This week's noticeboard includes: 

• A Message from Sue Harrison - Executive Director of Children and Families
• School Census - Important Reminder
• Measles - act now to protect pupils and staff this winter
• Preparing for Adulthood - Transition Team Update
• DBS Checks for Visiting Professionals
• Help Shape an Autism-Friendly Birmingham
• Pupil Place Planning - Proposed PAN Reductions for 2026 Entry 
• Birmingham SENCO Noticeboard - Latest Update
• January Connected Schools Newsletter - Available Now
• Healthy Schools Lunch and Learn Webinar
• First Aid/Fire Marshal/MIDAS Training Courses
• Free Dance CPD Opportunity for Primary Schools
• Free Digital Maths Workshop - Celebrating Katherine Johnson
• Free Webinar - Raising Maths Attainment and Parental Engagement
• Birmingham Secondary Schools Invited to Enter the 2026 Next Generation Awards
• Bursaries Available - Train Peer Mediators in Birmingham Primary Schools

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

Dear colleagues

Thank you to all our schools for your swift and considered actions during last Friday’s severe weather. We truly appreciate the steps you took to keep children and staff safe, and for promptly notifying School and Governor Support if you needed to close. We recognise that closing a school is never an easy choice, and we hope our guidance and support proved helpful during what was a challenging day. We also appreciate those who were able to remain open – thank you!

The Education Board met on 14 January, and it was an incredibly positive session. The Board brings together leaders from early years, primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, post-16 providers, multi-academy trusts, maintained schools, further education, diocesan partners, Birmingham City Council and national partners including the Department for Education and Ofsted. We are united by a single purpose: improving the lives and outcomes of all children and young people in Birmingham.

At the meeting, the Board reviewed progress on attendance, achievement and inclusion, confirmed delivery of the Education Improvement Framework, and agreed next steps on Raising Attainment Plans, Targeted Support Meetings, and the Inclusion Charter.

Please continue to stay involved – keep engaging with your district network, look out for Inclusion Charter discussions at your area meetings, and share what is working well in your setting so we can learn from it and scale effective practice quickly.

As we move forward, our shared priorities remain clear: improving outcomes for all children and young people across Birmingham. This includes strengthening early support and inclusion, driving forward our SEND improvement work, and maintaining a relentless focus on attendance through our Support First approach. Safeguarding excellence continues to underpin everything we do, and we value your commitment to meeting statutory duties and working in partnership to protect children.

We know we ask a lot of our schools every day, and at times it can feel like an impossible task given how busy you are. Yet your commitment truly makes a difference. Please continue to engage with our initiatives, celebrate your successes, and reach out whenever you need support. Together, we can ensure Birmingham’s children are safe, healthy, included, confident, and achieving.

Thank you for everything you do and wishing you a lovely weekend ahead – hopefully with no more snow!

Sue

School Census – Important Reminder

Every school in England has a statutory duty to complete and submit the School Census each term, in line with Section 537A of the Education Act 1996.

This week, all schools will receive a letter (available on Perspective and by email) containing key information and actions required for the upcoming Census. Please ensure you review this carefully and complete all necessary steps.

Key Dates

• Census Day: Thursday 15 January 2026
• Initial Return Deadline: Monday 19 January 2026
• Final Submission Deadline: Wednesday 11 February 2026

Please make sure this information is shared promptly with the staff responsible for completing your school’s School Census return.

Schools must ensure that all data submitted to DfE COLLECT is accurate and valid. After the final submission date, the DfE will not accept any amendments. Incorrect or invalid data may impact your school’s funding, so it is essential that returns are checked thoroughly.

Please read Section 2.6 of the letter regarding duplicate pupils. The DfE will not approve a school’s return until all duplicate pupil queries are resolved.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please email the Data and Intelligence team and they will be pleased to help: SchoolCensus@birmingham.gov.uk

Measles: act now to protect pupils and staff this winter

There have been recent measles cases in Birmingham, mostly affecting children under five who have not had their immunisation.

Measles is a highly contagious disease, which can be very serious, especially in children under one, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system. With winter now upon us, it has never been more important to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What should you do if someone in your education setting has suspected measles?

If a pupil develops symptoms in your education setting, urgently ask their parents to contact their GP. They should NOT attend any medical setting, including a GP surgery, A&E or walk-in centre, unless they have been asked to do so. The doctor will advise on what to do, including making any special arrangements to see children so that if they have measles, they won’t pass it on.

Parents should call your GP or NHS 111 if they, their child or a family member is showing symptoms of measles.

If you suspect that someone in your education 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.  

What are the symptoms?

• cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough
• red, sore watery eyes
• high temperature (fever) which may reach around 40OC / 104OF
• a non-itchy, red-brown rash usually appears 3-5 days after symptoms begin (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to rest of the body), spots may be raised and join to form blotchy patches – which may be harder to see on darker skin tones

What is the best way to protect against measles?

The MMRV immunisation, which has now replaced the MMR immunisation, helps protect children against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).

Children are offered two doses when they are 12 and 18 months old as part of the NHS immunisation schedule.

Older children, born on or after 1 January 2020, will be offered one or two doses of MMRV.

A pork-free version of the MMRV immunisation, called Priorix-Tetra, is also available at all GP surgeries.

The MMRV immunisation is safe, effective, and free of charge. It does NOT cause autism – numerous studies have proven there is no link between the immunisation and autism.

The MMR vaccine is still available for older children and adults born on or before 31st December 2019 who were not vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella when they were younger.

Further information on measles can be found here, and information on the MMRV immunisation can be found here. 

An action card for staff and a two-page information sheet for parents can be downloaded here.

Thank you for helping to keep Birmingham safe and healthy this winter.

Preparing for Adulthood – Transition Team Update

Birmingham City Council Adult Social Care has made changes to the Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) and Transition Service, effective 5 January 2026. These services have now been brought together into a single Transition Team, providing a more streamlined and coordinated approach for young people moving into adulthood.

More information and referral details can be found here: www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50287/other_adult_care_services_and_support/1400/preparation_for_adulthood

For any queries or feedback please contact: TransitionsProject@birmingham.gov.uk

DBS Checks for Visiting Professionals

The guidance for schools and settings regarding DBS Checks for Visiting Professionals is available here: DBS Checks for Visiting Professionals.

This document provides clear requirements around identification and safeguarding checks for any visiting professionals entering your setting.

Please ensure all relevant staff are aware of this guidance and thank you for your support.

Help Shape an Autism-Friendly Birmingham!

Across Birmingham, we share a bold ambition: every autistic child and young person – and all those with SEND – should feel seen, heard, understood, and supported to thrive in an autism-friendly city.

Yet too often, families experience fragmented systems and inconsistent support. That’s why, with backing from the Education Endowment Foundation during Spring and Summer 2025, Birmingham partnered with Derby Research School to co-create a long-term plan for change.

Using the Theory of Change model, professionals, parents, and carers worked together to explore:

• The challenges faced by autistic young people, families, schools, and services
• The support needed to overcome these challenges
• The behaviours and actions required to make inclusion real
• The shared aims for the next three years

What Does the Three-Year Plan Include?

• Autism Champions across sectors
• A Birmingham Autism Statement and Reflective Framework
• Shared Directories for easy navigation
• Training Pathways and CPD for practitioners
• Strong transition support for young people
• Strategic engagement with employers, HEIs, FE, and training providers
• Cross-sector collaboration
• And at its heart: the Birmingham Co-Production Charter

This plan is about moving beyond good intentions. It’s about embedding autism understanding across the whole system – creating shared language, consistent frameworks, and clear pathways that reflect real lives and enable person-centred support. Every practitioner, in every school and service, must be equipped to recognise, respect, and respond to autism.

Why Your Voice Matters

The golden thread running through this plan is systems leadership – ensuring parents, young people, and colleagues from across partnerships are part of shared learning and can cascade implementation models back into their teams.

To make this happen, we’re forming an Autism-Friendly Steering Group. This dynamic group will meet half-termly to provide oversight, guidance, and scrutiny of the three-year delivery plan.

Get Involved

If you’re passionate about inclusion and want to help shape Birmingham’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

Email Sarah.J.Scarr@Birmingham.gov.uk (Team Lead, Communication and Autism Team) to find out more or express your interest.

Pupil Place Planning – Proposed PAN Reductions for 2026 Entry

To help address the ongoing impact of surplus primary places and lower pupil intakes across the city, Birmingham City Council is proposing further reductions to Published Admission Numbers (PANs) in maintained schools.

We are currently seeking a PAN reduction at the following school for Reception 2026 entry:

• Ward End Primary School – proposed reduction from 120 to 90.

A full business case will be submitted to the Schools Adjudicator for consideration, and the outcome of the decision will be published once confirmed.

We are also continuing discussions regarding potential PAN reductions for Reception 2027 entry.

Consultation on PANs for Community and Voluntary Controlled (VC) schools has taken place, with decisions expected in Spring 2026.

If you are an academy and wish to discuss proposals for Reception 2026, please contact us.

For further information please contact Education Infrastructure: ediplaceplanning@birmingham.gov.uk

Birmingham SENCO Noticeboard – Latest Update

The latest half-termly update for all SENCos and SEND leads across Birmingham is now live! This edition includes important messages and resources around SEND, plus details of a new Induction Programme designed to support SENCos who are new to post, alongside other key updates.

You can access the update, including previous issues of the SENCO Noticeboard by following this link: SENCO noticeboard

If your SENCo or SEND lead has not received an email alert from the Local Offer directing them to the SENCO Noticeboard, please contact Heather Wood at
heather.wood@birmingham.gov.uk to ensure they are added to the circulation list.

January Connected Schools Newsletter – Now Available

Catch up on the latest transport news, updates, and events for schools across Birmingham:  The latest transport news and events for schools from Birmingham City Council.

Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn Webinar

Birmingham Healthy Schools Approach: Free Support & Tools to Improve Wellbeing at Your School

Date: Thursday 29 January
Time: 16:00hrs

Open to: All staff at state-funded schools (including academies) in Birmingham

Join the Healthy Schools team for an informative session on how to access free support and resources to boost health and wellbeing across your school community.

This webinar will:

• Explain what the Healthy Schools Approach is and its key aims
• Show how your school can get involved and make the most of the support available
• Introduce the Healthy Schools Framework – a free self-assessment tool to help improve whole-school wellbeing
• Highlight the benefits, including:
  • Editable action plans to track progress
  • Access to useful services and resources
  • Evidence to support Ofsted requirements

Register here: Free Support & Tools to Improve Wellbeing at Your School

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

First Aid / Fire Marshal Courses / MIDAS Training Courses

Please note: schools must book all training courses on the BESS Website via the links provided.  

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

Free Dance CPD Opportunity for Primary Schools

The Royal Ballet and Opera House are offering a full day of FREE Dance CPD for Primary Schools across Birmingham. This award-winning programme, Create & Dance (KS1 & KS2), is designed to help teachers deliver inclusive, creative dance lessons that meet national curriculum requirements.

What’s included?

• In-person, certified CPD training – perfect for class teachers or PE Leads. No prior ballet or dance experience needed!
• Comprehensive classroom resources, including five lesson schemes of work.
• Termly digital live lessons featuring Royal Ballet dancers.

Why take part?

• Learn practical warm-up and engagement activities.
• Explore the building blocks of dance to meet PE curriculum outcomes.
• Discover creative ways to link dance with numeracy and literacy.
• Gain access to award-winning resources that promote collaboration, physical learning, and well-being.

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click the link to complete your Expression of Interest: Free CPD Expression of Interest - The Royal Ballet and Opera.

Free Digital Maths Workshop – Celebrating Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was an extraordinary mathematician and NASA “human computer,” whose inspiring story was brought to life in the film Hidden Figures.

Join Dr Angela Tabiri, hailed as “the world’s most interesting mathematician,” for a fun, interactive 50-minute online workshop celebrating Katherine Johnson’s legacy.

Details:

• Date: Wednesday 28 January 2026
• Time: 50 minutes
• Audience: Suitable for ages 8–11
• Theme: Second in a series of three events celebrating Black mathematicians throughout the year

Why join?

• Explore fascinating maths concepts in an engaging way
• Learn about Katherine Johnson’s groundbreaking contributions to space exploration
• Be inspired by real-life role models in STEM

Sign up now: https://www.big-ideas.org/celebrating-katherine-johnson/

For queries or more information, email: maths@big-ideas.org

Free Webinar: Raising Maths Attainment & Parental Engagement

National Numeracy – the charity behind National Numeracy Day – is inviting Birmingham primary schools to join a fully funded Schools & Families Programme.

This programme helps:

• Boost pupils’ confidence with numbers and positive attitudes towards maths
• Empower parents, carers, and staff to support children’s learning
• Create sustainable strategies for long-term impact

Join a free webinar on Tuesday, 20 January at 12:30pm to find out more and how your school can benefit: Webinar Registration - Zoom

For queries or further information, contact: schoolsandfamilies@nationalnumeracy.org.uk

Birmingham Secondary Schools Invited to Enter the 2026 Next Generation Awards

The Birmingham Civic Society is inviting secondary schools across the city to take part in the 2026 Next Generation Awards (NGA) – a no-cost Citizenship programme for pupils aged 11–14, empowering them to design and deliver real-world solutions to issues that matter to their communities.

With over 37,000 young people having participated since its launch 20 years ago, the NGA develops creativity, leadership, civic understanding and teamwork while making a positive impact in Birmingham.

The Next Generation Awards:

• Fully supports the KS3 Citizenship Curriculum
• Nurtures students’ skills in teamwork, research, ICT, creative thinking, and presentation
• Gives pupils ownership of a real social issue that affects Birmingham
• Can be delivered in just six hours of lesson time (typically over six weeks, or in a compact Citizenship/PHSE block or single school day)
• Is available completely free to all Birmingham secondary schools

Visit: birminghamcivicsociety.org.uk/next‑generation‑awards
Or email: nextgenerationawards@googlemail.com to express interest and request free resources.

Bursaries Available: Train Peer Mediators in Birmingham Primary Schools

Peacemakers, a West Midlands-based educational charity with nearly 40 years’ experience, helps schools and communities build peace through practical skills and strategies.

Significant bursaries are now available for Birmingham primary schools to set up a Peer Mediation Plus scheme in 2026. Peer mediation empowers children to resolve playground disputes themselves, reducing staff intervention and creating a calmer, more positive 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 ensure the scheme’s success

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

To find out more visit http://www.peacemakers.org.uk/primary-schools or contact Libbs Packer at Libbs@peacemakers.org.uk