Noticeboard

Noticeboard - 11 December 2025

This is the final noticeboard of 2025, featuring a message from Sue Harrison, key Public Health updates, Schools Finance and Equal Pay information, training opportunities, and more. Wishing you all a wonderful festive season.

This week's noticeboard includes: 

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

Dear Colleagues

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend last week’s webinar. I recognise it’s an extremely busy time for schools so it was a pleasure to see so many of you on the call. For those of you who couldn’t make it a recording is available here: Children and Families Update 04.12.25 - Webinar Recording, and a copy of the slide deck here: Children and Families Update 04.12.25 - Presentation slides.  

Birmingham SEND is now on Instagram! We’re excited to grow our online community where children, young people, parent carers, professionals, and the wider community can stay connected and informed. Just like on our Facebook page, we’ll share updates on SEND services, helpful resources, upcoming events, inspiring stories, and tips for navigating the Local Offer.

Please follow us, spread the word, and help us build a supportive online space:

World Braille Day on 4 January 2026 marks the birthday of Louis Braille, creator of the Braille system that enables people who are blind or visually impaired to read and write. The day highlights the vital role Braille plays in promoting literacy, independence, and equal opportunities. Technology has advanced enormously since Louis Braille’s time. Today, digital Braille displays and screen readers are powerful tools – but they are most effective when children receive specialist teaching and support from the very beginning.

In preparation for World Braille Day, Priestley Smith Specialist School welcomed ITV Central to showcase how technology and expert teaching combine to help pupils thrive. This was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the outstanding work happening every day. Congratulations to Joanna Garvey and her team for making this possible. You can watch the full news clip here: https://www.facebook.com/priestley.smith.school/videos/incase-you-missed-it-our-wonderful-children-on-itv-central-news-for-worldbraille/1619184888826592/.

I’m also delighted to share that Beaufort Special School has secured funding for an exciting expansion project, delivered under the Constructing West Midlands Framework. This investment will enhance facilities and create additional space to meet the needs of pupils. The expansion will provide improved learning environments and ensure Beaufort can continue delivering high‑quality education and care for some of Birmingham’s most vulnerable learners. Congratulations to everyone involved – this is another positive step in strengthening provision for children and young people across our city.

As we approach the end of term we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to several headteachers who are leaving Birmingham schools for retirement or new ventures. Your dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on pupils, staff, and the wider community.

  • Alison Walklett – Retiring after 15 years of headship at New Oscott Primary, where her leadership has ensured continued success.
  • Vicky Colley – Retiring after more than an incredible 30 years at Beeches Infant, guiding the school through many milestones.
  • Yvonne James – Retiring after 14 years as headteacher at Selly Oak Nursery, creating exceptional provision including a fantastic forest school.
  • Maria Breslin – Retiring after 9 years as headteacher at Christ the King Catholic Primary, where she fostered a harmonious and nurturing school environment.
  • Allan Lacey – Moving on from Baskerville, having provided stability and strong leadership during a crucial improvement journey.
  • Rachael Downs – Leaving Harper Bell to open a new school in Gloucestershire, following her dedicated work on school improvement.

This week brings our final noticeboard of the year, so we extend Merry Christmas, Joyous Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, and Season’s Greetings to everyone in our school community. Whatever you celebrate – or however you spend this time – may the season bring peace, joy, and togetherness.

A heartfelt thank you to you all for your dedication and care this term. Wishing you a restful winter break and a bright New Year!

Sue

Public Health Information

Emergency Department Pressures – Choose the Right Service

Due to extreme pressures across emergency departments this winter, schools are being asked to support with sharing the below important information to parents and staff.

Key message

Due to extreme pressures across emergency departments, please only attend the A&E if you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency. For help with minor healthcare needs, try these alternative options:

  • Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs): visit UTCs for support with common injuries and illnesses
  • Pharmacy First: visit your local pharmacy for advice, guidance, and medication for common conditions
  • NHS 111: call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for urgent, non-life-threatening medical advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • GP practice: call or book an appointment with your GP

To find out more about how to choose the right service for your healthcare needs, visit https://www.birminghamsolihull.icb.nhs.uk/health-information/choose-well.

Additional resources for settings

The ‘Think Which Service’ campaign helps people choose the right NHS service at the right time.

Settings can download the ‘Think Which Service’ toolkit to access template information to utilise on newsletters, social media and websites.

Winter Illnesses Advice and Guidance - New Resources

As we continue into winter, some schools may have started to see winter illnesses, with increased numbers of staff and pupils being absent. Some infections are more common than others during the winter period, and UK Health Security Agency have this week published some useful tips on how you/your staff can manage these illnesses.

Find out more about:

In the event of an incident or outbreak at your school, firstly check the national guidance (Health protection in children and young people settings, including education - GOV.UK) - which includes guidance on managing specific infectious diseases: A-Z.

If further advice is still required, please call UK Health Security Agency on 0344 225 3560 option 2 or email westmidlands.arc@ukhsa.gov.uk  to report the outbreak.

Supporting Student Awareness of Sexual Health Services

Educational settings play a vital role in helping young people understand and access sexual health services. Thank you for supporting this important work.

The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service offers oral contraception initiation, repeat supplies, and emergency contraception

Find out more here: www.england.nhs.uk/midlands/nhs-england-and-nhs-improvement-midlands-work/pharmacy-contraception-service/

Additional resources:

Students can locate a participating pharmacy using the postcode finder.

Message to Share with Students

Pharmacies can help you access healthcare and are a convenient choice for sexual health services. They are easy to reach and often open evenings and weekends.

Through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, most pharmacies can:

  • Provide emergency contraception
  • Give a repeat prescription for your usual pill
  • Start you on the pill if you’ve never taken it before or want to restart

Pharmacists offer confidential consultations to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Find out more here and locate a pharmacy using the postcode finder.

Schools Finance

Monthly Monitoring Returns and Three-Year Forecast

We fully appreciate that schools have a lot to manage at the moment, particularly with the ongoing equal pay work. For this reason, Schools Finance has taken the decision to remove the mandatory requirements for deficit schools to provide monthly monitoring reports to the Council and for all schools to submit their three-year forecast by 31 December for this financial year only.

However, if you would still like to share your monitoring or forecasts with us, we would be more than happy to receive them, as they help us understand your current position.

Audit Queries - Statement of Accounts 2024/25

Thank you for your continued cooperation. We would like to remind schools of the importance of responding promptly and accurately to audit queries during the audit of the Local Authority's Statement of Accounts. These accounts reflect the financial position and performance of the authority and are essential for transparency, accountability and compliance with statutory deadlines. Any delays in responding can impact the timely completion and outcome of audits and the publication of the Statement of Accounts. 

Please ensure that any audit queries received are treated as a priority and addressed without delay. 

Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS) 2025/26

The Department for Education (DfE) requires that local-authority-maintained schools submit the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS) checklist to their local authority annually. This checklist helps to provide assurance that they are meeting the basic standards necessary to achieve a good level of financial health and resource management.

It is essential that schools submit their SFVS checklist to the LA by 27 March 2026. Please send submissions to schoolsfinance@birmingham.gov.uk.

The form for the 2025-26 SFVS submission can be found on the GOV.UK Schools financial value standard website.

Please note that the Statement of Internal Control and Pre-certification checklist for Governors and Governors Financial Assurance Checklist report are no longer needed and will be replaced by the SFVS.

The SFVS 2025/26 Guidance note can be found here: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/31136/school_financial_value_standard_sfvs_guidance_2025_-_2026

December 2025/26 Cash Sheets

The updated cash sheet for maintained schools as of 06 December 2025 can be found here: Cash Sheets November 2025 – Maintained Schools

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. 

Please direct any queries to SchoolsFinance@Birmingham.gov.uk.

Quarter 3 Financial Monitoring Return 

Schools Finance invites all maintained schools to attend drop-in sessions for the mandatory Quarterly Financial Monitoring process.

The Deadline for the Quarter 3 submission is 15 January 2026. 

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

Links to join the calls are below, please use them to add the call times to your calendar. We look forward to your participation. 

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring strong financial governance across our schools.

Equal Pay Programme

Equal Pay Settlement – all schools

An email is being sent to all school leaders today regarding settlement of equal pay claims. The information only refers to claimants. Any updates for other staff who have not made a claim will follow as early as possible in January 2026.

Job Evaluation – Schools where BCC is the Employer

JDPS Review

Huge thanks to colleagues for the fantastic work going on to review the JDPSs for Admin and Finance roles in schools.

Further to the email sent on December 9th, please contact eppschools@birmingham.gov,uk if you require an extension to complete JDPS reviews beyond the deadline of December 12th and have not yet let us know.

We will be finalising the updated Batch 1 JDPSs based on your feedback for issue in January. Details and timings of next steps with this batch and the subsequent batches will follow next week.

Recruitment in schools where BCC is the Employer

It is essential that any recruitment to posts in schools where BCC is the employer uses an existing BCC JDPS without making any changes. These are all currently on the BCC website: Recruitment | Birmingham City Council

If you cannot find a JDPS for a role you wish to recruit to, please follow the process outlined in the Recruitment Guidance: Recruitment guidance for schools where BCC is the employer | Birmingham City Council

We have taken the decision to move to the draft updated JDPSs for Admin and Finance roles. We are currently preparing these to be uploaded to the Working in Schools section of BCC’s website. In the interim, please contact eppschools@birmingham.gov.uk if you require a JDPS for recruitment to an Admin and Finance position.

Help Shape Birmingham’s Inclusive Education Future

We’re inviting your views on two important strategies that will shape how Birmingham supports children and young people to thrive. The Inclusive Pathways Framework sets out our vision for creating clear, supportive routes for those who need tailored interventions or face barriers to education. Alongside this, the Alternative Provision Strategy focuses on short-term, child-centred interventions to help learners re-engage with education in the most suitable setting.

Your feedback is vital in ensuring these approaches are inclusive, effective, and truly reflect the needs of our children and families. Thank you for taking the time to share your views by 31 December 2025. Together, we can build an inclusive education system where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Inclusive Pathways Framework

Key Highlights of the Framework:

  • Child-Centred Vision: Building on our commitment to UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities and Communities Programme, we aim to embed children’s voices and needs into all local policies and services.
  • Inclusive Approach: Every child – whether in care, attending a children’s centre, or accessing community spaces – should influence and benefit from local decisions and services.
  • Purpose of Inclusive Pathways: To create clear, supportive routes for children and young people who:
    • Need tailored interventions to remain engaged in education
    • Require additional support to transition successfully between settings
    • Face barriers due to SEND, health, or social circumstances

Strategic Priorities include: Early identification & support, flexible pathways, transition planning, integrated services, family engagement, and locality-based delivery.

Please read the full proposed documentation:

And share your views by 31 December 2025: Consultation - Birmingham's Inclusive Pathways.

For queries or further information, please contact Sarah Impey at sarah.impey@birmingham.gov.uk.

Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy

Key Highlights of the Strategy:

  • Child-Centred Vision: In partnership with UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities & Communities Programme, we aim to embed children’s voices and needs into all local policies and services.
  • Inclusive Approach: Every child – whether in care, at a children’s centre, or visiting a library – should have influence over and benefit from local decisions and spaces.
  • Purpose of AP: AP is a short-term intervention for children who are:
    • On the edge of mainstream education
    • Out of education
    • Disengaged or disaffected
    • Unable to attend school due to physical or mental health issues

Our goal is to support re-engagement with education, not to make AP a permanent destination.

Strategic Priorities include: Commissioning diverse AP, time-limited placements, transitional support, expanding SEMH capacity, developing AP for primary-aged children, and creating a locality model to improve access.

Please read the full proposed document - Alternative provision strategy 2025 to 2028 - Draft and share your views by 31 December 2025: Alternative Provision Strategy Consultation.

For any queries or further information, please contact Beth Gibson, Head of Attendance and Inclusive Pathways at beth.gibson@birmingham.gov.uk.

Exclusions Support and Advice for Parents

We’re pleased to share new resources to support parents and carers during a permanent exclusion. Birmingham City Council, in partnership with the University of Birmingham, has developed helpful video content and guidance to make the process clearer and less stressful.

The videos explain:

  • Key terminology used in the school exclusion process
  • Important dates and stages
  • Parent/carer rights and how to participate
  • What to expect at governor and independent review meetings

You can find these resources on our dedicated webpage: Exclusions support and advice for parents | School exclusions | Birmingham City Council

Updated Permanent Exclusion Letter

From January 2026, the permanent exclusion letter will include a link to this webpage so parents and carers can easily access the support. The updated letter will be shared with schools by the Exclusions Team in January. We strongly recommend schools use the updated letter and encourage parents/carers to view the videos.

For any questions or further information, please contact Wasim Arif, Senior Education Leader at Wasim.Arif@birmingham.gov.uk.

Education Infrastructure – Christmas 2025 Bulletin

The Education Infrastructure Christmas bulletin is available on the Birmingham Education Support Services website.

Please get in touch with the Education Infrastructure team for school place planning, capital projects and asset management queries: edsi.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk 

Notification of Proposed Variation to Admission Arrangements

Colmers School and Sixth Form College, as its own admission authority, intends to submit a request to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator to vary its determined admission arrangements.

The school is proposing to reduce its Published Admission Number (PAN) for Year 7 from 240 to 210, effective from the September 2026 intake. This proposal will not affect pupils currently on roll. The school will continue to meet all statutory requirements, including the admission of Looked After Children, children with Education, Health and Care Plans, and those placed through the Fair Access Protocol, even where this results in admissions above the PAN.

This notification is provided in line with paragraph 3.6 of the School Admissions Code. Supporting data and rationale will be submitted separately to the adjudicator.

If you have any questions about this notification, please contact the school directly at enquiries@colmers.school

Reminder: AI In Education Survey

Thank you for your engagement so far – it’s fantastic to see so many survey responses coming in as we build momentum on AI in education.

If you’d still like to complete the survey you have until the closing date of 19 December to do so: Birmingham Schools – AI in Education Survey.

For any queries, please  don't hesitate to get in touch at AIEducation@birmingham.gov.uk. 

Training Opportunities

Early Years - Fully Funded Sessions

Commissioned by Birmingham City Council and delivered by Birmingham Education Partnership (BEP), these sessions are designed for Early Years leaders and practitioners in maintained primary schools. They offer inspiration, practical strategies, and professional dialogue to strengthen inclusive, high-quality EYFS provision.

Upcoming Training Dates:

High-Quality Outdoor Provision – Spring Term
Thursday 8 January 2026 | 13:00–16:00 at Jakeman Nursery School
Focus: Making the most of outdoor learning to promote communication, physical development, and enquiry-based learning across all seven EYFS areas.

Oracy in the Early Years Curriculum
Friday 16 January 2026 | 09:15–15:30 at Adderley Nursery School
Focus: High-quality adult-child interactions to develop language, extend thinking, and support sustained shared thinking.

High-Quality Continuous Provision
Wednesday 25 February 2026 | 13:00–16:00 at Adderley Nursery School
Focus: Creating continuous provision that encourages independence, curiosity, and challenge.

High-Quality Outdoor Provision – Summer Term
Friday 27 March 2026 | 13:00–16:00 at Adderley Nursery School

High-Quality Outdoor Provision – Autumn Term Prep
Tuesday 7 July 2026 | 13:00–16:00 at Jakeman Nursery School

Book your place here: Training for EYFS Leaders and Practitioners | Eventbrite

We look forward to seeing you!

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Training – OEAP Accredited

Full Training
Tuesday 20 January 2026 | 09:00–16:00 | Washwood Heath Academy Primary School
Cost: £197.45 per delegate
Booking: https://birminghameducationsupportservices.co.uk/Event/270651
Refreshments provided – please bring your own lunch.

Revalidation Training
Wednesday 25 February 2026 | 12:00–15:30 | Delivered via Microsoft Teams
Cost: £131.45 per delegate
Booking: https://birminghameducationsupportservices.co.uk/Event/283964

For general enquiries, email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk

Connect eVisit with Wonde – Make Admin Easier!

Wonde is a secure platform that allows school IT systems to communicate with each other. Many schools already use Wonde for other aspects of administration, so this integration will feel familiar and straightforward.

Schools subscribed to Educational Visits can now link eVisit with Wonde to make data sharing quicker and easier. This integration helps reduce manual processes and saves valuable time for staff.

The cost of enabling Wonde integration is £108 + VAT per year (£103 for the integration plus a £5 administration fee). By completing the Wonde Link Request Form, you agree to this annual cost. Your subscription will automatically renew each year unless you notify us otherwise.

Please note that the subscription runs for 12 months from the time of purchase, and refunds cannot be provided if the school cancels partway through the year. Once we receive your completed form, we’ll arrange for your Wonde link to be set up and confirm when it’s ready.

Ready to make your admin easier? Complete the Wonde Link Request Form today and start enjoying a more streamlined process.

This entry was posted by Dawn Evans on 05/12/2025.

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