This week's noticeboard includes: 

• Message from Dr Sue Harrison, Strategic Director for Children and Families
• Oracle Transition for Schools Update
• Birmingham Audit: Changes in Audit Report Assurance Ratings
• School Aged Immunisation Service: Protecting Individuals and Communities Against Infectious Disease
• FREE Suicide Prevention Training
• FREE One Hour Bereavement Awareness Seminar
• First Aid Courses / Fire Marshal & MIDAS Training Courses
• Educational Visits Co-ordinator Training
• Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn Sessions
• BCHC Plus Occupational Therapy Service
• Exciting Opportunity for Schools - FREE Access to YogaBugs Online Yoga and Mindfulness Platform! 

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

Dear colleagues

I hope this message finds you well. As we near the end of another busy week of shaping the future of our young learners, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible dedication and passion you bring in striving for excellence in education. I’m immensely proud of everything our schools do.

This week saw our second Education Board meeting take place. This fantastic collaboration of dedicated professionals underscores our shared commitment to supporting the children, young people, and families of Birmingham. The focus of this meeting was on the crucial task of developing an Education Strategy and creating a robust plan for the next 12 months. I look forward to sharing more updates in the coming months as we continue to make significant strides in this important work.

After extensive consultation, we now have a refreshed version of the 'Right Help, Right Time' (RHRT) guidance. The RHRT guidance is essential for everyone who works with children, young people, and families. It advises on the support available for various needs and serves as a collective framework and practice guide for how all individuals, agencies, partners, and practitioners collaborate in Birmingham. Safeguarding is everyone’s business. Right Help, Right Time is designed to help recognise what children, young people, and families need, and to take action with other practitioners and professionals to safeguard and provide support to them.

Please take the time to review the updated RHRT guidance and integrate its principles into your daily practice. Together, we can ensure that every child and young person receives the right help at the right time.

Schools will be aware of the Rubery Swop Shop – a community initiative dedicated to providing free preloved school uniforms to families in Birmingham and beyond. This service helps reduce waste and supports families by offering essential clothing items such as coats, shoes, and jumpers. Absolutely anyone is welcome to use and donate preloved clothing. For more information, you can contact them at 07736 958249 or via email at ruberyswopshop@outlook.com. Please help spread the word to any families who might benefit from this support.

I would encourage you to explore this week’s update on the Oracle Transition for schools programme:  Oracle transition for schools, updates, questions and answers. This week, a detailed overview of Statutory duties and ongoing compliance and assurance is available to schools. This document outlines the responsibilities of both BCC and the school/new provider for each process within the key functions remaining. There’s also a drop-in session planned for Monday, 10 February at 10 am.  Please take advantage of this session, it’s a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have around these duties.  

Please continue to get in touch with Chris Etheridge for any queries at  oracleschoolsrelationship@birmingham.gov.uk, and thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. We understand this has been a challenging time and truly appreciate your cooperation and efforts in working with us to resolve the issues faced.

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 and they will be pleased to assist.

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Birmingham Audit: Changes in Audit Report Assurance Ratings

As part of our continual improvement in Birmingham Audit, the Assurance Ratings we apply to audit reports have been reviewed. This ensures we remain in line with professional bodies such as the Institute of Internal Audit, and other Local Authorities. These changes are already in place across Council Directorates and will be in effect in schools from 1 January 2025.

Assurance Rating

The report assurance rating has been simplified. There are no longer separate assurance ratings for the school, the directorate, and an overall rating for the report. There is now one overall assurance rating. The ratings are as follows:

• Substantial Assurance: There is a generally sound system of control designed to meet the school’s objectives and that controls are being applied consistently in the areas reviewed.
• Reasonable Assurance: Generally, a sound system of internal control designed to achieve the school’s objectives with some exceptions and / or evidence of non-compliance with some controls that may put some of the system objectives at risk.
• Limited Assurance: Weaknesses identified in the procedures and controls in key areas and / or non-compliance with key procedures and controls which constitutes a risk to the achievement of the school’s objectives.
• No Assurance: Poor system of internal control or consistent non-compliance with key controls which could result in failure to achieve the school’s objectives and manage risk.

Recommendation Priority

The ratings applied to recommendations have also been updated in line with the change. 

• High Priority:  A weakness where there is substantial risk of loss, fraud, impropriety, poor value for money or failure to achieve the schools objectives. Such risks could lead to an adverse impact on the business.
• Medium Priority:  A weakness in control which, although not fundamental, relates to shortcomings which expose individual school systems to a less immediate level of threatening risk or poor value for money. Such a risk could impact on operational objectives and should be of concern to senior management and the Governing Board and require prompt specific action.
• Low Priority: Weaknesses that individually have no significant impact but where the management of risk would benefit improved controls.
• Efficiency / Effectiveness: There are no significant weaknesses in the controls to manage the specified risk, but the action will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of systems and processes.

Control Objectives and Conclusion Rationale 

The ratings for the Control Objectives and Conclusion Rationale are unchanged.

• Met: Controls evaluated were found to be adequate, appropriate and are operating effectively.
• Mainly Met: Specific control weaknesses were noted. However, generally the controls evaluated were adequate, appropriate and effective.
• Partially Met: Specific control weaknesses of a significant nature were noted and/ or the number of minor weaknesses identified were considerable.
• Not Met: Controls evaluated are not adequate, appropriate or effective.

These updated ratings will be included in the report, as they are currently, for reference.

School Audit Contacts

Don Price, Group Auditor –  0121 303 2109
Julie Parry, Principal Auditor – 0121 303 2114
Natalie Mardenborough, Auditor – 07885 236047
Sally Bojang, Auditor – 07885 236043

School Aged Immunisation Service: Protecting Individuals and Communities against Infectious Disease

Starting January 2025, the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will visit schools to offer the following immunisations:

• Year 8 HPV Immunisation: Protects against a virus that can cause cancer.
• Year 9 Teenage Booster Immunisations:
  • One immunisation against tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.
  • One immunisation against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Schools are kindly asked to inform children and parents/carers about the team's visit and remind them to return their consent forms, even if they decline the immunisations.

Additionally, the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) immunisation will be offered to any pupil who has missed one or both recommended doses.

Please note that none of these vaccines contain pork gelatine.

If pupils miss the immunisations at school, they can attend a clinic. To book a clinic appointment, please call 0121 466 3410 or email bchnt.birminghamimms@nhs.net.

For more information about the immunisations, visit www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/immunisation-services

Thank you for your support in making this immunisation programme a success.

FREE Suicide Prevention Training

Birmingham and Solihull councils have jointly funded a half-day virtual suicide alertness training. This training is designed for anyone who wants to understand more about suicide, recognise when someone may be having suicidal thoughts, learn how to talk about suicide, and offer practical support to keep someone safe. The training is free to access.

This training is part of the Every Life Matters 'Orange Button' scheme. After completing the training, participants can sign up to receive an orange button. Wearing this button identifies them as someone who has received suicide prevention training, is willing to have conversations about suicide, and knows where to direct someone in crisis.

This is a valuable opportunity for schools to upskill staff, enabling them to identify and confidently support individuals in the school community through a suicidal crisis.

Due to limited places, we initially ask for only one representative per school (this can be teaching, pastoral, or any other support staff who would benefit from the training).

For more information and to book a course, please visit the Orange Button Eventbrite page.

FREE One Hour Bereavement Awareness Seminar

For those supporting bereaved children and young people

Cruse Bereavement Support is offering Free one hour Bereavement Awareness Seminars focusing on the needs of Children and Young People. All sessions are open to anyone working or volunteering with children and young people in the Birmingham area and would be ideal for school staff who deliver pastoral or wellbeing support. The sessions are free of charge, and will take place via Zoom.

The seminars will last for 60 minutes, delivered in a lecture format, and cover the following:

• Brief introduction to the grieving process
• The impact of loss and bereavement on Children, families, organisations and communities
• Core communication skills
• Interacting with bereaved people – what to say and what not to say
• Developed awareness of support organisations (other than Cruse)

Training Dates

• Thursday, 27 February at 4:00pm – Please follow this link to register
• Thursday, 27 March at 4:00pm – Please follow this link to register
• Tuesday, 11 March at 12:30pm – Please follow this link to register

For queries or further information, please contact: training@cruse.org.uk.

First Aid Courses / Fire Marshal & MIDAS Training Courses

Emergency First Aid – 4th February 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.
Cost: £110.00 per delegate
Venue: Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JT
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 – 17th 18th & 21st February 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £213.40 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: £180.40 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 

Fire Marshal Training – 28th February 2025 (Delivered Via Microsoft Teams)
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: £23.65 per delegate
Schools must book on BESS Website
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk

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: £180.40 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 

Emergency First Aid – 4th March 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.
Cost: £110.00 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 – 17th & 18th March 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £180.40 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) –24th & 25th March 2025
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £180.40 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 

Fire Marshal Training –27th March 2025 (Delivered Via Microsoft Teams)
Start Time:10:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: £23.65 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

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Training

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Training OEAP Accredited - 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)

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Revalidation Training OEAP Accredited - 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

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Revalidation Training OEAP Accredited - 25th March 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

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Training OEAP Accredited -  28th March 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)

Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn Sessions

The Birmingham Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn series offers online information and training sessions, each around 20 minutes long, aimed at school staff.

Upcoming Sessions

The Birmingham Family Hub App

For: All School Staff, School Health Teams
Date: Monday, 3rd February @ 12.30pm

This session will give school staff a guided tour and demo of the Birmingham Family Hub App, showing how parents can register, choose their preferred language, and receive health and development information about their children from pregnancy to 19 years. The session will be delivered by Dr Rebecca Chicot, Co-Founder of Essential Parent, with a PhD in Child Development and experience in the BBC Science Department.

To register, please follow this link: The Birmingham Family Hub App

Breathe Education Wellbeing Census

For: All School Staff, School Mental Health Leads, and Teams
Date: Thursday, 6th February @ 4pm

This session is for all staff interested in the mental health and wellbeing of their students, particularly relevant to school mental health leads and teams. It will provide an overview of the Breathe Education Wellbeing Census, findings from the 2024 census, and information on how to participate in the 2025 census. The session will be delivered by Colin Palmer, a senior researcher for BWCFT/FTB NHS and the University of Warwick, with expertise in youth mental health, science, sports, and comedy.

To register, please follow this link: Breathe Education Wellbeing Census

Air Quality Monitor Demo

For: Primary & Secondary School Staff
Date: Tuesday, 11th February @ 4pm

Join us to learn about Air Quality Monitors and see one in action! This session is open to all staff interested in the health and well-being of their students, especially Headteachers, Facilities Staff, Governors, and Sustainability Leads. The session will cover:

• A live demo of an air quality monitor
• The importance of air quality and how to improve it
• The impact of air quality on physical and mental health
• How schools can use free air quality monitors and resources to enhance curricula and sustainability efforts

To register for this webinar, please follow this link: Air Quality Monitors, free for every school, see one in action!

A free outdoor air quality monitor is offered to every school in Birmingham. If your school has not received an email from our supplier, EarthSense, to arrange installation, please contact us at SchoolsAQMonitors@birmingham.gov.uk.

For more information about the Schools’ Air Quality Monitoring Programme, visit School air quality sensors | Education | Brum Breathes. Any queries can be directed to Sally James, Air Quality Policy Manager at SchoolsAQMonitors@birmingham.gov.uk.

BCHC Plus Occupational Therapy Services

FAO: Head Teacher/SENCO

Schools can purchase time from BCHC Plus Occupational Therapists to support children and young people in both mainstream and specialist settings. Therapists help students achieve their full potential in daily activities such as washing, dressing, feeding, toileting, handwriting, and play-based activities. They offer additional services that complement those provided through locally commissioned NHS provision. Therapists can also upskill classroom staff and help embed strategies to meet the needs within a setting.

• Universal Support: Whole school training, improving occupational performance, and environmental assessments.
• Targeted Support: Group work, parent workshops, classroom observations.
• Specialist Support: 1:1 assessments and interventions for priority children.

To learn more about how BCHC Plus can benefit your school, pupils, families, and staff, please visit www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/bchc-plus-occupational-therapy or contact BCHC Plus on 0121 466 6266 or bchc.bchcplus@nhs.net.

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:

• Sign up here: YogaBugs Mental Health and Wellbeing Project for Birmingham Schools
• The form must be completed by the headteacher
• YogaBugs will contact the first 100 schools and arrange a set meeting

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.