Noticeboard

Noticeboard - 22 May 2026

This week’s noticeboard includes a leadership update, key policy and safeguarding developments, upcoming consultations, and a range of opportunities for schools linked to funding, inclusion, summer activities and family support.

This week's noticeboard includes: 

Key Message

Important Updates, Deadlines & Actions

Opportunities for Pupils & Students

Information, Services & Support

Message from James Thomas, Interim Executive Director of Children and Families

Dear colleagues

First up thank you for the dedication and commitment that you and your teams show every day to our children, and I do hope you get a chance to recharge your batteries over the half-term break.

The Council held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday and elected Councillor Zaker Choudhry as the new Lord Mayor for the next year but then adjourned without making any other appointments as the political parties and their group leaders need more time to negotiate a coalition to form the new administration. In the meantime I am meeting and briefing those group leaders to ensure that they understand the priorities for our children and so that I can hear from them directly what their own policy priorities are for children and families.

Birmingham’s Safeguarding Children Executive Board met this week and there were two school-centred issues at the heart of our discussions and strategic planning. The first was in the draft of a Child Safeguarding Practice Review in relation to children with the intersection of three factors: being out of full time education; having some form of mental health or neurodiversity need; and exhibiting violent behaviour that crosses a criminal threshold. The key role that education plays as a safeguarding factor was highlighted again and the need for us to ensure we do have provision that can provide full time education even where children have highly challenging behaviours. And we shone a spotlight on the longstanding challenges around information sharing and how we need to ensure that universal services are better enabled to have access to specialist advice and support when they are concerned about a child – with plans in hand both to develop technical solutions through our Single View of the Child project, and stronger multi-agency working on the ground through our Birmingham Families First programme. The second focus was upon the BSCP priority of Children Out Of Sight and we heard positive updates on the work to track every child and the development of a Complexity Hub for multi-agency consideration of individual children of concern.

Finally I am pleased that we have been able to longlist eight candidates from a strong field for the Director of Schools & Employability recruitment, and I am very grateful to those school and education leaders who will be contributing to the key stakeholder panel that tests the credibility of those that will go through to the next stage from the technical interviews being held this week.

James

James Thomas
Interim Executive Director of Children and Families

Free School Meals – September 2026 changes

For Headteachers, Principals, School Business Managers and Governors

The Department for Education has confirmed changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility from September 2026. The briefing below summarises the updated national guidance on the expansion of free school meals from the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year and should be used alongside the DfE FSM guidance, operational readiness checklist and relevant school census guidance.

Schools are asked to review the briefing via the link below and begin planning for implementation during the summer term. This includes preparing for changes to eligibility, increased demand, and completing required checks ahead of the autumn census.

From June, schools will need to process new applications and recheck all existing FSM pupils to ensure eligibility is up to date in line with the new criteria.

Parent and carer letter templates (Primary and Secondary) are also provided to support communication with families. These are for guidance only – schools are free to use, adapt or develop their own communications to reflect their local context.

Please ensure relevant colleagues review the information and take any necessary action in preparation for September 2026.

Fair Access Protocol consultation – reminder and upcoming webinar

A reminder that Birmingham City Council is currently consulting on proposed revisions to the Fair Access Protocol.

The consultation invites schools to share their views on the proposed changes, and it is important that headteachers take this opportunity to provide feedback. Your input is essential in shaping a final version of the Protocol that works effectively for Birmingham schools and children, and supports fair, consistent practice across the system.

Once the consultation closes, all feedback received will be carefully reviewed and considered. A final version of the Protocol will then be shared with schools, ahead of the next phase when schools will be asked to formally sign up to the agreed arrangements.

To support this, an online webinar will take place on Tuesday 2 June (4.00–4.45pm), providing further operational detail on the proposed changes and an opportunity to ask questions. Headteachers and senior leaders are invited to attend.

We strongly recommend that schools both attend the webinar and complete the consultation survey, so that your views are reflected before the final Protocol is agreed.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. For any queries please contact: FairAccessConsultation@birmingham.gov.uk

National safeguarding updates: what schools need to know

Schools are asked to note several recent national safeguarding updates and emerging risks, and consider how these may impact practice.

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act (April 2026)

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act has now received Royal Assent. Further guidance and implementation timelines are expected, but schools should be aware of the following key changes:

  • Stronger expectations for timely and appropriate information sharing
  • A more formal role for schools within local safeguarding arrangements
  • Increased participation in multi-agency safeguarding processes
  • Introduction of statutory Children Not in School registers

There will also be greater scrutiny of pupils leaving the school roll, including those who are electively home educated. While schools must continue to meet their legal duties, it is important that robust local processes are followed and that safeguarding considerations are clearly explored and evidenced.

Further information for families is available via the DfE:
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/the-childrens-wellbeing-bill-what-parents-need-to-know/

Emerging risk: children in temporary accommodation

Recent national data highlights the growing number of children living in temporary accommodation, often with shared facilities.

Schools may notice:

  • Changes in attendance or punctuality
  • Tiredness or poor concentration
  • Behaviour changes or withdrawal
  • Hygiene concerns or unclear home circumstances

Schools should continue to respond with sensitivity and professional curiosity, recognising the potential impact on a child’s wellbeing and engagement.

Further information is available from the Children’s Commissioner:
https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/blog/children-growing-up-in-bbs-new-data-shows-the-full-story/

Emerging risk: “Com networks” (National Crime Agency)

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has highlighted the growing threat of “Com networks” – online communities, often involving teenage boys, which can become linked to serious harm and exploitation.

These groups may:

  • Begin around shared interests such as gaming or music
  • Move into private online platforms (for example Discord, Telegram or Instagram)
  • Involve coercion, harmful behaviour, and escalating activity

In some cases, children may be both victims and perpetrators, which requires careful and balanced safeguarding responses.

Schools should remain alert to:

  • Sudden changes in online behaviour or increased secrecy
  • Use of multiple or hidden accounts
  • Increased time spent in closed online groups
  • Changes in behaviour, including withdrawal or aggression
  • Signs of distress or concerning conversations about harm

Schools should ensure that concerns are recorded and shared appropriately, and that safeguarding leads are aware of emerging risks so they can support staff effectively.

Further information from the NCA is available here:
https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/sadistic-online-harm-groups-putting-people-at-unprecedented-risk-warns-the-nca

School Based Nursery Phase 3 Capital Funding Programme

Schools are invited to express an interest in Phase 3 of the Department for Education’s School Based Nursery Capital Programme, which offers a valuable opportunity to increase the capacity of existing nursery provision or to create new nursery provision, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.

The programme aims to support schools to increase the number of early education places for children aged 0–4 years within existing early years provision, or to create new places within provision based on the school site, where there is an identified unmet need in the local area.

Funding is available to support capital costs only, specifically for the refurbishment or repurposing of existing space on the school site. Revenue funding is not included as part of this programme.

This funding opportunity is open to all state‑funded schools, including maintained nursery schools, primary schools, and all‑through schools with primary provision.

Schools interested in this opportunity are asked to contact Kevin Caulfield (kevin.caulfield@birmimgham.gov.uk) and Rebekah Horton (rebekah.horton@birmingham.gov.uk) directly to arrange a meeting. This discussion will provide an opportunity to explore proposals and receive further information about the application process and eligibility requirements.

Bring It On Brum! – summer holiday activities returning soon

Bring It On Brum! will be returning for the summer holidays, offering a wide range of activities for children and young people across Birmingham.

Full programme details will be shared shortly, with bookings opening on 29 June. At this stage, there is no action required – this message is to provide an early heads up so you can be ready to share information with parents and carers once it’s available.

Timely promotion is really important to help families make plans and secure places, so we’re grateful for your support in ensuring this information reaches families as quickly as possible.

If there is a specific person or role in your school responsible for coordinating or sharing Bring It On Brum! information, please complete this short form: Holiday Activities Programme: 'Bring it on Brum! - School Contact Details – Fill in form

We’re keen to ensure the right contacts are included in distribution lists so information reaches schools promptly and in good time.

More details coming very soon!

Reminder – Inclusion Gallery submissions (deadline approaching)

A quick reminder that the deadline for Inclusion Gallery submissions is Friday 5 June.

We’re encouraging all schools to take part and share what inclusion looks and feels like through pupils’ eyes. Entries are simple – up to three pupil-created images with a short caption.

Contributions will be showcased at the Attendance & Inclusion Conference (16–17 June) – a fantastic opportunity to celebrate inclusive practice across Birmingham.

Full details are in the Inclusion Gallery poster. Please submit entries to: InclusionGallery@birmingham.gov.uk.

Clean Air Day 2026 – Poster Competition

Deadline for submissions: 18 June 2026

To celebrate the UK’s largest air pollution awareness campaign, schools are invited to take part in a Clean Air Day poster competition, encouraging pupils to share messages about clean air and the actions we can all take to reduce pollution.

The winning school will receive a visit from Auntie Duck and copies of the Auntie Duck storybook, which helps children understand air quality and how it affects our health and environment.

Teachers should submit entries on behalf of pupils by emailing a photo or scanned copy of each poster to: SchoolsAQMonitors@birmingham.gov.uk.

(please use the subject line: “BCC Clean Air Day Poster Competition”)

Schools taking part in Modeshift STARS are encouraged to link posters to travel and air quality actions, and to log this activity in their STARS travel plan. Schools with an air quality monitor may also wish to draw on their data to inform their designs.

Posters could explore:

  • what air quality is and why it matters
  • how pollution affects health, the environment and daily life
  • traffic, congestion and idling at the school gate
  • how walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting or park and stride can help reduce pollution
  • the benefits of active travel for clean air and wellbeing
  • patterns identified through your school’s air quality data

Pupils are encouraged to highlight simple, practical actions the whole school community can take to improve air quality and make a positive difference.

May SEND and Inclusion Bulletin now available

The May 2026 SEND and Inclusion bulletin is now available to view: www.birmingham.gov.uk/blog/sendinclusion

This month’s bulletin includes a message from Helen Ellis, Director of Early Years, SEND and Inclusion, alongside updates on recent funding announcements, the development of the Birmingham Experts at Hand model, and feedback from recent parent carer engagement sessions as we prepare for SEND reform.

You’ll also find information on how to take part in the Inclusion Gallery at the Attendance and Inclusion Conference, details of the Early Years Ordinarily Available Guidance now available online, and an update from SENDIASS on the support available to children, young people and families across Birmingham.

Early Education Entitlement: supporting families with NRPF or no documentation

Children from families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), including undocumented families, may still be eligible for 2-year funding, Free School Meals or Early Years Pupil Premium.

If an eligibility check returns as ‘not eligible’ or ‘not confirmed’, please do not turn families away. Contact the Early Education team so eligibility can be reviewed and an override arranged where appropriate.

In cases where families do not have a NASS or National Insurance number, eligibility can still be confirmed with supporting information from a professional, such as an NRPF social worker.

Providers should ensure all required forms are completed and submitted in full to enable checks and processing.

All 3- and 4-year-olds remain eligible for 15 hours of funded provision regardless of immigration status.

For further advice or to request an eligibility override, contact earlyeducation@birmingham.gov.uk.

Early Education Entitlement: 2-Year Funded Place

For maintained nursery schools

Before offering a disadvantaged 2-year-old place, please make sure eligibility has been confirmed using: https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/oeye/birmingham

Each application generates a reference code – please keep this for audit purposes.

If eligibility is confirmed, you can offer a place. If not, you’ll need to review the evidence, complete an Eligibility Override Request Form (on BCC Google Drive) and send it to: earlyeducation@birmingham.gov.uk

Please wait for confirmation from the EEE team before offering a place.

For children starting before headcount, submit any override requests in advance. Places should not be offered and claims should not be submitted until eligibility is confirmed.

For children starting after headcount, follow the flexible or exceptional agreement process.

You can check the full eligibility criteria here: https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds

If you’re promoting this to parents, you may find this short video helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jagU4sv9LE

For working parent entitlement, please direct families to Childcare Choices.

 

This entry was posted by Sahdiya Khatoon on 18/05/2026.