SEND Update March 2025

Welcome to the March 2025 SEND Noticeboard which contains important information and updates around how schools are using the OAG (as shared at SENCo Briefings this term) and a survey for SENCos and SEND leads to share how they are using this.

This update includes:

Feedback from SENCo Termly Briefings

The briefings this term were attended by 127 SENCos from across the sector and focused on: 

1. Using the Ordinarily Available Guidance in schools

The Ordinarily Available Guidance has been available to Birmingham schools for over 12 months and it is great to hear how this is being used by schools, both from MAP meeting discussions, at local SENCo groups and also through general feedback from the SEND Advisory teams. At SENCo briefings this time we were pleased to have colleagues from schools sharing their insights into using the OAG as part of the action research project they have been engaged in - Ali Quinn (Trust Inclusion Lead for drb ignite) and Caron Round (Inclusion Lead at Wyndcliffe primary school). SENCOs who attended the briefings said how practical and inspiring their presentations were, and we were pleased to see contributions from other schools on how they have been using the OAG e.g. 

  • 'We are trying to focus on adaptive teaching strategies as far as possible for the majority of our SEND pupils' 
  • We have linked the adaptive teaching to our high-quality teaching offer as universal, linked to our coaching programme in school’,
  • Staff have used the OAG to check their own understanding and awareness of guidance around the universal level of support in the different areas of need; we identified the area of least confidence among staff (Cognition & Learning) and then had a whole school focus on universal writing strategies initially, then reading’ 

We are keen to find out how every school is using the OAG and invite you all to take part in a short survey. The results from this will identify the good practice across the sector to share, as well as the challenges and potential barriers that we can look at addressing from a city-wide perspective. We will be pulling together the variety of ways the OAG is being used and will share this with you all next term; this may be helpful in supporting your own strategic planning and potential input from SEND Advisory teams and EPS. We would encourage as many schools as possible to complete the survey so that we can be celebrating what is working well and how as well as highlighting the challenges in order to seek for solutions.  

2. Preparing for Transition

We all know how important it is for CYP and families to have a good transition experience as any move of setting can pose potential challenges. The second part of the briefing looked at Transition in Section One of the OAG that is currently being developed. For the past two terms, we have been liaising with all SENCo Consortia to gain their current transition practise at a universal and targeted level, both around those ‘new to setting’ transitions i.e. phase transfers, in year moves, named placements, and ‘In-setting’ transition i.e. end of year moves. We have also linked up with a number of schools to explore their practise in more detail and to go through examples of good transitions, including talking to parents and families. This has enabled us to consider challenges in the transition process, as well as the good practice, and we will be looking to address some of these through the updated Transition Principles of Inclusive Practice in Section One of the OAG. There was also an overwhelming response to state that the information and links for parents should be included as part of the main OAG for schools, as a means of schools knowing themselves what is available in order to signpost and support families. 

We also welcomed Paul Butler (Trust Lead Practitioner for Washwood Heath MAT and East DLP lead) to share the work he has been doing around the Y6/7 Transition document, as published on the SENCo Noticeboard last month ‘Every Child Deserves a Good Start‘. Clear guidance was given on completing this spreadsheet with opportunity for colleagues to raise queries and ask specific questions – 'Every Child Deserves a Good Start' | Transition FAQs

Schools were reassured that there would be flexibility this year over time scales set within the guidance around data collection, with opportunity for reflection and amendments in preparation for next year as part of city-wide practice. 

The slide decks from the sessions are attached for your information and we hope these will be of benefit to you - SENCo Briefings March 2025

Using the OAG ccross the sector - from EYS to Post-16

Lots of work is happening around the OAG, both within schools and settings and across the wider partnership. The updates below show progress against key pieces of development as well as sharing next steps and new pieces of work on the horizon. 

Transition – Action research 

Following the SENCo briefings at the beginning of March, we have twelve schools and settings signed up for an action research project looking at using the Transition guidance in section one of the OAG. We have a good representation across the sector i.e. four early years settings (including one child-minder), one junior school, five primary and two secondary. Comments from the SENCo briefings about the draft transition guidance developed was very positive which were echoed at the action research briefing: ‘I’m looking forward to knowing more about this as it would set a minimum standard for all ….. it will make transitions easier as we all know what we have to do at the minimum and then work upwards!’ 

We’re looking forward to sharing the outcomes of their projects early in the Autumn term. 

EYS Version

Following work with the Council for Disabled Children and the Early Years working group, we have developed the draft version of the EYS version of the Ordinarily Available Guidance. We will be sharing this across the EYS sector early next term and will be inviting reception classes and Early years settings to take part in some action research to test the draft guidance though using it during the Autmn term. If you are interested in finding out more about this, then please get in touch with Heather Wood heather.wood@birmingham.gov.uk or Karen Jones karen.a.jones@birmingham.gov.uk  

Post-16 Version

Following work with the Post-16 Operational Group in early February, we are now looking for representatives across the sector to work with us on developing the Post-16 version of the OAG. Activity will begin on this next term so if you work in this sector (including Sixth Form in schools) and would like to be involved, then please get in touch with Natalie Cooper natalie.d.cooper@birmingham.gov.uk

SSPP SENCo Survey

Delivering Better Value Workstream 2 is reviewing high needs funding (HNF) arrangements, including SEND Support Provision Plans (SSPPs) to ensure that there is clarity for schools and settings about how much money they will receive for each pupil and how the decision regarding funding has been made.  

The workstream recently undertook a review of a number SSPP case studies with a multi-agency group including valued representation from SENCOs in settings, and Local Authority SEND Services. This survey is providing an opportunity to see whether the themes about strengths, areas for development and possible alternative options resonate with other SENCOs in the city. 

The survey involves 14 questions and should take no more than 15 minutes. 

Please use the following link to access and complete the survey: Complete the DBV Workstream 2 Survey

The survey will close on Friday 11th April 2025.  

BCC Section 19 Policy and Provision for Children absent through long-term or acute medical needs 

As a council it is a requirement that we have a published and working section 19 policy that sets out how the local authority discharges its section 19 duties for both 6th day provision, and where it accepts children have acute or long-term medical conditions to which their school cannot currently provide suitable education. 

The council commissions places at James Brindley Academy to provide the education for children with medical need where it accepts that these young people meet the criteria through referral. Currently, the number of referrals to James Brindley has increased by 24% compared to similar points last year and  as such the local authority will in the next half term be sharing its Statement of Intent for the commissioning of Alternative Provision (AP) to meet sufficiency. 

In the coming months, the council will also be recruiting a new Alternative Provision Team. Once in place, we will be changing the referral process for schools and settings requiring education for young people with medical need, with the introduction of our Education Access for Medical Need panel (as currently set out in our section 19 policy). This panel is multi-disciplinary and has representation from the council, James Brindley, social care, SEND, CAT, PSS, Sensory support and EP teams, Home Bridging, BCG's designated clinical officer as well as mental health services.   

Until otherwise notified schools can continue to send any new referrals for consideration to James Brindley. These referrals should only be for young people whose absence is 15 days or more,  is medically unwell, and where there is clear evidence of tier 2 graduated support in place. James Brindley will, as our commissioned partner, continue to triage and respond to new referrals whilst the Education Access for Medical Need panel triages all young people that do not yet have a place at James Brindley. The panel will  consider other alternative provision, ensure that the right health services are engaged and review the current education offer. 

We are meeting James Brindley on a weekly basis to consider and review all the young people open via referral from schools currently and we will continue to work together as we move to a new referral process going forward. Once the alternative provision team is in place we will schedule a series of webinars for schools and settings to meet the new AP team and share the new process.  

We are working with a  number of school leaders currently who have put themselves forward via our School Noticeboard communication on  21 November to join a working group to develop our AP strategy, sufficiency and governance; data, and workforce. We would ask all schools to support us in our Alternative Provision Sufficiency planning and commissioning by completing the AP survey that will be posted on the School Noticeboard for the next month. We will also be sharing with schools and AP directory  and case studies in due course.

Educational Psychology - Use of remote assessments

Birmingham Educational Psychology Service has been working with a team of agency Associate Educational Psychologists (EPs) to increase the capacity to provide psychological advice for EHC Needs assessments. This has recently extended to include the use of remote assessments where Associate EPs carry out the assessment remotely using platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.  It is a method already in use in several other local authorities. It is vital that we work to complete assessments in as timely a way as possible and so meeting children’s needs as early as possible. The option is carefully considered and where such assessments are identified as being suitable, a letter is sent to parent/carers ahead of allocation so that they’re given the option to choose whether they’re happy to proceed with a remote assessment.  

Educational Psychologists carrying out these assessments are skilled in the use of remote assessments and will contact SENCos in schools to explain how the assessment will work. We would value your support in enabling this to take place successfully. 

Should you have any queries regarding the use of remote of educational psychologist advice, please contact the area team managers: 

Celebrating and Embedding Effective Co-production across Education, Health, and Social Care Settings - The Birmingham SEND Co-production Award Scheme

The Birmingham SEND Co-production Award Scheme is a pioneering initiative designed to celebrate and embed effective co-production across education, health, and social care settings. It provides schools and organisations with a clear framework to capture the positive impact of co-production, ensuring that the voices of children, young people, and their families are at the heart of decision-making. 

Through this award scheme, settings are supported in showcasing the tangible benefits of working collaboratively with families, such as improved outcomes, stronger partnerships, and enhanced community engagement. By signing up, organisations receive guidance on how to demonstrate co-production in action and gather evidence of its ripple effects across their communities. 

To date, 40 organisations across education, health, social care, and the voluntary sector have received their bronze award.  

Many of these services are benefiting from this structured approach to embedding co-production. Early applicants are already seeing increased confidence among staff and families, greater alignment between services, and a stronger sense of shared responsibility for achieving meaningful change. 

We encourage more organisations to seize this opportunity to: 

  • Gain recognition for their commitment to co-production.
  • Build sustainable partnerships that improve experiences and outcomes for children and young people
  • Inspire a culture of collaboration and innovation within their setting

Together, we can make co-production the cornerstone of service delivery across Birmingham. Join the SEND Co-production Award Scheme today and be part of a movement driving real change for families and communities.  

For more information and how to sign up, visit this link here: Award Scheme - Local Offer Birmingham.

 If you would like to discuss this Award Scheme further, please contact Lakhvir Sahota: lakhvir.sahota@birmingham.gov.uk 

Did you know April is World Autism Acceptance Month? 

Make sure your setting is part of this celebration by taking part. There is a wealth of resources available via the Autism Education Trust which are FREE for settings. They can be found via the AET website: or you can follow the link by the countdown to Autism Acceptance Month clock on the Communication and Autism Team Local offer page: Communication and Autism Team - Local Offer Birmingham 

Make sure you share your events with us in CAT as we celebrate autistic children, young people and adults together. 

The NEC are bringing you The Autism Show this June! 

The Autism Show is a national event. There are opportunities to speak with organisations involved in supporting autistic children and adults, as well as hearing talks from autistic speakers and leading professionals within the field of autism. It is the largest event in the country dedicated to the autism community and is taking place on 27th and 28th June at the National Exhibition Centre. Members of the Communication and Autism Team will once again be speaking at this year’s show. Further information can be found via the show’s website: Home - Autism Show Birmingham.

Speech and Language Therapy Updates

Free CPD for Developmental Language Disorder  

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a condition that impacts how children understand and use language. It’s estimated that 7.6% of people have DLD; that’s 2-3 children in every classroom. There are short, free videos available on the NAPLIC website for school staff and families to learn more about DLD. - NAPLIC | DLD resources for schools and families - NAPLIC 

SaLT Support for SENCO Consortia Networks  

Let the SENCo leading your SENCo consortia meeting know if you would like a SaLT School Age Coordinator (SACO) to attend your next consortia meeting. The SaLT SACO can talk with you about the SaLT service, tasters of training available through the Link SaLT working with your school, and ways of working together.  

Destination Deaflympics is here!

8-16 year olds can travel a sporting journey to the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics, trying out new activities with friends and learning about Deaflympians and the DeaflympicsGB team along the way. 

Deaf children tend to be 50% less active than their hearing peers. This resource can be used with deaf and hearing students in your setting. Destination Deaflympics - UK Deaf Sport – scroll down to request access to a free digital resource pack. 

Working With Deaf World

At a recent meeting of professionals to improve transition to Post 16 for SEND young people, Deaf World were invited to share their good works with the Learning Support Teams in FE settings across the city. They are especially keen for links with FE to ensure effective transitions for Deaf young people into the post-16 sector.

Deaf World is a registered charity dedicated to supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing young people (ages 11–25) across the West Midlands. Since 2009, they have been working to reduce isolation, promote good mental health, and equip young people with essential life skills. Through workshops, social events, and mentoring, they look at how to empower young people to build confidence, independence, and strong community connections. Deaf World also collaborate with schools and professionals to raise awareness and improve accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing young people. Deaf World is a young people's service led by young people.

Please use the following link to contact them for further information: Deaf World – Empowering deaf and hard of hearing young people

Supporting parents to be empowered!

The Be Empowered team warmly invite parents of pupils with additional needs to a series of workshops next term. These workshops are for parent/carers of children and young people of any age, with any additional need, with or without a diagnosis, and are there to support parent/carers through times of change and at whatever stage of the journey participants may find themselves. 

The 6 workshop sessions, written by parent/carers of children with additional needs, are facilitated by parents/carers alongside colleagues from the SEND Advisory teams. Rather than being a parenting course, these sessions are about providing parent/carers with the skills to navigate the journey and to empower them as individuals, as well as to connect to other people and create friendship groups that last well beyond the end of the workshops. 

Please share this invite and attached flier with parents of pupils with additional needs in your setting. For any queries about the Be Empowered Workshops please call Christine Legore, Parent Engagement Consultant on: 07770 762 056 or email at BeEmpowered@birmingham.gov.uk 

SEND and Alternative Provision Parent Carer and Young People's Surveys - March 2025

In Birmingham we are developing a reliable baseline to measure how Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) & Alternative Provision (AP) services are performing. We have co-produced two surveys, one for parent carers and the other for young people with additional needs, who are in receipt of either an Education Health Care Plan or receiving SEND support. 

SEND and AP Parent Carer Survey | March 2025

SEND and AP Young People Survey | March 2025

Training Events Coming Up

Co-production Training Sessions

We are excited to announce our free co-production training sessions in 2025. These sessions are open to all staff and volunteers working in SEND education, health, social care, and the voluntary sector across Birmingham. We also warmly welcome young people (16+) and parent carers to join us in shaping better services together. 

What to expect: 

  • Hear real perspectives – Insights from young people and parent carers on what co-production means to them 
  • Share and celebrate – Discuss your experiences, successes, and new opportunities for co-production 
  • Understand the impact – Discover how co-production strengthens services, improves outcomes, and builds stronger networks 
  • Explore the 4Cs framework – Gain practical knowledge of the SEND-Co-production-Framework-Charter 
  • Learn about the Co-production Award Scheme – Find out how your team can evidence and showcase meaningful co-production in your setting 

This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and drive real change in how we work together with SEND children, young people and parent carers. 

To book your place, visit this link here: Birmingham SEND Co-production Training 2025 - Local Offer Birmingham 

Join us and be part of the movement towards stronger, more inclusive co-production in Birmingham! 

If you would like to discuss this training further, please contact Lakhvir Sahota: lakhvir.sahota@birmingham.gov.uk 

Increase your skills and knowledge in supporting autistic children and young people: Autism Education Trust Training

The following courses for settings will available to book via the Local Offer by the end of this week. They are designed to increase skills and knowledge in supporting autistic children and young people. Use the following link for more information and too book your place: Autism Education Trust Training | Local Offer Birmingham. 

AET Early Years Developing Inclusive Leadership: 14th May 2025 (am) and AET Schools Developing Inclusive Leadership: 20th May 2025 (pm) 
This course aims to support leaders in their role of developing a whole school ethos and approach to supporting autistic pupils. Delegates receive a 26 page practical support pack which contains information regarding legislation and templates for supporting change management. 

AET Early Years Good Autism Practice: 6th May 2025 (full day), AET Schools Good Autism Practice – secondary focus: 1st May 2025 (full day), and AET Schools Good Autism Practice: 15th May 2025 (full day) 
This course enables you to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of autism and provides practical ways to support pupils. Delegates who attend this course will receive a 60 page practical support pack with information to refer back to and templates to use within settings. 

AET Understanding Autism and Anxiety: 2nd June 2025 (pm) 
This course focuses on the causes of anxiety and how anxiety may present in autistic children and young people. It explores how staff in settings can reduce and support anxiety. Delegates attending this course will receive a 45 page practical support pack which contains information, strategies and resources for staff to support anxious autistic pupils. 

NEW: AET Transition Module: 23rd May 2025 (am) 
This course looks at micro and macro transitions and advises on how to support autistic children and young people with transitions. Delegates receive a practical support pack which includes strategies, information and templates. 

AET Early Years Toileting Module: 23rd June 2025 (am) 
This course aims to help delegates to understand the importance of working with others to support children to develop independent toileting skills, and to develop knowledge of how to support children to achieve toileting independence. Delegates will receive a practical support pack and packs to support parent carers within the home. 

AET Early Years Developing Play Module: 19th June 2025 (pm) 
This course enables delegates to understand how the three areas of difference related to autism impact on the development of play skills;  the importance of all adults working together to support the child to develop play skills; and will help delegates develop knowledge of how to support autistic children to develop play skills. Delegates will receive a 53 page practical support pack and a 3 part parent pack. 

AET Progression Framework (updated with NEW Progression Framework included for delegates): 10th June 2025 (pm) 
This course supports delegates to become more familiar with the AET Progression Framework and how it can implemented effectively to track progress and support target setting. Delegates receive a delegate pack which they can refer back to following the training and a copy of the NEW AET Progression Framework to use with pupils throughout their setting. The AET Progression Framework tool supports the tracking of progress for all ages, from tracking early communication and interaction to Preparation for Adulthood outcomes. 

Look out for more courses in the autumn term.

PSS Course Overview - Summer Term 2025

Pupil and School Support are pleased to offer a range of courses next term which are suitable for a range of audiences from schools and settings. To find out more about any of these courses or to book a place, please follow this link: Pupil and School Support - Local Offer Birmingham. If you have any queries or questions about these courses please either speak to your allocated PSS teacher or email PSSInfo@birmingham.gov.uk 

Makaton

The SEND Advisory services have a new offer for Makaton training which will support Birmingham’s aim to develop an inclusive, holistic approach to developing speech, language and communication skills across the city. Research proves that Makaton supports the development of interaction and communication and encourages more vocalisations, speech sounds and eventually, words.   It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.  It can also help to reduce frustration for those who find communication with others challenging.  

Level 1 Courses

  • Thursday 8th May 2025
  • Thursday 22nd May 2025

Level 2 Courses

  • Monday 16th June 2025

Cost for one day of training: £60.

SENCo Survival Training - Thursday 22nd May and Thursday 5th June 2025

This course is designed to provide timely information around the statutory and legal responsibilities of the SENCO role as well as information and support with local systems and procedures. The cost for two days of training: £435.

  • Roles and responsibilities of the SENCO  
  • SEND Code of Practice and the graduated approach 
  • Provision management and monitoring 
  • The Birmingham local offer and schools SEND Information report 
  • Access to local services and methods of referral 
  • Guidance on SEND Support Provision Plans, Statutory assessment procedures and the funding system 
Toolkit Progress Tracker (TPT) Training - Thursday 12th June 2025, 1:30pm-3:30pm

The Toolkit Progress Tracker is an online tool, using the Birmingham SEN Toolkits, that enables schools to:  

  • Track and analyse individuals, groups, class and whole school toolkit data to demonstrate and report progress for those with Cognition and Learning needs 
  • Produce documents at the click of a button to report to Parents/Carers, Staff, SMT, Governors and Ofsted 

Cost: £517 (includes site license and training)

Interpretation of Toolkit Progress Tracker Data to support Provision Management - Tuesday 17th June 2025, 9:15am-12:15pm

The Toolkit Progress Tracker is an online tool that enables schools to track and analyse individuals, groups, class and whole school toolkit data to demonstrate and report progress for those with Cognition and Learning needs. It produces documents at the click of a button to report to Parents/Carers, Staff, SMT, Governors and Ofsted. 

This course supports schools to: 

  • use and interpret Toolkit Progress Tracker data to inform their development and adaptation of the curriculum  
  • evaluate whether pupils’ outcomes are improving as a result of the different or additional provision being made for them 
  • monitor and quality assure the data and its use to inform provision and learning    

Cost for 1/2 day of training: £132

PCR Facilitator Training

‘Person-Centred Thinking Tools and Person-Centred Reviews (PCRs) help to involve young people and their parents in the decision-making process and increase engagement at all stages of the graduated approach. The assessment and planning process should enable children and young people and their parents to express their views, wishes and feelings… and be part of the decision-making process. This approach is often referred to as a person-centred approach…’ (SEN COP 2015) 

Pupil and School Support will be running a 2-day course which provides the training that enables professionals to facilitate this type of review in their school or setting. 

Our next course is on Wednesday 11th June and Thursday 12th June 2025 at a cost of £435.00 per person, with a reduction in cost to £330 per person if two or more participants attend from the same setting. 

Neurodiversity Training 

West Midlands Combined Authority are offering free online training for employers and support staff to raise awareness of neurodiversity and workplace inclusion. Please book using the links below:

This entry was posted by Cartney Wellington on 24/03/2025.