Noticeboard - 16 January 2025
This week's Noticeboard contains a message from Dr Sue Harrison, the latest Oracle Transition for Schools Update, information on the Pupil Voice Survey with an extended deadline of 31 January, training opportunities and more.
This week's noticeboard includes:
- A message from Dr Sue Harrison, Director of Children and Families
- Oracle Transition for Schools Update
- Pupil Voice Survey - extended to 31 January 2025!
- 'Understanding Neurodiversity and Extremism' Training Sessions
- Occupational Health & Safety - Training Courses For Schools and Nursery Staff
- Birmingham Community Healthcare Plus School Nursing Service
- Taking Care of People You Lead
- Funded Numeracy Opportunity for Primary Schools
- Bursaries Available for Peacebuilding
- Chapter One Reading Volunteers
Message from Dr Sue Harrison, Strategic Director of Children and Families
Dear colleagues
We've certainly felt the chill over the past few days! I hope everyone in our schools has managed to stay safe, warm, and healthy during this cold spell. I wrote to schools last year confirming the council’s recommended arrangements for closing our maintained schools in the event of severe weather and a copy of the letter can be found at this link if needed. The guidelines are designed to support schools in managing the challenging and often unpredictable circumstances that severe weather can bring, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone.
The Pupil Voice Project survey has been extended until the end of January, so there’s still time to participate in this exciting initiative to understand pupils' experiences of inclusion and make Birmingham an even better place to grow up. We want to hear from more pupils across all Birmingham schools. The survey takes just an hour and can be done in small focus groups or 1:1. Full details can be found in the article below, and I encourage schools to complete the survey. The insights and ideas of our children and young people are invaluable.
Schools will have recently received important information on the January 2025 School Census. It's your statutory duty to submit the census, and if you have not already done so, we would be grateful if you could complete it by the initial return date of Monday, 20 January 2025. The final submission date is Wednesday, 12 February, after which the DfE will no longer accept any amendments, so please ensure your data is accurate and valid. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to the Data and Intelligence team at SchoolCensus@birmingham.gov.uk and they’ll be pleased to help.
The latest update for the Oracle Transition for Schools programme is now available: Oracle transition for schools, updates, questions and answers. This includes information regarding the reports and templates you can expect from HR and Payroll during the transition to your new provider. Key dates in the process include a drop-in session scheduled for the week schools receive their data, and a follow-up drop-in in prior to the first dummy payroll run, with your new providers also invited. Additionally, a link to a drop-in session on 10 February for Headteachers and School Business Managers which will focus on the statutory duties. A document detailing these duties will be circulated by the end of January.
With the festive break behind us, this week has undoubtedly been full steam ahead for schools. I’m deeply grateful for your continued support and extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for your hard work and dedication.
With my very best wishes
Sue
Oracle Transition for Schools Update
The latest updates can be found here: Oracle transition for schools, updates, questions and answers.
Archived Q&A can be found here: Archived Oracle Transition Q&A.
For any queries or further information please contact the team at oracleschoolsrelationship@birmingham.gov.uk
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Pupil Voice Survey - extended to 31 January 2025!
The Pupil Voice Project is running until the end of January! There is now even more time to be part of this exciting project to better understand pupil’s experiences of inclusion, what makes Birmingham a great place to grow up and how it can be made even better.
This is a long-term initiative borne out of the Inclusive Cities work to create an Inclusive Charter.
Feedback from children and young people that have taken part in the project since its launch, have shared with us the importance of inclusion, safety, support, and accessibility in their lives and in their city. Their views have been insightful and they have great ideas on how to make Birmingham a better place to live.
We want to hear from even more children/young people through all Birmingham schools. The survey will only take an hour, asking some key questions either in a small focus group or 1:1 if more appropriate.
The focus group needs to reflect your school community, including pupils with EHCP/SEN support. Responses are collected on an MS Form at the links below.
The project has been co-created and tested by Headteachers and children/young people. It is a long-term plan for change, where views will be taken to the highest level.
We want all pupil views at the heart of the Inclusion Charter; they are the agents of change.
Please take the time to be part of this project and complete the survey at the appropriate links below:
- Primary and Secondary: https://forms.office.com/e/FbLC8Z3qT9
- Early Years: https://forms.office.com/e/883YDqyAvP
For further information or support, please contact the team at PupilVoice@birmingham.gov.uk and they’ll be pleased to assist.
'Understanding Neurodiversity and Extremism' Training Sessions
We are pleased to announce upcoming training sessions on Understanding Neurodiversity and Extremism, facilitated by Suhel Miah, an Autism education specialist with expertise in radicalisation and extremism. This training is designed for practitioners working in local authorities to support the education sector, including schools, colleges, universities, and other educational providers. The goal is to build resilience against exploitation, grooming, and radicalisation among children and young people on the autistic spectrum.
Training Objectives:
- Understanding Vulnerabilities: Learn how processing and communication differences in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make them vulnerable to radicalisation. The session will include case examples to illustrate these vulnerabilities and how they can lead to engagement in extremist ideologies.
- Recognising Risks: Gain insights into the potential risks for children and young people on the autistic spectrum, both online and offline, due to common traits associated with ASD.
- Identifying Safeguarding Concerns: Improve your understanding of how radicalisation safeguarding concerns may present differently in individuals on the autistic spectrum. This will help challenge myths associated with ASD behaviours and increase confidence in mitigating associated risks.
- Enhancing Safeguarding Confidence: Build confidence in safeguarding children and young people on the autistic spectrum from radicalisation.
Session Details:
Please choose the session of your choice and book via BESS by clicking on the appropriate link:
- Session 1: Understanding Neurodiversity and Extremism - Thursday, 23 January 2025, 09:30am-12:00pm
- Session 2: Understanding Neurodiversity and Extremism - Thursday, 15 May 2025, 09:30am-12:00pm
This training is a valuable opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. For any queries or further information please contact the team at SSI@birmingham.gov.uk and they’ll be pleased to assist.
Occupational Health & Safety - Training Courses For Schools and Nursery Staff
Fire Marshal Training 17th January 2025
Start Time: 01:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: £21.50 per delegate
Delivered via Microsoft Teams
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Emergency First Aid – 20th January 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.
Cost: £100.00 per delegate
Venue: Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JT
Book here
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note: Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided
Educational Visits Co-ordinator Revalidation Training OEAP Accredited
Date:21st January 2025
Start Time: 12:00 p.m. to 15:30 p.m.
Cost: £127.60 per delegate
Delivered via Microsoft Teams
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work – 27th, 28th & 30th January 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £194.00 per delegate
Venue: Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JT
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note: Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided
Educational Visits Co-ordinator Training OEAP Accredited
Date: 28th January 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £191.40 per delegate
Delivered at Washwood Heath Academy Primary School, Burney Lane, Stechford Lane Stetchford, B8 2AS
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note: Only refreshments are provided (No Lunch)
Educational Visits Co-ordinator Training OEAP Accredited
Date: 4th February 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £191.40 per delegate
Delivered at Washwood Heath Academy Primary School, Burney Lane, Stechford Lane Stetchford, B8 2AS
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note: Only refreshments are provided (No Lunch)
Emergency First Aid – 4th February 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.
Cost: £100.00 per delegate
Venue: Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JT
Book here
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note: Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided
Educational Visits Co-ordinator Revalidation Training OEAP Accredited
Date: 12th February 2025
Start Time: 12:00 p.m. to 15:30 p.m.
Cost: £127.60 per delegate
Delivered via Microsoft Teams
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work – 17th 18th & 21st February 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £194.00 per delegate
Venue: Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JT
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note: Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid at Work –24th & 25th February 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £164.00 per delegate
Venue: Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JT
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note: Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided
Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Requalification) – 28th Feb and 3rd March 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £164.00 per delegate
Venue: Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JT
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note: Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided
School Site Safety – 11th & 13th March 2025 (Delivered Via Microsoft Teams)
Start Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £166.10 per delegate
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
MIDAS Full Day Course
Cost: £291.50 per delegate
Learner Passes now available for purchasing – Book Theory on BESS (Online Training)
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
MIDAS Refresher Course
Cost: £188.10 per delegate
Learner Passes now available for purchasing – Book Theory on BESS (Online Training)
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Birmingham Community Healthcare Plus School Nursing Service
FAO: Headteacher and SENCO
Through its BCHC Plus (Traded Services) School Nursing service BCHC Plus can provide additional education focused services that supplement the NHS ‘core’ school nurse service.
The link between educational attainment and positive health is well documented, however sometimes schools find that incidence of health-related needs amongst their pupils requires more clinical support. BCHC Plus offers schools the opportunity to buy additional dedicated school nurse time to address health needs that lie beyond the scope of the core service.
School health topics they provide support for include:
- Curriculum input focused on health and wellbeing.
- Issues arising in school that may have a link to health.
- Dedicated support addressing a school’s wider health related challenges.
- Liaison with GP’s Health Visitors and other professionals.
- Health education and promotion activities.
To find out more about how BCHC Plus (Traded Services) can benefit your school, pupils, families and staff, please contact the BCHC Plus team on 0121 466 6266 or at Bchc.bchcplus@nhs.net. They will then arrange a Teams meeting to discuss their services and your requirements in more detail.
Taking Care of People You Lead
FAO: Middle and Senior Leadership in education establishments
A programme of three interconnected online sessions co-delivered by Barnardo’s Education Community and Barnardo’s Scotland.
Session 1 (You) – People are supported to manage their own mental health and wellbeing
This session gives participants an interactive experience - through whole group discussion and breakout space - to reflect on what will help them manage the stresses and strains of life in relation to their work.
Session 2 (Others) - People are supported to recognise influences on others mental health and wellbeing
This session offers an opportunity for participants to consider how they view and engage with each other through a relational lens.
Session 3 (Culture) - People are supported to consider the impact ethos and culture has on mental health and wellbeing
This session offers participants the opportunity to consider the wider environment/culture in which they operate and how it could improve to better meet the wellbeing needs of all.
Funded Numeracy Opportunity for Primary Schools
National Numeracy, the UK’s only independent charity dedicated to everyday maths, is recruiting primary schools to join the Schools & Families Programme to tackle low number confidence in pupils, parents/carers and staff.
The programme’s goals include:
- Increasing pupils’ confidence with numbers, positive feelings about maths, and awareness of its value outside the classroom.
- Enhancing parents’, carers’, and school staff’s confidence in supporting children with maths.
- Establishing lasting approaches and strategies that will continue in schools beyond the end of the programme.
National Numeracy is recruiting primary schools across the UK to participate in this fully-funded programme from April 2025. With over 80 places available, schools are encouraged to apply by Sunday, 2 February 2025. Interested schools can apply here or contact schoolsandfamilies@nationalnumeracy.org.uk with any questions.
Each school will receive a comprehensive support package from April 2025 to March 2026, including online Numeracy Champions training, Family Maths Toolkit scrapbooks and activities for all pupils, online Parental Engagement and Feeling Better About Maths CPD training. Full details can be found here.
A webinar with more detailed information about the programme will be hosted on Thursday, 16 January 2025 at 12.30pm. Schools interested in attending can register here.
Bursaries available for Peacebuilding
Peacemakers has secured significant funding to provide bursaries for a new programme offered to schools. This programme will work with one year group, either Year 4 or Year 5, and includes:
- 8-Week Peacebuilders Course: Tailored to the specific class and their needs, this course consists of 1-1.5 hour sessions per week, covering topics such as cooperation, affirmation, emotional literacy, empathy, exploring conflict, and conflict resolution.
- Peer Mediator Training: At the end of the course, selected children will have the option to undergo Peer Mediator training, which includes 2 full days of training.
- Support for Peer Mediation Scheme: To ensure the success of the Peer Mediation scheme in schools, Peacemakers will offer 2 twilight sessions or 1 half-day session with classroom staff, and 90 minutes of training for Lunchtime Supervisors. This training will explore different responses to conflict and the purpose of Peer Mediation, its script, and its role within the restorative approach to conflict.
- Train the Trainer Day: The Peer Mediation Lead will be invited to a 'Train the Trainer' day, where they will receive all the necessary resources to successfully train mediators within their school, ensuring the longevity of the scheme. Ongoing support from Peacemakers will also be provided.
To find out more and apply for a bursary, please contact Libbs Packer at libbs@peacemakers.org.uk.
Chapter One Reading Volunteers
FAO: Head teachers and Reading Leads
Chapter One UK trained online reading volunteers come from corporate partners. They use their bespoke platform and a phone connection to link to a classroom laptop for a weekly reading session with a pupil who has been selected for the programme by their classroom teacher. All equipment is provided; all volunteers are DBS checked and the first year of participation is FREE!
For more information, visit the Chapter One UK website or watch their promotional film at this link.
To learn how your pupils could benefit from the Chapter One online reading programme, contact Kathryn Taylor at kathryn.taylor@chapterone.org.