This week's noticeboard includes: 

• A message from Dr Sue Harrison, Executive Director of Children and Families
• Equal Pay Programme Update
• School Attendance Update
• Religious Education Across Birmingham - SACRE Survey
• Safer School Journeys Programme - apply now! 
• Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn Webinar - 26 November 2025
• Notification of Section 77 Consultation
• Free Your Mind CIC - Helping Children Heal from Domestic Abuse

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

Dear Colleagues

We all know the incredible things happening in our schools every day – and what could be more inspiring than a visit to 10 Downing Street?

That’s exactly what pupils and staff from St Benedict’s Primary School experienced recently, meeting the Prime Minister to share the story of their fantastic breakfast club and the difference it makes for children every day.

Please take a few minutes to read more about their visit and enjoy the wonderful photographs from the day: Latest News | St Benedict's Primary School Visit to 10 Downing Street 12 November 2025.

We love celebrating stories like this, so please keep sharing them with us. They’re a highlight of my weekly staff newsletter and a great way to showcase the amazing work happening across our schools.

High-quality early years provision is the foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing – and it’s dedicated professionals who make that possible. So, I couldn’t let this moment pass without a special mention of Lynette Murray – an exceptional childminder whose dedication has shaped the lives of children and families across our city for an incredible 43 years.

Since registering in 1982, Lynette has cared for countless children, creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child could thrive. Her unwavering commitment to inclusion and her support for children with special educational needs have been hallmarks of her practice, reflecting her belief that every child deserves the best start in life.

As Lynette prepares for a well-earned retirement, I know fellow educators will join me in celebrating her remarkable contribution and in wishing her happiness and fulfilment in the next chapter of her life.

Before I sign off, a quick reminder to  please save the date for our upcoming webinar on Thursday, 4 December, from 13:00 to 14:00. This session will share key updates from across our services and outline what they mean for schools – including an update on Birmingham Families First. Although the session will be recorded, we hope as many of you as possible can join us on the day. Click here to access the webinar: Webinar for Schools - Thursday, 4 December 2025 13:00-14:00.

Thank you for everything you do to make a difference every day. Your commitment and creativity continue to inspire – and together, we’re building something truly special for Birmingham’s children and families.

With my very best wishes

Sue

Equal Pay Programme Update

Pay and Grading Implementation

Casual Staff Pay & Grading Implementation and Letters

We will be issuing a second set of letters for casual staff this week and ask that these are issued at your earliest convenience.

Confirmation Return

Please complete the Microsoft form to let us know when you have implemented reshaped pay and grading: Pay and Grading Completion Response – Fill in form

If you have already completed the form prior to receiving the casual employee letters, there is no requirement to submit another return.

If you have any queries or would like further support to implement the reshaped pay and grading structure, please contact eppschools@birmingham.gov.uk

Thank you in advance for your support – we know this is an immensely busy time for schools.

School Attendance Update

Thank you to everyone who joined our recent webinar on Persistent and Severe Absence – your commitment to prioritising attendance is greatly appreciated. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording here: Attendance Service Webinar 4: Persistent and Severe Absence

Upcoming Webinars

Our remaining sessions for 2025 are:

• 25 November 2025 at 16:00–16:45: Webinar 5 - Support First Early Help
• 9 December 2025 at 16:00–16:45: Webinar 6 - Formalised Support and Part Time Timetables

Looking ahead to the new year, webinars will focus on school-to-school support and sharing best practice. Based on your feedback, we’ll also introduce bespoke sessions for primary and secondary schools. Dates, topics, and joining links will be shared before the Christmas break.

Contact Links and Targeting Support Meetings

Schools are starting to receive emails from the BCC Attendance Service with:

• Your Named Point of Contact (NPOC)
• Banding category
• Details about your Targeting Support Meetings (TSM)

As we need to contact over 400 schools individually, emails are being sent in phases. If you haven’t received yours yet, it will arrive within the next couple of weeks.

Thank you again for your continued support and engagement. If you have any queries in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: Attendance@birmingham.gov.uk

Religious Education Across Birmingham - SACRE Survey

We kindly invite you to complete a short survey to support the work of SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education). Your insights as school leaders and teachers are invaluable in helping us understand current practice and shape future support for Religious Education across Birmingham.

The survey will only take a few minutes to complete, and your responses will be hugely appreciated: https://forms.office.com/e/AhTLXWRpfm. 

For any queries or further information please contact: religiouseducation@birmingham.gov.uk.

Safer School Journeys Programme – apply now!  

We’re making journeys to school safer by implementing physical road safety improvements near schools and in local neighbourhoods.

The Safer School Journeys programme is a new £2.7 million investment to make the areas around our schools safer and more welcoming.

This annual programme of road safety measures will be tailored to individual schools’ context and could include changes to junctions, safer crossings, pedestrian zones or traffic filters. These improvements will cut pollution, reduce road danger, and help everyone feel safer and more connected.

We will work with schools and communities to develop powerful changes that address what matters most to pupils, parents and local residents. Together, we can make journeys to school safer for everyone.

This first year of the programme is expected to develop and deliver schemes with around 20 schools. Apply NOW - submit an Expression of Interest by Friday 28 November 2025.

Find out more at www.birmingham.gov.uk/schoolstreets or contact connected@birmingham.gov.uk

Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn Webinar – 26 November 2025

PE Premium: Maximising the planning and reporting to impact on all young people

FAO: All primary school staff who have responsibility for PE Premium planning and reporting

The next Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn webinar will focus on PE Premium: Maximising Planning and Reporting to Benefit All Young People and take place on Wednesday 26 November at 12:30pm.

With recent changes to PE Premium reporting, this session is designed for Primary PE Leads and will explore the new digital framework, including key expectations and considerations.

Why join?

• Gain a clear understanding of the updated reporting requirements.
• Refine your planning and ensure your PE Premium spending meets expectations.
• Learn how to translate tracking and impact from the PE Funding evaluation form into effective digital reporting.

What we’ll cover:

• Setting priorities linked to the PE Premium.
• Expectations and considerations for reporting.
• Practical steps to align evaluation and digital reporting.

Register for the webinar here: PE Premium: Maximising the planning and reporting to impact on all young people.

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

Notification of Section 77 Consultation

Consultation: SECTION 77 OF THE SCHOOL STANDARDS AND FRAMEWORK ACT 1998 (as amended)

Playing field land at the Marywood Centre, located at Gilby Road, Ladywood, B16 8RQ (vacant from 16 January 2023)

If you wish to make comments on the proposal to dispose of the playing field land, you may do so through the following website: https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/bcc/marywood-centre-section-77    

The consultation will start on Monday 24 November 2025 and will run for 8 weeks. Comments must be received no later than Monday 19 January 2026.

At the end of the consultation all responses will be forwarded to the DfE along with the Section 77 application to apply for written consent from the Secretary of State.

Every effort has been made to ensure all relevant parties and individuals are notified of this proposal. If you feel that this would be of any interest to others, please do not hesitate to forward this message.

For any queries or further information please contact: ediproperty@birmingham.gov.uk

Free Your Mind CIC – Helping Children Heal from Domestic Abuse

Free Your Mind CIC provides specialist therapeutic support for children and young people (ages 7–18) affected by Parental Childhood Domestic Abuse in Birmingham. Our qualified practitioners, many with lived experience, work to help children overcome trauma and rebuild confidence.

How We Support Children & Young People

• 1:1 therapy sessions with accredited practitioners (up to 8 sessions)
• Focus groups for shared experiences
• Holiday activity programmes
• Live chat for ongoing support

Support for Parents & Families

• A safe space for parent survivors
• Guidance and practical help for families (including advice and financial support)

For Professionals – How to Refer

1. Identify a child or young person who may benefit.
2. Discuss with the resident parent (and child/YP if appropriate).
3. Request a referral form by emailing:
   info@freeyourmindcic.com or madeleine.allen@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk
4. Our admin team will confirm receipt and consent with the parent.

When completing the referral form, consider:

• Have I gained consent?
• Is it safe to contact?
• What is the reason for referral?

Learn more at: http://www.freeyourmindcic.com