Noticeboard

Noticeboard - 2 October 2025

This week’s noticeboard features a message from Sue Harrison, the latest updates from Schools Finance, Pay and Compliance, and the Equal Pay Programme, information from the Public Health Division, upcoming training opportunities, and much more

This week's noticeboard includes:

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

Dear Colleagues

Just a gentle reminder to please save the date for our upcoming Ofsted presentation, led by Ann Pritchard, His Majesty’s Inspector (HMI), scheduled for Thursday, 23 October from 16:00 to 17:00.

This important session will offer a comprehensive update on the new Inspection Framework, sharing valuable insights into key changes and their impact on schools. It’s a unique opportunity to hear directly from Ofsted, and we warmly encourage everyone to attend.

To join the meeting via Microsoft Teams, simply follow this link: Ofsted Presentation by Ann Pritchard - 23 October 2025 16:00-17:00.

If Headteachers are unable to attend, please feel free to forward this invitation to a nominated representative. Should you have any questions before the session, our School Improvement team is ready to assist, just contact them at schoolimprovement@birmingham.gov.uk.

Turning to health matters, in light of recent measles cases in the West Midlands, our Public Health Division colleagues have shared important guidance in the article below. We kindly ask schools to circulate this information widely among staff, parents/carers, and your wider school communities.

As we approach the winter months, the risk of illness increases, potentially affecting both learning and wellbeing. To support schools in managing these challenges, the Public Health Division and Birmingham Community Healthcare School Aged Immunisation Service will be hosting a practical webinar on Wednesday, 15 October. Full details and registration information can be found below.

Schools continue to play a vital role in sharing accurate health information and safeguarding our communities. We sincerely thank you for your ongoing dedication and partnership in this essential work.

Finally, please remember that all necessary School Census guidance has been shared via Perspective and email. Kindly ensure the following key dates are noted and actioned promptly:

  • Census Date: Thursday, 2 October 2025
  • Initial Return Date: Monday, 5 October 2025
  • Final Submission Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2025

Should you need any further information or support, please get in touch with the Data and Intelligence Team at SchoolCensus@birmingham.gov.uk.

Thank you once again for your continued support. Wishing you all the very best for the weekend ahead.

Oracle Transition for Schools

Thank you again for your commitment to ensuring a smooth transition away from Oracle. While no new information will be added, all documents will remain accessible for a few weeks at the following links:

Please note that the Oracle School Relationships Manager role, along with its email and phone contact, ended on 30th September. Schools should now refer to the contact details provided in the ongoing statutory duties document and the key contacts list included in the final updates linked above.

Schools Finance

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

The updated cash sheets as of 01 October 2025 can be found here:

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. 

September Grant Allocations

At the end of September, the LA received the Pupil Premium, CSBG for Special Schools & Post-16 institutions, ITT Mentoring, and the National Insurance Contributions grant for Early Years, Pre-16, and Post-16. These will be paid shortly. The allocations do not appear on the current October cash sheet, but we will reissue an updated version on 9 October with these allocations populated.

Exclusion: The Money Following Excluded Pupils

The Money Following Excluded Pupils (MFEP) Protocol applies to all maintained and academy schools in Birmingham. It is based on the School and Early Years Finance (England) Regulations 2015, which require adjustments to the budget shares of schools when a pupil is permanently excluded. The purpose of these funding adjustments is to ensure that there is funding available to support the ongoing education of the excluded pupil. Birmingham City Council's legal duties to children of compulsory school age who may not receive suitable education due to illness, exclusion, or other reasons. It is based on several pieces of legislation and statutory guidance, including the Education Act 1996, the Equality Act 2010, and the Children and Families Act 2014.

This was taken to Schools Forum in December 2024. Where it was proposed and agreed that the exclusion from 1 January 2025 will be recouped and passed on to the relevant body. Schools Forum Report.

Schools finance has now prepared the data for Spring term and will be making deductions via the October cash sheet for maintained schools. The team will also be raising invoices for the academies in due course.  Please note there might also be recoupment of this financial year’s funding as the child would have been the at setting on the census day and would have attracted funding. Basic funding as well as Pupil Premium (Free School Meal, Post LAC and Service Child element only) will be recouped. 

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

Q2 Mandatory Monitoring and Training

Schools Finance invites all maintained schools to attend drop-in sessions for the mandatory quarterly financial monitoring process.

Three identical online sessions are available – schools only need to attend one, but are welcome to join all if they wish.

The Q2 document replaces the termly compliance.

We are also offering 1-2-1 meetings for 20 mins if required.  Please email the Schools Finance mailbox for a time slot. We look forward to your participation. 

The link to join the calls are below, please use them to add the call times to your calendar.

7 October 2025 - 9 October 2025 (inclusive) 09:30-12:30 
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 397 372 633 951 0
Passcode: Hv6NB62y

Schools Finance Team look forward to seeing you there.

For any queries associated with the training and/or document please contact to the team at schoolsfinance@birmingham.gov.uk 

Pay and Compliance

This month’s Pay and Policy Compliance briefing provides important updates on:

  • Schools Workforce Contract
  • Term Time Only Leaving Dates
  • Teachers Notice Periods
  • Teacher Pay Policy Update
  • Salary Statements
  • Time Services Increments
  • Schools Workforce Census Submissions
  • Statutory Duties Document Update

The full briefing can be found here: Compliance | Birmingham City Council

Please take a moment to read through these points carefully. They are essential to ensuring we remain compliant and informed.

For any questions or queries, please contact the Pay and Policy Compliance Team directly at pay.compliance@birmingham.gov.uk.

Equal Pay Programme

Schools Where BCC is the Employer

Pay and Grading Update

You will receive an email on  Friday, 3 October containing the following:

  • A short, pre-recorded briefing for Heads and Business Managers sharing details of next steps with Pay and grading.
  • A short, pre-recorded briefing for you to share with your non-teaching staff sharing details of next steps with Pay and grading.

Further information is available for all school leaders and school staff here: www.birmingham.gov.uk/PayAndGrading

Job Evaluation

Dates for your diary: Teams invite will be emailed to school leaders

  • Headteacher and Business Manager / Job Evaluation Leads Webinar: Introduction to Job Evaluation: Tuesday, 14 October 08:00-08:30 and repeated at 16:00-16:30. Pre-recorded version available for those unable to attend.
  • Non-Teaching Staff Webinar: Introduction to Job Evaluation: Tuesday, 21 October at 08:45-09:15  and repeated at 15:30-16:00. Pre-recorded version available for school leaders to use and/or distribute as appropriate.

Schools Where BCC is not the Employer

You will receive an email Friday, 3 October  with a short presentation giving details of BCC’s proposals. Further information is available for all school leaders and school staff here: www.birmingham.gov.uk/PayAndGrading

We appreciate this development is of significant interest to schools that have to date followed BCC’s pay and grading structure. We are also aware that many of you would like to understand the steps we are taking with Job Evaluation in schools where BCC is the employer.  We will be holding an Equal Pay Programme briefing session to update colleagues and respond to any queries on Wednesday, 15 October at 16:00-16:45. Teams link:  Equal Pay Programme Update for Schools where BCC is NOT the employer, Weds 15 Oct 16:00

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

Updated Statutory Guidance on Children Missing Education

In September 2025, the Department for Education updated the statutory guidance on Children Missing Education (CME) for local authorities and schools in England: Children missing education - GOV.UK. The guidance reinforces the legal duty to identify and support children missing education, emphasising that responsibility is shared across schools, local authorities, and related services. Everyone involved with children and families must collaborate by sharing information and acting promptly.

Schools play a key role in working with local authorities to reduce CME cases and help children access suitable education. The guidance, made statutory under existing legal powers, reiterates duties already established by law. Alongside this, the DfE has issued a summary outlining the CME responsibilities of parents, schools, trusts, governing bodies, and local authorities.

CME Guidance Webinar For Schools

The Department for Education is hosting a webinar following the publication of updated statutory guidance on Children Missing Education (CME). The session is designed to help schools better understand their individual and shared responsibilities towards CME and will include a live Q&A to address any questions on the new guidance. The session is open to all leaders and staff in relevant roles.

  • Date: Wednesday 8th October 2025
  • Time: 16:00–17:00
  • Platform: Microsoft Teams

To register your interest in attending the webinar please complete this form: Registration Form: Children Missing Education Guidance Webinar for Schools by Friday, 3 October 2025. 

Domestic Abuse Education Lead Update

FAO: Headteachers, Designated Safeguarding Leads, and Key Adults Receiving Operation Encompass Notifications

Please be advised that Shameelah Hussain is currently on maternity leave. During this period, all Operation Encompass enquiries should be directed to Madeleine Allen.

This includes:

  • Requests for additional information regarding notifications
  • Responding to notifications
  • Key adult training
  • Account management (settings, user changes)
  • Login support

Additionally, Madeleine is available to assist with any concerns related to domestic abuse, including:

  • Concerns involving a child or young person
  • Disclosure support
  • Safety planning
  • Information sharing protocols
  • Access to resources
  • Referral processes
  • Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)
  • Relevant training opportunities

For assistance, please contact Madeleine Allen at: Madeleine.Allen@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk or telephone 07484 592236.

Early Education Entitlement

2 Year Funded Place

Parents who have a status of ‘no recourse to public funds’ (NRPF) may be eligible to access a EEE place. As these are some of our most vulnerable children we really need your help to make sure these children can access their funded childcare place as soon as possible - the earliest they can start is the term after their 2nd birthday.

These parents may be receiving support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, they may be asylum seekers, they may be here on work or student visas, or may have no immigration status.

If a family, or a professional supporting a family, approaches you for a childcare place these are the things you should do. Firstly, if the parent hasn’t already tried to get a code please help them to complete the on-line application. The eligibility application will say that the parent is not eligible because the parent will not show up in the benefits system, so then you will need to do the following:

  • There are NRPF guides on BCC document website - please read them
  • Ask the parent or professional to show you evidence that they have ‘No recourse to public funds’ – this could be a Biometric Residence Permit (card) or a letter from a Social Worker supporting the family.
  • You will need to make sure that the family does not exceed the financial threshold - £26,500 for families with one child or £30,600 for families with two or more children and they must not have savings or investments that exceed £16,000.
  • There is an application form that needs completing (on BCC document website) and you should complete this with the parent – please don’t send them away with the form as some parents may not understand what to do. You keep this form on file for when we audit you.
  • Once you have confirmed that they have NRPF and have not exceeded the financial threshold you can email us with their code and confirm they meet NRPF criteria and we will update the code to eligible.
  • You can either then add the child to your headcount claim or if they have never accessed a funded place before and headcount has passed you can submit a flexible funding request arranging for them to start asap.
  • You will need to complete a parent declaration form as you do for all funded children

If in doubt please contact us and we can advise you - earlyeducation@birmingham.gov.uk

Free School Meal Claims

FSM is available for eligible 2 year olds attending in line with the terms and conditions.

Do you claim Free School meals for eligible early years 2, 3 and 4 year olds?

In order to claim Free School meals for eligible 2, 3 and 4 year olds you must be delivering their funded place in line with the terms and conditions of funding which state:

To access a FSM the child must be attending their EEE funded entitlement for a minimum of 5 hours during core hours (9am to 3pm), and parents/carers must be in receipt of specific benefits.

You must complete an eligibility check so that you have an eligibility code. Please note that the checker cannot always confirm that the child is eligible, so in this instance of the parent believes that they are eligible you should view evidence of eligibility and contact us to let us know - we can then override the code to eligible.

Eligibility checks can be completed here: https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/oefe/birmingham/provider

You can do them on behalf of the parent with their permission.

Protect Yourself And Others From Measles

With recent cases of measles across the West Midlands, it has never been more important to ensure that yourself and others are protected – especially at the start of a new term.

Measles is highly infectious and spreads easily, including in busy environments such as early years settings. It can lead to serious health complications, especially in children under 1, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system. Outbreaks can happen when not enough people have been immunised.

To protect your early years setting and community from measles, please share the below information with staff members and with parents so that they know how to stay safe from measles.

Protecting Yourself and Others

The MMR immunisation is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles because it is effective, safe and free of charge. Two doses are needed for the best protection.

The first dose of the MMR immunisation is normally given soon after the first birthday, and a second dose given at 3 years and 4 months, just before starting school. Those born on or after 1 July 2024 will move to a new MMR schedule, with the first dose remaining at 12 months, and the second dose moving from 3 years 4 months to 18 months. However, you can catch up with missed MMR doses at any age. If you or your children are not yet vaccinated, then the start of a new term is the ideal opportunity.

Research shows there is no link between the MMR immunisation and autism.

The MMR immunisation is safe for all faiths and cultures. A pork-free version is available for those who avoid pork products, which is called Priorix. It is available at every GP practice, and it is free. 

Further information on the immunisation can be found here.

Recognising The Symptoms

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms. The first symptoms of measles include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough, and red, sore, watery eyes. 

A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth, particularly inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips.

Find out more about the symptoms here.

What should you do if you or someone in your early years setting has suspected measles? 

If a child develops symptoms in your early years setting, urgently ask their parents to contact their GP. Parents must contact the surgery by telephone before visiting and tell the reception staff that they think that their child may have measles. They cannot attend the surgery unless they are asked to. The doctor will make special arrangements to see the child so that if they have measles, they won’t pass it on to others.

If you suspect that someone in your early years setting has measles, please contact your UKHSA Health Protection team (HPT). The HPT will do a risk assessment and determine what actions are needed. You can find your UKHSA HPT by visiting https://www.gov.uk/health-protection-team or call 0344 225 3560.  

Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep Birmingham safe and healthy. 

Preparing for Winter: preventing and managing infectious diseases in schools

Webinar hosted by the Birmingham City Council Public Health Division and Birmingham Community Healthcare School Aged Immunisation Service - Wednesday, 15 October 2025 at 16:00-16:30

Winter is always a busy time for schools, especially when winter bugs and illnesses start impacting classrooms – whether that’s dealing with pupils who are unwell or even managing staff absences.

This webinar will run through the key public health information and actions staff should be aware of this winter. This will include:

  • How to manage cases or outbreaks of infectious disease in school settings
  • How settings can work to prevent winter illness in pupils/staff:
    • Through immunisations (including the school-based flu immunisation programme)
    • Through infection prevention and control measures (including cleaning, handwashing, etc)
  • How to pass on the right information to local UK Health Security Agency Health Protection teams, and when to seek further support.

To register please click here Preparing for winter: preventing and managing infectious diseases in schools

 The #WeWill Programme – Inspiring Performing Arts for Primary Schools Fully funded

FAO: Headteachers

Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) is a specialist creative arts academy in the heart of Birmingham. Its mission is to champion the arts as a pathway for young people, showing that creativity is for everyone.

To support this, BOA launched the #WeWill Programme – a social action outreach initiative delivering high-quality performing arts workshops to primary schools across the city, completely free of charge. With the rising cost of bringing in arts professionals and limited budgets, they aim to fill the growing gap in performing arts provision, without adding pressure on schools finances.

BOA’s goal is to enrich pupils’ learning through creativity while supporting confidence, collaboration, oracy, and curriculum engagement.

So far, BOA has reached over 5,100 children across 25 primary schools, offering workshops in Drama and Voice. These sessions are led by trained BOA Arts Student Ambassadors – talented young creatives who inspire pupils while honing their own teaching and leadership skills.

Workshops are:

  • Fully funded and free to schools
  • Tailored to curriculum goals, themes, or school priorities
  • Flexible and impactful – from oracy support to themed days and enrichment activities
  • Designed to be inclusive, engaging, and easy to deliver within a school day

Schools interested in participating should contact Mary Savva at mary.savva@boa-academy.co.uk.

A short film introducing the #WeWill Programme can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkBiOaRvgS8

Funded Numeracy Opportunity for Primary Schools

National Numeracy, the UK’s only independent charity focused on improving everyday maths skills, is offering primary schools the opportunity to participate in the Schools & Families Programme. This fully funded initiative aims to tackle low numeracy confidence among pupils, parents/carers, and school staff, with free training and resources.    

The Schools & Families Programme aims to:

  • Boost pupils’ confidence with numbers, foster positive attitudes towards maths, and highlight its importance beyond the classroom.
  • Empower parents, carers, and school staff with the skills and confidence to support children’s learning in maths.
  • Create sustainable strategies and approaches that will continue to benefit schools and families long after the programme ends. 

National Numeracy is now recruiting primary schools from across the UK to join this initiative, which runs from November 2025 to December 2026. With over 170 places available, including opportunities for primary schools in Birmingham, we encourage schools to apply by as soon as possible.

Interested in learning more?
A webinar was held on Wednesday, 16 September for interested schools to find out more information. Please access the recording here.

Schools can apply here or reach out to schoolsandfamilies@nationalnumeracy.org.uk with any questions. FAQs on the programme can be found here.

Birmingham Community Healthcare Plus School Nursing Service

Do you need additional School Nursing input? If so Birmingham Community NHS Foundation Trust can help.

Through its BCHC Plus (Traded Services) School Nursing service, additional education focused services that supplement the NHS ‘core’ school nurse service can be provided.

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 supported 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 call 0121 466 6266 or e-mail bchc.bchcplus@nhs.net. 

Peace Experience Workshop about Hiroshima

Peace Hub and Peacemakers proudly present a free two-hour workshop aimed at year 6 children, looking at the history of Hiroshima through the eyes of 6 year old Ms Hiroko Kishida.

The workshop will help children gain a deeper understanding of Hiroshima’s history and its message of peace. The children will also be shown how to make an origami paper crane, that they can take home.

Workshop availability will be determined on a first come first served basis. Schools interested in reserving a workshop should please email Pete Doubtfire at peter@peacehub.org.uk. 

Workshop dates:

  • Tuesday 7 October
  • Wednesday 8 October
  • Thursday 9 October
  • Tuesday 4 November
  • Wednesday 5 November
  • Thursday 6 November
  • Tuesday 11 November (Remembrance Day/Armistice Day)
  • Wednesday 12 November
  • Thursday 13 November

Invitation to Join the Services For Education KS2 Moderation Team (2025–26)

Have you ever considered becoming a Key Stage 2 moderator?

Services for Education’s School Support Service works with Birmingham Local Authority to lead and deliver statutory assessment duties for KS1 and KS2.

They are now inviting formal applications to join their team of Standards and Testing Agency (STA) accredited Teacher Moderators for the statutory Teacher Assessment (TA) of KS2 writing in summer 2026.

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

  • Contribute to high-quality assessment practice across Birmingham schools
  • Develop your professional expertise in writing moderation
  • Be part of a supportive and experienced team

To find out more and apply, please download the full invitation here: Invitation-to-join-S4E-KS2-moderation-team-2025-26.pdf

This entry was posted by Dawn Evans on 25/09/2025.

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