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Worcestershire Children First.
 
November 2020
Education Services
monthly newsletter
In this issue:
It has been 5 months since education services transferred to Worcestershire Children First from Babcock Prime (time flies when you're busying supporting schools and settings).

We've had a few occasions were people have tried to contact us using the previous Babcock contact details, however the old contact details have not been auto forwarded, so messages left have gone unanswered. Therefore, please make sure you make a note to save our new WCF contact details. Also could the recipient of this newsletter please cascade this message to other members of the school/setting?

If you have been forwarded this e-newsletter and would like to subscribe to receive the monthly newsletter direct to your inbox, please sign up to our mailing list. 
 
 
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Take the survey
 
High Level Needs top-up funding consultation with schools

In Worcestershire funding for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities above £10000 per year is normally accessed through the education health and care needs assessment process, where evidence of intervention and progress demonstrates a higher level of pupil need. This additional payment is known as 'top up funding' or 'Element 3 funding' and is available where schools demonstrate how they have used their Age Weighted Pupil Unit (Element 1) and SEND notional funding (Element 2).
 
What do we need from you? 
We would like to hear your thoughts about the current system and how you would like things to change in the future. Your views will help us shape our new approach and ensure that we meet the needs of our children and young people with SEND effectively within a sustainable approach to managing our High Level Needs budget.
All responses are welcome and will need to be received before 20th November.
 
Coronavirus catch-up premium

The government has announced funding to support children and young people to catch up. This includes a one-off universal £650 million catch-up premium for the 2020 to 2021 academic year to ensure that schools have the support they need to help all pupils make up for lost teaching time.
Though funding has been calculated on a per pupil or per place basis, schools should use the sum available to them as a single total from which to prioritise support for pupils according to their need.

Use of funds
Schools should use this funding for specific activities to support their pupils to catch up for lost teaching over the previous months, in line with the guidance on curriculum expectations for the next academic year.

Schools have the flexibility to spend their funding in the best way for their cohort and circumstances.
To support schools to make the best use of this funding, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has published a coronavirus (COVID-19) support guide for schools with evidence-based approaches to catch up for all students. 

We provide professional knowledge and expertise to support you with:
•    assessment to determine how to most effectively support pupils
•    1 to 1 tuition or group intervention to support all aspects of learning
•    staff and leaders' professional development and training 

Accountability
School leaders must be able to account for how funding has been used to achieve the goal of schools getting back on track and teaching a normal curriculum as quickly as possible.

To ensure that your school has the support needed to help all pupils make up for lost teaching time, email the traded services team: Schoolservices@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk or call on 01905 844300.
 
 
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Pathway to Progress

The School Improvement team have added further training to the Pathway to Progress programme of training to support schools in recovery planning.
 

 
Further scheduled Pathway to Progress training:
 
 
How to improve your questioning
  • 09 November 2020, 9.15am to 11.15am course code: SCH/20/259
What makes great teaching?
  • 19 and 26 November 2020, 3pm to 5pm
    course code: SCH/20/264
  • 25 February and 04 March 2021, 3pm to 5pm
    course code: SCH/20/265
Effective leadership of SEND
  • 19 and 26 November 2020, 3pm to 5pm
    course code: SCH/20/264
  • 25 February and 04 March 2021, 3pm to 5pm
    course code: SCH/20/265
 
 
Effective leadership of pupil premium
  • 19 and 26 January 2021, 3pm to 5pm
    course code: SCH/20/257
Effective middle leadership
  • 17 November, 01 and 10 December, 1pm to 4pm
    course code: SCH/20/262
  • 11 February and 02 and 24 March 2021, 1pm to 4pm
    course code: SCH/20/263
Writing an effective SEF and constructing a clear SDP
  • 06 and 18 November 2020, 1.30pm to 4pm
    course code: SCH/20/235
Self-evaluation for impact and improvement
  • 02 December 2020, 1.30pm to 4pm
    course code: SCH/20/236
 
Booking information
Schools who are in receipt of focus or intensive support are offered Pathway to Progress training free of charge as part of their support package. For all other schools there is a charge.

For further information and to book a course place, visit CPD online and use the course code to search.
 
 
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Early years in schools
We offer a range of services delivered by our expert early years advisers to support early years in a school setting.
 
Early years briefing sessions

This year we will offer free virtual district briefings in order to address any localised issues. The autumn term briefing will focus on local and national EYFS updates and explore tips for developing your EYFS recovery plan and some of the aspects contained within, around your priorities.
If you have any specific questions that you would like addressed at the briefing please email: gdeakin@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk at least 2 days before the briefing date.

For further information and to book a course place, visit CPD online and use the course code to search.
 
 
Autumn term
  • Worcester: 09 November 2020, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/272•  
  • Wyre Forest: 11 November 2020, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/273
  • Bromsgrove and Redditch: 12 November 2020, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/274
  • Wychavon: 16 November 2020, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/275
  • Malvern: 19 November 2020, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/276
 
 
Spring 2021 term
  • Wychavon: 19 January 2021, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/277
  • Malvern: 20 January 2021, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/278
  • Bromsgrove and Redditch: 25 January 2021, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/279
  • Worcester: 26 January 2021, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/280
  • Wyre Forest: 28 January 2021, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/281
 
 
Early years leaders course

This three-part course delivered virtually will address how you can write, implement and manage an appropriate plan of action to keep this very important phase of education moving forward and explore what is needed to be an effective EYFS lead. Part two and part three will build onto the content of part one.
Start date: 17 November, 9am to 12pm
Course code: SCH/20/282
 
Find out more and book
 
Help I'm new to reception teaching

Is this your first-year teaching reception aged children or do you find yourself teaching reception after having spent several years further up the school, where learning is not a play-based approach?
During this virtual session we will explore how children learn, how you can help them  meet needs through quality observations and the sharing of next steps, the importance of the characteristics of effective learning and how to inspire your children with exciting continuous and enhanced provision and fun interactions.
Date: 24 November 2020, 9am to 12pm
Course code: SCH/20/271
 
Find out more and book
Attendance matters

The latest Government Covid-19 guidance regarding attendance has been updated (22nd October 2020).

As schools continue to manage attendance matters in challenging circumstances, the Education Welfare Service's team of experienced EWOs have continued to deliver bespoke support to over 50 schools since September. Providing register coding advice and support with attendance policies and procedures, along with early interventions to support returning bubbles as well as casework to engage hard to reach families and address safeguarding concerns, the service continues to improve student attendance and reduce levels of persistent absence.

If you haven't yet renewed your SLA for attendance support this year please email the Education Welfare team: EdWelfareCME@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk or contact Michelle Fowler on 01905 844666 to ensure you don't miss out.
 
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NQTs welcome and updates

We would like to extend a huge welcome to all our NQTs and to the many Mentors/Induction Tutors, new and experienced, who will be working with us this year. We have welcomed a significant number of NQTs into county this term across all phases and settings and are now acting as the Appropriate Body for NQTs in several neighbouring authorities too. This provides a wonderful opportunity for our NQTs to network more widely and to meet colleagues across the region during meetings and CPD sessions.
 
We met many of our NQTs at our virtual 'Welcome Meeting'. We were  thrilled to hear how well they have settled into their roles, the fantastic support they are receiving in their schools, how they are enjoying working with their new pupils/students and rising to the additional challenges that the pandemic has inevitably caused too!

As in previous years, to support our NQTs in their new roles, we have in place a comprehensive CPD programme. These courses are written to provide colleagues with practical classroom strategies and will address the current context in which we are teaching too.
Our NQT CPD is also suitable for, RQTs and TAs. Training is free or discounted to NQTs subscribed to the NQT induction SLA and chargeable to those not subscribed.

Behaviour Management
  • Wednesday 9 December 2020, 1pm –to 4pm, Worcester. Course code: SCH/20/150
Meeting the needs of all learners – SEN and most able
  • Wednesday 18 November and Wednesday 2 December 2020, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, virtual delivery. Course code: SCH/20/152
Metacognition
  • Wednesday 11 November 2020, 3.30pm to 5pm, virtual delivery. Course code: SCH/20/208
For further information and to book a course place, visit CPD online and use the course code to search
 
 
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National school meals week

National School Meals week runs from 9 to 13 November 2020, with this in mind, don't forget to encourage parents/carers to register for free school meals even if the child does not wish to receive a meal, to ensure your school receives the maximum amount of pupil premium funding.

Free school meals eligibility application form
 
Please remember - communications regarding eligibility should be sent via the Children's Services Portal. Schools may request up-to-date FSM lists at any time.

Are you making the most of the Pupil Premium? 
Could you benefit from a fresh perspective to help develop new approaches or improve current provision?
Undertake a pupil premium review today. 
 
Previously Looked After Children

A reminder that the pupil premium for 2020 to 2021 will include pupils recorded in the January 2021 school census, who have ceased to be looked after by a Local Authority in England and Wales because they are subject to an adoption, special guardianship or child arrangements order.
The grant is currently £2,345 per year and is for students from Reception year up to Year 11.

In order for schools to access the funding, parents and guardians must declare their child's adoptive, SGO or CAO status directly to the school before the school completes the January census. Parents and guardians must provide evidence, for example, a copy of the legal order, or a confirmation letter from the local council which placed their child. Parents should not need to declare their child's status again until the child/young person changes school. Parents are not obliged to declare this information.
 
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Headteacher briefing

The October headteacher briefing was watched live on You Tube by 125 headteachers and has since achieved nearly 500 views. 

"Reassuring, informative and enjoyable"

"The session was informative and relevant to the needs and concerns currently in school"
 
Feedback from the event has been positive with many expressing how well presented it was considering virtual delivery platform. With the demands on school leaders currently, the opportunity to watch an event like this OnDemand is clearly of value.

Watch the headteacher briefing

Supporting downloads: Briefing presentation slides and supporting resources

The next headteacher briefing is on Monday 30th November 2020. Booking will be available soon from the conference page on the website.
 
Domestic abuse training 

"I'd be lying if I said I was looking forward to 3 hours of training after a full day in school but it was super informative and really useful".

I'm sure many feel like this about attending training, especially virtual training, however the domestic abuse training proved to be very "Informative, invaluable and insightful" to many who attended.

The current pandemic is causing difficult and worrying times, particularly for adults and children living with abuse, and the professionals working hard to support them. There has been a spike in domestic abuse cases, so this training is very relevant. 

"The training session was amazing! I have raved about it to all my friends, family and colleagues. I wish ALL managers were made to do this course, so they have better understanding and know what signs to look out for. One of the best courses I have been on!"

Domestic abuse training is delivered as part of the safeguarding subscription.
 
 
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Book your free place: Resilience and wellbeing of students and staff

Spaces are still available on the DfE funded virtual training from the Educational Psychology team. Examine how the pandemic has impacted on the development of resilience and wellbeing and explore strategies to promote resilience and wellbeing in schools. 
 
School specific training
Suitable for primary, first, middle and high school staff. limited to 2 places per school per course.
  • 10 and 13 November, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/238
  • 17 and 19 November, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/239
  • 24 and 26 November, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/240
  • 01 and 03 December, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/241
  • 08 and 10 December, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/242
  • 12 and 14 January 2021, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/243
  • 19 and 21 January 2021, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/244
  • 26 and 28 January 2021, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/245
  • 02 and 04 February 2021, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/246
  • 09 and 11 February 2021, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/247
  • 23 and 25 February 2021, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/248
College specific training
Suitable for FE colleges and sixth forms 
  • 13 November 2020, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, course code: SCH/20/249
Alternative provision specific training
Suitable for maintained alternative provisions 
  • 11 and 18 November 2020, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/249
For further information and to book a course place, visit CPD online and use the course code to search.
 
  • The Worcestershire virtual school team are delighted to welcome Sara Haigh as the area learning advocate for early years. Sara will be supporting 2, 3 and 4-year-old children in private, voluntary and independent (PVI) early years settings who are looked after. 
  • Congratulations to Michelle Fowler who has been appointed Education Welfare and Attendance Lead
  • Jade Busby has returned to her post as Previously Looked After Children Advisor following maternity leave. Jade's working days are Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and she is contactable via email: jbusby@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk or on 01905 846125.
GET SAFE training

Due to demand we've added extra dates to our programme of Get Safe Exploitation training, which needs to be completed by ALL DSLs and Deputy DSLs by August 2021.

The GET SAFE training replaces the CSE. The training aims to raise your awareness of: 
  • Vulnerability, adverse childhood experiences, organised crime groups/gangs
  • Modern day slavery, consent for sexual activity
  • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), criminal exploitation 
  • Appropriate language 
  • National referral mechanism
  • GDPR/disclosure 
  • Pathways/ diversionary/sharing of intelligence 
Available dates
  • 25 February 2021, 3.30m to 5.30pm, course code: SCH/20/551 – 110 spaces available
  • 17 March 2021, 3.30pm to 5.30pm, course code: SCH/20/229 – 40 spaces available
  • 29 March 2021, 3.30pm to 5.30pm, course code: SCH/20/552 – 110 spaces available
  • 29 April 2021, 3.30pm to 5.30pm, course code: SCH/20/553 – 110 spaces available
For further information and to book a course place, visit CPD online and use the course code to search.

If you have already completed the course: 
Due to the quantity of information asked to be shared from the September/October Get Safe sessions, resources will be issued via the Children's Services Portal. If a number of delegates have attended from the same school, we've asked the information to go to the office, if it's an individual then it will go direct. This is except for any colleges i.e. WSFC / NCW where we will email certificates and post the information.
 
 
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Why are nursery rhymes an important element of child development? 

"If children know 8 nursery rhymes by heart, by the time they are 4 years old, they are usually amongst the best readers and spellers in their class by the time they are 8!" Mem Fox, Reading Magic.

Nursery rhymes help children develop vocabulary, which helps them learn to read! The bouncy rhythm catches the child's attention. Repetition and familiarity help the child to remember and supports language development, whilst engaging a child fosters social development. 

Read more 
 
Look out for our #WNRW posts on Twitter and Facebook during World Nursery Rhyme Week 2020 (16 to 20 November) to find out what the favourite nursery rhymes are of the Early Years team and Sarah Wilkins, Director of Education and Early Help.

For further support with reading, writing and numbers in Reception, observations of learning, outdoor learning environments and play based learning email: schoolImprovement@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk or call 01905 844490
 
 
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Attendance and inclusion seminar

Thursday 3 December 2020. Delivered virtually.

Agenda
  • Supporting children with medical difficulties
  • The Children's Services Portal – how to use, when to access and what to send
  • Fair Access Protocol 2020 – the new process explained
  • Updates on admissions, Children Missing Education and Elective Home Education.
  • Persistent absence – what more can schools do?
 
The seminar is free to attend for Worcestershire schools. Please ask your school's CPD leader to book you a place via CPD online.

(A weblink to connect to the Microsoft Teams live seminar will be sent to you before the event, you will not need to download any additional software or applications.)
 
 
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To find out more and book, click either course date below:
01 December 2020, 3.15pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/255

02 February 2021, 3.15pm to 4.30pm, course code: SCH/20/256
 
 
 
Implementing the Graduated Response

Are you looking for training to support your school with implementing the graduated response?
 
Helen Pretty, School Improvement Adviser for SEND and inclusion is delivering a virtual 'train the trainer' course for SENCos and Inclusion Leaders, to support them in disseminating the Graduated Response to their wider school colleagues.

This course helps to ensure all staff in educational settings develop a secure understanding of the Worcestershire Graduated Response and their responsibility within the process.
 
 
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Promoting oracy and talk for learning in the classroom

How powerful is this quote? 

When reflecting upon how children learn and demonstrate their understanding, without a doubt talk is a powerful vehicle. Children use talk to make sense of their learning, to reason, justify, question, persuade, explore, describe and explain.
Without talk as a tool for developing understanding and expressing oneself, much learning may be lost or never consolidated.
 
This virtual session delivered by Rachael Baldwin, School Improvement Adviser, will enable colleagues to be confident in planning and developing opportunities to promote oracy and talk for learning through a range of practical strategies/activities and seeks to deepen colleagues understanding of progression and expectations in using talk and oracy to promote learning.

To find out more and book, click either course date below:

26 November 2020, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/226

14 January 2021, 3.30pm to 5pm, course code: SCH/20/258
 
 
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Universal Children's Day 

Universal Children's Day is celebrated annually on 20th November. The goal of Universal Children's Day is to improve child welfare worldwide, promote and celebrate children's rights and promote togetherness and awareness amongst all children.

At Worcestershire Children First our mission is to support children and young people to be happy, healthy and safe. Children at our heart is a core organisation value. We will keep children and young people at the heart of everything we do.
 
Our case studies demonstrate our commitment, passion and impact to support and improve the lives of children and young people.
 
Get in touch
Email: schoolservices@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk
Telephone: 01905 844300
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