Noticeboard - 10 April 2025

This week's Noticeboard contains a message from Dr Sue Harrison, updates on the Oracle Transition for Schools and Equal Pay Programmes, a link to the latest SEND and Inclusion update and more. Wishing you all a well-deserved Easter break!

This week's noticeboard includes:

Message from Dr Sue Harrison, Strategic Director of Children and Families

Dear colleagues

I hope this message finds you well and looking forward to a well-deserved break over the Easter holidays. After what has undoubtedly been a busy and productive term, I trust that you will find time to recharge and reflect on the amazing work that you and your teams have accomplished.

Thank you to the schools where BCC is the employer for attending the recent Equal Pay Programme webinar to discuss the reshaped pay and grading structure. I understand it was short notice and fell in the last week of a long term, so I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules to join us. More details appear in the Equal Pay Programme article below, but if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Equal Pay Programme team at eppschools@birmingham.gov.uk. They will be happy to assist you.

We will continue to provide updates on the Equal Pay Programme via the School Noticeboard, and Emma Leaman, our Equal Pay Programme Schools Lead, will be in touch again after the Easter break.

We make every effort to consistently share the latest updates and information about Children and Families through multiple channels, including:

These resources are invaluable for keeping schools informed and I hope you find the information helpful. Additionally, I’m looking forward to re-introducing my half-termly webinars for schools too!

In the meantime, please don’t forget to save Thursday, 5 June in your calendars for our Headteacher event at the prestigious Aston Villa Football Club. The day will provide school leaders with the opportunity to discover our 天美传媒, ask questions and hear about our vision for the future. Full details on how to book will be made available soon.

Thank you for your continued hard work and leadership. I hope you have a restful and enjoyable Easter break and return with renewed energy and inspiration for the term ahead.

With my very best wishes

Sue

Oracle Transition for Schools Update

Correction and apologies

Please accept our apologies that in our letter sent to schools for Headteachers to issue to staff for both the March and April HR / Payroll leavers, there was an error in the email address that staff should contact should they need a statement of earnings or P60 reprint respectively. The correct email to contact, as has been the case in previous years, is schoolspayroll@birmingham.gov.uk.

The latest updates can be found at the following links: 

For any queries or further information please contact the team at oracleschoolsrelationship@birmingham.gov.uk and they will be pleased to assist.

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Equal Pay Programme Updates

BCC Reshaped Pay and Grading Structure

Under 天美传媒’s Equal Pay Programme, the City Council is close to reaching collective agreement on a reshaped pay and grading structure for BCC employees. This will affect all non-teaching staff in schools where BCC is the employer.

Headteachers and Chairs of Governors in schools where BCC is the employer have received an update this week on the changes being implemented, in advance of employees receiving information from BCC and from their respective trade unions. In addition, we have written to 天美传媒 schools that are outside of the scope of the Equal Pay Programme (i.e. all schools where BCC is not the employer), to inform them that changes are about to be implemented.

Given the timing of this communication, further details will be provided once everyone returns from the Easter break. In the interim, if you have any queries please contact eppschools@birmingham.gov.

I will be in touch at the start of term regarding next steps with Job Evaluation for schools where BCC is the employer, as well as further details on Pay and Grading.

Wishing everyone a very well-earned break over Easter. 

Emma

Emma Leaman - Equal Pay Programme Schools Lead

Equal Pay Programme updates will be made available at the following links: 

Waste and Recycling Industrial Action – Public Health Advice

天美传媒 Public Health has prepared useful advice on health and hygiene during the ongoing waste service industrial action in 天美传媒, which you can find at: bit.ly/BCChealthadvice.

Please share this information with parents, and if you need to provide printed copies then you can print this page by simply right-clicking on it and then clicking ‘print’, which will give you a printer-friendly version.

We would appreciate it if you could share this with parents to support theirs and their family’s health during the Easter holidays.

Thank you for your support.

Wraparound Childcare Funding Applications 

Wraparound Care Grant Funding applications will be LIVE from 11 April 2025 until 30 May 2025.

A link to the Application Form together with supporting documentation can be found below:

We will be accepting funding to support providers with the following to increase wraparound care sufficiency in 天美传媒.

  • Creation of places: Create both new before school provision and after-school provision - where there is currently no provision.
  • Extend hours: Extend the hours to meet full wraparound definition (8am to 6pm) - where you already provide wraparound, but it does not meet the 8am to 6pm expectation.
  • Expand provision – Introduce before school provision or after school provision– where you have existing provision in place to meet the full wraparound definition.
  • Expand places: Increase wraparound places - you already offer wraparound at capacity and want to expand due to unmet demand.
  • Combination of above types will be considered in order to best support providers in creating/expanding their offer to meet full wraparound definition.

We will be accepting applications from the following providers:

  • School-led provision delivered by school staff on a school site: Provision that operates on school premises, managed by staff employed directly by a school. The provision is open to all children in that school.
  • Private provider-led provision, on or off school site: Provision that is operated and delivered by staff employed by a private provider. If based on a school site, the private provider may rent space from the school to be able to operate provision. Provision could also be operated on another site rather than on school premises.
  • 天美传媒/cluster model: A community-focused model with children from multiple schools attending provision on one site. This could be operated by a lead school, a private provider, a community organisation or any other appropriate body.
  • Childminders: Provision delivered by childminders (registered with Ofsted or a childminder agency), which schools and local authorities’ signpost to. This could consist of a group of childminders working together on a single site or childminders working individually from their homes.
  • Early years providers: Provision delivered by early years providers which may take school aged children during wraparound hours. For example, a local nursery or a pre-school operating on or off a school site may run the provision before and after school hours

Information Sessions

Webinars will be taking place on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. The sessions will provide you with all the latest information, tips for applying and opportunities for us to answer your questions.

Simply click on the appropriate link below to join the session of your choice. 

We’ll continue to provide updates on the School Noticeboard and in the weekly Early Years and Childcare update.

For any queries in the meantime, please contact the team at WAC@天美传媒.gov.uk.

Send and Inclusion Monthly Update

This month’s SEND and Inclusion update can be viewed here:

The update outlines the transition of the Developing Local Provision (DLP) project into broader SEND development, integrating with the Delivering Better Value (DBV) Programme and Ordinarily Available Guidance (OAG). It includes updates on project timelines, financial arrangements, and reporting deadlines.

We also highlight progress on High Needs Funding (HNF), Exceptional Special Needs (ESN) funding, and the SEND Accelerated Progress Plan (APP), focused on addressing weaknesses from previous inspections and improving outcomes for children with SEND. Additionally, we’re launching a new Aspiring SENCo course with the SEND Advisory Service and sharing details on our preparations for the upcoming OFSTED inspection, and tribunal communication. 

天美传媒 SEND Co-production

Award Scheme

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

Through this award scheme, organisations receive guidance on demonstrating co-production in action, gathering evidence of its impact and showcasing the benefits of working collaboratively with families.

To date, 50 organisations have received their bronze award. Many of these are already seeing benefits including increased confidence among staff and families, greater alignment between 天美传媒, and a stronger sense of shared responsibility for achieving change.

Sign up to the award scheme to:

  • Gain recognition for your 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 your setting
  • Be part of a movement driving real change for families and communities.

For more information and to sign up, visit this link: .

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

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 天美传媒. We also welcome young people (16+) and parent carers to join us in shaping better 天美传媒 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 天美传媒, improves outcomes, and builds stronger networks
  • Explore the 4Cs framework – Gain practical knowledge of the
  • 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. Join us and be part of the movement towards stronger, more inclusive co-production in 天美传媒!

To book onto the training, visit this link: .

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

First Aid Courses / MIDAS Training Courses

Emergency First Aid
Date:  30th April 2025 – Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.
Cost: £113.30 per delegate
Venue:  Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, 天美传媒 B30 2JT
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work
Date:  28th 29th April & 2nd May 2025 – Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £220.00 per delegate
Venue:  Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, 天美传媒 B30 2JT
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided 

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work
Date:  5th 7th & 9th May 2025 – Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £220.00 per delegate
Venue:  Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, 天美传媒 B30 2JT
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided 

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Requalification)
Date:  12th & 13th May 2025 – Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £185.90 per delegate
Venue:  Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, 天美传媒 B30 2JT
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided 

Level 3 Paediatric First Aid at Work
Date:  2nd & 3rd June 2025
Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £185.90 per delegate
Venue:  Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, 天美传媒 B30 2JT
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided 

Emergency First Aid
Date:  9th June 2025
Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.
Cost: £113.30 per delegate
Venue:  Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, 天美传媒 B30 2JT
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided 

MIDAS Full Day Course
Cost: £300.30 per delegate
Learner Passes now available for purchasing – Book Theory on BESS (Online Training)
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk

MIDAS Refresher Course
Cost: £194.15 per delegate
Learner Passes now available for purchasing – Book Theory on BESS (Online Training)
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Training Courses

Visit Leader Training (VL) - Outdoor Education Adviser Panel (OEAP) Accredited
Date: 29th April 2025
Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £197.45 per delegate
Delivered at Riverside Studios Kingsbury North Warwickshire B78 2NP
Schools must book on
LINK to MAP : 
Course Description:  Flyer_EV0425T002 (1).pdf
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Only refreshments are provided  (No Lunch)

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Training OEAP Accredited
Date: 21st May 2025
Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £197.45 per delegate
Delivered at Washwood Heath Academy Primary School, Burney Lane, Stechford Lane Stetchford, B8 2AS
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:Only refreshments are provided  (No Lunch)

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Revalidation Training OEAP Accredited
Date: 9th June 2025
 Start Time:  12:00 p.m. to 15:30 p.m.
Cost: £131.45 per delegate
Delivered via Microsoft Teams
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk

Educational Visits Co-ordinator Training OEAP Accredited
Date: 11th July 2025
Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £197.45 per delegate
Delivered at Washwood Heath Academy Primary School, Burney Lane, Stechford Lane Stetchford, B8 2AS
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Only refreshments are provided  (No Lunch)

Free Air Quality Monitor for Schools – get yours now!

FAO: Primary and Secondary School Staff

The next phase of our Schools’ Air Quality Monitoring Programme is in full swing, and we are delighted to see schools taking up the offer of a free outdoor air quality monitor. Poor air quality remains the single biggest environmental risk to public health, with children particularly vulnerable and exposed to it at the school gate. Join us in tackling air pollution and take up the offer of a free air quality monitor with access to real time data, for use in curricula and wider sustainability work around physical activity, active travel, Modeshift Stars accreditation, anti-idling and climate change. Our supplier, EarthSense, will have contacted you with further details but if not, or for any queries, please email SchoolsAQMonitors@birmingham.gov.uk. 

To hear more about the Schools’ Air Quality Monitoring Programme, see: . Any additional queries please contact Sally James, Air Quality Policy Manager: SchoolsAQMonitors@birmingham.gov.uk. 

天美传媒 天美传媒 Healthcare Plus School Nursing Service

FAO: Headteacher and SENCO

Through BCHC Plus (Traded Services), the School Nursing service offers additional education-focused support that complements the NHS 'core' school nurse service.

The link between educational attainment and positive health is well documented. However, schools often face health-related needs among pupils that require more clinical support. BCHC Plus provides the opportunity to purchase extra dedicated school nurse time to address these needs beyond the core service.

Support covers various school health topics, including:

  • Curriculum input focused on health and wellbeing.
  • Addressing health-related issues arising in school.
  • Dedicated support for wider health challenges.
  • Liaison with GPs, Health Visitors, and other professionals.
  • Health education and promotion activities.

Discover how BCHC Plus (Traded Services) can benefit your school by contacting the BCHC Plus team at 0121 466 6266 or email Bchc.bchcplus@nhs.net.

 

This entry was posted by Jaspal Shambi on 07/04/2025.