Online form for vulnerable children

In recent weeks we shared the link to an online form for schools to complete. This form is a way of schools letting us know about vulnerable children who are not attending school and who schools remain concerned about. Schools do not need to provide information in the form about vulnerable children where they are satisfied the children are safe at home.

Thank you to the schools who have returned the form so far. The information that is provided in these returns is shared with partners to agree the best way to support families. Please could those schools who have not yet completed the form submit a return as soon as possible to enable us to baseline the citywide position.

Previously we advised that the form should be completed weekly. This is no longer necessary. Once the form has been completed, schools can provide updated information about their vulnerable children/changes in circumstances by emailing EducationSafeguarding@birmingham.gov.uk

Thank you all for your continued support for vulnerable children.

Safeguarding webinar

The recording of this afternoon’s session can be accessed at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt993BEDTs0&feature=youtu.be and the slides presented are attached with this update.

Information about accessing support for families through Birmingham Children’s Partnership is available at this link.

The Birmingham Children’s Partnership home visiting policy is attached with this update.

We will collate the questions that were asked in the chat and respond as soon as possible.

Birmingham City Council ‘No Platform’ Policy

Please find attached the updated ‘No Platform’ Policy. This policy will be posted on the Education Safeguarding website as soon as possible.

COVID-19 Community Champion Scheme

The COVID-19 Community Champion scheme was launched last year to help share important Public Health guidance across the city.

Through local knowledge and by being part of the communities themselves, our Champions are playing a vital role in keeping their neighbours, friends and loved ones safe from the virus.

There are now almost 600 Champions doing this great work across all 69 wards in Birmingham. However, there are still several locations in which uptake can be improved and, crucially, where virus case rates are disproportionately high:

• Lozells (958)
• Perry Barr (926)
• Yardley East (907)
• Heartlands (881)
• Bromford & Hodge Hill (853)
• Handsworth Wood (839)
• Birchfield (781)
• Bordesley Green (764)
• Aston (750)
• Ward End (749)

By becoming a COVID-19 Community Champion, and helping us to distribute accurate, reliable information to the people in your network, you could play a part in reducing this high rate of infection.

Once you have signed up, you will receive regular updates giving you the latest data straight from the Public Health team. You will be invited to exclusive webinars hosted by the Director of Public Health for Birmingham, Dr Justin Varney, and will also benefit from wide-reaching social media interaction.

Not only this, you will have direct access to the Public Health team who will be able to answer any questions you or community have about COVID-19, including on vaccination, testing and government guidelines. Most importantly, you too will be helping to keep your community safe.

So, if you would like to make a real difference by becoming a COVID-19 Community Champion, click here to sign up today: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50231/coronavirus_covid-19/2256/covid-19_community_champions/3