Noticeboard

Noticeboard - 4 December 2025

This week’s noticeboard features Sue Harrison’s weekly message, updates from Schools Finance, Equal Pay, Pay and Policy Compliance, and Pensions, plus important information from the Public Health Division and more.

This week's noticeboard includes: 

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

Dear Colleagues

Thank you to everyone who attended today’s webinar. It was fabulous to see so many of you, and I hope you found the updates helpful. A recording of the session will be made available as soon as possible, and if you have any questions in the meantime, please email us at education@birmingham.gov.uk using the subject heading ‘School Webinar Query – 4 December 2025’, and we’ll be pleased to respond. We’re looking forward to opportunities to catch up regularly next year, whether that’s in person or online.

The Commissioners’ third report on Birmingham City Council is now available. It highlights progress in key areas such as housing, children’s and adult services, and planning for the future, while recognising there are still significant challenges ahead, including finances and cultural change. The report also sets out plans for an ‘Exit Plan’ to help the Council meet its duties by 2028. You can read the full report here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/birmingham-city-council-commissioners-third-report.

As you know, I’m always delighted to share good news from across our schools – and Mapledene School’s 75th anniversary is a perfect example. Last week’s celebrations were full of joy and pride, with pupils, staff, and families coming together to honour the school’s rich history and bright future. A real highlight was a heartfelt video message from Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond, bringing her trademark warmth and energy to the occasion. You can see more and enjoy some fantastic photographs on the school’s SWAY site: The Mapledene - celebrating 75 years!

Congratulations to Headteacher Jonathan Hyde and the entire Mapledene team for creating such a memorable event and for their continued dedication to children and young people. Here’s to the next 75 years!

It was also wonderful to hear about the grand opening of the Benjamin Zephaniah Library at William Murdoch Primary School. This inspiring new space is dedicated to sparking curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of reading. The launch was a very special occasion, attended by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, community leaders, and members of Benjamin Zephaniah’s family – making the day even more meaningful. Children brought the event to life with poetry recitals and a beautiful performance from the school choir, perfectly capturing the spirit of language, music, and community.

A huge thank you to Headteacher Mangal Singh and the William Murdoch team for sharing such an inspiring piece with us. These words perfectly capture the library’s spirit and purpose: “The library stands as a promise to every child: stories that spark dreams, ideas that ignite creativity, and words that build resilience.”

A reminder that next week (11 December) will be the final School Noticeboard of the term, and we’ll be back with more news from 8 January 2026.

As December gets underway, we know schools are busy with festive preparations; from nativity plays and carol concerts to seasonal crafts and charity collections. These traditions bring such joy and a wonderful sense of community. I look forward to hearing all about them. Wishing everyone a restful weekend.

Sue

Schools Finance Update

REMINDER: Mainstream Schools and Academies Split Site Funding 2026/27

The split site factor was introduced in 2024/25 and is compulsory for all local authorities, ensuring that split sites funding will be allocated consistently and fairly across the country.

The basic eligibility criteria for split sites funding requires additional sites to:

  • Be part of the main school, that is, to share the same unique reference number (URN) with the school’s main site.
  • Be separated from the school’s main site by a public road or railway.
  • Have a building on them which is maintained by the school, and which is primarily used for the education of 5 to 16- year-old pupils in mainstream education. This excludes playing fields, ancillary buildings and buildings leased out full time by the school to another entity.

Funding for the distance element should be allocated through a tapered approach, beginning at 100 metres, with allocations increasing linearly up to 500 metres, from which point schools should receive the total maximum funding allowed.

The number of additional sites that schools can receive funding for should be capped at three per school. If a school has more than three additional sites, the distance funding should be calculated based on those that are furthest away from the main site.

To enable the local authority to calculate split site funding as part of the 2026/27 schools budget setting process, we require all mainstream schools and academies to complete the split site data collection template – Maintained school and academy split site funding 2026 to 2027 | Birmingham City Council and return to SchoolsFinance@Birmingham.gov.uk no later than 12 December 2025.

If you have previously contacted us about a school with a split site, then unless that specific school’s circumstances have changed, you do not need to provide this data again.

You can view the DfE held list of schools eligible for split site funding here: Schools block national funding formula: split sites funding - GOV.UK

Please complete the form if:

  • There is a new/not previously submitted split site that should be eligible for funding but is not included in the split sites funding spreadsheet.
  • The circumstances of a previously submitted split site has now changed, such as there are fewer sites than it did for 2025/26 funding allocations, or it has ceased to be a split site school.

December 2025/26 Cash Sheets

The updated cash sheets as of 01 December 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. 

November Grant Allocations

November grant allocations will be paid shortly. These do not currently appear on the cash sheet, but we will ensure an updated cash sheet is posted next week. 

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

Equal Pay Programme Update

Pay and Grading Implementation

Confirmation Return: final reminder

We’d be grateful if you could please complete the Pay and Grading Completion Response – Fill in form to let us know when you have implemented reshaped pay and grading.  

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

Pay & Grading Grant Funding

Grant funding from October 2025 to April 2026 will be issued quarterly to reduce workload for schools. You will receive a brief outline of the process via email this week, with full details to follow for the first school return in January 2026. The details we provide in January will explain how payment of grant funding for March 2026 will be managed within the end of year accounting process.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at eppschools@birmingham.gov.uk and they’ll be pleased to assist.

Pay and Policy Compliance Update

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

  • Allowances
  • Head Teachers Pay Changes
  • Teachers start dates – Spring Term
  • Early Payroll Deadlines - December and January
  • Teachers Pay Policy 2025 update
  • Schools Assurance Data returns – December 2025
  • Term Time Only Employees – End of Term Leaving Dates

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.

Thank you for your continued support. 

Pensions Update

All the latest Pensions updates and guidance can be found here: Pensions updates and guidance. These updates include key information to help ensure processes are completed accurately and on time.

We appreciate your continued support and collaboration in keeping these processes running smoothly for everyone.

If you have any queries or require further information, please contact Vipul Mistry, Payroll and Pensions Account Manager, at Vipul.Mistry@birmingham.gov.uk.

Thank you for your ongoing engagement.

School Attendance Update

Webinars

Thank you for joining our recent Support First Early Help webinar! We’ll be sharing the link to the session shortly.

Our next webinar – Formalised Support and Part Time Timetables – will take place on Tuesday, 9 December at 16:00-16:45.
Please join the webinar by clicking on this link:  Webinar 6 - Formalised Support and Part Time Timetables

This session will focus on part-time/reduced provision. Please note that the Support First Formalised Support and Enforcement webinar has been moved to early January to allow more time for questions and case queries.

Academic Review Days

Academic review days (or similar) are often used by secondary schools and academies for parents and pupils to meet with tutors, subject teachers, and school leaders to discuss concerns and set improvement targets.

Important:

  • If a school closes to all other pupils for these sessions, children must be marked absent (usually code C).
  • Children cannot be marked as present and then sent home if the session is not delivered.

Why does this matter? Incorrect attendance codes can lead to serious safeguarding risks, such as:

  • A fire breaking out while children are marked present but not on site
  • Children experiencing harm at home while recorded as being in school
  • Children becoming victims or perpetrators of crime outside school

Y codes are also not appropriate for academic review days, as these are planned events, not emergencies.

Support First and Leave of Absence – Templated Letters

Please ensure you’re using the latest templated letters for:

  • Support First framework
  • Leave of absence (legal) process

Older versions (e.g., those mentioning Covid-19 tests or 20-day roll removal) can no longer be accepted.

You can find the most up-to-date letters and guidance here: Attendance procedures for schools | School attendance advice for schools and professionals | Birmingham City Council

Leave of Absence Request Forms

Schools should also check that their leave of absence request forms reflect current regulations and penalty notice amounts (updated on 19 August 2024).
A templated version is available via the link above,

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

Thank you for your continued support.

Public Health Division

Winter Illnesses Advice and Guidance for Education Settings

As we get into winter, some schools may be starting to see winter illnesses, and potentially increased numbers of staff and pupils being absent.

Guidance is available to support schools and other education settings with managing these incidents. Find out more about how your setting can manage respiratory infections  (e.g. COVID-19), and how to manage diarrhoea and vomiting.

For any immediate advice on outbreaks at your setting, please call UK Health Security Agency West Midlands Health Protection Team on 0344 225 3560 and select option 2.

You can find further advice, including guidance on cleaning and hygiene at Preventing and controlling infections, and Specific settings and populations: additional health protection considerations.

Invitation to Join a Handwashing Project for Reception Pupils

Birmingham City Council Public Health Division are offering an exclusive opportunity to 4 primary schools in Birmingham to be involved in a handwashing project for Reception pupils next term.

The project is designed for schools in Birmingham to improve handwashing practices among Reception pupils and is completely free. The aim of the project is to encourage hand hygiene and reduce illness related absences, which can impact pupil development and performance.

By participating, your school will be contributing to an important initiative, which will be evaluated by Birmingham City Council.

Please email the Health Protection team on HPTeam@birmingham.gov.uk by Friday 12 December if you would like to be involved.

Places will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis, so be quick!

Surveys

SEND Lived Experience Surveys - Please Share! 

The SEND Lived Experience Surveys for children and young people and parent carers remain open on Birmingham’s Local Offer until 12 December. Please share these links with the young people and families you support and encourage them to take part – their feedback is vital to improving services.

Thank you for helping us reach as many voices as possible!

Anyone needing support to complete a survey can contact localoffer@birmingham.gov.uk. 

Help Shape the Future of AI in Birmingham Schools

Our AI in Education Survey is now live and open until Friday 19 December 2025. Your feedback will help create a city-wide approach to using AI safely and effectively in schools.

For queries or to get involved, please email: AIEducation@birmingham.gov.uk. 

Birmingham SEND is now on Instagram!

We’re excited to announce that Birmingham SEND has officially launched its Instagram account and growing our social media presence. 

Our goal is to create a space where children, young people, parent carers, professionals, and the wider community can stay connected and informed. On Instagram, just like we do on our Facebook page we’ll be sharing:

  • Updates on SEND services and support
  • Helpful resources and guidance
  • Upcoming events and workshops
  • Stories, achievements, and community highlights
  • Tips for navigating the Local Offer

By joining us on social media, you’ll have easier access to timely information and a more engaging way to stay involved with our work.

Follow us today and help us build a supportive online community: 

Thank you for your continued support, we look forward to connecting with you!

WellComm Screening – Autumn Term Data Collection

WellComm is Birmingham’s approved screening tool, providing a consistent, universal approach to assessing and supporting children’s speech, language and communication needs.

We ask all settings to share their termly screening data so we can monitor the impact of WellComm across the city.

For schools and nursery schools, data is collected via an online form each term. The Autumn term form is now live – please submit by 31 December 2025 - thank you! 

Please complete the form by following this link.  

Beezee Families in Birmingham – Healthy Lifestyle Programme

Please share this exciting opportunity with parents and carers!

Beezee Families Birmingham is a FREE healthy lifestyle programme designed for the whole family – available in-person or online.

  • Your family gets a dedicated nutritionist
  • Fun weekly sessions with games and activities
  • Learn easy, nutritious meals and snacks to cook together
  • Connect with other families and get expert support from coaches and nutritionists

This programme is perfect for families with children aged 5-12 years who are above their ideal weight (based on the NHS BMI centile chart). Checking is quick – use the NHS BMI calculator or let the Beezee team help you.

Don’t miss out – sign up today and start your family’s journey to healthier living!

Find out more and register here: https://bhx.maximusuk.co.uk/beezeefamilies/

Help Children Talk – Free 20-Minute Training!

Do you (or your team) ever meet families as part of your role – even briefly? If yes, you’re invited to join Speech and Language UK’s FREE bitesize training: ’Helping Children Talk and Understand Words Where You Work’.

This short session will:

  • Explain how children learn to talk and communicate
  • Share 5 simple strategies you can use in your everyday role
  • Provide useful links to support families worried about speech and language development

Who’s it for?

Anyone who interacts with families – even occasionally!
Admin staff, drivers, sports coaches, librarians, shop assistants… and more.

Session dates (just 20–30 mins):

  • Thu 8 Jan 2026 – 9:30–10:00
  • Fri 16 Jan 2026 – 9:30–10:00
  • Tue 20 Jan 2026 – 14:00–14:30
  • Wed 28 Jan 2026 – 14:00–14:30

Sign up here: https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/educators-and-professionals/booking-form-helping-children-talk-and-understand-words-where-you-work/

Why join?

Every child deserves the best start. Strong speech and language skills are key, and every interaction matters. Just 20 minutes of your time can make a real difference.

Please share with colleagues who might benefit. Thank you for helping Birmingham’s children thrive!

Big Ideas - STEM with Wings: Cyber

FAO: Primary and Secondary schools - STEM leads

Big Ideas introduces STEM with Wings: Cyber (suitable for ages 8-14)

From protecting flight paths, to encrypting phone data, securing our hospitals and safeguarding online shopping, cyber security is vital for our technology-driven lives. But how does it work? Who actually does it?

Lift the lid on cyber security in these fun and interactive events with cyber professionals working across the UK.

Book a FREE place for your class (separate events for upper primary and lower secondary classes) by visiting https://www.big-ideas.org/stem-with-wings-cyber/

For queries or further information please contact STEM@big-ideas.org.

 

 

 

This entry was posted by Dawn Evans on 03/12/2025.

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