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School Noticeboard

Edition 37: Thursday 5 July 2018 Inside this issue (click on links below):

From the Director 2 Alert regarding fraud 3 UNICEF celebration: Tickets for schools 3 Heatwave guidance 3 Guidance on gender segregation in mixed schools 4 Pupil Premium Allocations 2018/19 & Universal Infant Free School Meal Allocations 2018/19 4 TRADED SERVICES Free EAL Resources with Arabic and Somali translations 4 Ordering from Birmingham City Council’s Floral Decorating team 5 TRAINING/EVENTS Specialist Teaching Model for pupils with dyslexia 5 The School and Governor Support Governor Training Programme 6 Straight to Teaching briefing: 11 September 2018 6 Free Seminar: Strategic Responsibilities for Fire Safety in Schools: 11 July 2018 7 Keeping Children Safe in Education (Part 3) Briefings: Sept 2018 8 Peacemaker Courses and Bursaries for Autumn 2018 8 Return to Teaching Programme 2018/2019 9 A Summer Taste of Creative Writing at Library of Birmingham 10 Link2ICT training courses 10

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From the Director Dear Colleagues As this exceptionally long heatwave continues, we know that many schools have less-than-ideal conditions for teaching and learning. Thanks to everyone for cracking on in the classrooms in spite of the heat. We can expect at least another week in the high 20s so we have included a reminder of the Public Health England guidance on heat management below. Schools are almost certainly familiar with the advice but no harm in checking through the list. Thanks to all nurseries, children’s centres, schools and colleges that participated in the Area Wide SEND Inspection last week. The SEF was well received and praised for its honest and openness. BCC and its partners do understand the strengths and AFIs. We have received the initial feedback which was in line with the contents of the SEF. The final letter from OfSTED and CQC is likely to be published in early September and will be shared immediately with all partners. DfE published new guidelines on gender segregation in schools last week. Razia Butt provides information on this below. Yesterday BCC launched a consultation on its plans to introduce a Clean Air Zone from January 2020. Improving air quality is of vital importance so I would urge schools to take part and share the consultation with families. You can access all the information at https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/caz and the consultation runs until 17 August. Congratulations to Eden Boys’ School on the utterly outstanding OfSTED report. This has been achieved in three years from a standing start as a new free school. The link is here https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/141969. I spotted on Twitter that their students were visiting the University of Cambridge last week alongside pupils from Harper Bell. Meanwhile, Adderley pupils were at the University of Oxford. These trips, undertaken by many schools in the city, expose our young people to university and are inculcated with ambition and aspiration. Out and about, visits have been knocked off schedule by OfSTED and now the BCC budget. Real apologies to you. I was able to visit COBS Marywood on Monday morning. As ever, a good conversation with Steve Howell to talk about the next leg of the journey for COBS, followed by a pupil-led tour. COBS has much excellent provision and the outdoor talk for writing session was really engaging the pupils in the sunshine. Next Friday is our UNICEF celebration event at the REP and schools who are interested in attending can claim the last few tickets. More information from Razia below. Hope to see you there! On Thursday there is a breakfast seminar to learn about the Century Tech software that is revolutionising learning in schools across the country. Full details are in the flyer attached with Noticeboard. And England made it through to the World Cup quarter finals on Tuesday evening. The Colombians' behaviour was definitely "special measures" and Gareth Southgate's leadership is looking "good with outstanding features". Plenty of progress and CVA with this team. Sweden here we come. Best wishes YNWA Colin

@anfieldexile

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Alert regarding fraud Birmingham Audit has been notified by an academy school of a sophisticated fraud which involved the interception and alteration of e-mailed correspondence with a supplier. Bank details contained on an invoice, which had been attached to an e-mail from the supplier, had been changed in transmission. This resulted in the school making payment to a fraudulently created bank account. They only became aware when the supplier chased them for payment. They now have to pay the invoice again. The supplier concerned, SIPS Education Ltd, is used extensively by Birmingham schools, so please be extra vigilant and double check bank account details before making payments to this supplier. Robust vendor control procedures will protect schools from falling victim to payment diversion fraud when paying suppliers, as correct bank account details for the vendor will already be held on the payments system. Be extra cautious of any correspondence, purportedly from a supplier, giving their bank details, or asking for their existing details to be changed. Please report any suspicions, or seek further guidance from Birmingham Audit Corporate Fraud Team (Neil Farquharson) on 0121 303 2185, or at BirminghamAudit@Birmingham.gov.uk

UNICEF celebration: Tickets for schools We are looking forward to the Unicef celebration, taking place next Friday 13 July at the Repertory Theatre from 10am to 11.30am and we are pleased to offer a limited number of tickets to schools that may wish to attend. The tickets are free, but you will have to arrange transport to and from the venue, or if you are based near to Broad Street, you may wish to walk to the theatre. There is an exciting agenda with 12 schools (primary, secondary and nursery) performing on the day. We are expecting the quality of performances to be high, in one of the biggest and most impressive stages available in Birmingham. We are excited to have BBC Radio Breakfast Presenter, Trish Adudu compering our event again this year, together with guest speakers Colin Diamond CBE, and UNICEF. Many notable guests have also been invited from across Education and Birmingham City Council. Please let us know by email as soon as possible if you would like to attend, and if so, how many seats you would like allocated to you. CONTACT: Rachel.lockett@birmingham.gov.uk

Heatwave guidance A Level 2 (alert and readiness) Heatwave Alert has been re-issued for the West Midlands stating that there is a 60% risk of temperatures reaching our heatwave threshold between 09:00 on Tuesday and 07:00 on Saturday. The threshold for the West Midlands is an expected maximum temperature of 30oC by day and 15oC overnight for at least two consecutive days.The guidance from Public Health England is available via the link below: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/428850/Looking_After_Children_Heat_PHE_AC_AB_Publications_MP_JRM_FINAL.PDF

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Guidance on gender segregation in mixed schools The Department for Education has issued new non-statutory guidance on gender segregation in mixed schools, June 2018 which is intended to ensure that schools do not discriminate against pupils on the basis of sex, race or faith by denying them choice of opportunity or social interaction in educational settings. The guidance sets out helpful examples and covers:

• practices that result in sex discrimination • positive action and single sex activities • single sex sport • negligible and exceptional separation

The guidance is available online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gender-separation-in-mixed-schools If schools require advice regarding particular circumstances please contact Razia Butt. CONTACT: Razia Butt, Resilience Adviser EMAIL: Razia.Butt@birmingham.gov.uk

Pupil Premium Allocations 2018/19 & Universal Infant Free School Meal Allocations 2018/19 The Department for Education has confirmed the 2018/19 Pupil Premium Allocations for maintained schools. In addition the DFE have also confirmed final 2017/18 Universal Infant Free School Meal Grant and the provisional 2018/19 grant. The notification of these allocations have been published on the Birmingham City Council website and may be accessed via the link below: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20124/working_in_schools/788/budgets_for_schools_in_birmingham/2 CONTACT: Justin Pinkney, Finance EMAIL: fairfunding@birmingham.gov.uk

Free EAL Resources with Arabic and Somali translations Brasshouse Translation & Interpreting Services (BTIS) have produced 2 EAL self-assessment sheets with Arabic and Somali translations as a free resource to schools.

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BTIS is Birmingham City Council’s corporate service for translation, interpreting and accessible information services. If you need to communicate with parents or children whose first language is not English then BTIS can help. Further details can be found on the BESS website: https://secure2.sla-online.co.uk/Communication/mArticleDetails.aspx?id=57818

Ordering from Birmingham City Council’s Floral Decorating team Schools can order flowers from Birmingham City Council’s very own Chelsea Flower Show award winning Floral Decorating Team. If your school needs a bouquet for a staff member or a floral display for end of year awards please contact FloralDecorations@birmingham.gov.uk. Members of staff can also contact the team for personal use and the team provide competitive prices for weddings and other family events. The Floral Decorating Team is based in Kings Heath Park and will arrange for delivery direct to school. More information is available at http://www.birminghameducationsupportservices.co.uk/Page/9974

Specialist Teaching Model for pupils with dyslexia Pupil and School Support are pleased to offer a coaching model of specialist teaching, aiming to train a member of school staff to deliver a recognised programme to pupils with dyslexia. This consists of a 6 week or 12 week programme of support from a PSS teacher with British Dyslexia ATS or AMBDA accreditation. Pupil and School Support will work alongside a member of staff to deliver a specialist teaching approach to individuals or a small group of two pupils and subsequently the staff member will be equipped to continue delivery to these pupils and others with dyslexia. Commitment from SLT is necessary to ensure that agreed time and resources are dedicated to smooth delivery to ensure pupil progress. Who is this for?

• Pupils with dyslexia for whom progress is limited through traditional teaching methods

Benefits

• Increased capacity for school to support pupils with dyslexia to make progress

• An excellent CPD opportunity for a member of school staff

What is included?

• Consultation sessions with school staff to set up, evaluate and develop teaching

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• Weekly delivery of one modelled lesson, then support with planning the second lesson delivered by school staff

• Course materials, including published teaching book

Cost 6 week programme: £1,100 12 week programme: £2,200 LINK: http://accesstoeducation.birmingham.gov.uk/index.php/PSS/specialist-

teaching.html CONTACT: Rosie Mason, Access to Education Pupil and School Support EMAIL: Rosie.Mason@birmingham.gov.uk

The School and Governor Support Governor Training Programme School and Governor Support has published its programme of governor training courses that are taking place during the autumn term 2018 and the spring term 2019. The programme is available at www.birmingham.gov.uk/governor-training This programme of high quality training develops the skills and knowledge needed for effective governance, whether you are in a maintained school, stand-alone academy or part of a multi-academy trust (MAT). The programme has courses on topics ranging from the core functions of a governing board (GB), to courses on statutory and specific duties that require certain knowledge and skills. Look out for new courses on interpreting Analyse School Performance (ASP) data, complaints management for governors and clerks, and Managing Risk. Don’t forget that School and Governor Support also provides bespoke training to GBs and groups of schools/academies on request (see page 6 of the programme). We look forward to seeing you at our courses and events. Thanks for all that you do. LINK: www.birmingham.gov.uk/governor-training CONTACT: School and Governor Support EMAIL: governors@birmingham.gov.uk

Straight to Teaching briefing: 11 September 2018 Challenges with recruitment? If you’re looking for a source of committed people who would make great teachers, the answer may be closer than you think: teaching assistants. Straight to Teaching is a unique, online and in-school professional development programme which can lead to application for the Assessment Only QTS assessment. This CPD course is aimed at suitable school staff (such as unqualified teachers, high level teaching assistants or teaching assistants) who want to become fully qualified teachers. The programme supports and prepares you to meet the English Teachers’ Standards and provides you with the opportunity to prepare a

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portfolio of evidence that can be put forward to be independently assessed for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Benefits of the scheme for the school On average, every primary school leader would expect to find at least three TAs in their building with the qualifications and motivation to become a teacher. Every secondary school would expect to find at least four TAs who fit the bill. In other words, the answer to the recruitment crisis might already be within your school. Benefits of the scheme for teaching assistants

• Continue earning while you train • Online course materials mean you can work around other demands • Mentor within your school • Mentors also work with a pathway tutor allocated by Tes Institute, who can offer additional

advice and guidance in face-to-face visits and email contact as trainees progress towards QTS

Date: Tuesday 11 September 2018 Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm Venue: Swanshurst School, Brook Lane, Billesley, B13 0TW

This twilight session is suitable for Teaching Assistants, unqualified teachers and cover supervisors interested in the Straight to Teaching programme, but would like to know more about the eligibility criteria, requirements and benefits to themselves and their school. The programme offers six start dates per academic year, so if you are not ready to apply in 2018 or even early 2019, it would still be beneficial to attend this session to find out more. Book your place at https://www.bep.education/shop/events/straight-to-teaching-briefing/

Free Seminar: Strategic Responsibilities for Fire Safety in Schools: 11 July 2018 Date: 11 July 2018 Time: 9am – 1pm (followed by buffet lunch) Venue : West Midlands Fire Service Headquarters There is still time to book your free place on the Strategic Responsibilities for Fire Safety in Schools Seminar. Do you or a member of your School Senior Management Team want to understand what your strategic responsibilities for fire safety in schools are? We are holding a free Fire Safety Seminar in partnership with STK Fire and Risk Management and the West Midlands Fire Service. This seminar, aimed at Head Teachers, Business Managers and School Senior Management Teams covers critical topics in fire safety management including:

• Fire Risk Assessment;

• Fire Risk Management;

• Fire Safety Training; and

• West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service – Enforcement / Fire Risk Assessment and Call Challenge.

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To book your free place, visit the Birmingham Education Support Services website using the link below. LINK: https://secure2.sla-online.co.uk/Training/mTrainingDetails.aspx?id=74563 CONTACT: Lisa Field, Safety Services EMAIL: school.safety@birmingham.gov.uk TEL: 0121 303 2420

Keeping Children Safe in Education (Part 3) Briefings: Sept 2018 There are four morning briefing sessions delivered by Ellen Osborne being held in September to enable schools to keep up to date with the changes to statutory guidance. Other areas being covered at the session are:

• Updates on EU workers

• Amendments to the Single Central Record

• Updates from recent Ofsted inspections

• Compliance for contractors/self-employed in schools

• Ensuring compliance with Safer Recruitment procedures Schools can make bookings on the website www.complianceforschools.co.uk CONTACT: Ellen Osborne, Compliance for Schools EMAIL: ellenosborne@complianceforschools.co.uk

Peacemaker Courses and Bursaries for Autumn 2018

Introduction to Restorative Approaches Date: 25 September 2018 Time: 9am – 2pm Venue: George Dixon Primary School, City Road, B17 8LE Cost: £50 This course will help you to: Sort out minor problems in school, help children develop empathy and build relationships, develop your conflict resolution skills, support others who are developing restorative practices in school.

Heads' Breakfast Date: 25 September 2018 Time: 7.30am – 8.30am (prior to the Introduction to Restorative Approaches course) Venue: George Dixon Primary School, City Road, B17 8LE

• Hear about restorative approaches and how they can benefit schools • Find about opportunities we offer for work with children and adults • Find out about our bursaries and who can apply.

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Email anna@peacemakers.org.uk or follow the link for more details and a booking form http://www.peacemakers.org.uk/events

Three Day Restorative Practitioner Training Course Dates: 8, 15 & 22 November 2018 Time: 9am – 5pm each day Venue: The Priory Rooms, B4 6AF Cost: £350-£450 (early bird rate) This course will help:

• Train you to facilitate restorative practices such as formal conferences, corridor and playground chats and class circles.

• Improve the emotional literacy, behaviour and attendance in your school. • Develop your conflict resolution skills. • Support you on your way to creating a restorative school.

Email anna@peacemakers.org.uk or book via this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/3-day-accredited-restorative-practitioner-training-schools-tickets-46439093579?aff=es2

Learning for Peace This package of training with children and adults in school, meets your requirements to support the SMSC [Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural] development of your pupils. Training supports staff to run activities from our Learning for Peace resource, in circle time, from Reception to Year 6, which develop social and emotional learning and peacebuilding skills and attitudes. We model activities with every class, provide mentoring and a day of planning with your SMSC/PSHE lead. Bursaries available for Autumn 2018 and Spring 2019. Book now by contacting jackie@peacemakers.org.uk for details

Peer Mediation Training Peer mediators are pupils trained to support other young people to find solutions to their problems. Teachers and lunchtime supervisors refer children who are willing, to mediation at lunch time and break time. We offer three day training for up to 24 pupils, and support to the lead member of staff in your school. Autumn term is a popular time to train mediators so contact us now to make a booking. Bursaries are available. Contact jackie@peacemakers.org.uk or visit www.peacemakers.org.uk for more information.

Return to Teaching Programme 2018/2019 A dedicated support package is available for former teachers who wish to return to the classroom after taking time out to raise children or to look after dependents such as parents or grandparents to teach any of the following EBacc subjects:

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• English Language and Literature

• Maths

• Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and Computer Science

• Geography

• History

• Modern foreign languages (MFL) – French, Spanish and German

Teachers who are thinking about returning can find out more at www.education.gov.uk/caring-return. The DfE will advertise vacancies for teachers of EBacc subjects, either full or part-time, to teachers that have registered their interest in the Return to Teaching Programme. Bishop Challoner Catholic College is the lead school for the programme in Birmingham. If you have any vacancies that you would like the DfE to advertise, please email the details to Chris Taylor, c.taylor@bishopchalloner.bham.sch.uk who will pass them on to the DfE.

A Summer Taste of Creative Writing at Library of Birmingham The Children’s library at Library of Birmingham will be running a series of Creative Writing workshops for children aged 13-17 at various times during the summer holidays.

• Twisted Fairy Tales – Genre

• Better Than Frankenstein? Character

• A Tribute to Roald Dahl – Character - Would you rather meet a Squibbling Blabbersnitch or a Scrotty Oompa-loompa?

• Rhyme or Not to Rhyme? – Poetry

• Lost the Plot? – Plot - an hour of plotting and planning You can book in person in the Children’s Library or contact us on 0121 242 4242, or childrens.library@birmingham.gov.uk

Link2ICT training courses

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - Let's Improve Quality training: 17 July 2018 Teachers are required to have a deep and accurate understanding of the specific developmental needs of children including how they demonstrate the characteristics of effective learning. This two day course will develop the delegates’ confidence with techniques to support observations, assessments and planning through practical and tutor-led learning activities. You will have an opportunity to practice observing children engaged in learning through the use of video clips and these activities will link to assessment and planning in the EYFS. This course will enable delegates to:

• understand the statutory and non-statutory documentation relating to the EYFS

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• support the implementation of the statutory safeguarding and welfare requirements of the EYFS

• understand the key features of high quality early years practice • provide a stimulating learning environment linked to effective daily routines and

understand the early years outcomes and the characteristics of effective learning • develop confidence with techniques to support observation, assessment and

planning A range of resources will be used to develop, engage and motivate young children as part of this course. For more information visit the website using the link below. LINK: http://www.link2ict.org/training-courses-internal/25-curriculum/898-

early-years-foundation-stage-let-s-improve-quality CONTACT: Link2ICT EMAIL: info@link2ict.org

BGfL 365 training available to support your curriculum: 11 July 2018 Using the BGfL 365 Scheme of Work in the Primary School. This full day course will provide delegates with a thorough understanding of:

• the three areas on the computing curriculum – Computer science, Information Technology and Digital literacy

• how to use the software required to deliver the scheme

• your school’s current delivery of the computing curriculum requirements and how you might adopt elements or all of the BGfL 365 scheme of work

• how the scheme can support with evidencing and monitoring pupil progress

• skills progression across the curriculum and much more For more information visit the website using the link below. LINK: http://www.link2ict.org/training-courses-internal/25-curriculum/833-

using-the-bgfl-365-scheme-of-work-in-the-primary-school CONTACT: Link2ICT EMAIL: info@link2ict.org

This event is free of charge however spaces are extremely limited, therefore please book your place(s) early to avoid disappointment. To book your place(s) (max. 2 per school) please register here.

CENTURY TechCENTURY is an artificially intelligent

learning platform for teachers and students, providing a personalised learning journey and real-time analytics. Automating tasks, like marking and homework tracking, frees up valuable time for teachers to focus on what matters most: teaching & learning!

Titan PartnershipTitan Partnership is a unique education network working with Primary and Secondary Schools, FE

Colleges, Universities and Private Training Providers in Birmingham. With an inclusive and innovative approach

to leadership, sta� development and meaningful employer engagement, we are transforming the life

chances of young people across our city.

Colin Diamond CBEInterim Corporate Director,

Children and Young People at Birmingham City Council

Billie Downie Headteacher,

Streetly Academy

Geo� Barton General Secretary,

Association of School & College Leaders (ASCL)

Priya Lakhani OBEFounder & CEO, CENTURY Tech

David Irish Principal,

Shireland Collegiate Academy

Alice Little Senior Cognitive Neuroscientist,

CENTURY Tech

The Future of Education: Artificial Intelligence?

Titan Partnership invites you to a breakfast discussion with Colin Diamond CBE, Geo� Barton, Billy Downie, David Irish and Priya Lakhani OBE.

Thursday 12th July 2018 | 8.00am - 11.00am |Shireland Collegiate Academy, Waterloo Rd, Smethwick B66 4ND

Titan is delighted to invite Headteachers, Principals and Senior Leaders to explore how Artificial Intelligence is impacting learning outcomes and teacher workload in Birmingham schools today,

following a two-year pilot with CENTURY Tech. We will be discussing:

The place of Artificial Intelligence in education — the big debate.

Creating real and demonstrable value and impact.

The science of learning — how Artificial Intelligence learns as students learn.

CENTURY Tech in your school: cost vs impact. Can you a�ord not to adopt this platform?

Time will also be allocated to demonstrating and testing the CENTURY platform as well as a Q&A session. This event will be CPD accredited.

Keynote speeches from: