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School Noticeboard

Edition 22: Thursday 9 March 2017 Inside this issue (click on links below): From the Director 2 School uniform guidance 3 National CSE Awareness Day: Saturday 18 March 2017 4 Reminder: UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award 4 Invitation to public awareness event: Responding to the UK terrorist threat 5 FAO All safeguarding governors - Important reminder about training for the role 5 HR Business Manager: Paul Crossley 6 Commissioning Therapeutic Services 6 Mini Guide to Procurement 6 Changes to vocational and technical education 6 Fischer Family Trust (FFT) Aspire – subscription renewal 2017-18 7 Year 7 Catch Up Premium Allocations 2016/17 7 Kings Rise Academy: Expansion by Enlargement Consultation 8 Teaching English as a Second Language course for schools 8 Change in the status of Relationships and Sex Education 9 Link2ICT Annual Conference 2017 9 LINK2ICT Training Courses 10 SLE Recruitment Waverley School 12 Open Day at Braidwood Trust School for the Deaf 13 BBC Radio 4 programme Any Questions? 13 Attachment Aware Schools Project – Special Offer 13 Performing Arts Education: Teacher Roadshow 14 BBC Terrific Scientific: Free support and resources for Year 5 and 6 primary science teaching 15 Free Revision Programme/ Exam Booster 15 Talk for Writing 15 Mental Health First Aid Training 16 Free Teachers’ Open Day at Black Country Living Museum 16 MiDAS Standard Minibus Training Course 17

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From the Director

Dear Colleagues, I am delighted that BCC’s lobbying paid off and the Clarke Report witnesses now have their anonymity guaranteed. Regrettable, to say the least, that NCTL lawyers sent out their missives on Christmas Eve. But we aim to protect our heads from such clumsy antics. World Book Day produced some beautiful, amazing photos that were shared extensively on Twitter. Staff and pupils looked stunning and it’s heartening to see such love of literature across our schools. I promise to dress up next year and prowl around the Council House in something outrageous. We include in this edition of Noticeboard updated school uniform guidance produced by Razia Butt, in liaison with our legal team. The additional funds for free schools has been extensively trailed ahead of the budget. Of more immediate relevance to Birmingham’s schools are the proposals to introduce a National Funding Formula. We are nearing the end of Stage Two consultation. As things stand, 440/447 schools in the city will lose out. We cannot accept this and I would urge every school and academy to make representations. Cllr Brigid Jones wrote about this last week. Paul Crossley will be joining Birmingham City Council next Monday, 13 March, as HR Business Manager Education. See below for more information about his experience. Paul is very keen to get started and will be attending the upcoming Local Authority Headteacher briefings to introduce himself. Rebecca Ellis will be leaving us and I would like to thank her for the excellent work as Acting Head of Schools HR. She arrived at a difficult time and not only steadied the ship but laid the foundations for the future. Very much appreciated. Out and about, immensely enjoyable visits to Lyndon Green Infants and Lyndon Green Juniors last week. At the infants, Barry Yeardsley is a veritable authority on infant pedagogy and I felt ring rusty by comparison. We saw some amazing maths teaching with really high level skills. In the juniors, the theme of the visit was emotional development and intelligence and you can see how this really impacts positively on the pupils. At St Mark’s RC, Stephen Murphy led us around his wonderful school. Again, there is a powerful house style and you can see the golden thread of such clear expectations right through from Reception to Y6. Always good to call in to Bordesley Green Girls’ School and Nelson Mandela. You all keep my feet on the ground, knees on the floor and soul optimistic. Thank you. Best wishes Colin

@anfieldexile

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School Safeguarding Information Current safeguarding information relevant to schools can be found online at https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/schoolsafeguarding. This includes details of safeguarding briefings; Designated Safeguarding Lead training; Right Service Right Time and much more relevant information. The team can be contacted at any time using the details below. CONTACT: Jon Needham EMAIL: SSI@birmingham.gov.uk or jon.j.needham@birmingham.gov.uk

School uniform guidance A number of queries have arisen regarding the implementation of school uniform policies so here is a reminder of the guidance issued by the Department for Education in September 2013. Although non-statutory, it is expected that schools take full account of the guidance when developing or implementing uniform policies. The Department’s policy clearly states that it is for the governing body of a school to decide whether there should be a uniform policy and if so, what that should be. Key considerations would include:

• The timeframe for introduction of a new policy or amendment to an existing one

• Views of parents and pupils on significant changes to a policy

• The cost, availability and value for money

• Practicality of the PE uniform to ensure comfort and activities involved

• The affect on each group represented in the school and to existing suppliers Further recommendations for governing bodies include providing a clear description to ensure that parents are informed and to carefully consider requests to vary the policy including the risk of a challenge and appropriate insurance cover. The guidance also covers human rights, equality and discrimination considerations and how to deal with complaints along with a useful case study and sources of further support. Download the guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform The Equality Act 2010 and schools, published by DfE in May 2014 also provides useful advice and can be downloaded here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-2010-advice-for-schools Birmingham City Council would like to thank the Headteachers of the schools below who have agreed for their uniform policies to be shared with you along with this guidance to demonstrate the varied approaches taken by schools in Birmingham. Waverley: http://www.waverley.bham.sch.uk/search?q=uniform English Martyrs: http://www.englishmartyrscatholicprimaryschool.co.uk/school-uniform/ Allens Croft: Attached at the end of this Noticeboard Bartley Green: Attached at the end of this Noticeboard CONTACT: Razia Butt, Resilience Adviser EMAIL: ssi@birmingham.gov.uk

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National CSE Awareness Day: Saturday 18 March 2017 National CSE Awareness Day takes place next week so here are some useful links for support and resources which schools will find useful:

• https://www.nspcc.org.uk/search/?query=cse

• http://www.barnardosrealloverocks.org.uk/the-real-love-rocks-resource/

• http://www.seeme-hearme.org.uk/index.html

• http://www.lscbbirmingham.org.uk/index.php/cse/resources CSE BAIT Resource for Schools The BAIT resource pack has been specifically designed for use by Secondary School and FE Colleges, targeted at 14-17 year olds students, to raise awareness and understanding of the dangers of Child Sexual Exploitation. The BAIT resource pack, which includes, a DVD and Work Book has been distributed to every secondary school and FE College in Birmingham. Please click on the link below to access the online resource pack. http://www.recre8now.co.uk/bait/ CONTACT: Razia Butt, Resilience Adviser EMAIL: ssi@birmingham.gov.uk

Reminder: UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award Welcome to the Birmingham Cohort of the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award. This is a really exciting initiative that is already having a significant impact on building resilience with children and young people in Birmingham. Education and well-being of all children is at the heart of the award and most of the work you are already doing in schools aligns itself perfectly with the standards. There are 170 schools engaged with the RRSA and due to high demand, we are now able to offer further training. You can register, access all information about the award including academic research, Ofsted quotes and free resources here: http://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/

Overall, your school should have the opportunity to engage with three days of training provided

by Birmingham City Council, representing a significant saving for your school. For those schools already engaged, there is an opportunity to catch up on any missed days. New training dates: Day One: Starting RRSA Part One, Thursday 6th April Day Two: 101 Ways to Implement the RRSA, Thursday 22nd June Day Three: Starting RRSA Part Two, Thursday 28th September

CONTACT: Razia Butt, Resilience Adviser

EMAIL: ssi@birmingham.gov.uk

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Invitation to public awareness event: Responding to the UK terrorist threat

On behalf of the citizen AID charity, hosted by the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity, are pleased to invite you to a public awareness event designed to enhance regional public preparedness to a shooting, stabbing or bombing incident. DATE: 20 March 2017 VENUE: Warwickshire County Cricket Ground, Edgbaston. The event is free to attend. The VIP invitation is attached at the end of the Noticeboard. LINK TO BOOK TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/citizenaid-conference-responding-to-the-uk-terrorist-threat-tickets-31355052807 CONTACT: Razia Butt, Resilience Adviser EMAIL: SSI@birmingham.gov.uk

FAO All safeguarding governors - Important reminder about training for the role Birmingham Education Safeguarding Board (BESB) expect all lead governors for safeguarding to

undergo training to provide them with the knowledge and skills required to carry out the role. The

training should be updated every two years as it is for the designated safeguarding lead in school.

Free training has been arranged on a number of dates for lead governors for safeguarding. You only have to attend one of the dates.

Thanks to everyone who has contacted us either to request a place on one of the sessions, or confirm that you do not need to attend because they have undergone relevant training in the last two years. As of last week 92 safeguarding governors have requested a place on the training, and 17 have informed us that they do not need to attend. This means we are still waiting to hear from a significant number of lead governors for safeguarding who appear not to have received the training required to carry out the role.

Dates and venues for the free training for safeguarding lead governors: Monday 13 March 2017 Birmingham City Football Club Tuesday 21 March 2017 Birmingham City Football Club Tuesday 28 March 2017 Bournville College Tuesday 4 April 2017 St Barnabas Church Centre, Erdington The course takes place from 6.30pm – 8pm with refreshments served from 6pm. What you should do next

• Nothing if you have already contacted us.

• If you are a lead governor for safeguarding and have not contacted us to either book a place or confirm that you do not require the training then please do so.

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CONTACT: Stephen Edmonds EMAIL: governors@birmingham.gov.uk

HR Business Manager: Paul Crossley

Paul Crossley will be joining Birmingham City Council next Monday, 13 March, as HR Business Manager Education. Paul is an experienced HR and OD professional who has worked strategically and operationally for a number of organisations including University of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire Police and the Department for Work and Pensions. Paul has significant experience in delivering HR services in an education setting and has worked closely with head teachers and leadership teams in schools to provide high quality HR services. In addition he has a proven track record of supporting managers, managing teams and leading large, complex change programmes, using his excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills to achieve successful outcomes.

Commissioning Therapeutic Services We are aware that some schools choose to commission services from private providers of therapy, such as play therapists and art therapists. In doing so, we would like to remind you of the need to check that these providers are registered with the appropriate bodies. In the case of play therapists, this is not mandatory, but it is good practice to register with the Play Therapy register (http://www.playtherapyregister.org.uk/) Art therapists are regulated by, and should be registered with the Health Care Professions Council (http://hcpc-uk.co.uk/aboutregistration/professions/index.asp?id=1) Registration with these bodies provides assurance that the practitioner is appropriately qualified and that he or she is accessing supervision appropriately. Schools should also have regard to the mini guide to procurement below. CONTACT: Amanda Daniels, Acting Head of Service - Access to Education (Job Share) EMAIL: Amanda.Daniels@birmingham.gov.uk

Mini Guide to Procurement Please find attached at the end of this Noticeboard a mini guide to procurement. This gives a very basic outline encouraging schools to look at the decisions around procurement and contract management. CONTACT: Robert Cummins, Category Manager, Corporate Procurement Services EMAIL: Robert.Cummins@birmingham.gov.uk

Changes to vocational and technical education The Government has announced significant changes to vocational and technical education in England. This follows a review of technical education carried out by Lord Sainsbury last year.

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The plans include replacing 13,000 existing qualifications with 15 ‘routes’ linked to the needs of employers. An extra £500 million per year will be set aside to support these qualifications. Students in further education or at a technical college will also be eligible for maintenance loans. The amount of training available for 16-19 year olds will increase by 50%, to 900 hours a year. The new courses are expected to start from the 2019/2020 academic year. The intention of these changes is to raise the profile of vocational options and help more young people develop the skills required by employers. When more detailed information on the changes is released, we will provide further updates in Noticeboard. CONTACT: Anne Ainsworth, Assistant Director 14-19 Participation and Skills EMAIL: anne.ainsworth@birmingham.gov.uk

Fischer Family Trust (FFT) Aspire: subscription renewal 2017-18 The current subscription for schools subscribing through the LA expires at the end of March. We need to know if you wish to subscribe for another 12 months. We have emailed existing Aspire administrators giving them details of the new costs and what to do next. We would be grateful if schools that are in a position to make a quick decision about this could do so by Friday 10th March as FFT requires LAs to subscribe for a minimum number of schools to get the discount. Schools should note that FFT has changed the way it calculates the subscription costs. It is now based on the 2016 autumn school census and is calculated per school. If you have subscribed directly to FFT you do not need to do anything. If your school is not an existing subscriber but you wish to subscribe through the LA please contact educationdata@birmingham.gov.uk for more details.

Year 7 Catch Up Premium Allocations 2016/17

The Department for Education has determined the 2016/17 Year 7 Catch Up Premium Allocation for schools with year 7 pupils. The notification of this allocation for maintained schools has been published on the Birmingham City Council website and may be accessed via the following link: 2016/17 Year 7 Catch Up Premium Grant - Notification WEBLINK: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20124/working_in_schools/788/budgets_for_schools_in_birmingham/2 CONTACT: Justin Pinkney EMAIL: fairfunding@birmingham.gov.uk TEL: 0121 675 9302

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Kings Rise Academy: Expansion by Enlargement Consultation The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust (TEFAT), is consulting on a proposal to increase the capacity of Kings Rise Academy, by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 45 – 60 pupils. The reasons for proposing the expansion are as follows:

• To support Birmingham LA to meet local need for growth to accommodate rising pupil numbers.

• The Academy admitted an additional 15 pupils into year groups: reception, years 1, 2 and 3 in September 2016 to support the LA’s need for additional places.

• There is now a need to increase the building to accommodate the additional children as they progress through the Academy.

• The Academy is an Ofsted rated “Outstanding” school who would like to ensure that they can accommodate 60 pupils in their reception year group for the foreseeable future.

The consultation will run from 1 – 31 March 2017. If you have any questions or would like to comment on the proposed expansion, please email Sharon Oliver at info@sharonoliverconsultancy.co.uk who is working on behalf of TEFAT. CONTACT: School Organisation Team \ Education & Skills Infrastructure EMAIL: Edsi.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk TEL: 0121 303 8847

Teaching English as a Second Language course for schools The next ESOL Qualification course for teachers/classroom support staff will be starting after the Easter Holidays. It is run by the Gypsy Roma and Traveller Team but delivered by an externally commissioned tutor. The course consists of 10 sessions of two hours normally held on Wednesdays and particularly focuses on fluency, grammar and pronunciation. Because of these elements it is suitable for native English speakers or at the very least, those with excellent pronunciation and grammar. At the end of the course, the participants will have a recognised qualification and a good grounding in Teaching English as a Second Language to assist the school and their colleagues. The cost for each participant is £100 for the entire course, handbook, examination and certificate. If your school has a significant number of Roma pupils recently arrived from abroad, it would be beneficial for you to take advantage of this course. Please contact Phil Denley for more information on the course and to book a place. Dates will be finalised as soon as numbers have been confirmed. CONTACT: Phil Denley EMAIL: phil.denley@birmingham.gov.uk TEL: 0121 303 9096

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Change in the status of Relationships and Sex Education On 1 March 2017 the Secretary of State for Education confirmed the Government’s ambition to support all young people to stay safe and prepare for life in modern Britain by making Relationships Education (Primary), Relationships and Sex Education (RSE - Secondary) and, subject to the outcome of a thorough consideration of the subject, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE - both) statutory in all schools. The government laid an amendment to the Children and Social Work Bill which is intended to come into effect from September 2019.

All primary schools (maintained, academies or independent) will be required to provide relationships education (and will retain their current choice to teach age-appropriate sex education). All secondary schools (maintained, academies or independent) will be required to provide RSE. Pending the outcome of review work, all primary and secondary schools may be required to provide PSHE or elements of it. Further information at https://servicesforeducation.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/rse.pdf For in-school support and training on RSE policy, curriculum and delivery in both primary and secondary schools please contact jo.perrin@servicesforeducation.co.uk WEBLINK: servicesforeducation.co.uk/ CONTACT: Jo Perrin EMAIL: jo.perrin@servicesforeducation.co.uk

Link2ICT Annual Conference 2017

You are invited to the Link2ICT Annual Conference:- DATE: Wednesday 29 March 2017. VENUE: Edgbaston Cricket Ground Come and join us as we focus on technology in education, how schools can use technology to raise attainment and inspire creativity, discuss best practice, provide key updates on the new safeguarding guidance and a chance to hear thought provoking sessions from key speakers in the industry. We are inviting Senior Leadership, Computing Leads and IT Technicians, established within nurseries, schools and academies to hear, share and network with other colleagues. Last year’s event was a great success, so don’t miss out this year! Link2ICT provides a broad and expanding range of services, solutions and expertise to the education community. Our aim is to enable learning establishments to get the most from their investment in technology, by supporting safeguarding objectives, overall school development and improving learning outcomes for all. We are currently confirming an exciting programme and more information will be available shortly, but for now, please register your place as this is certain to be an enjoyable and informative event. BOOKING LINK: www.link2ict.org/conference2017

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CONTACT: Link2ICT EMAIL: events@link2ict.org TEL: 0121 303 5100

LINK2ICT Training Courses

MyConcern User Group Forum - 16 March 2017 You are invited to the Link2ICT MyConcern User Group Forum:- DATE: Thursday 16 March 2017 VENUE: Moor Lane Pavilion, Moor Lane, Birmingham B6 7AA. Following on the success of our previous User Group Forum, this session will provide users with an opportunity to hear what’s new in My Concern and ideas for future developments. We would love to hear your feedback and to share best practice with colleagues in other schools. Your attendance at this forum will provide invaluable input for ways that we can continue to improve and develop this solution. We are inviting Safeguarding leads and Designated Safeguarding Lead to hear, share and network with us on what is sure to be an informative session. Places are free to attend, so what are you waiting for? With a limited number of places available, we recommend registering as soon as possible. WEBLINK: http://createsend.com/t/d-E33DF83442B8441B CONTACT: Link2ICT EMAIL: events@link2ict.org TEL: 0121 303 5100

Ofsted and Computing – 4 April 2017 This full day course is an opportunity to hear ‘What I’m Looking For’ (WILF) from an Ofsted inspector’s perspective when looking at Computing, Safeguarding and Ofsted as part of a school inspection. Throughout the day this training course will be partly led by a current Ofsted Inspector and head with inspection experience. This course will provide a valuable insight in assisting primary schools to prepare, and be in good shape for, their Ofsted or ‘subject’ inspection. As part of the course you will look at how computing and ICT should be supporting school management tasks, the statutory requirements for websites, ICT supporting learning across all subjects, tracking pupil progress, the computing curriculum, outstanding lessons and eSafety. Course aims and objectives:

• To help schools ensure their computing and ICT provision is in place as well as preparing for an Ofsted inspection

• See the wider impact that good quality ICT/computing has across the whole school

• Share experiences of how schools are implementing good computing and ICT practice

Course outcome:

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• A clear understanding of the role computing and ICT plays across the school, the ability to evaluate your current position, and to create a development plan to achieve good and outstanding practice

WEBLINK: http://www.link2ict.org/training-courses-internal/25-curriculum/93-ofsted-and-computing CONTACT: Link2ICT EMAIL: info@link2ict.org TEL: 0121 303 8100/5100

Using iPads to Support English – 23 March 2017 This half day course will look at how you can use the iPad to support English across the primary curriculum. The course will be a practical session using a range of apps to create and produce outcomes to support the development of literacy skills in the curriculum. For the iPad to be used effectively and to have a real impact on teaching and learning, a variety of productivity apps can be used and combined, allowing pupils to showcase creativity, literacy and their skills in using technology. You will utilise tools such as: Google Drive, OneDrive, Showbie to demonstrate workflow and suggestions as to how it can be managed on a shared set of iPads. Course Aims:

• To learn how to use the iPad and feel confident integrating their use into the primary curriculum to support literacy skills

• To have a better understanding of workflow and consider which would be best for your school

• To share experiences of how the apps have been used in schools Course outcome:

• A better understanding of the benefits the iPad can bring to teaching and learning to support literacy

• A better understanding of potential workflow issues

• Inspiration and enthusiasm for using iPads in schools

Cost: £149.00 per person (£179 for non-subscribing schools) Venue: Fort Dunlop WEBLINK: http://www.link2ict.org/training-courses-internal/25-curriculum/92-ipads-in-english CONTACT: Link2ICT EMAIL: info@link2ict.org TEL: 0121 303 8100/5100

Leading Computing in a Primary School - 29/30 March 2017 This two day course will help you develop a clear vision and action plan for leading computing in your school. How can you support and empower the classroom teachers in your school?

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This course will provide you with strategies to enable you to support and empower the classroom teachers in your school. Delegates will explore the role of the computing leader, and help to develop skills as a subject specialist. You will look at ways to manage and successfully deliver the computing curriculum, suggest strategies for engaging learners and empowering staff. You will explore new technologies and apps and how they can be used to enhance learning. Course Aims:

• Looking at Ofsted requirements for good or better in computing

• Look at how to evidence and monitor pupils work and progress

• Explore different assessment models

• Look at skills progression across the curriculum

• Look at resources to develop computational thinking

• Empowering able pupils – ideas for creating a digital leader network

• Resources management – what are you doing? WEBLINK: Leading Computing in a Primary Curriculum-290317 CONTACT: Link2ICT EMAIL: sales@link2ict.org TEL: 0121 303 8001/5100

SLE Recruitment Waverley School Waverley Teaching School Alliance is seeking to appoint an experienced and talented team of Specialist Leaders of Education (SLEs) to develop leadership capacity in other schools. SLEs are outstanding middle or senior leaders who have a successful track record of using coaching and/or facilitation skills to bring about sustainable improvement, together with an understanding of what constitutes ‘outstanding’ in their field of expertise. We are currently inviting SLE applications in the following specialisms:

• Assessment (primary focus) - Early Years

• Assessment (secondary focus) - Phonics

• Science (secondary focus) - Maths (primary focus)

• English (primary focus)

Applicants can be from any phase or type of school. Typically you will have been in a leadership role for at least two years and your Head teacher will need to support your application and confirm that your school has the capacity to release you for deployment in other schools. Prospective applicants are warmly invited to a briefing meeting to find out more. Briefing meeting at Waverley School: Wednesday 15 March, 15:00-16:00 Deadline for SLE applications: Tuesday 4 April, 16:00 For further information please contact TeachingSchool@waverley.bham.sch.uk or call 0121 566 6600 EXT 31062 WEBLINK: http://www.waverley.bham.sch.uk/about-us/teaching-school/School-to-School-Support CONTACT: Claire Dugard EMAIL: Claire.Dugard@waverley.bham.sch.uk TEL: 0121 566 6600 EXT 31062

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Open Day at Braidwood Trust School for the Deaf Braidwood Trust School for the Deaf will be hosting an Open day on Saturday 1 April 2017 and would like to invite anyone along that wishes to come. There will be lessons and activities all morning long. Drop by and see what our fabulous school is all about. More information is available in the flyer attached at the end of the Noticeboard. WEBLINK: http://www.braidwood.bham.sch.uk CONTACT: Marion Walker E-MAIL: m.walker@bradwood.bham.sch.uk TEL: 0121 464 5558

BBC Radio 4 programme Any Questions? Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) is delighted to announce it is hosting BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? with Jonathan Dimbleby on Friday 17 March 2017 The BBC event will be chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby, with a panel of guests. The audience will be a mixture of the school community including students, governors and trustees, staff and members of the local community. Also invited are the political parties and independent representatives from Birmingham. Doors open at 6.30pm. The programme warm-up starts at 7.30pmand live broadcast runs from 8pm to 8.50pm. A limited supply of free tickets is available to anyone who wishes to attend and are available on a first come first served basis by emailing AUEA at tickets@auea.co.uk Tickets will be reserved upon receipt of request (limited to a maximum of 2 per person), and will be available to collect from the main AUEA reception before the day of the event. WEBLINK: http://auearadio4.co.uk/ CONTACT: Helen Walklett EMAIL: Helen.walklett@auea.co.uk TEL: 0121 380 0570

Attachment Aware Schools Project – Special Offer One in ten children has suffered some form of neglect in their life. This could mean that as many as three children in every classroom have attachment-related issues, as well as related difficulties such as FASD, developmental trauma, anxiety and Sensory Integration Disorder. Looked after and adopted children perform significantly less well than their peers at KS2 and KS4. Children with attachment difficulties can also present behaviour challenges in the classroom. They can be seen as disruptive, affecting the learning of other children and requiring a disproportionate amount of staff resources. They often do not respond to traditional methods of managing behaviour. Looked after children are twice as likely as others to be permanently excluded.

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Adoption UK, supported by the NAHT, aims to provide all school leaders and teachers with knowledge, practical strategies, discounted access to training, and a network of support through Adoption UK’s schools’ membership programme. We can help head teachers demonstrate that their Pupil Premium is being invested in the best interests of their children. Until 31 March 2017, schools can receive two years of membership for the price of one. For more details, please contact or visit the link below.

WEBLINK: http://www.adoptionuk.org/schools-campaign

CONTACT: Becky White EMAIL: Rebecca@adoptionuk.org.uk

Performing Arts Education: Teacher Roadshow DATE: 8 May 2017 VENUE: St Andrew’s Birmingham City FC. The Roadshow is packed full of innovative workshops that will guarantee to get those creative juices flowing. With 30 workshops to choose from, there will be a wealth of ideas to take back to the classroom. A special offer is available to Birmingham Education Services teachers. Enter the promotional code BCFC before 31 March 2017 to qualify for a 20% discount. As soon as you book and pay, you will be sent a link that allows you to select your 5 workshop choices for the day. Please note, workshop choices are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Workshops include:

• Arts Awards for students

• Getting creative with 4-6 year olds

• The Tiger Who Came to Tea

• Handa’s Surprise

• Street dance

• Shakespeare (all ages)

• Puppet work with children - simple ideas/use of resources for making puppets.

• LAMDA Acting & Musical Theatre exams

• Creative use of stimuli and props

• Creative dance (all ages)

• Musical Theatre (all ages) Physical Theatre

• Mask workshops (Trestle Theatre)

• Sing Up! Fun and challenging repertoire & teaching vocal improvisation creatively. WEBLINK: https://event.bookitbee.com/10442/performing-arts-education-roadshow/ CONTACT: Alita Mills EMAIL: education@stagecoach.co.uk TEL: 01932 256 200

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BBC Terrific Scientific: Free support and resources for Year 5 and 6 primary science teaching There’s still time to sign up for the BBC’s Terrific Scientific. Aimed at 9-11 year olds, there are free resources, lesson plans, classroom investigations and an online map to share your results with other schools around the UK. More than 5,000 primary schools have registered already. Investigation 2 – water – runs until 19 March There’s still time for classes to take part and share their results with other schools around the UK And coming up, Investigation 3 – time – start planning now. Want to get involved? Register here if your school hasn’t already. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes. CONTACT: Jane Drinkwater EMAIL: jane.drinkwater@bbc.co.uk TEL: 07803724278

Free Revision Programme/ Exam Booster Work Gateway CIC are looking to work with 3 Birmingham schools to take advantage of a free Exam Booster / Lift your Grades programme. The team comprises of former teachers and neuroscientist. Who have taken elements of their highly successful gateway to excellence (a 6 month program which improves mind-set and embeds learning tool ) and created a short 5 sessions programme especially for year 11/exam cohorts. To reiterate this £1250 program is being offered at NO cost for the three applicable schools (large secondary schools are more likely to meet the full criteria). WEBLINK: http://www.workgateway.org CONTACT: Taz Khan EMAIL: taz@workgateway.org TEL: 0121 667 8395

Talk for Writing Talk for Writing is half day training with breakfast suitable for teaching assistants. It covers practical ideas to support pupils with writing an opportunity to observe practice, looking at books and unpicking the Talk for Writing process. More information is attached at the end of the Noticeboard. EMAIL: Montgomery@talk4writing.com

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Mental Health First Aid Training We are pleased to announce following the success of our last two courses further dates for school staff to attend training the 2 day Adult MHFA course Date: 14th and 15th March 2017 or 3rd and 4th April Venue: Anawim, 228 Mary Street, Balsall Heath, B12 9RJ Date: 27th and 28th April 2017 Venue: TBC The training runs from 9.30am – 4.30pm. Tea/coffee will be provided and delegates will need to bring their own lunch. Cost per delegate - £200 + VAT Coming April 2017: MHFA HALF DAY. Please get in touch for whole school staff training session. WEBLINK: https://mhfaengland.org/ CONTACT: Sajda Butt EMAIL: Sajda.butt@compass-support.org.uk TEL: 0121 748 8111/ 07812357234

Free Teachers’ Open Day at Black Country Living Museum Join us at Black Country Living Museum to find out how we can help you bring the curriculum to life and deliver high quality, inspiring learning experiences. DATE: Saturday 25th March 2017 10.30am-4pm FREE activity taster day for teachers/educators The day will include:

• A one hour morning session for teachers/educators only. This will provide an introduction to the Museum and a market place showcasing our range of educational activities

• Opportunity to meet the Learning Team

• FREE Dudley Canal Trust boat trip for teachers

• FREE time in the afternoon to explore the Museum at your leisure

• FREE admission for up to four family members to explore the Museum* This opportunity is available to ALL teachers, educators and classroom assistants. *Family members will be admitted to the Museum on registration or may wait in an activity area until the morning showcase is finished. Register by Friday 10 March 2017 WEBLINK: http://www.bclm.com/openday CONTACT: Josefine Frank EMAIL: mailto:learning@bclm.com TEL: 0121 557 9643

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MiDAS Standard Minibus Training Course We are pleased to offer MiDAS refresher minibus training to all our members and non-members at our conference centre in Handsworth. The Handsworth Association of Schools have a Community Transport Association qualified Assessor booked to run a Standard Course on 29 March 2017. This is for people who do not currently have a MiDAS certification. Please email j.tullett@handsworth.bham.org.uk for a booking form. Spaces are limited to 10, so it is first come first served. Please return the booking form BEFORE FRIDAY 17 MARCH 2017 via email to Julie Tullett. CONTACT: Julie Tullett EMAIL: j.tullett@handsworth.bham.org.uk

Allens Croft Primary School – Uniform Policy - Page 1 of 1 ‘This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all children, and expects our staff and volunteers to share this commitment’.

At Allens Croft we agree to treat everyone fairly and equally regardless of; Age, Disability, Gender, Race and Nationality, Religion or Belief, Pregnancy, Marriage, Transgender Identity or Sexual Orientation

UNIFORM POLICY

Name of School: Allens Croft Primary School Date of Policy: Summer Term 2015 Review Date: Summer Term 2016 Consultation: This policy has been drawn up in collaboration with the governors

and staff at Allens Croft Primary School following recommendations, and using guidance, from Birmingham LA.

Type of Policy: Statutory – LA Model - School Ethos Statement It is the aim of the Governing Body of Allens Croft Primary School to support the implementation of policies and procedures which support the vision of:

“Aspire, Inspire, Achieve.”

At Allens Croft, we aim to promote each child’s right to express their gender and personality in whichever way feels right for them. To support this aim, our uniform policy is gender neutral. This means that, whilst we expect all of our children to wear school uniform, the rules for boys and girls are the same and we do not insist that they wear specific items of clothing.

Item Colour Additional Details

Skirt Grey or black

Trousers Grey or black

School Dress Pale Blue

Pinafore Grey Items with School Logo These items, and a few others, are available from school at cost price. This is the cheapest place to buy uniform with the school logo and it can be ordered via the school office. Book bags and PE bags are also available.

Polo Shirt Pale Blue

Sweatshirt Navy

Cardigan Navy

PE Shorts Navy

PE Top White

Tights/Socks Navy, black, grey or white

Leggings Navy, black or grey Worn under skirt or pinafore only

Hijab Navy, black or grey Plain fabric only, not patterned or sequined

Shoes Black school shoes or boots

Black trainers are acceptable as long as they have no colour flashes or visible logos

PE Pumps Black

Outdoor Wellingtons These will be required for Forest School activities

Waterproof Jacket These are available from school at a very reasonable price

Hair Plain accessories only

Hair that is longer that shoulder length must be tied back - no shaved patterns

Jewellery For health & safety reasons - small stud earrings only. Children must be able to remove these themselves and will be asked to do so for PE lessons.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING AND UNIFORM IS CLEARLY LABELLED

WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME AS WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ITEMS THAT GO MISSING.

Learn the system. Be prepared. YOU can save lives!

VIP INVITATION Responding to the UK Terrorist Threat: you can save lives! Warwickshire County Cricket Ground, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 20 March 2017 Dear Headteachers On behalf of the citizenAID charity, hosted by the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity, we are pleased to invite you to a public awareness event designed to enhance regional public preparedness to a shooting, stabbing or bombing incident. The event will be held on Monday 20th March 2017 at Warwickshire County Cricket Ground in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and is free to attend. citizenAID launched at the beginning of this year with a free app to help the public react effectively in the unlikely, but not impossible event of a shooting, stabbing or bombing. The launch was supported by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office and the messages are mutually supporting. citizenAID specifically builds on the national ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ message to create ‘Run, Hide, Tell, Treat’. Our evidence is clear, the public do want this information—we received 1 million hits on our website in just one day, and the app was trending as the number 1 app for both i-phone and android phone within 48 hours. citizenAID uses UK military experience of exceptional outcomes from blast and gunshot injury to provide a simple, step by step approach for the public to stay safe and save lives. All four of the expert authors, both military and civilian, are based here in the West Midlands and have developed the initiative as a philanthropic public good.

Sir Keith Porter, Professor of Clinical Traumatology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and

Brigadier Timothy J Hodgetts CBE, Medical Director Defence Medical Services

QEHB Charity 5

th Floor Nuffield House

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

B15 2TH

Telephone: Email:

0121 371 4852 charities@uhb.nhs.uk

Date:

Learn the system. Be prepared. YOU can save lives!

We are committed to supporting the West Midlands in its resilience and to offer benefits to our local community. You are invited because you represent a key component of the community that we feel may benefit from the free resources that are available—the app, the website familiarisation materials, and a free training package for registered volunteers. The event agenda includes:

• The threat in context

• Improving survival from injury: the military experience

• Safety first: Run-Hide-Tell

• You can save lives: the citizenAID initiative

• Planning and preparation: ‘be prepared not scared’

• Practical skills: ‘YOU can save lives!’

• Worked example: what to do if caught up in a shooting (expert panel)

• Worked example: what to do if caught up in a bombing (expert panel)

As a VIP, you are invited to attend the day with complimentary access, reserved seating and reserved area to meet with the authors and key influencers over lunch. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to send a representative on your behalf, please let us know of their name and we will amend this on our VIP list. Further information is available at www.citizenaid.org or by following our Twitter and Facebook pages. citizenAID has charitable status and our donor site is live at www.qehb.org/citizenaid Please RSVP to Gwen Eccleston, who can be reached by email charities@uhb.nhs.uk or by telephone on 0121 371 4852

An indication of your intent to attend the event would be appreciated by 28th February 2017, although later notifications can still be supported. We look forward to seeing you there. Yours sincerely,

Sir Keith Porter Brigadier Tim Hodgetts CBE Professor of Clinical Traumatology Medical Director DMS

MG2P – JN416

Mini-Guide to Procurement (or shopping with attitude)

This is a very basic outline encouraging schools to look at the decisions made around procurement and contract

management. The stages are not necessarily sequential but each stage should be carefully thought through.

Needs Analysis Option Appraisal Market Knowledge Specification

Purchase Options Evaluation Quotation Contract Documents

As the title suggests this is shopping with attitude:

If you only need a loaf of bread you may go to the corner shop even if you know it will be cheaper at

supermarket. You need the loaf of bread now and the difference in price will be offset by the time saved.

If you were going to replace your washing machine you may look online and at price comparison sites.

Following that, you may need to go to a shop to look at design more clearly before you come to a decision.

If you are going to have a new kitchen, you will get at least two companies to come up with design and give

costs for purchase and installation.

It is the same approach in your school. If you only need to spend £75 on material for costumes for the school play it

is not worth going through a quotation process. However, if you are commissioning emotional well-being support or

Alternative Provision for Key stage 4 from an external company you will want to ensure effective delivery, value for

money and clear impact of the service you are buying in.

Stage One: Needs Analysis

What does the school need?

Twenty boxes of paper towels for the toilets each month

– WRONG.

What you need is to able to dry hands.

How will you measure this?

Stage Two: Option Appraisal

How can the service/supply be provided? Taking the

‘hand drying’ example, some of the options are listed

below.

Hand towels: storage, refilling dispensers,

blocking toilets, vandal proofing

Roller towel: store spare, replenish, vandal

proofing, ‘strangulation’ risk

Hot air: high initial cost of purchase/installing or

is it a rental agreement, maintenance costs,

energy costs, how dry face, noise and siting

What are the lifetime costs if the drier is expected to

have a six year life expectancy?

What are the environmental impacts?

What is the profile of costs?

What is the best way to meet the needs? (could be a

mixture of solutions)

Page 1

Stage Three: Market Knowledge

You may want to look who is in the market.

You go could find providers online but potentially for

more specialist child support activities you may need to

look to professional associations, national guidance, peer

recommendations and other networks to gather this

information.

Be clear though what professional standards need to be

adhered to, what qualifications workers need to hold

and DBS, safeguarding and due diligence checks are

applied to all services you contract.

Where money spent comes from public funds another

aspect to consider for all contracts is social value. More

information can be found in the Birmingham Business

Charter for Social Responsibility available at

www.finditinbirmingham.com

Stage Four: Specification

A specification is basically a description of what you

want.

Describe what you want as the final outcome, and the

expected outputs you expect to be met (the steps you

expect to be taken to meet the outcome). E.g.

What are your expectations on feedback

Do you require a case-by-case report or a termly

summary?

How will the ‘voice of the child’ be heard in any

intervention?

How will concerns be escalated?

Defined targets of work to be undertaken.

How long will the contract run and when will it be

reviewed?

There is also the need to identify the expected costings

of a price model and so you can hold to account for

delivery of services. E.g.

If it is a supply and fit how long is the warranty?

Can the warranty be extended?

What are the costs to convert to a maintenance

contract?

If you rent does this include initial installation and

what is the rental period?

Do the costs escalate during the period?

Stage Five: Purchase Options

How will payment be made? Are there any

authorisations required in respect of spend that is to be

undertaken?

When commissioning services are you agreeing to:

a term/annual payment (services delivered for this

academic year)?

payment for specific services delivered (e.g. 16 safe

and well checks completed per month)?

payment against objectives (e.g. attendance

increased by 6% per term)?

items delivered and installed (e.g. 6 new hand

driers)?

Is this something that is available through a BCC

brokerage route or do you have other procurement co-

operative arrangements within your consortia or district

that you can utilise to find the best value for money?

Stage Six: Evaluation

It may seem odd thinking of the evaluation before going

to the quote bit but there is no point getting bids in that

you can’t compare. In addition, comparison of service

delivery or provision will give a good response to any

external audit on purchase.

When coming to score bids it is better to have at least

two people who initially score bids separately and either

average the scores or have discussion to come to agreed

score.

As part of the evaluation process think about how you

are going to measure the effectiveness of the service you

commission, and how often you are expecting to have

feedback.

You are the commissioners so set out your evaluation

expectations within the contract and expect delivery

against it

MG2P – JN416

Stage Seven: Quotation

It is best practice to try to get at least three quotes to

allow comparison.

You could go direct to organisations you have found

online. The www.Finditinbirmingham.com website has a

number of providers who may be able to select to

contact or you can even advertise you requirement.

Remember to include a clear date by which you expect

people to respond. We advise leaving at least up to 14

days.

Be very clear about any conflict of interest where you

could be challenged about a conflict between private

and professional interests. What if one of the companies

bidding is run by your sister-in-law or you are best

friends with the Director of an agency?

It would be good practice to discuss major purchases or

service contracts with your governing body. This could

be done through a clear business case and options

appraisal.

This is where it is important to have more than one

person scoring bids and declaring an interest - it does not

automatically exclude you. However you should note this

in any purchase file you keep. Never forget the Bribery

Act 2010 and your school’s code of conduct

Stage Eight: Contract Documents

If you are going to buy low cost items the likelihood is

that you will buy on the supplier’s Terms and Conditions

so make sure you read them.

Key things to consider are payment terms, rectification

and delivery times. If for instance you order electrical

items that need to be installed then ask for them to be

fitted at the weekend to avoid the noise but their terms

are only Monday to Friday, will weekend fitting be an

extra cost?

You will have to look at merit to produce your own

contract documentation so that you can clearly

articulate your expectation. Remember to include how

you can end a contract if you are not happy with service

provision. It is likely the complexity and value will

influence this decision.

You may wish to review historical arrangements and

formalise arrangements within your school.

Governance and EU law

Please note if you are a community school you come

under the Financial Regulations of the Council. Where

you plan to spend for a supply/service and the value of

that contract is likely to be over approximately £164k

then EU legislation has to be followed (Works activity

threshold approx. £4m).

These do not apply to non-community schools but there

is still a duty of best value. Schools that are in the School

Brokerage can access support free of charge for

quotation/tenders.

Prepared by

Robert Cummins MCIPS

Category Manager - Corporate Procurement Services

Birmingham City Council.

March 2016

Summary Basic Commissioning Cycle

Quick Points:

What is it that your school

actually needs?

Is the service you

are commissioning ‘safe’?

How are you going to

establish value for money?

• What is the need you are

looking to address?

• How will you measure any

achievement?

• What service providers are

‘out there’ already?

• What legislative

requirements need to be

met around procuring this

service?

• What professional or

statutory standards need to

be adhered to?

• What qualifications do the

workers need to hold?

• Do workers hold the correct

DBS Certification?

• Does the service have a

safeguarding policy?

• Are staff briefed in Right

Service Right Time?

• What Due Diligence checks

have been undertaken?

• How will safeguarding

concerns be escalated?

• Are the responsibilities

under the Equalities Act

being met? Page 4

• Have you defined targets for

the work to be undertaken?

• What are your expectations

on feedback?

• How will the ‘voice of the

child’ be heard in any

intervention?

• What case-by-case reports

do you require?

Braidwood

Open Day

Lessons and activities all morning long.

Drop by and see what our fabulous school is all about.

With our imaginative curriculum, amazing resources and great

community, this could be the right school for your son or

daughter. Come and see us in action!

For more details please call:

0121 464 5558

or take a look at our website:

www.braidwood.bham.sch.uk

Saturday 1st April, 2017

10.00am - 1.30pm

Braidwood Trust School for the Deaf

Bromford Road

Birmingham

B36 8AF

In association with Pie Corbett and Talk4writing.co.uk, we are pleased to offer

Talk for Writing training.

Upcoming training dates: Talk for Writing for pupils with Teaching Assistants - Tuesday 25th June 2017 (Morning only) This half day's training, with breakfast, is suitable for Teaching Assistants. It covers practical ideas to support pupils with writing an opportunity to observe practice, looking at books and unpicking the Talk for Writing process. Cost: £50 per person. Talk for Writing in the EYFS - Monday 3rd July 2017 (Morning only) This half day's training, with breakfast, is suitable for EYFS leaders, Teachers and Teaching Assistants. Working with our SLE (Specialist Leader of Education), you will observe the practice in the EYFS and look at the ways in which T4W has been interwoven into the day- to-day teaching of Communication, Language and Literacy. Cost: £50 per person.

Booking:

Please download booking form from website: https://sites.google.com/a/aetinet.org/montgomery-primary-academy/talk-for-writing and email the forms to: Montgomery@talk4writing.com . Once these have been received, we will then confirm your booking and send an invoice for payment.

Testimonials:

A significant proportion of pupils, approximately one third, have made outstanding progress, particularly in writing, having caught up on previously lost ground. This includes pupils who joined the school in the early stages of learning English as an additional language. The staff are excellent role models. They promote and maintain good behaviour and a positive climate for learning. Middle leaders effectively manage subjects in curriculum teams, as reflected in the ‘Talk for Writing’ project that has resulted in a significant improvement to standards in pupils’ writing across the school. Ofsted, 2014 Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your amazing staff today. The feedback from the Coventry Heads and Teachers was very positive with many photos taken and ideas magpied! Staff at our school were particularly impressed with your Nursery and Reception. It resonated with our ethos and philosophy. Dean Thompson, Talk4Writing Primary Expert and Consultant As a school that was in special measures, the approach of Talk 4 Writing & the support to embed it across the school, has had a significant impact on our school's improvement journey. Working with Montgomery has enabled our staff to see this approach in action & the significant impact that it has had on writing there. This in turn impacted significantly on our writing this year across the school, and in particular boys’ writing, has seen a significant improvement. The days attended at Montgomery have inspired staff to drive through the changes here, thank you. Karen Horne, Principal, Mansfield Green EAct Academy.

In association with Pie Corbett and Talk4writing.co.uk, we are pleased to offer

Talk for Writing training.

Upcoming training dates: Talk for Writing for pupils with Teaching Assistants - Tuesday 25th April 2017 (Morning only) This half day's training, with breakfast, is suitable for Teaching Assistants. It covers practical ideas to support pupils with writing an opportunity to observe practice, looking at books and unpicking the Talk for Writing process. Cost: £50 per person. Talk for Writing in the EYFS - Monday 3rd July 2017 (Morning only) This half day's training, with breakfast, is suitable for EYFS leaders, Teachers and Teaching Assistants. Working with our SLE (Specialist Leader of Education), you will observe the practice in the EYFS and look at the ways in which T4W has been interwoven into the day- to-day teaching of Communication, Language and Literacy. Cost: £50 per person.

Booking:

Please download booking form from website: https://sites.google.com/a/aetinet.org/montgomery-primary-academy/talk-for-writing and email the forms to: Montgomery@talk4writing.com . Once these have been received, we will then confirm your booking and send an invoice for payment.

Testimonials:

A significant proportion of pupils, approximately one third, have made outstanding progress, particularly in writing, having caught up on previously lost ground. This includes pupils who joined the school in the early stages of learning English as an additional language. The staff are excellent role models. They promote and maintain good behaviour and a positive climate for learning. Middle leaders effectively manage subjects in curriculum teams, as reflected in the ‘Talk for Writing’ project that has resulted in a significant improvement to standards in pupils’ writing across the school. Ofsted, 2014 Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your amazing staff today. The feedback from the Coventry Heads and Teachers was very positive with many photos taken and ideas magpied! Staff at our school were particularly impressed with your Nursery and Reception. It resonated with our ethos and philosophy. Dean Thompson, Talk4Writing Primary Expert and Consultant As a school that was in special measures, the approach of Talk 4 Writing & the support to embed it across the school, has had a significant impact on our school's improvement journey. Working with Montgomery has enabled our staff to see this approach in action & the significant impact that it has had on writing there. This in turn impacted significantly on our writing this year across the school, and in particular boys’ writing, has seen a significant improvement. The days attended at Montgomery have inspired staff to drive through the changes here, thank you. Karen Horne, Principal, Mansfield Green EAct Academy.