Noticeboard

Noticeboard - 23 January 2025

This week's Noticeboard contains a message from Dr Sue Harrison, the latest Oracle Transition for Schools Update, dates for Mandatory VAT Training sessions, information on a briefing for new SENCOs, an opportunity to support student health and more.

This week's noticeboard includes: 

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

Dear colleagues

I'm sure, like me, you have been personally and professionally shaken by the tragic events in Birmingham this week. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Leo Ross and everyone at Christchurch Academy at this extremely sad time.  

This seems a very appropriate time to comment on the word of the year as chosen by the children of the UK. This year's word is 'kindness'. When such unbelievably sad events occur, it really does bring home the need for us to be kind to one another. From the mouths of babes comes many a core truth, and the chosen word could not be more apt. I’m fortunate to observe many kindnesses amongst our teams, and am proud of the way we support one another, our families and our children. I know you all share my determination to continue striving to create a better world for our next generation, one in which every individual is recognised and can flourish.

I'm pleased to be able to share an update on the future of Schools Financial Services.

As part of the Oracle transition for schools, we reviewed and adjusted charges for Schools Financial Services (SFS) to ensure it reaches a break-even position each year. This redesigned offer was shared with schools in November, with a deadline of 15th January for returning your SFS contract.

I’m delighted to announce that SFS will continue to provide its excellent and well-appreciated service to schools. The transition to full chequebook status for all schools, as part of the Oracle transition, means the redesigned service meets schools' needs without significant cost increases.

This positive outcome is a testament to the hard work of both schools and BCC colleagues. Thank you for swiftly returning your contracts amidst the Oracle transition. Special thanks to SFS colleagues for their tireless efforts in moving schools to full chequebook status during this period of uncertainty. I’m immensely gratified that the future of the service is secure.

If you missed the contract deadline but wish to renew, please do so as soon as possible. There may not be staff available to allocate to your school in April if we are unaware of your intentions.

For more information, including the Schools Financial Services SLA for 2025-26 and my accompanying letter, please refer to the following documents:

To obtain contracts, please select an SLA and email Linda Brighton, Finance Assistant, at Linda.A.Brighton@birmingham.gov.uk to confirm. You will then receive a confirmation email with the contracts. Please note that this process differs slightly from previous years due to the new SLAs.

Thank you once again for your continued efforts during this transition and for everything you do for the children and young people of Birmingham. Your dedication provides them with the space to grow, access to a high-quality education, and the best opportunities as they prepare for adulthood.

I hope you have a lovely weekend when it arrives.

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 and they will be pleased to assist.

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Mandatory VAT Training Sessions

We are providing VAT training, along with training on the new VAT reimbursement form. The sessions are for existing chequebook schools and the transitioning ones. These training sessions will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and it is mandatory for each school to attend one of the three sessions.

The new process will be in place starting in February 2025, beginning with the January VAT claim.

Please note that all schools that submit a VAT return must use the new form from their January 2025 submissions. This return is due by the 08/02/2025. You can find the new form here: Chequebook school VAT return

Training Sessions

Please select a session from the dates below and simply follow the appropriate link to join. It's important that at least one staff member from your school attends one of these sessions.

Session 1: Thursday, 30 January 2025 – 11:30-12:30 

Session 2: Thursday, 20 February 2025 – 12:00-13:00 

Session 3: Thursday, 20 March 2025 – 11:30-12:30 

Should you have any queries, please direct them to the team at fullcbsmailbox@birmingham.gov.uk and they will be happy to assist.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Call to Action: Support Student Health in Birmingham

The Public Health Children and Young People's Team, in collaboration with the Children and Families Directorate, is working to enhance our approach to supporting student health, especially in these times of limited resources.

We commission Birmingham Community Health Care to provide School Health Support through the Healthy Child Programme and are exploring ways to develop a new model. Your involvement as a teacher is crucial to this project's success.

How You Can Help:

  • Share Your Insights: Your firsthand experience and insights are invaluable in shaping a model that truly supports student health.
  • Collaborate: Work with us to identify effective strategies and solutions.
  • Make a Difference: Help us create a healthier environment for our students.

Interested in Participating? Please email Stacey Gunther at Stacey.gunther@birmingham.gov.uk by Thursday, 30 January to express your interest and get involved.

Together, we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of our students. Your support and participation are greatly appreciated!

Pupil Voice Project - extended to end January!

Capturing views of our children and young people to make Birmingham a great place to grow up

Great News! The Pupil Voice Project (PVP) has been extended until the end of January. This gives even more time to participate in this exciting initiative aimed at understanding pupils' experiences of inclusion and how Birmingham can be made an even better place to grow up.

This long-term initiative is part of the Inclusive Cities work to create an Inclusive Charter. Feedback from children and young people who have participated since the project's launch has highlighted the importance of inclusion, safety, support, and accessibility in their lives and city. Their insights and ideas are invaluable in making Birmingham a better place to live.

We want to hear from even more children and young people across all Birmingham schools. The survey takes about an hour and can be conducted in small focus groups or one-on-one if more appropriate. The focus group should reflect your school community, including pupils with EHCP/SEN support. Responses are collected via MS Forms (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.

To complete the survey, please use the links below:

Deadline: End of January 2025

For further information, any queries, or an overview copy of the questions, please email: PupilVoice@birmingham.gov.uk

Early Education Entitlement - Funding Rates 2025/2026

Following receipt of the local authority’s funding allocation from the Department for Education (DfE) and the successful Early Education Entitlement (EEE) rates review meetings, we are pleased to confirm the following early education entitlement rates for 2025/2026. The rate increases will take effect from Summer term 2025 and will automatically be applied to your claims:

Hourly Rates

  • 9-23 months - £11.92
  • 2 Year Olds - £8.51
  • 3&4 Year olds - £5.66

EYPP (capped at 15 hours)

  • 9 months – 4 years £1.00

DAF (one payment per financial year)

  • 9 months – 4 years £938

FSM

To claim a FSM for eligible children, they must be accessing their funded place for a minimum of 5 hours between 9am and 3pm

  • 2 year olds – 15 hours £218 p/a  capped at 15 hours - we pay 2/5 of a 5 day week
  • 2 year olds – 30 hours (from September 25) £545 p/a.  For eligible children accessing 30 hours we will pay 5/5 of a 5 day week from Sept 25
  • 3& 4 year olds – 15 universal hours £218 p/a – capped at 15 hours - we pay 2/5 of a 5 day week
  • 3& 4 year olds – 30 hours £545 p/a. For eligible children accessing 30 hours we will pay 5/5 of a 5 day week

Deprivation rates (capped at 15 hours automatically applied to the relevant postcodes identified by the IDACI)

  • 0-5%  £0.61
  • 5-10% £0.29
  • 15-20% £0.08

Maintained Nursery Schools Supplementary Funding

  • Maintained Nursery Schools  £5.27

All schools will have been sent an email to their 'enquiry' email address regarding the above update. Please note we are unable to add named people to our mail outs. All early years updates are sent to the 'enquiry' mailbox so it is important that settings have procedures in place to disseminate the information from this mailbox.

For any queries, please don't hesitate to contact the team at earlyeducation@birmingham.gov.uk.

Briefing for New SENCos

We are delighted to invite to all new SENCos to a briefing on Monday, 3 February at 12.45-3.30pm. This briefing is aimed at SENCos who are either new to the SENCo role this term or experienced SENCos new to post within Birmingham.

The aim of the briefing is to introduce SENCos to the senior leaders within the LA SEND teams and representatives from the Local SENCo Consortia groups.

The afternoon will give an opportunity to:

  • Find out who the SEND teams are and what support they are offering
  • Have an overview of the Birmingham funding system
  • Understand the Local area SENCo groups
  • Understand the LA communication process to SENCos
  • Learn about the Balanced system approach to SALT across the city
  • Learn about the Parent Carer Forum and their offer
  • Find out who the SEND OT locality therapists are and what they offer
  • Network with other SENCos

The Council House has kindly offered to host this event for us and the team will be providing light refreshments on arrival. A place has been reserved for each new SENCO and an email link will be sent out to confirm attendance. 

For further information, please contact Heather Wood, Head of SEND Advisory Services at heather.wood@birmingham.gov.uk 

Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn - Why you need to be teaching about testicular health!

FAO: All school staff, anyone who works with boys and young men, PSHE or RSHE leads, and KS3 leads

The Birmingham Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn series offers online information/training sessions, each around 20 minutes long, designed specifically for school staff.

Upcoming Session:

  • Topic: Why You Need to Be Teaching About Testicular Health!
  • Date: Tuesday, 28th January
  • Time: 12:30 PM
  • Audience: All staff, especially those working with boys and young men, PSHE or RSHE leads, and KS3 leads

Why This Matters: Testicular torsion and cancer are serious conditions that can affect boys and young men. Late diagnosis can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of testicles or other complications. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding and adolescent embarrassment often result in delayed medical intervention. This session will equip you with the knowledge to help prevent these negative outcomes for the boys in your care.

About the Speaker: Dr Vicky Stubbs, a biologist and experienced PSHE/RSHE lead, will deliver this session. She has developed PSHE Association-approved testicular health education tools in collaboration with NHS doctors and young people. Funded by the NEL Cancer Alliance, Dr Stubbs is dedicated to improving health outcomes for boys and young men through education.

Register Now: Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of your students. Register for the session here: Why you need to be teaching about testicular health!

NHS Pharmacy First Service

FAO: School Staff and Parents

The Pharmacy First service allows Community Pharmacists to assist with minor illnesses and common conditions, helping parents, staff, and students avoid GP wait times, feel better, and return to school sooner. If appropriate, they can also provide treatment without a prescription for the following seven common conditions:

  • Urinary tract infections (women aged 16-64)
  • Sinusitis (ages 12+)
  • Sore throat (ages 5+)
  • Earache (ages 1-17)
  • Infected insect bites (ages 1+)
  • Impetigo (ages 1+)
  • Shingles (ages 18+)

The following Pharmacy First resources can be shared with parents/carers and school staff:

Parent Resources:

School Staff Resources:

For more information, visit Think Pharmacy First.

Birmingham Community Healthcare Plus Makaton Workshops

FAO: Headteacher and SENCO

If schools would like information regarding Makaton Training, please contact the Birmingham Community Healthcare Plus team. There are several workshops taking place throughout the year.

Level 1 and 2

This workshop is suitable for Professionals who need to use Makaton in their work (as well as for others who wish a more in-depth training). Signs and symbols in Stages 1-4 and Additional will be taught. Current best practice around sign and symbol use. Participant manuals provided. 

Places available on the following workshops:

  • Level 1             29th April 2025 and 10th September 2025
  • Level 2             6th May 2025 and 17th September 2025

Cost

  • Level 1 only £86
  • Level 1 and 2 £162

Level 4

Level 4 completes the Core Vocabulary and develops your understanding and skills in using Makaton to support people with a wide range of communication difficulties. You will revise the signs and symbols you learned in your Level 1, 2 and 3 workshops and learn the signs and symbols for Stages 7 and 8 of the Core Vocabulary.

  • Course 10th Jun 2025
  • Cost £102

Please message Gareth Humpage at g.humpage@nhs.net to request further information and/or a booking form

The Brilliant Club Scholars Programme – Introductory Webinar 4 February 2025

The Brilliant Club is a charity dedicated to supporting less advantaged students in accessing and succeeding at the most competitive universities. By training PhD researchers to deliver university-style programmes in schools, The Brilliant Club enhances students' confidence and knowledge, facilitating their journey to higher education. Additionally, the charity offers innovative university transition strategies and empowers parents through its Parent Power Chapters.

Join The Brilliant Club for a webinar on Tuesday, 4 February at 4pm to learn more about The Scholars Programme. This webinar will provide insights into their attainment and progress-raising initiatives and how they can support pupils this academic year. It will also be an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The session is designed to be concise, lasting no longer than 30 minutes, but you are welcome to join for as long as you can.

To register for the webinar, please sign up here.

Please note that the sign-up deadline for the summer term is Friday, 14 February. If you would prefer a call sooner or if the 4th February does not work for you, but you are still interested in discussing The Scholars Programme, please select a time to meet through The Brilliant Club booking link.

Exciting Opportunity for Schools: Free Access to YogaBugs' Online Yoga and Mindfulness Platform!

If mental health is a priority at your school, don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity! YogaBugs is offering FREE access to their online yoga and mindfulness platform for 10 weeks to the first 100 schools that sign up.

Why YogaBugs? YogaBugs is the largest children's yoga company in the UK, dedicated to supporting schools with mental health and well-being. Their programmes help improve children's concentration, behaviour, emotional regulation, and readiness to learn.

What You Get:

  • Access to over 120 YogaBugs sessions for Nursery to KS2
  • Classroom yoga sessions
  • Bugs brain breaks
  • Mindfulness activities

How to Sign Up:

This offer is limited to the first 100 schools, so make sure to sign up quickly.

For more information about YogaBugs, visit their website at www.yogabugs.com or get in touch at 0121 777 7792 or zoe@thebugsgroup.com.

This entry was posted by Jaspal Shambi on 21/01/2025.

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