Noticeboard

Noticeboard - 27 March 2026

Welcome to this week’s noticeboard, with key updates and guidance including a message from James Thomas, Public Health measles advice, and details for the Attendance and Inclusion Conference.

This week's noticeboard includes: 

Key Message from James Thomas - Interim Executive Director of Children & Families

Dear colleagues

Thank you to each and every one of you for all your hard work, your dedication and commitment to the children of Birmingham as we come to the end of term and prepare for the Easter holidays. Also, I want to thank both Sally and the Early Years Forum, and Selina and the Primary Forum for their warm welcomes this week – the latter whilst I was still on my bike which wasn’t exactly the plan! I will prioritise each of the Phase Fora so that I am a regular attender as much as I can be, mostly listening to the key issues for Headteachers but also communicating the strategic news from the Council and regular discussions with DfE.

It has been a good week to see children and young people’s voices embedded in our strategic boards. Zaidaan (15 years old, Bishop Vesey's Grammar School) is one of the Safeguarding Children’s Partnership’s new Young Scrutineers – a group of young people who have volunteered to work in collaboration with our Independent Scrutineer Darren Downes and provide a child and young people’s perspective on our priorities and the ways that we are trying to achieve positive impacts. It was great to listen to Zaidaan’s passion and challenge to public services to be more focused upon children’s needs and responsiveness. I know from previous experience the difference that embedding these perspectives can have, for example in shifting the focus of a Domestic Abuse strategy to prioritise abuse behaviour within adolescent relationships.  

The role of children and young people has been embedded for longer in our Corporate Parenting Board and we have an impressive nine groups for children in care and care experienced young people covering different age groups and different protected characteristics. Our thematic focus was upon Health & Wellbeing, and as usual we rooted our discussions upon what children and young people told us about support for their health needs – most of their experience had been reasonably positive which was reassuring, but their enduring concern is access to the right mental health support at the right time. It was particularly pleasing to have collated the views of younger children as that is something we have struggled with – and I do wonder if there might be some cross-sector learning here that Primary Schools might be able to share – do get in touch if you think that is something you would like to contribute to. I have seen many inspiring demonstrations of children’s participation and empowerment in primary and obviously that is something that all our Rights Respecting Schools champion, for example the development of “job roles” for children to apply for and take on proportionate responsibilities.

And finally, a shout out to the Virtual School for organising such a fantastic Secondary School Awards event for our children in care, and to recognise that part of the success was down to the co-production of the event with the children themselves!

James 

James Thomas
Interim Executive Director of Children & Families

Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Measles This Spring

Measles cases are continuing to increase in the region. As we approach the Easter holiday, please encourage parents to get their children immunised to help keep themselves and others safe and healthy this spring.

If your education setting hasn’t already done so, please read and share the materials in this toolkit with the appropriate audiences: 

  • Action cards for colleagues in early years settings and schools
  • 1-page information sheet for parents
  • Newsletter article for parents
  • Social media static images and copy

What is measles?

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. 

The best protection against measles is two doses of the MMRV immunisation.

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 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 early years setting has measles, please contact the UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection team (HPT) at 0344 225 3560 (option 2). The HPT will do a risk assessment and determine what actions are needed.

What is the best way to protect against measles?

The MMRV immunisation protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella). Children are offered 2 doses of the immunisation when they are 12 months and 18 months old. Older children born on or after 1 January 2020 are also offered 1 or 2 doses of the immunisation.

A pork-free version of the MMRV immunisation, called Priorix-Tetra, is 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 immunisation is no longer offered to all young children. It is recommended for anyone born on or before 31 December 2019 who missed having this immunisation when they were younger.

How can you get the immunisation?

To get immunised, book an appointment at your GP surgery. To find out if your child is up to date with their immunisations, can check their Personal Child Health Record or ‘red book’ or contact your GP surgery.

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

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

Attendance & Inclusion Conference 2026 – Book Now!

FAO: Headteachers (primary, secondary, special and LA maintained nursery schools) and Chairs of Governors

Booking is now open for the Attendance & Inclusion Conference 2026. Headteachers and Chairs of Governors are invited to attend one of the two free full‑day events.

Venue: St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park (BCFC), Cattell Road, B9 4RL

Choose ONE day - both days follow the same programme and core content (speakers may vary).

  • Tuesday 16 June 2026, 08:30–15:30
  • Wednesday 17 June 2026, 08:30–15:30

200 places per day – early booking recommended.

Register now: Attendance & Inclusion Conference 2026

Highlights

  • DfE keynote
  • Four practical inclusion & attendance workshops
  • 125‑item downloadable toolkit (bring a flash drive)
  • Launch of Birmingham’s Inclusion Charter
  • Marketplace of support services
  • Inclusive Pathways Framework
  • “Inclusion Through Our Eyes” gallery
  • Ask the Panel Q&A & networking

For any questions, please contact: attendance@birmingham.gov.uk

Schools Finance

Schools Closure of Accounts 2025/26

Thank you to all schools that have submitted their year‑end workbooks. We are currently reviewing the returns and will be in contact to confirm acceptance or to discuss any queries that may arise.

Following the Easter break, all schools are required to submit a bank reconciliation up to 31 March by 17 April, using the bank reconciliation template available here: Bank reconciliation template | Birmingham City Council.

Once completed, please return your reconciliation to SchoolsFinance@birmingham.gov.uk. 

We appreciate your continued cooperation and support.

Special Schools 2026/27 Revised Budget

Schools Finance has updated the website to include the special schools revised 2026/27 budget.

The budget can be found at the below link: Special schools indicative budget 2026 to 2027 | Birmingham City Council.

All budget downloads are available here: 2026 to 2027 financial year | School budgets and financial planning | Birmingham City Council.

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

Counter Terrorism Local Profile (CTLP) Briefing for School Leaders & Governors

We are inviting school leaders and governors to attend an important Prevent CTLP Briefing, offering the latest insight into local risks, threats and safeguarding responsibilities within education.

This session is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Birmingham City Council’s Prevent Manager, Sean Arbuthnot, who will outline recent developments in Prevent and the challenges currently seen across Birmingham. The briefing will help strengthen understanding of terrorism, extremism and radicalisation, and support you to build resilience within your setting.

Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Format: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

Please book via BESS using this link: Counter Terrorism Local Profile (CTLP) Briefing for School Leaders and Governors | Birmingham Education Support Services

Reminder: Birmingham RE Teachers Network

RE teachers are invited to join the Birmingham RE Teachers Network, meeting once a term to support delivery of the Agreed Syllabus, share good practice and strengthen links with SACRE. Sessions will be led by Ayisha Ali, Senior Education Adviser, with contributions from SACRE members. The first meeting will be held in May.

If your school would like to take part, please send your name, school, role and phase (one representative per school) to: religiouseducation@birmingham.gov.uk. 

Please send your Expression of Interest to religiouseducation@birmingham.gov.uk by 25 March 2026. 

Early Education Entitlement – Provider Guidance

2‑Year‑Old Funded Places

Before offering a funded place for a 2‑year‑old child, please ensure that the child is eligible. Parents can complete the online eligibility application themselves, or you can do this on their behalf with their permission. The application link is here: https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/oeye/birmingham

Every application generates an eligibility code or reference number. Please keep a record of this for audit purposes.

If the code returns as eligible, you may offer a funded place. If the checker does not confirm eligibility, please view the parent’s evidence (for example, a letter confirming the child receives Disability Living Allowance). Then email: earlyeducation@birmingham.gov.uk -
include the child’s name, date of birth, the code/reference, and a brief description of the evidence you have seen. The Early Education Entitlement team will review this and, if appropriate, override the application to “eligible” and send written confirmation so that a place can be offered.

If a child is starting before the termly headcount date, please ensure that any override requests are submitted before 20 May 2026.

Please do not offer places or submit funding claims until eligibility has been confirmed.
If a child is starting after headcount, please follow the flexible or exceptional agreement process.

Full details of the national 2‑year‑old eligibility criteria can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds

If you would like to promote 2‑year funding to families, you are welcome to share this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jagU4sv9LE

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

Consumables and Additional Charges

Government guidance states that anything provided over and above the free funded hours must be voluntary for parents. Any optional, chargeable extras must be:

  • Clear and transparent
  • Up to date
  • Easy for parents to access

From January 2026, all providers with a website must publish their charges online.

Invoices and receipts must be fully itemised, clearly showing:

  • Free funded hours
  • Additional paid-for hours
  • Food charges
  • Non-food consumables
  • Activity charges

You can charge for:

  • Consumables used by the child, such as nappies or sun cream
  • Meals and snacks
  • Optional extra activities (events, celebrations, specialist sessions such as music or languages)
  • Additional private hours, provided these are genuinely optional and not a condition of accessing the funded hours

You cannot charge for:

  • Top‑up fees (the difference between your usual hourly rate and the funding rate)
  • Any materials or resources needed for delivering childcare or the Early Years Foundation Stage
  • Business running costs such as rent, staff salaries, cleaning supplies, insurance, or utilities
  • Registration fees or non-refundable deposits as a condition of taking a funded place
  • General, non‑specific charges (for example “enrichment” or “sustainability” charges)
  • Any additional fees that are not clearly identified and itemised as optional extras

Please note: You must not ask parents to collect their child during the funded day for lunch and return them later, or structure hours in a way that creates an artificial break (for example, offering only 10–12 funded hours and 1–3 funded hours with chargeable hours in between).

All providers, including schools and private/voluntary/independent settings, will receive further detail on consumables by email this week.

For queries please contact: earlyeducation@birmingham.gov.uk

Terms and Conditions

The Birmingham City Council Terms and Conditions document is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_lEA9CQS5pWKifz4hICKgM4n2A8zHELb/view?usp=drive_link

Eligibility codes for all funded schemes (including 2‑year disadvantaged, working family entitlement, Free School Meals and Early Years Pupil Premium) can be checked here:
https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/oefe/birmingham/provider

Headcount Days

There is one headcount date per term:

  • Autumn: 1st Thursday in October
  • Spring: 3rd Thursday in January
  • Summer: 3rd Thursday in May

Only include children who actually attend on headcount day in your COLLECT census return.
Your Early Years Single Funding Form will be emailed to your setting’s enquiry inbox.

Funding Rates (April – March)

  • 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds: £6.28 per hour
  • 2‑year‑olds: £8.87 per hour
  • 9‑month‑olds: £12.29 per hour
  • Early Years Pupil Premium: £1.15 per hour (up to 15 hours per week – eligible code required)
  • Free School Meals: children must receive at least 5 funded hours during core hours (9am–3pm)
  • Disability Access Fund: £978 per year for eligible children

Parent Declarations

Every funded child must have a signed parent declaration (or equivalent paperwork) confirming that the parent agrees to the funded place. This must be signed each term.

We may request these forms in the event of:

  • Duplicate claims
  • Disputes
  • Audit checks

Please direct any questions to earlyeducation@birmingham.gov.uk

Parent Wellbeing Newsletter – Please Share With Your School Community

We’re pleased to share the latest Parent Wellbeing News Update from the Togetherness team – an online NHS‑supported learning environment designed by psychologists and health practitioners. Togetherness provides accessible, research‑informed resources to support emotional health, positive behaviour and strong relationships at home.

Please share this update with all parents and carers in your school community.

You can access the newsletter here:

The Togetherness team create these wellbeing updates twice per term. If there’s anything additional you’d like included, or if you’re interested in teacher training, resources or workshops, please contact: togetherness@uhb.nhs.uk

Reflections Training Academy & Next Level Training – Apprenticeship and 16–19 Open Day

Students preparing for life after school are invited to attend the Reflections Training Academy Open Day on Friday 10 April at 1pm. The event will take place at their Birmingham academy, 2 Commercial Street, B1 1RS.

This joint open day is a great opportunity for young people to explore two exciting career pathways in one place:

Reflections Training Academy – Hairdressing & Barbering

Perfect for students who enjoy creative, hands‑on work. Reflections offers:

  • Hairdressing and barbering training
  • Apprenticeships where students can earn while they learn
  • Real salon experience
  • Recognised qualifications and practical skills

Next Level Training – Business Administration & Marketing

Ideal for students interested in:

  • Business and organisation
  • Digital skills
  • Practical courses that support progression into employment or apprenticeships

What students can do on the day

  • Meet tutors and training staff
  • Explore the academy and facilities
  • Learn more about courses and apprenticeship options
  • Ask questions about progression and career pathways

Whether a student is considering a creative, practical career or wants to explore business and digital pathways, this event will help them make an informed decision about their next steps.

For any queries, please contact: ellie.stone@reflectionstraining.co.uk. 

Visit Leader & Educational Visits Training

Visit Leader Training (In Person)

Date: 21 April 2026
Time: 9:00–16:00 (3 hours theory + 3 hours practical)
Venue: Riverside Studios, Kingsbury, North Warwickshire, B78 2NP
Cost: £207.30 per delegate
Booking: https://birminghameducationsupportservices.co.uk/Event/292009
Enquiries: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk

Overview:
For staff who plan or lead educational visits.
Covers legal responsibilities, planning, risk management, emergency procedures, navigation, group management and practical decision‑making.

Educational Visits Co‑ordinator Training (Online)

Date: 24 April 2026
Time: 09:00–16:00
Cost: £207.30 per delegate
Delivered via: Microsoft Teams
Booking: https://birminghameducationsupportservices.co.uk/Event/292500
Enquiries: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk

EVC Revalidation Training (Online)

Date: 28 April 2026
Time: 12:00–15:30
Cost: £138.01 per delegate
Delivered via: Microsoft Teams
Booking: https://birminghameducationsupportservices.co.uk/Event/292507
Enquiries: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk

 

This entry was posted by Dawn Evans on 23/03/2026.

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