Transition events

Schools will be aware that Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health, has advised that all transition events should be virtual due to rising cases of COVID in the city.

The council’s risk assessment template which was updated and shared with schools last week, includes a section (pages 26-27) on pupil transition. This provides suggestions schools may wish to consider when making arrangements to support new intake:

• A plan is in place for pastoral staff to speak with pupils and their parents about the next stage in their education and resolve any issues.
• There is regular and effective liaison with the destination institutions (e.g. From PVI setting to Nursery School/Nursery Class/Reception, primary, secondary schools, post-16 providers, universities, apprenticeship providers) to assist with pupils’ transition.
• Regular communications with the parents of incoming pupils are in place, including letters, newsletters and online broadcasts
• Virtual tours of the school are available for parents and pupils.
• Online induction days for pupils and parents are planned. There is regular and effective liaison between host school and the destination institutions (e.g. From PVI setting to Nursery School/Nursery Class/Reception, to primary, to secondary schools, to post-16 providers, to universities, to apprenticeship providers)
• An online transition booklet or pack that covers key information for students is available
• Set up a new starters’ email address so prospective parents can ask specific questions (if manageable to resource particularly over summer holidays)
• Include a Frequently Asked Questions section on the school website.
• Teacher/staff video greetings or profiles so parents/pupils can ‘meet them’ virtually
• If appropriate, consider new teacher/s visiting feeder schools where pupils cannot travel to their new provisions (particularly for young pupils)
• Regular communications with the parents of incoming pupils are in place, including letters, newsletters and online broadcasts.
• A plan is in place for pastoral staff to speak with pupils and their parents about the next stage in their education and resolve any issues
• There may be exceptional cases for pupils with specialist needs where a virtual transition is not possible or effective. In these circumstances please ensure robust individual risk assessments are in place.

The suggestions above have been provided to assist with the planning of virtual transition. At the same link is a document with other transition ideas that may be of use for schools at this time. The suggestions in the risk assessment and the transitions document are not intended to be an exhaustive list and we are aware that not all of the suggestions will be appropriate for all schools/pupil cohorts/staff groups.

As always, officers are also available to support with any risk assessment queries that schools may have. Please email edsi.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk   

Webinar with Birmingham Public Health: Wednesday 23rd June 2021 3pm – 4pm

Senior Public Health officers are holding a webinar for schools next week to discuss the current situation with COVID in Birmingham, the city being an area of enhanced support and the implications of the national extension of some restrictions past 21st June.

To book a place at this webinar, please use this Eventbrite link and a Teams link will be sent before the session.

The slides presented and a recording of the session will be shared with all schools later on Wednesday.