Education Matters - May 2022

Welcome to our May edition of Education Matters. Colleagues may have begun to explore some of the detail of the Education White Paper, 'Opportunities for All', and started to wonder about the implications on schools. Please see below a document provided for headteachers at our recent briefings which attempts to explore some of the aforementioned detail of the White Paper and its impact on the future of the Local Authority. Those of you who accessed Schools Week on 13th May may have already seen a precis of this and our current thinking.

It would appear that policy and guidance from the Department for Education is stepping up at the moment and, in addition to the Josh MacAlister review of children’s social care, the Green Paper SEND consultation is already taking place. Please see Claire Prince's article below for further information on how you can have your say and help to shape the future of SEND and alternative provision.

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to two conferences taking place this June: the SENCo Conference 2022 and the E4S Relaunch: A Conference for All.

I encourage you to book your place at the E4S Relaunch to discover how all schools can gain subsidised access to this RSHE tool for this financial year. I hope you are able to attend to fully understand how to use the tool to help build your safeguarding curriculum and access the many tools available to support safeguarding and children’s emotional health and wellbeing.

Paul Wagstaff

Assistant Director: Education & Skills

This month's 'Focus On...' article from Gemma Humphrey, SEND & Inclusion Adviser, showcases the SEND & Inclusion Reviews launched last year by West Sussex County Council.

The article explores how your school could benefit from a SEND & Inclusion Review and includes feedback from those who have already been through the process.

White and Green Papers

Please see below two pieces in response to the recent publication of the White and Green Papers.

'Opportunity for All: Strong Schools with Great Teachers' by Paul Wagstaff, Assistant Director Education & Skills

The briefing document, shared most recently at headteacher briefings, explores the detail of several key messages from the Educational White Paper and what they mean for the future of the Local Authority. 

'SEND Review: Right Support, Right Place, Right Time', by Claire Prince, Senior SEND & Inclusion Adviser

This piece summarises the three key challenges facing the SEND & alternative provision system and encourages school staff to engage with the national consultation on proposals to reform the SEND & alternative provision system.

SENCO Conference 2022 - Book Now!

Join us for the West Sussex SENCO Conference on 16th June 2022 at Butlins, Bognor!

The conference theme is “Working together to make SEND everyone’s business, with a focus on emotional health and wellbeing”. Keynote speakers include Andrew Wright, from Action Your Potential, and Amelie Thompson, Regional SEND Lead from Whole School SEND.

In addition to an extensive marketplace with a range of information stands, delegates will also gain access to two of the following six workshops (pre-booking is essential):

• Understanding and Supporting LGBT+ Children & Young People. Led by Allsorts.
• Promoting Equality and Tackling Racism. Led by Ethnic Minority & Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS).
• Introducing the Individual Support Plan (ISP), a graduated response template. Led by Maryanne Woodland, Educational Psychologist, West Sussex County Council (WSCC).
• Journey to Adulthood, Focusing on Transition Points Across Education, Health and Social Care from the Earliest Stages. Led by WSCC SEND & Inclusion Advisors, Natalie McNeill, Designated Social Care Officer and Rachael Lee, Designated Clinical Officer.
• What to Do When a Child or Young Person Self-Harms. Led by WSCC Safeguarding in Education.

Bookings are still open via West Sussex Services for Schools. Tickets cost £100 and include workshops, lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

E4S Relaunch: A Conference for All - Book Now!

Book your place at the Education for Safeguarding conference at Avisford Park Hotel on 22nd June 2022 to discover how E4S can help all schools during a specially subsidised period!

The full day will include national guest key-note speakers and a series of practical workshops to showcase how you can get the most out of the E4S platform and your subsidised subscription, as well as technical drop ins and a marketplace.

The event is both the perfect opportunity to discover E4S or extend your current provision, so is suitable for all schools to attend. 

We would encourage you to cascade our booking flyer to any staff whom you think might be interested in the opportunity. 

RSHE/PSHE leads, middle leaders, headteachers, class teachers, designated safeguarding leads (DSLs), and governors from all schools are welcome to attend!

For more E4S content, follow our Twitter page.

SENCo Development Programme - Launching September 2022

The exciting SENCo Development Programme, launching September 2022, will comprise of seven sessions to be delivered throughout the 2022-23 academic year.

The programme, designed to help SENCos/inclusion leaders build their skills and maximise outcomes for pupils, will include a blend of face-to-face and online sessions. The programme will also be enhanced by e-learning, guest speakers, professional reading, reflection and peer support networks. See our flyer for more information.

Bookings go live after half-term, but colleagues can register their interest with their area SEND and Inclusion Adviser now:

North: Claire Prince  claire.prince@westsussex.gov.uk

Mid: Gemma Humphrey gemma.humphrey@westsussex.gov.uk

South: Rachel McDonald-Taylor rachel.mcdonald-taylor@westsussex.gov.uk

West: Louise Burgess louise.burgess@westsussex.gov.uk

Holiday Activity and Food Programme

There was a successful programme of HAF activities on offer this Easter Holiday.

9,710 places were offered to children receiving benefit related free school meals across West Sussex.

There is evidence that holiday clubs have a positive impact on children and young people in many aspects of their lives. Schools can play a useful role in supporting this, by being a...

• Promoter -  share information regarding clubs with FSM families! Clubs may contact you directly or parents and carers can search for information using the Family Information Service Online Directory.  
• Partner -  offer a venue for clubs to run! Schools are great spaces for children to be during the holidays. Please contact HAF@westsussex.gov.uk if your school is available this summer.  
• Provider - run a club! Proposals for funding are submitted using the online Expression of Interest (EoI) form. This enables us to award grants in an efficient and transparent manner according to agreed funding criteria.

More information can be found online via the WSCC website and the Government website.

New Contact Number for Employee Assistance Programme

The contact number for the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) has changed to 0800 028 0199.

The EAP provides a free, confidential, and impartial service to help you and your family with personal and professional problems affecting your health and/or wellbeing.

In addition to support that all staff can access, the EAP has some specific tools that can support headteachers and leaders (including Chair/ Vice Chair of Governors) in their management of school staff such as confidential, impartial advice on how to manage difficult situations and support duty of care.

The service is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and you can find more information on West Sussex Services for Schools (please log in to view this page).

The old helpline number will be unavailable after 20th May 2022. Please update your contacts for this service if you have them saved anywhere.

Durrington Research School Blogs

Please see below a link to a blog from the Durrington Research School.

'Implementation Plan 2.0' by Durrington Research School. 

This blog explores how the release of the EEF's Effective Professional Development guidance report has led to an update of their implementation plan. 

Exciting Launches from West Sussex Wastebusters

Wastebusters are pleased to share exciting news for both secondary and primary schools regarding the launch of two brand new websites focussing on waste education.

In addition to this, there is also a fantastic opportunity for secondary school pupils to take part in a waste busting Climate Enterprise Challenge, the winner of which will receive £500 to deliver their winning project/idea!