This week's Noticeboard includes: 

• A message from James Thomas, Chief Executive of Birmingham Children's Trust and Interim Director of Children's Services
• Schools Finance Updates
• SEND Co-production Training 2026
• Clean Air Zone School Minibus Exemption
• Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn Webinar: An introduction to healthy lifestyle services from BeeZee Families by Maximus
• Togetherness - An update on wellbeing for every school parent
• First Aid, Fire Marshall and Educational Visits Courses

 

A Message from James Thomas, Chief Executive of Birmingham Children's Trust and Interim Director of Children's Services

Dear colleagues

I’m grateful to those who have expressed support and confidence in the interim arrangements pending Sue Harrison’s absence, including from colleagues in the DfE and Ofsted.  I am working hard with our four Directors for Children & Families to ensure that I support the continuity of our service delivery and our relationships, and that we maintain the momentum of improvement.

Thank you to colleagues who attended the recent Headteacher Induction session. These events are a really important opportunity for new leaders to build connections, access essential information and feel supported as they settle into role. Your engagement is very much appreciated, and the School Improvement Team is available for any ongoing support needs.

Curriculum Groups have maintained strong engagement, with recent work focusing on PSHE/RSHE curriculum design, use of Section 175 safeguarding data, early intervention for pupils at risk of exclusion, tackling misogyny, and the use of Virtual Decisions in learning around knife crime. Insights from the recent misogyny survey will inform next steps. Thank you for continuing to contribute thoughtfully to this work. Anyone wishing to attend future sessions can book via BESS (Birmingham Education Support Services).

Co-production remains at the heart of our SEND services and recent engagement with young people at Calthorpe Academy, Ninestiles Academy and The Hive College has given clear direction on improving the Local Offer website. The feedback from young people will directly shape upcoming changes to improve accessibility and usability. Thank you to everyone for their involvement in this important work. Please continue to signpost children, young people and families to the Birmingham Local Offer.

Our in person SEND Co-production Training sessions will also continue across Birmingham throughout 2026. These sessions are free and open to staff and volunteers across SEND education, health, social care and the voluntary sector, as well as young people and parent carers. Full details are available on the Local Offer website.

Thank you again for your continued partnership and engagement.

James

Schools Finance

Schools Closure of Accounts 2025/26

The draft closure of accounts guidance and year‑end workbook are now available here: Year-end procedures | Birmingham City Council

We invite all schools to attend an initial briefing on 30 January, 10:00–11:00am.
To join the meeting, please use the following link:
Microsoft Teams Meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/36577374258432?p=MHUe7CLEhyvSj66FaS

For colleagues unable to attend, the session will be recorded and published on the link above.

Subsequent training sessions on how to complete the return will take place on:

• 25 February
• 3 March
• 4 March
  Timings and access links for these sessions are included in the guidance.

For any queries regarding the guidance, please contact: SchoolsFinance@Birmingham.gov.uk

Reminder: Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS) 2025/26

The DfE requires all local‑authority‑maintained schools to submit the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS) checklist to their local authority each year. The checklist provides assurance that schools are meeting the financial management and resource‑use standards expected.

Schools must submit their SFVS checklist to the LA by 27 March 2026 by emailing:
SchoolsFinance@birmingham.gov.uk

The form for the 2025/26 SFVS submission is available on the GOV.UK Schools financial value standard webpage.

Please note that the Statement of Internal Control, Pre‑certification Checklist for Governors, and Governors Financial Assurance Checklist are no longer required and have been replaced by the SFVS.

The SFVS 2025/26 Guidance can be found here: Schools financial value standard 2025-26 guidance | Birmingham City Council

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

SEND Co-production Training 2026

We are delighted to announce that our in-person SEND co-production training sessions will continue to take place at a variety of venues across Birmingham.

All sessions are free of charge and are open to staff and volunteers working in SEND education, health, social care, and the voluntary sector services in Birmingham. Young people and parent carers are welcome to attend this training. Unfortunately, we do not have childcare arrangements in place for these sessions.

Purpose of SEND Co-production Training Sessions

• Define co-production and the 4Cs – explore the SEND Co-production Framework & Charter
• Hear perspectives on co-production – from young people and parent carers
• Share experiences – identify opportunities and celebrate co-production successes
• Understand the benefits – how co-production can make a difference in your work and networks
• Learn about the SEND Co-production Award Scheme – a tool to show the impact of co-production in your setting

For a list of upcoming co-production training sessions and information on how to book, please click here: SEND Co-production Training 2026 - Local Offer Birmingham.

Clean Air Zone School Minibus Exemption

FAO: Headteachers and School Administration Teams – Maintained Schools and Academies

Community and school transport vehicles can be exempt from the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charge. Please note that this exemption is not automatic – an application must be submitted.

If your school minibus is non‑compliant, you are eligible to apply for an exemption. Approved exemptions are valid until May each year.

Evidence required

To apply, you will need to upload:

• The V5C document (showing registered keeper details and vehicle registration)
• A current Section 19 or Section 22 permit

If you already hold an exemption for permit year 2025/26, please disregard this notice.

Apply here: Community and school transport | Support and exemptions | Brum Breathes

For further information, please contact the Clean Air Zone Team at cleanair@birmingham.gov.uk

Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn Webinar

FAO: All primary and special school staff
Title: An introduction to healthy lifestyle services from BeeZee Families by Maximus
Date: Tuesday 10 February, 12:30pm

BeeZee Families by Maximus provides free healthy‑lifestyle programmes for eligible families and children across Birmingham.

Join this short Lunch & Learn session to find out more about their services, including:

• Who BeeZee Families by Maximus are
• What support they can offer to families and schools with primary-aged children
• Eligibility criteria for their programme
• Information about their online academy, which is available to all

Register here: An introduction to healthy lifestyle services from Beezee Families by Maximus

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

Togetherness – An Update on Wellbeing for Every School Parent

Birmingham City Council’s Family Hub programme funds local access to Togetherness, enabling parents and carers to benefit from high‑quality NHS‑developed emotional health and wellbeing content at no cost.

Togetherness is an online learning platform created by psychologists and health practitioners. It provides accessible, evidence‑informed learning designed to support emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and positively influence behaviour.

Please share this wellbeing update from the Togetherness team with all parents and carers: Togetherness - An update on wellbeing for every school parent. 

If there is anything additional you would find helpful, or if your school is interested in staff training or resources, please contact togetherness@uhb.nhs.uk.

First Aid / Fire Marshal Courses / Educational Visits Courses (EVC)

FAO: Schools, Academies and Nursery Staff