Noticeboard

Noticeboard - 27 February 2026

This week’s Noticeboard includes a message from James Thomas, summaries of the latest SEND reform announcements, updates from Schools Finance, details about the Bring it on Brum! Spring 2026 programme, and other important updates for schools.

This week's noticeboard includes: 

A Message from James Thomas

SEND Reform

The SEND reforms have finally landed. The overall thrust of what the government has set out has much to recommend it, but at this stage I remain cautious about the commitments for implementation and these reforms could still be done well or done badly. In that sense, I am probably in tune with the majority in terms of initial reactions across the country and across stakeholder groups and given the level of contention around SEND I think you would have to say that means these proposals have landed pretty well. The commitments for implementation and the quality of reforms delivered will be dependent upon us all continuing to work as a partnership and to ensure that we plan effectively for the coming changes.

I agree with the focus upon early identification and provision of support rather than too much focus on assessment; I agree with the championing of inclusive mainstream education for the many; and I agree with the empowering of both schools and local authorities.  However, there will be challenges on each of these core elements of the proposed changes. When trust in the system is so low for many parents, their focus upon assessments that they perceive to guarantee entitlements is likely to remain. When schools are facing multiple pressures and expectations, then it is a big ask upon those who have not already developed a highly inclusive in-school system. Whilst the government cites some big numbers for investing money, the real deal is how much that will mean for individual schools and local authorities, and it may not be enough.

There is everything to play for here, and although there is a long run up to full implementation in 2029/30, we need to begin thinking about our planning and approaches to implementation of the reforms. Our next step is to respond to the formal consultation that has been launched which I would encourage everyone to consider responding to – the link for which is here SEND reform: putting children and young people first - Department for Education - Citizen Space. There will be the legislative battle to come to get this through parliament and once the legislation is tabled with the accompanying guidance there will be clarity around the detail for us to implement.

We would like to support you in understanding and responding to the reforms and so you will see below in the noticeboard our briefings summarising the government’s announcements which we hope is helpful. We are also organising a schools webinar on 19th March designed to help promote understanding and discussion and there will be further updates and communications soon – we have considered whether to convene an earlier webinar but on balance thought more helpful once everyone has had a chance to absorb this week’s announcements before we come together.

Martin Fitzwilliam moving on in the Autumn

Martin Fitzwilliam has accepted the role of Chief Education Officer at Infinity Academies Trust in the East Midlands and will leave his post as Director of Schools and Employability at the end of this academic year, 31 August 2026. Martin will remain in post until then and will continue to lead the service’s work in support of schools and outcomes for children and young people. 

Whilst recognising that another change in this leadership role is not ideal, I do want to give reassurance about the level of continuity that will be maintained and our absolute commitment to maintaining the pace of continual improvement in partnership with all of Birmingham’s headteachers and education leaders. The Children and Families leadership team continues to have the Director level leadership from Helen Ellis, Razia Butt and Adrian Weissenbruch, and through all those Heads of Service who will continue to lead on the delivery of current priorities. 

Birmingham City Council will progress recruitment to a substantive Director of Schools and Employability during the summer term and so expects to make that appointment well before Martin leaves, and we look forward to engaging the support of school and setting leaders in that process. Martin will then support a transition plan during his remaining time in post. I would like to thank Martin for his leadership and ongoing commitment during the remainder of the academic year. 

James

James Thomas
Chief Executive Birmingham Children’s Trust
Interim Executive Director of Children and Families
 

Supporting Schools with SEND Reforms

We want to support schools in understanding and responding to the Government’s SEND reforms. Below are summaries of the latest announcements, which we hope you’ll find helpful:

Schools Finance

Schools Budget 2026/27

Each year, Birmingham City Council sets the amount that maintained schools can spend. This includes:

  • Individual School Budgets for Primary and Secondary Mainstream Schools
  • Indicative High Needs Budget for Maintained Special Schools

Cabinet approved school budgets on 10 February 2026. Where budgets are indicative, these will be updated at various points throughout the year.

Budget Share guidance is also provided with a detailed breakdown of funding factors and the basis of allocating the school budget share.

The indicative budgets for 2026/27 can be accessed via this link: Budgets for schools in Birmingham | School budgets and financial planning | Birmingham City Council

Schools Closure of Accounts 2025/26

The closure of accounts guidance and year-end templates are available to view by using the following link: Year-end procedures | Birmingham City Council

The first training session on how to complete the return was held on 25 February, and the recording will be available to view on the above page shortly. Subsequent training sessions will be held on the 3 March and 4 March. The timings and links to access these sessions can be found in the guidance.

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

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

The 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 the 27 March 2026 by emailing 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: Schools financial value standard 2025-26 guidance | Birmingham City Council

Thank you for your continued support.

Bring it on Brum! is back for Spring 2026

Exciting programme of FREE holiday clubs for children and young people aged 4-16 eligible for benefits-related free school meals

These clubs are available throughout the holidays, from Monday 30 March 2026 – Friday 10 April 2026 (excluding weekends and Bank Holidays) and are open to those eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Bookings will officially open from Monday 9 March 2026 via the Bring it on Brum! website at www.bringitonbrum.co.uk.

Schools have been provided full details, via a separate email, including:

  • Parent/Carer letter template
  • Bring it on Brum Code by School
  • Mail merge guidance
  • Promotional Poster

For any questions about the distribution of information to parents and carers, please contact SchoolCensus@birmingham.gov.uk.

For general enquiries about the Holiday Activities Programme, please email Birminghamholidayactivities@streetgames.org.

Secondary School Offer Day - Important Information

Details about the arrangements for Secondary School Offer Day have now been published on the council website: www.birmingham.gov.uk/schooladmissions. This information has also been emailed to all Year 6 parent/carers this week.

Secondary school place offers will be issued on Monday 2 March 2026.

  • Offer emails will be sent on Monday 2 March. Most parent/carers should receive them by 4:00pm, although the exact time may vary depending on individual email providers.
  • Offer letters will also be posted from 2 March 2026.

To ensure fairness and consistency for all families, waiting lists will not be available before Monday 23 March 2026. No waiting list information can be provided prior to this date.

Please note that late applications (submitted after the final closing date of 31 October 2025) will be processed after 2 March 2026, once all on‑time applications have been considered.

If you have any further questions, please contact: admissions@birmingham.gov.uk.

‘Every Child Deserves a Good Start’ – Updated Guidance and Transition Form

Schools are advised that the updated ‘Every Child Deserves a Good Start’ Transition Guidance and the accompanying Primary to Secondary Transition Form are now available. These resources are designed to support a smooth and well‑informed transition for every Year 6 pupil moving to secondary school.

Please access the updated documents here:

Thank you for your continued support in helping ensure every child receives the strongest possible start to their secondary education.

Should you have any queries or require support please contact: John McInerney, School Improvement Advisor – John.Mcinerney@birmingham.gov.uk, or Lisa Smith, Virtual School Headteacher – Lisa.Smith@birmingham.gov.uk.

Birmingham Virtual School Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) Policy 2026-2028

Birmingham Virtual School has updated its Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) Policy 2026–2028 for Children in Care. The revised policy sets out allocation arrangements, expectations for Designated Teachers, guidance on appropriate use of PP+, and the DfE‑aligned tiers of spending to support improved progress and attainment.

Read the full PP+ Policy 2026–2028 here: Pupil Premium Plus policy 2026 to 2028 | Birmingham City Council

Please ensure Designated Teachers, safeguarding leads, SENCOs and staff involved in PEPs or PP+ decision‑making are aware of this update.

If you have any questions, please contact Birmingham Virtual School at: birminghamvirtualschool@birmingham.gov.uk.

Education Improvement Framework

The School Improvement Team is pleased to share the Education improvement framework developed collaboratively with schools and leaders across Birmingham over the past 18 months. The framework has been refreshed to reflect updates from the revised Ofsted framework, along with wider developments across the education sector.

Feedback from Consortia and Networks has played an important role in shaping this framework. Ongoing engagement with schools will continue to inform its implementation, with further input planned ahead of the next academic year.

The framework has a dual purpose:

  • to identify the support schools may require, and
  • to outline the support available from the School Improvement Team.

It applies to all maintained schools and has been designed from a capacity-building perspective, using a non‑judgmental approach. Schools are assessed using four categories – Embedded, Established, Developing, and Causing Concern – with an overview of the support available for each set out on page 13 of the document.

Every maintained school will receive an annual categorisation visit, which will identify strengths and areas for development and confirm the support for the following 12 months. A best-fit model is used to support a strengths-based approach.

Additional support will be available for schools within the Ofsted inspection window and for those experiencing a change in headteacher.

For further information, schools can contact their School Improvement Advisor or email schoolimprovement@birmingham.gov.uk.

Ensuring Timely EHCP Processes and Updates to Finalisation Practice

To help improve the timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes, we will be making a change to the way some plans are finalised.

We fully recognise how important it is that statutory 20‑week timescales are met so that children and young people receive the right support as quickly as possible. We also understand the frustration and anxiety caused when delays occur.

Despite our best efforts, some delays remain outside of the Local Authority’s direct control. These include, for example, delays in receiving essential advice from other services or challenges within the wider system. We continue to work closely with all partners to reduce these delays and to improve our shared responsiveness.

One of our main reasons for delay relates to sufficiency challenges. When a child or young person is awaiting a place at a resource base or specialist provision but is  attending a mainstream school, our current standard practice is to not finalise before/in line with the 20 weeks until the specialist placement is confirmed, As a result, the child remains in their mainstream school without the additional funding an EHCP would ordinarily release.

To address this and ensure that statutory deadlines are met more consistently, we will be implementing a change to our practice.

Going forward, where a child or young person is attending a mainstream setting and we are still consulting with specialist provisions, we will name the current mainstream school in the final EHCP. This will allow us to meet the statutory timescale and release the necessary funding to support the child or young person sooner.

Families, young people, and settings will be informed when this happens. We will make it clear that:

  • the mainstream school is being named to meet statutory obligations and secure funding in a timely way, and
  • the Local Authority will continue to monitor for available places and consult when appropriate.

We hope this approach ensures both transparency and more timely support.

We understand that settings may have questions regarding fulfilling the provision in Section F. Please contact your SEN services and SENAR so that we can work collaboratively to ensure that Section F is delivered.

We appreciate there also may be questions regarding funding. In line with current practise, if required, the 6+ funding for pupils requiring Resource Bases and 6+(S) for pupils requiring specialist provision will be made available.

We will also be offering further Q and A sessions to answer any further questions. Dates of this will follow. Please complete an online form to add your name to the email list: Q and A sessions-SENAR – Collaboration

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our children and young people.

WellComm Data Collection – Autumn Term

For the attention of Primary Schools and Nursery Schools

WellComm is Birmingham’s approved screening tool, supporting a consistent universal approach to identifying and addressing children’s speech, language, and communication needs. Each term, we ask schools and nursery schools to share their WellComm screening data so we can monitor usage and evaluate impact across the city.

The Autumn term WellComm data collection form is now available. Please note that day nurseries and childminders do not need to complete the form.

Deadline for submission: 31 March 2026 -  WellComm Data Collection Form

Support Sessions

To help you complete your data return, we are offering two online sessions demonstrating how to:

  • Use the WellComm data spreadsheet to collate screening results
  • Track children’s progress using the tool
  • Transfer data accurately into the online collection form
  • Access further support if needed

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Book your preferred session:

Pupil Place Planning – Confirmation of PAN Reductions

To help manage the ongoing impact of surplus primary places and reduced pupil intakes, we have implemented PAN reductions at several of our maintained schools. Following consultation earlier this year, we can confirm that the Office of the Schools Adjudicator has approved the following variations:

  • Adderley Primary School – will reduce their PAN from 60 to 30 for reception 2026.
  • Thornton Primary School – will reduce their PAN from 120 to 90 for Y3 2026
  • Ward End Primary School – will reduce their PAN from 120 to 90 for reception 2026

We continue to discuss reductions of PANs for Reception 2027 entry.  If you are an academy and would also like to discuss proposals for Reception 2027, please also get in touch.

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

UK–Ukraine School Partnerships Programme – Opportunity for Schools

Please note: Headteachers have already been sent this information directly earlier this week. We are sharing it again here as a follow‑up reminder for any schools that may have missed the original communication.

The British Council is inviting UK state-funded primary and secondary schools to join the UK–Ukraine School Partnerships Programme, supporting international collaboration with schools in Ukraine. As part of Birmingham’s partnership with the city of Zaporizhzhia, several schools there are keen to be matched with UK partners.

The programme offers:

  • Funding for a teacher to attend a partnership workshop in Poland
  • Training on trauma‑informed practice and international collaboration
  • Resources to support Reading for Pleasure and cross‑cultural learning
  • Ongoing support to establish and sustain the partnership

Application deadline: 2 March 2026
Apply directly via the British Council: https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/uk-ukraine-partnerships

For questions about the wider Birmingham–Zaporizhzhia partnership, contact: Heather Law, European Affairs Manager – Heather.Law@birmingham.gov.uk

Health & Safety – Recall of Hobbycraft Products

A product recall has been issued by The Office for Product Safety and Standards and also Hobbycraft for a range of products which have been identified as presenting a risk to health as they include vials/bags of sand which may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.

The products have been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by Hobbycraft.

The advice is to stop using them immediately and keep them out of the reach of children. 

Further instructions and details for disposal and return of the products are provided by the government Office for Product Safety and Standards:

For any queries, please contact: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk

Teacher Encounter Days – Invitation for Schools

Ladder for Greater Birmingham is pleased to invite teachers to take part in two upcoming Teacher Encounter Days at Millennium Point. These events are designed to give teachers valuable insight into emerging industry sectors, future skills, and the pathways available to young people across the region. Each session will include industry talks, practical activities, an Assessment Day simulation, and opportunities to network with sector experts.

The Teacher Encounter Days will take place on 30 April 2026 and 9 July 2026, running from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7AP. Teachers who have attended previous sessions have praised the events for their high‑quality employer engagement, hands‑on activities, and the valuable information they provide – particularly for supporting SEND learners and highlighting apprenticeship routes.

This is a fee‑to‑join event funded by the West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network. Schools are encouraged to book early to secure places. Bookings can be made via the following link: https://forms.gle/A7HU9CoWq5rVF4dM8.

For further details, teachers can contact Anne Moore on 07789 645 668 or via anne.moore@ladderforbirmingham.co.uk.

Free Reflective Reading CPD: Engaging Students Through Unseen Texts

Do you teach English literature in a diverse secondary school or college? Are you looking for ways to encourage thoughtful, inclusive responses to unfamiliar texts and support students from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds?

In this FREE CPD session, led by the Empathy, Narrative and Cultural Values (ENCV) research team, teachers will explore the Unseen Reflection method - a reflective reading exercise developed through research with inner-city Birmingham students, including Muslim learners. The approach helps students respond to unseen texts through emotion, memory, and thought, building confidence and fostering deeper engagement.

The session will be led by Professor Peter Morey, Professor Amina Yaqin, Dr Eva Momtaz and Dr Farah Navid, with support from English Teacher Vanessa Havill (Joseph Chamberlain Sixth-Form College).

This CPD forms part of the ENCV team’s wider toolkit for reflective, inclusive literacy practice and is designed to be immediately applicable in the classroom.

  • When: Tuesday 24 March 2026 (1:30 - 3pm)
  • Where: University of Birmingham (Room TBC)

For more information and to sign up, click this link: Reflective Reading CPD Sign Ups

Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn Webinar: ChatHealth Messaging Service & Attend Anywhere Drop‑In

The Healthy Schools team is hosting a Lunch & Learn webinar focusing on the ChatHealth Messaging Service and the School Nurse Virtual Drop‑In (Attend Anywhere). The session will run twice, covering the same content:

  • 12:30pm – Tuesday 3 March 2026
  • 4:00pm – Wednesday 22 April 2026

This webinar is open to all staff in mainstream primary, secondary, and alternative provision settings, including virtual schools.

About the Services:

  • ChatHealth is a secure, confidential NHS text messaging service for young people aged 11–19, providing direct access to advice and support from public health nurses.
  • The School Nurse Virtual Drop‑In (via Attend Anywhere) offers parents and young people a no‑appointment online opportunity to speak with a school nurse about any concerns.

The session will give school staff an overview of how both services work and how to signpost pupils and parents effectively.

Register for a session:

For any queries, please contact: healthyschools@birmingham.gov.uk

 

This entry was posted by Dawn Evans on 16/02/2026.

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