Included in this update:

• Leading Reading at Key Stage One
• Voluntary, Funded KS1 TA writing moderation session
• Voluntary, Funded KS2 TA writing moderation session
• Teaching and Leading MFL in Primary Schools
• Commonwealth Connections Project
• The PIPA Trial – exploring the effectiveness of an online parenting resource

Leading Reading at Key Stage One

Primary education reading leader training recommended for EYFS and KS1. Topics covered: 

• Reading Leader Focus
• Time Allocation to Reading
• Assessment and Tracking
• Pupil Progress
• Groups of children
• Staff Training and Development -

https://www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/our-offer/leading-reading-at-key-stage-one/

Voluntary, Funded KS1 TA writing moderation session

This funded opportunity for the moderation of writing will provide time and space for supportive professional dialogue between teachers from across the city and offers the potential to support transition conversations. In addition to the funded place, schools may choose to provide an informal opportunity to have a colleague present during the session e.g., Y1, Y3 or Y7 class teachers, who will be able to observe the process of moderation in support of transition. Afternoon surgeries can be booked with lead moderators for follow-up discussions on the day, where necessary. In preparation for online sharing, teachers will need to scan a collection of independent writing (3-4 pieces) for a pupil/s of their choice. Teachers should be prepared to state the current TA judgement based on the evidence provided. IMPORTANT – Funded places are limited to one place per school, for one key stage only. https://www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/our-offer/voluntary-funded-ks1-ta-writing-moderation/

Voluntary, Funded KS2 TA writing moderation session

This funded opportunity for the moderation of writing will provide time and space for supportive professional dialogue between teachers from across the city and offers the potential to support transition conversations. In addition to the funded place, schools may choose to provide an informal opportunity to have a colleague present during the session e.g., Y1, Y3 or Y7 class teachers, who will be able to observe the process of moderation in support of transition. Afternoon surgeries can be booked with lead moderators for follow-up discussions on the day, where necessary. In preparation for online sharing, teachers will need to scan a collection of independent writing (3-4 pieces) for a pupil/s of their choice. Teachers should be prepared to state the current TA judgement based on the evidence provided. IMPORTANT – Funded places are limited to one place per school, for one key stage only. https://www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/our-offer/voluntary-funded-ks2-ta-writing-moderation-session/

Teaching and Leading MFL in Primary Schools

With the renewed Ofsted focus on middle leaders in schools, this course aims to give Modern Foreign Language subject leaders an understanding of second language acquisition and teaching foreign languages, whilst offering solutions to build teachers’ subject knowledge and ensure progression across year groups. https://www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/our-offer/teaching-and-leading-mfl-2021/

Commonwealth Connections Project

The 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham provides a unique opportunity to build some powerful learning by connecting schools around the West Midlands with schools from across the Commonwealth. After much planning Birmingham Education Partnership and the British Council, with great support from the Youth Sports Trust and Birmingham’s Arts / Cultural sector, are inviting you to get involved. Currently we are looking for 60-80 schools to work with artists, sports people and partner schools through next year. The Commonwealth Connections Project is twinning schools here with those in official development assistance (ODA) eligible Commonwealth countries. The project will create bespoke educational opportunities for young people and their teachers across the Commonwealth to learn together and develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth and its values, thus allowing young people to feel more ownership and ability to shape their communities. Closing date for applications: 28th May - https://bep.education/2022-commonwealth-games-schools-project-commonwealth-connections/

The PIPA Trial – exploring the effectiveness of an online parenting resource

The PIPA Trial is exploring the effectiveness of an online resource for parents/carers to help prevent depression and anxiety in young people. The trial is coordinated by the University of Warwick. We will be recruiting families of young people aged 11-15 years from Birmingham, Coventry and surrounding areas and are collaborating with secondary schools to promote the trial and engage with families. Involvement for schools is very easy and minimal – we will work with a key contact in your school (mental health/safeguarding lead or similar) to sign a letter agreement and send out invitations to families (we will provide all necessary documents).

The PIPA Trial is free of cost to families and schools and is conducted completely online. Parents/carers and young people who are eligible to take part will be asked to complete some questionnaires and will receive access to a range of online parenting resources. This is a great opportunity for schools to get involved in the drive to improve youth mental health and support students and families, particularly during these unprecedented times. If your school is interested in getting involved and would like more information, please contact the trial team: Email: PIPA@warwick.ac.uk - Phone: 02476574316 or 02476575078 - Website: www.warwick.ac.uk/pipa