Noticeboard

Noticeboard - 10 July 2025

Welcome to this week's noticeboard, featuring Sue Harrison's weekly message, updates on the Oracle Transition and Equal Pay programmes; plus information from School Admissions, Education Safeguarding, and more.

This week's noticeboard includes:

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

Dear colleagues

I’ve no doubt that over the past few weeks, schools have been busy celebrating, reflecting, and looking ahead. From sports days and school trips to proms and end-of-year performances, this is a time to proudly recognise the achievements of pupils and staff alike. Thank you for your continued dedication during this busy period – it’s been a pleasure to hear about the incredible things happening across our schools.

This week’s Primary KS2 results mark an important milestone for pupils and schools. I want to acknowledge the significant work that has gone into preparing for these assessments, not just in recent months, but throughout the children’s primary journey. These outcomes reflect the strength of your teaching, leadership, and support systems. Whether the results met expectations or highlighted areas for growth, they offer valuable insights to build on. Please remember that we’re here to support you, and the School Improvement team is always available for a conversation.

With GCSE and A level results just around the corner, I want to commend all our students – and the staff and family members who’ve supported them. This is a significant moment, marking the next step in each young person’s journey. Whether they’re heading to university, starting an apprenticeship, entering the world of work, or still exploring their options, a world of opportunity awaits.

We’d also love to hear your good news stories. Please do drop us a line and share a photo or two (with the appropriate permissions, of course). It’s always a joy to celebrate the achievements of our young people and the dedication of the staff who’ve helped them get there.

I was delighted to see the return of the Summer Reading Challenge, once again hosted by The Reading Agency in partnership with our brilliant Birmingham libraries. This year’s theme, ‘Story Garden’, invites children to explore the wonders of reading and nature through a vibrant mix of books, activities, and rewards. It’s a fantastic opportunity to keep young minds engaged over the summer break, and I’d encourage you to help spread the word to our children and families. Whether online or in person at their local library, every child deserves the chance to discover the joy of reading this summer.

Finally, a big thank you to those of you supporting our holiday activities over the coming weeks. Your commitment, and that of your wonderful staff, ensures our schools remain safe, welcoming places for children and young people to enjoy their summer holidays.

With my very best wishes for the weekend ahead.

Sue

Oracle Transition for Schools Update

Polite Reminder: Oracle Transition Project Survey – Phase 1

Thank you to everyone who has already completed the Oracle Transition Project Post-Transition Survey, your feedback is greatly appreciated. If your school transitioned from BCC HR/Payroll on or before 1 April 2025 and hasn’t yet responded, we’d be grateful if you could take a few minutes to share your reflections before the survey closes on 18 July.

We truly value your input and understand how busy this time of year is. Thank you again for your time and support.

The latest updates can be found at the following links: 

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. 

Equal Pay Programme Update for Schools where BCC is the Employer

Job Evaluation for Schools where BCC is the Employer

School Job Information Gathering Meetings

Massive thank you to the 109 schools who have attended Job Information Gathering Meetings. If you require any support completing the information required, please email eppschools@birmingham.gov.uk

We will be in touch early September with those schools who were unable to attend a meeting this half term, to support with completion of the job information that is required.

Job Descriptions and Jobs List

Recruitment Guidance and Job Descriptions from the BCC Non-Teaching Jobs Bank are now available on Working in Schools: Recruitment | Birmingham City Council

Pay and Grading Grant Funding Update

A letter was issued yesterday to schools where BCC is employer providing a short update and further information for non-teaching staff.

The Equal Pay team is continuing to engage with our three recognised trade unions. A revised date for implementation of the proposed reshaped Pay and Grading Structure is still to be finalised.

It is our understanding that one or more of our recognised trade unions may seek members’ views on the Pay and Grading proposals. This means that members of staff in schools where BCC is employer  who are members of one of the recognised unions may hear from them in the coming weeks.

Staff can access a guide that sets out how pay and grading implementation will work for individuals here : Pay and Grading Guide

As ever, please raise any queries related to the Equal Pay Programme through eppschools@birmingham.gov.uk. We will continue to respond to all queries throughout the Summer, however you may experience a short delay in the week commencing  July 23rd when the mailbox will be covered by our project support team.

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing and restorative break over the Summer.

Schools Finance

Q1 Monitoring Drop In sessions

Following feedback from Schools to the Schools Finance Team, Drop in sessions are available for Q1 Monitoring. Schools who have attempted their Q1 return, are welcome to join, the sessions and doc links are below:

11 July 2025: 11:00-13:30
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 353 305 072 907 8
Passcode: Ph7KP3G6

14 July 2025: 11:00-13:30
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 357 065 418 703 4
Passcode: B99PF63N

2025/26 LA Statement of Funding and Provisional School Budget Payment Schedule

The cash sheet as of 01 July 2025 together with the June Deductions file can be found here: :https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/download/6787/statement_of_funding_and_provisional_school_budget_payment_schedule_20252026

We hope you find this useful in reconciling the monthly instalment as well as grant payments the authority will pay during the financial year. 

If you have trouble accessing the file, you may need to save the spreadsheet to your personal desktop, then unblock the file by right clicking, properties, and clicking unblock and applying changes. 

CFR Update

There have been changes to expenditure reporting, specifically spend on technology (e.g. E20). I18 no longer exists, any grants previously reported under this code should now be under I06.

Kindly see this link for more information: Consistent financial reporting framework 2025 to 2026 - Spotlight for 2025 to 2026 - Guidance - GOV.UK

Any queries should be directed to the SchoolsFinance@Birmingham.gov.uk mailbox in the first instance.

Devolved Formula Capital 2025/26 Update

The historical capital balances up to year-end 2024/25 have now been paid to schools. Please refrain from claiming any historical balance from the Local Authority (LA)

The 2025/26 DFC allocation has been received by the LA, please do not attempt to claim this as we will make payment in due course.

For PFI schools, the LA will retain the capital allocation.

This message is from schoolsfinance@briminham.gov.uk 

Banking Fraud Alert: Safeguard Your School’s Finances

Birmingham City Council’s Corporate Fraud Team is urging all schools to regularly review Direct Debits and Standing Orders on their bank accounts to detect any unauthorised payment arrangements.

This warning follows reports of attempted fraud involving forged letters sent to a bank, falsely appearing to be from a school. These letters requested the setup of Standing Orders to transfer funds to external accounts, impersonating Head Teachers to authorise the transactions.

Thanks to the bank’s vigilance, the fraudulent requests were identified and blocked before any money was lost.

Recommended Actions for Schools:

  • Review all Direct Debits and Standing Orders to confirm they are legitimate.
  • Reconcile bank statements regularly against financial records.
  • Report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions immediately to your bank

For any assistance please contact the team at BirminghamAudit@birmingham.gov.uk

GCSEs and Post 16-18 Results Collection

We would be grateful if secondary schools could share GCSEs/Post 16 to 18  school-level data on GCSE results day (21st August 2025) with BCC by completing this online form, Key stage 4 and Post 16 to 18 Results Day form 2025

The online form will be available from 20th August 2025 and we would appreciate it if it could be completed as soon as possible after results day.

For any queries, please contact educationdata@birmingham.gov.uk

Summer immunisation reminder and important changes to the routine childhood immunisation programme

The summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to catch up on any missed immunisations ahead of the new term in September, especially in light of the measles outbreak of 2023/24 and the recent measles cases in Birmingham.

Sally Burns, Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council, and Ruth Tennant, Director of Public Health at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, have written a letter to parents to encourage them to get their children immunised over the summer break. The letter also includes information on updates to the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Please could this letter be shared with parents before the summer holidays to ensure plenty of time for appointment bookings before the next academic year begins.

We have also shared a video from Dr Naveed Syed at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reminding parents that the summer break is a great time to catch up on any missed immunisations. This video can be accessed at this link

, and shared with parents via your usual online communications with parents.

 

If you have any questions, please email the Birmingham City Council Health Protection Team on HPTeam@birmingham.gov.uk

SEND and Inclusion Update

Key headlines can be found in the latest monthly bulletin from Helen Ellis, Director of SEND and Inclusion: SEND and Inclusion Update - July 2025

Birmingham SENCo Noticeboard

The next half termly update for all SENCos and SEND leads across the sector has been issued today, sharing messages and information around SEND, including a new Induction Programme for SENCos new to post amongst other items www.birmingham.gov.uk/blog/senco-nb.

Previous issues of the SENCO Noticeboard can also be found at this link.

If your SENCo/SEND lead has not received an email alert from the Local Offer taking them to the SENCo Noticeboard, then please get in touch with Heather Wood heather.wood@birmingham.gov.uk to make sure they are added to the circulation list.

Update from School Admissions

As we approach the end of the academic year, please find below important updates from the School Admissions Team.

Closure of Admission Rounds – September 2025 Intake

From 11:59 pm on 31 July 2025, parent/carers will no longer be able to submit late applications or a change of preference(s) for Reception Class, Year 2 to Year 3 (infant to junior) transfer, Secondary transfer (Year 6 to Year 7), or Year 10 transfer.

The School Admissions Team will continue to process all applications submitted before the end of July. Any applications received after this date will be managed via the in-year admissions process. 

Please note (important):– As late applications and change of preferences continue to be processed over the summer, schools are advised to view or download their updated offer lists via the Schools’ Portal at the end of August 2025 in preparation for the start of the new academic year.

Secondary School Transfer – September 2026

All Birmingham maintained Primary, Junior, and All-Through schools will receive a letter this week for distribution to current Year 5 pupils that do not have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). The letter contains key information about deferred entry and children being taught outside of their normal year group. Therefore, it is important that this letter is shared with all children attending your school who were born between 01/09/2014 - 31/08/2015. If you have not received the letter, please email admissions@birmingham.gov.uk

Parent/carers that reside in Birmingham can submit an online application from 1 September 2025.  The national closing date is 31 October 2025. Full application guidance will be available on the Birmingham City Council website from 1 September 2025.

Parent/carers that reside outside Birmingham should apply through their own Local Authority (the one they pay their Council Tax to).  If they are unsure which Local Authority they should apply to, they can find the correct council here: Find Your Local Council

We kindly ask schools to:

  • promote the application process;
  • support families who may find the process challenging; and
  • ensure your school website is up to date, including details of your Prospectus and information about any open days, evenings, or online events.

Please coordinate with neighbouring schools, so your open sessions do not clash, and ensure all open events take place before the final closing date for applications on 31 October 2025.

Thank you for your continued support.

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025

The Education Safeguarding Service has updated the following documents in preparation for the implementation of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025:

  • Model Safeguarding Policy 2025
  • Annual Safeguarding Training 2025
  • New Guidance for Adopting the Model Policy
  • Addendum to the Model Safeguarding Policy – summarising the latest changes to KCSIE published by the Department for Education on 7 July 2025

These updates are now available on the council’s website: Model Policy - Schools and Colleges

The refreshed Model Safeguarding Policy and Annual Training slides were issued a few days prior to the DfE releasing an information version of KCSIE 2025. At this stage, very few changes have been made, and the DfE has confirmed that the final version will come into force on 1 September 2025.

While the current updates are largely technical, future iterations of KCSIE are expected to reflect:

  • The progression of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill into legislation
  • Emerging findings from the Casey Audit and subsequent inquiries
  • The Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy
  • Evolving understanding of how these developments interact with safeguarding in education

The Education Safeguarding Service is closely monitoring these developments to ensure schools and colleges remain fully informed and up to date.

We will continue to summarise any further statutory changes to KCSIE 2025 as they are released.

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

Pupil Voice Project  (PVP) –  WE HEARD YOU!

We want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to all the children and young people who participated in the Pupil Voice Project. This initiative sought to gather their perspectives on inclusion, what makes Birmingham a great place to grow up in, and how it can be improved.

Our children and young people HAVE BEEN HEARD. They have shared incredibly insightful views and thoughtful solutions in response to the questions posed. These insights have been communicated to senior leaders in the council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Midlands, and the Youth City Board. They will also be incorporated into the Birmingham Youth Strategy.

Here's a Pupil Voice Infographic summarising the findings and outlining the next steps. All views will continue to be raised within the council’s various departments, and actions will be shared with our children and young people. Please share and display this infographic in your settings.

More information about the next cycle of the Pupil Voice Project will be available in September, and we are excited to involve even more of our amazing children and young people in the new academic year.

For further information, please email:  PupilVoice@birmingham.gov.uk

Education Infrastructure - Summer Term Bulletin 2025

The Education Infrastructure Spring bulletin is available on the Birmingham Education Support Services website at this link.

We would like to thank all our school partners for their support this year. We have achieved a lot together, from school expansions, boiler replacements to new Resource Bases, and looking after our school buildings.

This bulletin covers:

  • Tree Management Training
  • Traded Service 2025/26
  • Autumn Term Training opportunities 2025
  • Updating Key Contacts for the summer period

Contact Education Infrastructure for school place planning, capital projects and asset management queries: edsi.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk 

We will be around over the summer period.

E-Visit system- due to be upgraded Summer 2025

Notice to all schools subscribing to Educational Visits, will have access E-Visit System

Please note eVists is due to be upgraded Summer 2025. All visits currently on the eVisit system will need to be approved by the 21 July 2025. Any visits sitting in draft or in the approval chain will not be migrated to the new system. All visits which have been approved will be migrated to eVisits 2.

Online training sessions for the new system will be announced and links available on Birmingham Education Safety Services (BESS) Website. We advise you make note of the following training sessions and attend one of them if possible:

8 July - demonstration and training on new system:

Microsoft Teams 
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 321 287 106 602 7
Passcode: Fj6SN6V3

The following dates for demonstration and training will be shown on BESS: https://secure2.sla-online.co.uk/default.aspx?logo=41

  • 9 September - training on new system and troubleshooting for live visits
  • 18 September - training on new system and troubleshooting for live visits
  • 1 October - training on new system and troubleshooting for live visits

All sessions will run from 15:30 to 16:30. Further sessions will be organised if required. 

Supervised Toothbrushing Programme

Coming to Early Years and School Settings in Birmingham! 

Birmingham City Council is launching the Supervised Toothbrushing (STB) Programme this autumn to support children’s oral health in early years settings. Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, this national initiative targets children aged 3 to 5, particularly in areas with high levels of tooth decay.

  • Children brush teeth daily under supervision from school staff
  • Staff will be supported with training for delivery of STB
  • Schools will receive in-setting toothbrushes and take-home packs to continue brushing at home

Dental health is a major concern for young children in Birmingham, with over a quarter of 5-year-olds, particularly in deprived areas, experiencing tooth decay.  By delivering STB, your setting can help reduce health inequalities and improve children’s health outcomes.

We will start approaching the first settings in the autumn term.

Further details can be found here: Supervised Toothbrushing Information

Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn: Monday, 14 July 2025

Supporting Schools After Suicide: New Postvention Guidance

FAO: All school staff, in particular designated safeguarding leads, pastoral leads, school counsellors and senior leadership staff

Our next Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn webinar is about Supporting schools after suicide: new postvention guidance on Monday 14th July at 4pm. The session is open to all school staff, and will be particularly useful for designated safeguarding leads, pastoral leads, school counsellors and senior leadership.

Suicide can affect anyone, and its impact is devastating. Whilst we hope this will never happen in our schools, young people and school staff tragically die by suicide across the UK. These situations, although rare, can be overwhelming for schools to navigate, and there are lots of complex issues to consider during a distressing time. A well-coordinated response can help improve communication, facilitate support and ultimately minimise the risk of further harm.

Join this session to learn about guidance developed to support schools after a death by suicide in the school community. This session will cover:

  • Key actions to take after hearing a pupil or member of staff has possibly died by suicide
  • Managing difficult issues such as privacy and risk management, or responding to a death in school holidays
  • Free guidance available to all schools on this topic.

Register for this webinar here: Supporting schools after suicide: new postvention guidance

For queries or further information, please contact: healthyschools@birmingham.gov.uk

Health/NHS-inspired Summer Volunteering Projects for 14-25-year-olds

FAO: Career advisors, all secondary school staff

Please share this information about volunteering opportunities for 14-25-year-olds with your students as appropriate.

Dear Students

Make a Difference This Summer – Join a Volunteering for Health Project!

Are you aged 14–25 and looking to do something meaningful this summer?

The Volunteering for Health programme offers a variety of short-term summer projects across Birmingham and Solihull. Whether you're interested in health, social care, community work, or just want to gain new experiences, there’s something for you.

These locally funded projects are a great way to:

  • Explore potential career paths
  • Build valuable skills
  • Give back to your community

There are 10 different projects to choose from. To get involved, simply fill out this form where you can:

  • Rank the projects in order of interest
  • Briefly explain why each one appeals to you

You can express interest in as many projects as you like. While we can’t guarantee your top choice, we’ll do our best to place you in one of your top three.

Interested in taking on more responsibility? Some projects need Student Volunteer Organisers. Just tick the box on the form and tell us why you’d be a great fit.

Got questions? Ask them in the form – we’ll create a shared FAQ to keep everyone informed.

The form will remain open until all places are filled, so don’t wait too long!

We hope you’ll take part and make this summer count.

Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/uqTkkrxYSG.

NHS Pharmacy First Service

FAO: Headteachers, pastoral, wellbeing and PSHE leads in schools

Through the Pharmacy First service, Community Pharmacists can assist with minor illnesses and common conditions. This can help parents, staff and students avoid GP wait times, feel better and return to school sooner. Resources and messaging about Pharmacy First to share with parents/carers and school staff are below:

Message for parents/school staff

NHS Pharmacy First Service

If you, your child, or a family member is feeling poorly, think Pharmacy First! Community Pharmacists can offer free, confidential advice for minor illnesses including coughs, colds, and eye infections. If appropriate, they can also provide treatment without a prescription for 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+)

For more information, please visit Think Pharmacy First.

Young Women into Leadership (You WIL) Summit 2025 (Online)

Please note that applications are now closed and students will be informed of their place by 11 July 2025.

Bursaries Available to Train Peer Mediators in Primary Schools

Peacemakers, a West Midlands-based educational charity with nearly 40 years of experience, supports schools and communities in building peace through practical skills and strategies.

Significant bursaries are now available for primary schools to set up a Peer Mediation Plus scheme in Autumn 2025 or Spring 2026. Peer mediation empowers children to resolve playground disputes themselves, reducing staff intervention and fostering a calmer school environment.

The programme includes:

  • A workshop for the year group(s) from which mediators will be chosen, introducing the concept of mediation
  • Three full days of training for up to 24 selected pupils to become peer mediators
  • Training for lunchtime and classroom staff to support the scheme’s success

Peer mediators gain lifelong conflict resolution skills that positively influence the whole school community.

For more information, visit www.peacemakers.org.uk/primary-schools or contact Libbs Packer at Libbs@peacemakers.org.uk.

Birmingham Community Healthcare Plus Makaton Workshops

FAO: Headteacher and SENCO

If schools would like information regarding Makaton Training, please contact Birmingham Community Healthcare Plus. Several workshops are running throughout the year.

Level 1 and 2

This workshop is designed for professionals who use Makaton in their work, as well as for others seeking more in-depth training. It covers signs and symbols from Stages 1-4 and the Additional vocabulary, along with current best practices in sign and symbol use. Participant manuals are provided.

Places available on the following workshops:

  • Level 1             10th September 2025
  • Level 2             17th September 2025

Cost

  • Level 1 only £92
  • Level 1 and 2 £168

Level 3

Level 3 training focuses on enhancing and refining signing and symbol communication skills for effective everyday use. It includes a review of signs and symbols introduced in Level 1 and 2 training, and introduces the vocabulary for Stages 5 and 6 of the Core Vocabulary.

  • Course 22nd October 2025
  • Cost £108

For further information or to request a booking form, please contact Gareth Humpage at g.humpage@nhs.net

Early Words Together

Early Words Together by National Literacy Trust is a DfE approved programme that aims to support the communication, language, and early literacy of young children aged 3-4 through evidence-based activities which lead to improvements in their home learning environments. The programme is delivered to small groups of families over 6 weeks, led by practitioners and volunteers. It empowers parents to develop and enrich the home learning environment and support their child's early language and literacy.

Programme Aims

  • Support communication, language, and early literacy of children aged 3–4 through evidence-based activities.
  • Improve confidence and understanding of children’s language development.
  • Support sustained positive changes to the home learning environment (HLE).
  • Foster partnerships between practitioners and families, and across local systems.
  • Close the language gap among children of different socio-economic classes.

Programme Objectives

  • Close the language gap among children of different socio-economic statuses.
  • Improve HLE as parents feel empowered as their child’s first educator.
  • Foster educator-parent partnerships.
  • Build practitioner networks using evidence-based strategies.
  • Raise community expectations for children’s communication, language, and literacy (CLL) development.

Programme Content

  • One-day practitioner training by the National Literacy Trust.
  • Toolkits with six detailed session plans.
  • Project management support including training, implementation, QA, and network facilitation.
  • Volunteer training for peer support.
  • Pre- and post-surveys for evaluation (provided by the Trust).

Benefits

  • Parental Engagement: Improved communication and mutual understanding between parents and practitioners.
  • Parental Awareness: Parents learn the importance of play and conversation.
  • Home Learning: Parents gain ideas and confidence to support learning at home.
  • Child Development: Improved school readiness and classroom outcomes.

This training is FREE and suitable for all Birmingham Early Years Providers, EEE Funding Registered Day Nurseries, Nursery Schools and School Nursery Classes, Childminders, Family Hubs and Children’s Centre settings.

Please complete the expression of interest form below to apply for a place on the Early Words Together programme by National Literacy Trust. Please note that spaces are limited, with capacity for only 30 settings to participate in Birmingham. The programme is funded by the DfE's Family Hubs initiative and all resources for families will be provided at no extra cost. To take part, your setting must have adequate space for families and children to work together. The programme is expected to begin in Autumn term 2 and continue through Spring term 2026. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please register your place here: https://forms.office.com/e/WLeEgspKcb

How to Compare Solar Proposals 

A 30-minute Session for School Business Managers

At Solar Options for Schools, the name reflects a commitment to helping schools navigate the complexities of solar energy solutions. By working with a range of funding providers and accredited installers, Solar Options for Schools identifies and implements the most suitable option for each school.

In some cases, schools and councils receive installation offers from local installers or commercial PPA providers, which can make comparing options feel like evaluating apples and oranges.

This free 30-minute webinar is designed to provide clarity and confidence in assessing different solar proposals. Attendees will gain practical insights to help identify the best fit for their school’s needs.

Register to learn how to: 

  • Understand key differences in solar proposals
  • Ask the right questions to identify quality and value
  • Avoid common pitfalls and misleading claims
  • See how Solar Options for Schools can support decision makers by providing guidance on assessment and procurement processes

Time will also be allowed for Q&A. 

Who it’s for: School business managers, Estate leads and SLT  

Don’t worry if you can’t attend, simply register your details and a recording will be made available afterwards. 

 

 

This entry was posted by Dawn Evans on 08/07/2025.

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