Noticeboard - 19 September 2024

Welcome to this week's Noticeboard including a message from Dr Sue Harrison; the latest updates on the Oracle Transition for Schools, important information on the childhood flu immunisation programme and more.

This week's noticeboard includes: 

Message from Dr Sue Harrison, Strategic Director for Children and Families

Dear colleagues

As we are well and truly settled into the autumn term and enjoying some glorious sunshine, I hope you’ve all had a productive week.  One of my most enjoyable times during a busy week is to visit schools. Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Headteacher Paula Weaver and her dedicated team at Allens Croft Primary School. There, I met some wonderful youngsters in the school’s Resource Base, and despite it being nearly home time, the children were eager to chat with Helen Ellis and me about their day. Their enthusiasm brought a smile to our faces. Children truly view the world through such an amazing lens. Please keep inviting me for visits – it’s always a joy to meet you and witness the incredible work you’re doing.

A warm welcome to all new headteachers to Birmingham! I’m pleased to kick-off the New Headteacher Induction programme next Wednesday, 25 September with an online session. This will be a fantastic opportunity for us to meet, for you to learn more about the Children and Families directorate and address any questions you might have. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. If you haven’t received your Teams invite or any communication about the induction programme, please contact the School Improvement team at schoolimprovement@birmingham.gov.uk. They will be happy to assist you.

The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has recently announced the launch of a survey to capture up-to-date information about children’s experiences of school, to celebrate the achievements of schools in supporting their pupils, and drive improvements in the support available across England.  The Commissioner has statutory powers under Section 2F of the Children Act 2004 to collect data relating to children and all public sector organisations in England are required to provide data requested by the Commissioner. The survey closes on Friday, 20 December 2024 so there is plenty of time to submit the information. The survey can be found here: The Children's Commissioner's School Survey, and if you’d like to find out more, you can do so here: The School Survey 2024.

This week’s Oracle Transition for Schools update is now available to view: Oracle transition for schools, updates, questions and answers. My next webinar is planned for Tuesday, 24 September at 11:00am and schools can register to attend by following this link Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams. Also included is information on the Core Schools Budget Grant (CSBG) methodology; a reminder for all maintained nursery schools and schools with nurseries to confirm the accuracy of their early years balance for the financial year 2021-22, and details on the Birmingham Association of School Business Managers conference in October. As always if you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at oracleschoolsrelationship@birmingham.gov.uk and they’ll be pleased to assist.

With heartfelt gratitude for all you do for our children, young people, and families, and for your unwavering support.

Sue

Oracle Transition for Schools - Latest Updates 

The latest updates can be found here: Oracle transition for schools, updates, questions and answers.

For any queries or further information please contact the team at oracleschoolsrelationship@birmingham.gov.uk

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

New Headteacher Induction Programme 2024

The 2024 headteacher induction will be delivered during the autumn term through a series of  Microsoft Teams sessions.

The induction programme is designed to introduce new head teachers to the network of support available from the city’s key support services. 

If you have recently been appointed as a new headteacher, and have not yet received your invites, please contact the team at schoolimprovement@birmingham.gov.uk. They will be pleased to assist.

Invitation to the Developing Local Provision (DLP) Unconference

An Unconference is an open and informal event where attendees come together to share ideas, network, and collaborate. The goal is to create an open atmosphere where everyone can learn from each other’s perspectives.

During DLP Phase Two, we have enjoyed meeting and discussing with the DLP Leads and Coordinators what they would value in terms of sharing across the 23 DLP projects in the city. It was proposed that it would be beneficial to meet and share project highlights and progress early this year to inform this year’s developing work.

To facilitate this, we have booked Rooms 3 and 4 at the Council House on Monday, 7th October from 9am to 12pm. We invite 1 or 2 staff members per DLP project (this could be the DLP Lead, the DLP Coordinator, or another nominee) to join us.

We have planned the session so that staff and projects will be grouped based on the similarity of KPIs. We are also inviting some key LA Heads of Service (PSS, EPs, CAT team, School Improvement) to the sessions, so they are available for further ideas, thoughts, support, and advice as needed.

To sign up for this session, please complete the registration form by 21 September 2024.

We look forward to seeing you!

Request for Headteachers to Join DBV Workstreams v2 with Leads

Exciting opportunities for Headteachers to participate in shaping the SEND service through the implementation of the Delivering Better Value programme (DBV)

Following Birmingham’s application to the DfE for £1m of funding over the next two years to support implementation the findings from the Delivering Better Value programme (DBV), we are inviting headteachers to participate and contribute within two Workstream Steering Groups.

The two workstreams are focussed on:

  • Workstream 1 is being led by Heather Wood, Head of SEND Advisory Services and we are developing a shared understanding across the local area including schools and settings about what needs can, and should, be met in mainstream, RB and special schools, in line with the expectations of the national SEND and AP Improvement Plan 2023 thereby further developing SEN leadership capacity across the SEND system, including in schools and settings.
  • Workstream 2 is being led by Dr Pauline Bromfield, Head of Service/Principal Educational Psychologist as we review the top up funding arrangements, including SSPPs, to ensure that there is clarity for schools and settings about how much money they will receive for each pupil and how the decision regarding funding has been made

Each workstream group will be accountable and responsible for holding the workstream Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) and project lead to account for the timely and effective delivery of the workstream plan.

As part of the group, you will be providing feedback to the project lead and SRO about any refinements that are viewed as necessary to shape and evolve the initial action plan, by incorporating intelligence from the stakeholder groups. You also be expected to be communicating, influencing and feeding back from within your own networks to ensure the success of the workstream. 

If you feel passionate about contributing to and supporting these changes then please express your interest in being a member of any of these groups and state any preference, please email Helen Ellis at Helen.Ellis@Birmingham.gov.uk at your earliest convenience.

There will be other numerous opportunities for headteacher, SENCos and wider school communities to contribute to the work of the DBV programme through a range of activities such as case reviews, surveys, listening forums and consultations during the delivery of the programme over the next two years.

Birmingham Libraries Consultation – closing date 27 September 2024

A reminder that the Birmingham Libraries Consultation final stage is still open for you to have your say. We encourage all that live, work and study to be part of the Libraries Consultation. The consultation closes on the 27 September 2024 at 23:59.

A direct link to the consultation can be found here: https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/bcc/lcf24

If you are unable to complete the questionnaire online, paper copies of the consultation can be found and accepted at all Birmingham Libraries. If you require a questionnaire in other formats (e.g. other languages, fonts) please contact your local Library or the Libraries consultation mailbox: LibrariesPublicConsultation@birmingham.gov.uk

Birmingham City Council Apprenticeships for Schools

Whether you’re looking to start a new career, reskill, upskill, or change your career path, apprenticeships are a fantastic way to get started and become part of the dynamic and exciting future of Birmingham City Council.

We have partnered with training providers to offer excellent development opportunities through apprenticeships. This is a great time to encourage in-house talent and provide greater opportunities for career progression.

Our Schools Apprenticeship Offer brochure provides all the information you need to get started.

In addition to our brochure, we are offering targeted information webinars. Join us to learn more about these exciting qualifications. Bring your questions, identify the right course, and ensure you don’t miss out on these great opportunities to enhance your career!

These information webinars offer candidates and managers the chance to discuss each qualification, learn about the levels of qualification, what the courses cover, and how to enrol.

If you would like to participate in an information session, please select the link next to your chosen apprenticeship and register your place. This will automatically generate an invitation to your email address.

Information sessions available

Early Years Level 2, 3, 5 (PTP
Date: 30/09/2024 – Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Register Here

Teaching Assistant L3 PTP
Date: 30/09/2024 – Time: 11:15 - 12:15
Register Here

Facilities Services Operative Level 2, Facilities Management Supervisor Level 3
Cleaning Operative Level 2

Date: 02/10/2024 – Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Register Here

Senior Leader Education Pathway 1
Date: 02/10/2024 -  Time: 11:15 - 12:15
Register Here

Business Analyst Level 4
Date: 03/10/2024 – Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Register Here

Data Technician Level 3, Data Analyst Level 4
Date: 03/10/2024 – Time: 11:15 - 12:15
Register Here

Coaching Professional Level 5
Date04/10/2024 – Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Register Here

Team Leader Level 3, Operational Manager Level 5
Date: 04/10/2024 – Time: 11:15 - 12:15
Register Here

Associate Project Manager Level 4
Date: 07/10/2024 – Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Register Here

CIPD Level 3 (Human Resources Support Level 3), CIPD Level 5 (People Professional Level 5) CIPD Level 7 Senior (People Professional Level 7)
Date: 07/10/2024 - Time:11:15 - 12:15
Register Here

Teacher Degree L6
Date: 08/10/2024 - Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Register Here

Digital Support Technician L3, Information Communication Technician L3, Network Engineer L4
Date: 09/10/2024 – Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Register Here  

Senior Leader Education Pathway 2
Date: 09/10/2024 – Time: 11:15 - 12:15
Register Here

If you have any questions please contact the team at: apprenticeships@birmingham.gov.uk

Childhood Flu Immunisation Programme

FAO: All School Staff, Pupils and Parents

The Childhood Flu Immunisation Programme is starting this week in schools. To ensure its success, your support is required in promoting flu immunisation within your school and assisting with the distribution and collection of flu consent forms, whether they are paper or electronic.

Schools cooperation in making this programme successful is appreciated, as it plays a crucial role in protecting individuals and the community from infectious diseases.

Please note that the nasal flu immunisation contains small amounts of porcine gelatine. For those who prefer a flu vaccine injection without porcine gelatine, it is available at clinics across the area.

If parents would like the non-porcine flu injection, please ask them to contact the team to book a clinic appointment:

For more information, please visit: https://www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/immunisation-services/

Thank you for your support in protecting our community.

Wraparound Childcare Parent Survey

The Local Authority is rolling out a Parent Survey using the BEHEARD platform requesting feedback on its current and future requirements for Wraparound Childcare.

The survey is targeting those parents and carers specifically with primary school age children.

The expectation is that the survey results will help shape and support Wraparound Childcare for Primary School Age children in Birmingham to meet the needs of children, parents, carers and families.

The Survey will open on Friday 13th September 2024 and close on Sunday 20th October 2024.

To maximise participation we respectfully ask schools to promote and encourage as many parents/carers to complete the survey as possible, and make the promotional flyer accessible on noticeboards, school websites and newsletters. 

The Wraparound Childcare Parent/Carer Survey Promotional Flyer includes a QR code enabling easy access to the online survey.

The survey is strongly linked to the Wraparound Childcare Programme announced in the Budget March 2023. Schools are key to this programme and there is, therefore, a strong expectation from the DfE that schools will fully engage with the Local Authority by supporting information collection through surveys and other data collection methods to shape and inform ongoing strategies to ensure statutory duties are met.

Many thanks in advance for your support. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Kevin Caulfield at kevin.caulfield@birmingham.gov.uk

Education on Blood and Organ Donation Survey

FAO: PSHE Curriculum Leads

Healthcare professionals at NHS Blood and Transport are working on a National programme to increase awareness and education about blood donation and organ transplantation. They believe it is important to help facilitate young people’s discussion and learning about blood and organ donation.

The National Curriculum for Key Stages 3 and 4 includes the topic of blood and organ donation in PHSE. They realise that this can seem like a challenging area in which to deliver learning.

They would be grateful for approximately 7 minutes of your time to complete a survey, to help understand the challenges you face, and how best schools can be supported in teaching this topic.

  • Primary school: Health, wellbeing and helping others. Educating young children around blood, stem cell and organ health - Complete Survey here
  • Secondary school: Understanding the educational needs of children around blood, stem cell and organ donation in UK School - Complete Survey here

For any further information please contact the team at HealthySchools@birmingham.gov.uk

Defibrillator Registration for Schools

FAO: Headteachers

Recent research in the West Midlands suggests that 30% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur within 300 meters of a school. To address this, the British Heart Foundation is encouraging all schools to register their defibrillators and opening times. This information will help the ambulance service quickly locate the nearest defibrillator in an emergency.

There is a particular need for registrations in inner-city areas. Currently, the average retrieval time is 5 minutes, but this could be reduced to 3.8 minutes if every school registers their defibrillator.

Please take a moment to check if your school’s defibrillator is already registered: www.defibfinder.uk. If not, you can register it by following this link: The Circuit - the national defibrillator network. Your participation can make a significant positive impact on both your school and the wider community.

For further information, please contact the team at HealthySchools@birmingham.gov.uk

Birmingham Adult Education Training Courses

FREE DIGITAL and VOCATIONAL COURSES FOR THE UNEMPLOYED OR WORKING and EARNING LESS THAN £32K

Birmingham Adult Education are offering classroom based or self-study courses in the following subjects:

Digital Skills:

  • Basic IT Skills from Entry 3 to Level 1 (classroom)
  • ICDL Level 2 – includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint (classroom or self-study)
  • ICDL Level 3 - includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access (classroom or online with a teacher)
  • Microsoft courses at all levels - Introduction, Intermediate and Advanced (self-study)
  • Route to Work - CV Writing, Looking for a job (self-study and workshops)

Vocational Skills:

  • Teaching Assistants (classroom)
  • Classroom Assistants (classroom)
  • Counselling, Mentoring (classroom)
  • Health Care (classroom)
  • Mental Health (classroom or online)
  • Accounts & Book-keeping (classroom)

And many more at www.learnbaes.ac.uk

FREE HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE COURSES

Birmingham Adult Education Service are offering online flexible qualifications and courses to study in your own-time:

  • Alcohol Awareness - Level 1 Award (NCFE)
  • Allergy Awareness in Children - Level 2 Certificate (TQUK)
  • Bullying in Children & Young People - Level 2 Certificate
  • Information, Advice or Guidance - Level 2 Certificate (NCFE)
  • Mental Health Awareness - Level 1 Award (TQUK)
  • Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care - Level 2 Certificate (NCFE)
  • Special Education Needs & Disabilities - Level 2 Certificate (TQUK)
  • Substance Misuse - Level 1 Award (NCFE)
  • Understanding Autism - Level 2 Certificate (NCFE)
  • Understanding Autism - Level 3 Certificate (NCFE)
  • Understanding Children & Young Peoples Mental Health - Level 2 Certificate (TQUK) Understanding Mental Health - Level 3 Certificate (NCFE)
  • Understanding Nutrition and Health - Level 2 Certificate (NCFE)
  • Working in Mental Health - Level 2 Certificate (NCFE)
  • Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities - Level 2 (NCFE)

Continued Professional Development:

  • ADHD
  • Forced Marriage and Honour-based Violence Awareness
  • Keeping Young People Safe Online
  • Knife Crime Awareness
  • Menopause Awareness
  • Role of the Senco
  • Safeguarding in Out-of-School Settings
  • Spiking Awareness
  • Stalking and Harassment Awareness
  • Suicide Awareness and Prevention
  • Understanding Gender and Identity in Children and Young People
  • Understanding the Power of the Influencer

Microsoft courses:

  • Excel: Beginners | Improvers | Advanced |
  • Excel: PivotTables Excel: VLOOKUP Tables
  • Cyber Security Awareness for Businesses: Beginners
  • OneDrive: Improvers
  • OneNote: Beginners
  • Outlook: Beginners | Improvers | Advanced |
  • Project Online Essentials: Improvers
  • PowerPoint: Beginners | Improvers | Advanced |
  • Project Power Users: Advanced
  • SharePoint: Beginners | Improvers | Advanced |
  • Teams: Beginners | Improvers |
  • Word: Beginners | Improvers | Advanced |
  • Planner: Improvers
  • Power BI: Improvers

Please contact Sameena.asmat@birmingham.gov.uk for more information regarding all these opportunities. 

 

About

Recent posts

Archives

Tags


Social Links