guardians to make sure that their children are up to date with all free routine NHS vaccines, and to know the signs and symptoms of measles.
The information attached here will give an overview of measles as well as providing suggested information for schools to use to keep students safe as they start the new term.
Lead person to contact:
Natalie Davies
natalie.davies@wolverhampton.gov.uk
School aged flu vaccination programme 2023-24
Please see important information enclosed for the 2023-2024 school aged flu vaccination programme which will commence in schools this term.
For further information click here and a winter health and flu vaccination resource pack will be made available in next week’s school bulletin to support schools in promoting uptake of flu vaccination.
Lead person to contact:
Natalie Davies
natalie.davies@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Young Consumer – Influencer of the Year Competition 2023
Young Consumer Influencer of the Year is a national competition that has been developed by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) working in partnership with England Illegal Money Lending Team, Consumer Empowerment Alliance, and Experian. The competition is designed for those aged 13–17 and we are supporting schools and youth groups to help educate young people about illegal money lending, product safety and underage sales of fireworks.
We are inviting all young people to use their creative skills and help us raise awareness in three areas – illegal money lending and loan sharks, product safety issues and underage sales of fireworks. Entrants can enter by using a song/rap, poem or a short story that is informative and engaging to their peers.
Send your entries to influencer@tsi.org.uk by Friday 30 September 2023. Maximum of three people per entry. Open to anyone aged 13-17 across the UK.
Visit www.tradingstandards.uk/ influencer2023 for more information or click here
Lead person to contact:
Kelly Jones
Education Safeguarding Officer
Kelly.jones@wolverhampton.sch.uk
Update on Alternative Provision Directory
In response to schools requesting a centralised AP directory, a draft document was shared in April 2023, however to ensure compliance with Procurement Contract Regulations 2015, the City of Wolverhampton Council are required to retract this immediately. We politely request for this document to be deleted from your systems.
Alternatively, having extended the AP Flexible Framework contract for a further 2 years, we anticipate by April 2024 the AP portal system will be available and accessible for schools to view, confirming which AP providers have been moderated and approved in accordance with Procurement Contract Regulations.
We thank you for your understanding.
Lead person to contact:
Jameel Mullan
Jameel.mullan@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Tec Aid – digital devices for school children
The need for children to get online hasn’t ended with schools reopening or the reduction in covid measures.
Digital connectivity remains important for children to do their homework and catch up on lost time.
As such we are offering free refurbished laptops and desktops to children preferably on free school meals.
If you are interested, then please contact Stefan and he will arrange a delivery where stocks are available.
Lead person to contact:
Stefan Paszki
stefan.paszki3@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative
The NHS are launching an Asthma Friendly Schools initiative in September and is encouraging all schools in Wolverhampton to register. An Asthma Friendly School is one where children with asthma are safe and can fully participate in all elements of school life. By signing up schools are committing to ensuring that all school staff know what to do if a child has an asthma attack.
More information to follow or email cypasthma.blackcountry@nhs.net
Updated Policies:
Assaults on School Staff
Domestic Abuse
Women’s Health and Menopause in the Workplace
Please see the attached documents.
Assaults on School Staff,
Domestic Abuse including Managers Guide, Women’s Health and Menopause in the Workplace Policies have recently been updated.
Please ensure that you are using this new updated version when dealing with any HR issues and queries.
If you need any further assistance, please contact the Schools HR team or your current HR provider.
Lead person to contact:
Claire Norman
HR Advisor
Claire.norman@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Military Preparation College for Training Provision Information
A new programme has landed in the West Midlands Area.
We inspire those aged 16+ to develop their fitness, achieve qualifications and skills for future employment. Since our inception in 1999, we have assisted more than 10,000 young people into a career in the Armed Forces, Sports and Fitness, ICT, alternative employment or further education.
We work with Primary Schools/Secondary Schools (Key Stage 3 developing character education strategy through a collaborative approach in reviewing and embedding the requisite school's mission, values, and learning priorities into our curriculum delivery.
We also work with Secondary Schools & Academies (Years 9-11) allowing learners to undertake recognised and accredited vocational qualifications all focused on developing vital employment and work-ready skills. We support both internal review and complimenting Ofsted inspection criteria and offer a Free Taster Session to Schools/Academies.
Please see information via link for Young Leaders programme and I’ve attached Schools/Academies information - : https://comms.mpct.co.uk/view/861086369/
person to contact:
Jala Sharma
Business Development Manager
www.learningcurvegroup.co.uk
Health Related Behaviour Survey (HRBS) 2023 - Reports
HRBS 2023 was a thematic survey aimed at identifying the emotional health and wellbeing (EHWB) needs of children and young people.
Schools that participated in HRBS 2023 were sent their school report to the named HRBS contact and your PSHE lead in July 2023. Additional copies of your school report can be requested by contacting howard.jobber@wolverhampton.gov.uk
All schools can access the attached city-wide key stage and special school summary reports.
2022 KSI 2023
2022 Primary 2023
2022 Secondary 2023
2022 Special 2023
We would encourage schools to use HRBS data to help inform PSHE curriculum and whole school planning around EHWB and also for their School Nurse Working Together Agreement meeting.
Further advice on how to use this data in school can be obtained by contacting Amanda.evans@wolverhampton.gov.uk or Sunita.pallan-jhalli@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Howard Jobber
Senior Public Health Specialist
howard.jobber@wolverhampton.gov.uk
National Tutoring Programme – Showcasing good practice workshop – MS Teams, 13:30 -15:30, 09/10/23
As you are aware, all eligible state-funded schools will receive NTP funding over the course of the academic year 2023/24. This short online session is designed to:
• Showcase best practice models from across the city
• Provide advice on effective delivery models based on experiences of practice and evidence from studies into the NTP
• Explain the latest DfE guidance regarding NTP with Q&A
• Provide an opportunity for schools to review their own model using monitoring, evaluation and learning tools
The workshop is free to attend.
Booking via wves is not required – please leave your details on this short MS Form to receive the link and resources: https://forms.office.com/e/FNUvRPzGCH
Lead person to contact in the LA:
Laura Jude
School Improvement Advisor for Equalities
Laura.jude@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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