Noticeboard

Noticeboard - 15 May 2026

This week’s School Noticeboard includes: a message from James Thomas; important updates, deadlines and actions; training and events; opportunities for pupils and students; and information, services and support.

This week's noticeboard includes:

Key Message

Important Updates, Deadlines & Actions

Training & Events

Opportunities for Pupils & Students

Information, Services & Support

Message from James Thomas, Interim Executive Director of Children and Families

The votes are all in, the counts completed and Birmingham’s residents have reflected the national political picture in a more diverse range of choices than we have been used to in recent years. The full spread of seats across so many different parties brings a challenge to those political groups and their leaders, in finding a way to forge a coalition that will form an administration which does reflect the wishes of the all the people of Birmingham. I hope that we can take heart from the long tradition of pragmatism in local government and the fact that there is a consensus on many of the priorities that need addressing, but it is likely to take some time for the detailed negotiations to conclude that are now underway.

For the new administration, the new Lead Member for Children’s Services, the new Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, and the large number of new members who are taking up their roles of councillors for the first time, my role and that of my team is to ensure that we give all the support that they need in understanding children’s needs at this time, how we deliver to meet those needs both directly and through schools & settings, and how we work in partnership. I usually describe my role as the statutory Director of Children’s Service as having three components – firstly as the leader of the services that we deliver, secondly as the leader of partnerships, and thirdly as a champion for children – and I will certainly be emphasising the latter role in helping the new administration to articulate its specific commitments to children and families. I am really encouraged by the initial degree of interest new members are showing in the agenda for children and the consistent emphasis seen in their manifestos upon young people.

Finally a shout out for Bellfield Junior School, which featured on ITV Central News this week, with coverage highlighting the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme and showcasing pupils themselves as confident, articulate advocates. It’s a fantastic reflection of the inclusive, pupil‑centred practice we’re proud of across Birmingham schools.

James

James Thomas
Interim Executive Director of Children and Families

Fair Access Protocol – Consultation reminder

This is a reminder for schools to review Birmingham City Council’s proposed revisions to the Fair Access Protocol and to share any comments or feedback as part of the online consultation. To support this, schools are encouraged to read the proposed revised Fair Access Protocol alongside the accompanying briefing for schools, which sets out the key changes and considerations:

The consultation closes on Thursday, 18 June 2026 and feedback can be submitted via the online consultation:  Revised Fair Access Protocol 2026 - Consultation.

Webinar to support schools

To further support schools, we will be holding an online webinar on Tuesday 2 June 2026, from 16:00 to 16:45. Schools are invited to attend to learn more about the proposed changes to the Fair Access Protocol and to ask questions. This is a great opportunity to find out more and hear directly from officers. You can join the session via Microsoft Teams using this link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/328165157551833?p=UoLnGMUfJEEb6sJa4Y

If you have any questions, please email: FairAccessConsultation@birmingham.gov.uk. Thank you for taking the time to engage with this important piece of work.

New Data Protection Complaints Requirement – action by 19 June 2026

From 19 June 2026, the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 introduces a new statutory requirement for organisations to have a clear process in place for handling data protection complaints.

Schools, as data controllers, must ensure individuals can raise data protection concerns directly with them and that complaints are acknowledged, investigated and responded to appropriately before any escalation to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Schools and governing boards are advised to familiarise themselves with the ICO’s guidance on the new data protection complaints procedure and review existing complaints arrangements to ensure they explicitly cover data protection matters.

Further information: How to deal with data protection complaints | ICO

Trade Union Facility Time – Transitional Reimbursement Arrangements

When Birmingham City Council closed HR for Schools as a traded service, the central administration of Trade Union (TU) facility time was due to end on 1 September 2025. To support schools and academies to move to local arrangements, the Council agreed to continue administering TU facility time for a time‑limited transitional period, which will now end in August 2026. All organisations should ensure they are preparing to move to local arrangements ahead of this date.

During the transitional period, maintained schools continue to be covered through de‑delegated arrangements, with funding for TU representative release held centrally. Where invoices are correctly raised and coded, reimbursement can continue in line with existing practice.

Academies and academy trusts wishing to access TU facility time reimbursement during the transitional period must first contribute to the central TU facility time fund. These arrangements are intended to support continuity during transition and are not intended to subsidise independent academies using public funds.

Birmingham City Council is not refusing to reimburse appropriately invoiced TU facility time; however, invoices cannot be processed where the required central contribution has not been paid. Where no contribution has been made, invoices will only be considered once payment into the central fund has been received.

For academies and academy trusts participating during the transitional period, contributions are calculated using the October 2025 census, at £4.63 per primary pupil and £3.81 per secondary pupil.

If you have submitted an invoice that has not yet been processed, please check whether the required contribution has been paid. For confirmation of participation or queries about contributions, please contact Garry Graham, Industrial Relations Lead, at garry.graham@birmingham.gov.uk.

School Based Nursery Phase 3 Capital Funding Programme

Schools are invited to express an interest in Phase 3 of the Department for Education’s School Based Nursery Capital Programme, which offers a valuable opportunity to increase the capacity of existing nursery provision or to create new nursery provision, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.

The programme aims to support schools to increase the number of early education places for children aged 0–4 years within existing early years provision, or to create new places within provision based on the school site, where there is an identified unmet need in the local area.

Funding is available to support capital costs only, specifically for the refurbishment or repurposing of existing space on the school site. Revenue funding is not included as part of this programme.

This funding opportunity is open to all state‑funded schools, including maintained nursery schools, primary schools, and all‑through schools with primary provision.

Schools interested in this opportunity are asked to contact Kevin Caulfield (kevin.caulfield@birmingham.gov.uk) and Rebekah Horton (rebekah.horton@birmingham.gov.uk) directly to arrange a meeting. This discussion will provide an opportunity to explore proposals and receive further information about the application process and eligibility requirements.

Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn: Pupil mental wellbeing decline and school connectedness – 20 May 2026

The next Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn webinar, Pupil mental wellbeing decline and school connectedness: four years of Breathe census data, will take place on Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 4:00pm and is open to primary and secondary school staff.

The session will share key findings from four years of Breathe mental wellbeing census data, highlighting patterns of declining wellbeing across pupils’ school lives and the inequalities within this decline. It will also explore how schools can respond, with a focus on strengthening school connectedness, accessing appropriate support for pupils (including self‑referral and professional referral pathways), and working with external partners and funded initiatives to enhance school wellbeing provision.

You can register for the session here: Pupil mental wellbeing decline & school connectedness: 4 years of Breathe census data

To receive details of future Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn webinars, email healthyschools@birmingham.gov.uk to join the mailing list.

Reflections Training Academy Open Day

Reflections Training Academy, in partnership with Next Level Training, is hosting a Birmingham Open Day on Friday 29 May, from 1:00pm. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in Hairdressing, Barbering, Business Administration, Customer Service or Digital Marketing to explore their options, meet the team and learn more about available training routes.

Visitors will be able to tour the academy, meet tutors and the enrolment team, find out about apprenticeships and full‑time courses, take part in a creative competition and ask questions about careers and training. There are no minimum GCSE entry requirements, with a focus on attitude, passion and potential, and apprenticeships can start throughout the year.

The Open Day takes place at Unit 2a/2b, 2 Commercial Street, Birmingham, B1 1RS.

Parents and carers are welcome to attend.

Register to attend – Best Start in Life Launch Event

Registrations are now open to attend the launch of Birmingham’s Best Start in Life Strategy.

The event will bring together early years providers, professionals, and partners to share Birmingham’s vision for improving outcomes from pregnancy through to age five.

As part of the event, attendees will be able to hear presentations and explore an Early Years Marketplace, featuring support, insight, and resources from across the system – including a range of local and national early years partners.

  • Date: Monday 8 June 2026
  • Time: 10:30am – 1:30pm
  • Location: Banqueting Suite, Council House, Birmingham, B1 1BB

Register to attend: Best Start in Life Strategy Launch Event Registration – Fill in form

Please note that attendance should be strictly limited to one representatives per setting. The event is not intended for your whole setting to attend.

Booking is on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and the form will automatically close once we reach our capacity of 150 guests.

Providers are welcome to share the registration link with parents and carers of early years children who may be interested in attending.

If you are unable to participate in this session, please note that additional webinar sessions covering the content will be scheduled in the future. Monitor this space for upcoming updates and additional information.

Show Us What Inclusion Looks Like – Through Pupils’ Eyes

The deadline for submissions is Friday 5 June 2026.

Full details, including examples and simple submission guidance, are available in the Inclusion Gallery poster.

We’re inviting Birmingham schools and settings to take part in a city‑wide Inclusion Gallery at the Attendance & Inclusion Conference taking place on 16/17 June, sharing what inclusion looks and feels like through the eyes of children and young people. This is a simple, creative opportunity for pupils of any age or phase to express their experiences, values and ideas about belonging, using images and their own words.

Schools and settings are invited to submit up to three images. Each contribution should include one photo or drawing created by pupils, along with a short caption (one to two sentences) written in the pupil’s own words. When submitting, schools should choose one prompt for pupils to respond to: either “What helps you feel happy, safe and that you belong at your school or setting?” or “If inclusion was a picture, what would it look like in Birmingham?”

Taking part offers a positive way to celebrate inclusive practice already happening across the city. Pupils’ work will be displayed at a city‑wide conference, ensuring children and young people’s voices are not only heard, but also seen.

Entries should be emailed to InclusionGallery@birmingham.gov.uk and include the name of your school or setting, up to three images cropped and ready for print, and a separate caption file for each image. Selected contributions will be featured in the Inclusion Gallery.

If you have any questions, please contact Ann Scott, Partnership Inclusion Manager, at Ann.Scott@birmingham.gov.uk.

Stop Loan Sharks Week – Game Over for Loan Sharks

Stop Loan Sharks Week takes place from Monday 11 May, raising awareness of the risks and realities of illegal money lending.

As part of this year’s campaign, the England Illegal Money Lending Team has launched “Game Over for Loan Sharks” – a free, interactive online game developed with Digital Arts Box. The game helps children and young people understand the dangers, pressures and hidden costs associated with loan sharks, in a fun and accessible way.

Schools and colleges can:

  • Play the interactive game with pupils to explore the impact of illegal money lending
  • Use it as a learning opportunity around financial awareness and online safety
  • Take part in a related competition, where pupils are encouraged to create and submit their own versions of the game

The interactive game is now live and can be accessed via the Stop Loan Sharks website: Game Over For Loan Sharks - Stop Loan Sharks

Support is also available for anyone affected by illegal money lending:

The Early Years Ordinarily Available Guidance (OAG) now available online!

We’re delighted to share that the Early Years Ordinarily Available Guidance (OAG) is now live and available to explore at localofferbirmingham.co.uk/online-ordinarily-available-guidance.

The guidance is full of simple, practical “things you can try” to support children in your setting, particularly when a child might need a little extra help. It’s designed to help practitioners think about inclusive everyday practice, while also helping parents and carers understand the type of support that should ordinarily be in place for young children.

The OAG can be used to help everyone include every child, support reflection on what is already working well and what you might try next and strengthen positive working relationships with families.

This guidance will continue to grow and improve over time, and we’d really welcome your feedback. Please take time to explore the site with your team, try the ideas out in your setting, and share the guidance with colleagues you work alongside. Any feedback can be sent to senconoticeboard@birmingham.gov.uk.

We are also building a shared library of useful ideas and examples from across the city. If there is something that works well in your setting – whether a routine, a resource or an approach you use to support children – we’d love to hear from you so we can share it with others. If you’d like to get involved, please email senconoticeboard@birmingham.gov.uk.

This entry was posted by Dawn Evans on 12/05/2026.