Noticeboard: 30 April 2021

This week's Noticeboard includes information about the Dual Funding Initiative, an update regarding the EYFS Profile Moderation, the VAT treatment of catering, UNICEF training and more.

Included in this update:

Schools Dual Funding Initiative 2021/22

Education Infrastructure is pleased to launch the 2021/22 Schools Dual Funding Initiative. This is an opportunity for schools to apply to the Local Authority for funding to assist with specific key building priorities.

At this link is a covering letter with full conditions of the initiative and an application form. Community, Foundation and Voluntary Controlled schools may apply.

Applications must be received by 7th June 2021. Please submit application forms and enquiries to Education Infrastructure via edsi.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk 

Note: The application form and conditions will also be published to the Education Infrastructure section of the Birmingham Education Support Service website as soon as possible: https://www.birminghameducationsupportservices.co.uk/Services/3051

VAT treatment of catering (extension to the temporary reduced rate)

The temporary reduced VAT rate for hospitality services, introduced by the Government last year, has now been extended to 30 September 2021. Hospitality includes supplies of food and drinks consumed on premises, in addition to hot takeaway food and drinks and supplies of catering services. Whilst the reduced rate is in force, VAT should be charged at 5% on qualifying supplies. Please ensure you are applying the correct rate of VAT to any hospitality supplies that you make up to 30 September 2021. For example, adult meals in schools will remain subject to 5% VAT (rather than 20%) until 30 September 2021. A different VAT rate will apply from 1 October 2021 which will be notified of in due course.

Should you have any queries or if you are unsure on the correct rate of VAT to apply please get in touch with a member of the Council’s VAT team (VAT@birmingham.gov.uk / Leigh.nash@birmingham.gov.uk / Janet.morritt@birmingham.gov.uk / Thomas.A.Rees@birmingham.gov.uk)

EYFS Profile moderation and transition sessions (non-early adopters) – Voluntary, Funded

This funded opportunity will provide time and space for supportive professional moderation dialogue between teachers from across the city and will support Year One transition conversations. The focus of the moderation sessions are the Early Learning Goals for Communication and Language and Literacy. In addition to the funded place, schools may choose to provide an informal opportunity to have a Year One class teacher present who will be able to observe the process of moderation in support of transition.
Afternoon surgeries will provide follow-up discussions where necessary.

For the session please have to hand a child’s learning journals (paper or electronic) for ‘Communication and Language’ and ‘Literacy’, these will be used to prompt discussions. Please feel reassured that a lot of your assessments of your child’s learning and development will be from the ‘knowledge you have in your head’. In preparation for online sharing of children’s writing, teachers will need to scan a collection of independent writing (3-4 pieces) for a pupil/s of their choice. (Further guidance will be provided nearer to the session taking place.)

IMPORTANT – Funded places are limited to one place per school, for one key stage only. https://www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/our-offer/eyfs-profile-moderation-and-transition-sessions-non-early-adopters-voluntary-funded/

Early Career Framework Conference

In September 2021 NQT induction is changing. Induction will follow the Early Career Framework (ECF) and will become a two-year process. NQTs or Early Career Teachers will still need to be registered with an Appropriate Body. This half-day course will give participants a clearer understanding of the new Early Career Framework (ECF) process of induction, awareness of what is required of schools to ensure they comply with statutory guidance and an introduction to the different programmes available.
A variety of speakers have been invited from the six programme providers and local Teaching School Hubs. https://www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/our-offer/early-career-framework-conference/

Risk of NEET Indicator (RoNI) Toolkit

Following on from the Risk of NEET Indicator (RoNI)  ‘Awareness Raising’ Event held for education settings on Wednesday 10th March 2021, the Local Authority has relaunched the RoNI Toolkit. The recommendations made by colleagues who attended the event have been incorporated and we are pleased to share with you the amended version with guidance notes for Pre-16 settings. Also attached is the Post 16 RoNI Toolkit which has been developed by the West Midlands Combined Authority with Birmingham Local Authority Pre-16 RoNI as a template to work from. Copy of RoNI for Pre-16 Education Settings with Guidance Notes is at this link.

The Local Authority welcomes a citywide, consistent approach to identifying young people who may be at risk of disengaging from education. Please incorporate the use of these newly revised RoNI Toolkits within your education settings to support you with the early intervention of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) young people. If you have any queries, please contact a member of the 14-19 Participation and Skills Team on 07921 238 732 / 07742 405 112 - or by email: 14-19@birmingham.gov.uk

UNICEF RRSA training courses for 2021-22

Our training courses will use a new online format to deliver the same insightful content, tailored to help you achieve the next stage of the award. Expect expert guidance from our experienced trainers, without the need to travel.  Our three hour courses will help you to understand each strand and how to achieve the next stage of the Award. Sessions will take place online, via Microsoft Teams. You will not need to download any special software to access, you will be able to join the session through your web browser.

For further information regarding bookings please contact SSI@birmingham.gov.uk

UNICEF RRSA Support Workshops for 2021 - 2022

We are now offering support workshops for each stage of the award.  Our tailored sessions will give you that focused support you need to enhance your rights respecting work in school. Sessions will take place online, via Microsoft Teams. You will not need to download any special software to access, you will be able to join the session through your web browser.

For further information regarding bookings please contact SSI@birmingham.gov.uk

This entry was posted by on 29/04/2021.