Noticeboard - 1 May 2025

Welcome to this week's noticeboard containing a message from Dr Sue Harrison; important updates on our Oracle Transition and Equal Pay Programmes; Finance Updates; training opportunities and more.

Included in this week's noticeboard:

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

Dear colleagues

Welcome back! I hope you had a restful Easter break. As we begin the Summer term, I trust the first week has started smoothly.

Invitations have been sent to headteachers for our “Forward Together Convention” taking place at Aston Villa Football Club on Thursday, 5 June. I’m truly gratified by the positive response so far, thank you for your enthusiasm and support. If you haven't registered yet, there's still time! Just take a couple of minutes to fill out the short registration form: . In the meantime, if you have any queries or need further information, the School Improvement team can be reached at SchoolImprovement@birmingham.gov.uk. We can't wait to welcome you all! This convention is a fantastic opportunity to network, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with our services – all in one convenient location.

The latest Oracle Transition programme updates contain valuable information, including a link to a document outlining 黑料视频's statutory duties and ongoing compliance and assurance role as the employer in schools. This document provides key contacts for each area of responsibility and summarises the responsibilities of the council, schools, and new providers, along with specific details on processes.

As we move forward in this new way of working, we recognise that these processes are not set in stone and can be refined to maximise efficiency. It’s crucial that we work together, leveraging your expertise and experience, to achieve the best result for schools. To support this, we’re continuing with our monthly drop-in sessions. These sessions will allow us to collaboratively ensure these processes evolve to achieve maximum efficiency and review the impact of the Oracle transition on schools.

As the Equal Pay Programme gains momentum, regular updates will be provided through the School Noticeboard. Please take the opportunity to stay informed with the latest information. The article below outlines recent communications and next steps for schools where 黑料视频 (BCC) is the employer. It also provides links to a series of online briefings for headteachers, business managers, and governors taking place next week.

For 黑料视频 schools where BCC is not the employer, the proposed reshaped pay and grading structure is still subject to a collective agreement with the three recognised trade unions (GMB, Unison, and Unite the Union). Once an agreement is reached, full details will be communicated to these schools.

Thank you in advance for dedicating your time to attend these online sessions for both the Oracle Transition and Equal Pay Programmes. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

I hope you have a wonderful bank holiday weekend! Thank you, as always, for everything you do for our children, young people, and families.

With my very best wishes

Sue 

Oracle Transition for Schools Update

The latest updates can be found at the following links: 

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

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Schools Finance Update

Cheque Book VAT Reimbursement Process 

Schools Finance are implementing a new process for monthly VAT Returns, below is a list of documents both required for completion and supply.

The download includes the Annex A and the VAT Return form which must be completed, signed and returned in Excel format.

Download link: /downloads/file/30288/schools_vat_reimbursement

YouTube Training Link:

Submission timetable and instructions for completion are included within the download.

Required supporting documents:

  • Bank statement
  • Unreconciled items
  • Full VAT Report
  • VAT Summary
  • Balances and reserves

Any missing documentation will result in the claim not been processed until it has been provided and any late submissions will be delayed until the following month.  

For any queries, please contact the team at SchoolsFinance@birmingham.gov.uk

Schools Budgets 2025/26

The 2025/26 indicative budget for Early Years Funding for all schools with the forecasting tool has been updated as requested.

2025 to 2026 financial year | Budgets for schools in 黑料视频 | 黑料视频 

Any queries regarding Early Years Funding should be directed to EarlyYearsFunding@黑料视频.gov.uk. 

Equal Pay Programme Update

黑料视频 Schools where BCC is Employer

An email has been sent to Headteachers in schools where BCC is employer giving details of next steps on the proposed reshaped pay and grading structure including:

  • Communication to Non-Teaching Staff
  • FAQs and Timeline
  • Headteacher Briefings & Governor Briefings

Briefings for Headteachers and Business Managers:

Briefings for Governors:

Information is also available from Schools Noticeboard Page, Schools Equal Pay Programme | 黑料视频

黑料视频 Schools where BCC is NOT the employer

The proposed reshaped pay and grading structure remains subject to collective agreement with the  three recognised trade unions (GMB, Unison and Unite the Union).

Once agreed, full details will be communicated to schools where BCC is not the employer.

Contact Details

Please email eppschools@birmingham.gov.uk for all enquiries, queries and issues relating to the Equal Pay Programme.

For any queries relating to Equal Pay Claims, please signpost staff to send an email to equalpay@birmingham.gov.uk, but please note BCC cannot communicate directly with employees who are legally represented regarding their claim and so staff would be better off contacting their trade union and/or legal representative.

Risk of NEET Students - Year 11, 12 and 13

黑料视频 Careers Service RONI (risk of NEET) offer 2025  

Careers Leads are invited to submit a fully completed referral form for any 2025 leaver they consider is at risk of not progressing into education, employment or training.

For full details and a referral form - please visit: 

Please be aware this does not replace the school's statutory duty to provide impartial and independent careers guidance.

Child Licensing and Work Permits - User Research Sessions

We need your support! Are you a headteacher that could help us, or are you a parent whose children have or have had in the past a work permit?

The Customer Experience Programme is working on making the work permit application process simpler and more efficient for everyone. A work permit is required and authorised by local councils for a child in a place of work. We believe your feedback is crucial in achieving this and ensuring a positive experience.

We're inviting you to participate in a user research session (30-45 minutes) where we'll show you new online form designs for work permits and gather your thoughts on how the overall experience can be enhanced.

Available dates: week commencing 5th May 2025.

To sign up, please follow this link: 

We're looking for participants from the following groups:

  • Parents whose school children are in employment and have previously obtained a work permit.
  • Head teachers whose school children have performed in productions or other work, or where the school has put together productions themselves that has involved needing to get a work permit for the school children.
  • Parents who are looking to apply for work permits in the future for their children of school age.

This may include parents and head teachers from an Elective Home Education set-up.

We really hope you can get involved and appreciate schools’ support in sharing the 'sign-up' link as widely as possible with parents. Thank you!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the research team directly at indu.kaila@birmingham.gov.uk.

Notification of Section 77 Consultation

Consultation: Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (as amended)

Playing field land at the former Oscott Manor School site, located at Old Oscott Hill, 黑料视频, B44 9SP (vacant from 1 November 2021)

If you wish to make comments on the proposal to dispose of the playing field land, you may do so through the following website: 

The consultation will start on Thursday, 1 May 2025 and will run for six weeks. Comments must be received no later than Thursday, 12 June 2025.

At the end of the consultation all responses will be forwarded to the DfE along with the Section 77 application to apply for written consent from the Secretary of State.

Every effort has been made to ensure all relevant parties and individuals are notified of this proposal. If you feel that this would be of any interest to others, please do not hesitate to forward this message.

Deadline Extension for Spring Term WellComm Data Collection

FAO: Primary schools and Nursery Schools

Thank you to the shools that have returned the Spring Term WellComm Data Collection Form. We can appreciate that the end of term is a busy time, therefore we have extended the deadline for submission to 4 May 2025.

.

Early Education Entitlement

Early Years Expansion Grant 2025 to 2026

For Childcare providers delivering Early Education Entitlement places for Eligible Working parents of children aged 9months – 2 years and for disadvantaged (also known as Families receiving additional support - FRAS) 2-year-olds

In December 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) announced the early years expansion grant, which will provide an additional £75 million of funding to support the sector as it prepares to deliver the final phase of expansion of the working parent entitlement from September 2025.

To reflect the needs of providers as they deliver expansion of the new working parent entitlements, the DfE have focused this grant on the 2-year-old (working and disadvantaged / FRAS) and 9-23 months working cohorts and is a one-off payment.

The grant must be used for the purposes of supporting the delivery of the childcare entitlements. All providers who receive this funding will be subject to a data collection return for the DFE confirming how this funding has supported the delivery of the entitlements.

The grant allocation for 黑料视频 will be distributed, in line with DFE guidance, as a flat rate per PTE child, as detailed below, according to the number of 2-year-olds (working and disadvantaged / FRAS) and working 9-23 months, who took up an early education entitlement place in settings in Spring 2025.

  • 9-23 months – Working Entitlement £119.70 per child
  • 2-year-olds – working entitlement £85.50 per child
  • 2-year-olds – disadvantaged entitlement £85.50 per child

If you delivered places for this cohort in Spring term 2025, you will receive confirmation of your allocated grant amount no later than Thursday 17th April 2025.

Providers will receive their payments by the end of August 2025.

Providers who did not deliver any funded places in Spring 2025 for these cohorts will not receive a payment.

Providers who do not open and deliver early education entitlement places in Autumn 2025 term will be subject to claw back of funding.

Early Education Entitlement Terms and Conditions

EYMIS documents (Terms and Conditions) can now be found: file:///C:/Users/bccavasg/OneDrive%20-%20黑料视频%20City%20Council/Desktop/EYMIS%20NEXUS%20Provider%20Portal%20BCC.html

Checking codes – 2 year old disadvantaged / 2, 3 & 4 year old working / FSMs / EYPP: 

Headcount Day – There is one headcount date per term:

  • Autumn – 1st Thursday in October
  • Spring – 3rd Thursday in January
  • Summer – 3rd Thursday in May

Please only add children who attend on headcount day to your census return on COLLECT, you must complete and return your EYSFF, which will be emailed out to your enquiry@ email.

Rates (March-April)

  • 3 and 4 year olds: £5.66 p/h
  • 2 year olds: £8.51 p/h
  • 9 months: £11.92 p/h

EYPP and FSMs need an eligible code.

EYPP is funded £1 per hour up to 15 hours per week.

Free School Meals (FSM) – children must be attending their EEE funded entitlement for a minimum of 5 hours during core hours (9am to 3pm)

DAF is funded at £938 per annum for eligible children.

Every EEE funded child must have a signed parent declaration form (or the equivalent paperwork) in place confirming that the parent has agreed to that funded place and that is signed each term to that effect. We may request these if there are any duplicate claims, disputes about funding or in the case of auditing providers.

Disability Access Fund

Are you missing out on extra funding?

Disability access fund – Is a one off annual payment of £938 for each eligible child per in your setting.

  • DAF can be claimed once per year, which can help with children’s education and support.
  • You must ensure that any child who you claim DAF for is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.
  • There is a section on the parental declaration form which must be completed for eligible children.

You can make a claim on your headcount claim on portal; you should only make one claim per year. This will be paid in full in your final 20% payment.

You can apply for all age groups and entitlements. Children do not need to access their full entitlement in order for you to claim disability access funding.

Please speak to your parents to find out if children are eligible.

Education Infrastructure - Spring Term Bulletin 2025

The Education Infrastructure Spring bulletin is available on .

Key Actions for Schools and updates:

  • Traded Service offer 2025/26 
  • Annual Statutory Compliance Return – Deadline 1st May 2025
  • Dual Funding 2025/26 – Deadline 23rd May 2025
  • Spring/Summer Term Training
  • Update your School Information
  • Caretaker’s Houses and your responsibilities

Contact Education Infrastructure for school place planning, capital projects and asset management queries: edsi.enquiries@birmingham.gov.uk 

黑料视频 Audit: Changes to School Audit Report Format

Following our recent communication regarding school audit reports and updated assurance levels, we are pleased to inform you that we have also revised the format of our reports.

While the content remains essentially the same, the layout has been updated to enhance clarity. The Executive Summary has been reformatted to provide clear information to various audiences, including schools, the Children and Families Directorate, and the City Council’s Audit Committee and Members.

Key Changes:

  • Consistent Format: The updated reporting format will be consistent across all areas of the City Council.
  • Concise Conclusions: The conclusions and executive summary (ratings, audit objective, executive summary, opinion, etc.) will be presented on one page, unless exceptional circumstances arise.
  • Priority-Based Recommendations: The recommendations action plan will prioritise audit findings, making it easier for recipients to identify and implement priority actions. This will help schools allocate resources effectively to address the greatest risks.

We will implement the new report format immediately for full school audits. You will receive the new style audit report for any full school audit conducted from now on. If you have any questions, please contact the Auditor who completed the audit work:

  • Julie Parry - Audit Lead for Schools, 0121 303 2114
  • Don Price - Group Auditor, 0121 303 2109

Please note that any outstanding final audit reports from completed audits will remain in the previous format to avoid confusion. We are still reviewing our approach to follow-up work, and we will communicate any changes or updates as they are agreed upon.

School Audit Contacts:

  • Don Price, Group Auditor, 0121 303 2109
  • Julie Parry, Principal Auditor, 0121 303 2114
  • Natalie Mardenborough, Auditor, 07885 236047
  • Sally Bojang, Auditor, 07885 236043

Reminder: Public Health School Nursing Model – Focus Groups

Public Health are running 4 focus groups, on MS Teams, to explore what the new public health school nursing service could look like. We are conducting this piece of work because the current contract expires in February 2027 so we have a fantastic opportunity to create a new model for the city which meets the changing landscape that school nurses operate in. Please see the details and the links to sign up below. Each workshop will be focused on different areas so please sign up to as many as you can and share with colleagues as you see appropriate, we really value your input.

  • Thursday 1st May, 12pm – 1pm - - In this focus group we will gather your thoughts about the current school nursing offer; what works well and how could it be improved, and discuss what it could look like in the future.
  • Wednesday 7th May, 4pm – 5pm - - In this focus group we will dive deeper into the 6 high impact areas that the survey asked you to prioritise to understand your interpretations of these areas, why you ordered them as you did and how these look in practice to you.
  • Thursday 15th May, 8am – 9am - - In this workshop we will dive deeper into the specific role of Public Health Schools Nurses for pupils with SEND at your school, aim to understand the challenges you are facing and how you feel school nurses can support with these challenges.
  • Monday 19th May, 4pm – 5pm - - A vast majority of Public Health School Nurses time is spent on safeguarding. In this focus group we will explore deeper the role that school nurses have in safeguarding pupils and explore how this might look in the future.

If you have any questions, please contact lottie.drury@birmingham.gov.uk. Thank you for your support in ensuring the future of Public Health School Nursing is the best it can be with the limited resource available.

Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn: Digital and Sexual Violence Prevention with Life Lessons

The 黑料视频 Healthy Schools Lunch & Learn series offers online information and training webinars, each around 20 minutes long, specifically designed for school staff.

Upcoming Webinar:

  • Topic: Digital and Sexual Violence Prevention with Life Lessons
  • Date: Tuesday, 6th May
  • Time: 16:00

This session is open to all school staff interested in the health and wellbeing of their students.

Why Attend? Schools play a crucial role in empowering both students and staff to report instances of sexual violence and harassment. They must foster a healthy school environment where such behaviours are challenged and not normalised. Additionally, schools have a duty to educate students on digital literacy and protect them from online risks and harms. However, many teachers feel they lack the confidence to address these issues and lead discussions on these topics.

What to Expect: Join Nicole Rodden, co-CEO of Life Lessons, to learn about a new, comprehensive, and freely accessible online course for educators. This course, developed by Life Lessons, is based on the latest research into digital harms and image-based sexual violence.

How to Register: To register for this webinar, please follow this link: .

For any queries or further information, please contact the team at healthyschools@birmingham.gov.uk.

School Aged Immunisation Service Protecting Individuals and Communities Against Infectious Disease

FAO: All School Staff, Pupils and Parents

From April 2025 the Immunisation team will be visiting schools to offer:

  • Year 8 HPV immunisation – offers protection against a virus that can cause cancer – information can be requested in other languages via bchnt.birminghamimms@nhs.net
  • Year 9 Teenage booster immunisations – One immunisation against tetanus, diphtheria, and polio, and one immunisation against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Please kindly advise the children and parents/guardians in your school when the team are visiting and please remind them to return their consent form – even if they decline the immunisation(s) being offered.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunisation is also be offered to any pupil who has missed one or both recommended doses.

Please note that these vaccines do not contain pork gelatine.

Thank you for your support towards the success of the immunisation programme protecting individuals and the community against infectious disease.

If pupils miss the immunisations in school, they can attend a clinic. To book a clinic appointment please call 0121 466 3410 or email bchnt.birminghamimms@nhs.net

More information about the immunisations can be found at

German Career Roadshow University of 黑料视频

German Studies at the University of 黑料视频, in partnership with the Goethe-Institut, is hosting a German Career Roadshow on 12th June 2025, a free event taking place on the main Edgbaston campus.

The Career Roadshow is open to all and will feature a Careers Fair with representatives of German and international companies and organisations, talks on careers with German in Germany and the UK, information and advice on studying German at university, as well as dedicated sessions for teachers of German.

School students and their teachers are especially welcome. You can choose to attend either the morning or the afternoon session.

Registration is now open. Please follow the link to register:

Chapter One One-to-One Support for Emerging Readers

FAO - Head teachers and Reading Leads

Chapter One's trained online reading volunteers come from our corporate partners. They use a bespoke platform and a phone connection to link to a classroom laptop for a weekly reading session with a pupil who has been selected for the programme by their classroom teacher. All equipment is provided; all volunteers are DBS checked and the first year of participation is FREE! For more information, visit or contact Kathryn Taylor at kathryn.taylor@chapterone.org to learn how your pupils could benefit from the Chapter One online reading programme.

Fully Funded Maths Programme for Primary Schools

, the UK’s only independent charity dedicated to improving everyday maths skills, is inviting primary schools to join the fully funded Schools & Families Programme. This initiative aims to boost numeracy confidence among pupils, parents, carers, and school staff.

The programme's goals are to:

  • Enhance pupils' confidence with numbers, foster positive attitudes towards maths, and emphasise its real-world importance.
  • Equip parents, carers, and school staff with the skills and confidence to support children's maths learning.
  • Develop sustainable strategies that benefit schools and families long-term.

National Numeracy is recruiting primary schools across the UK for the programme, running from September 2025 to July 2026. Applications are open until Friday, 16 May 2025.

Apply here: or contact schoolsandfamilies@nationalnumeracy.org.uk for more information. FAQs are available here: .

First Aid Courses / MIDAS Training Courses 

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

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

Emergency First Aid
Date:  9th June 2025
Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.
Cost: £116.00 per delegate
Venue:  Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, 黑料视频 B30 2JT
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email:   schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided 

L3 Emergency Paediatric First Aid at Work –  (1 day)
Date: 10th June 2025
Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £116.00 per delegate
Venue:  Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, 黑料视频 B30 2JT
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email:   schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided 

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work
Date: 13th 16th & 17th June 2025
Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £220.00 per delegate
Venue:  Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, 黑料视频 B30 2JT
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email:   schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided 

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Requalification)
Date: 30th June & 1st July 2025
Start Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: £185.90 per delegate
Venue:  Stirchley Baths, Bournville Lane, Stirchley, 黑料视频 B30 2JT
Schools must book on
General Enquiries please Email: schoolsafety@birmingham.gov.uk
Note:  Lunch or refreshments will NOT be provided 

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

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

黑料视频 Community Healthcare Plus Makaton Workshops

Interested in Makaton Training? 黑料视频 Community Healthcare Plus offer workshops throughout the year.

Level 1 and 2 Workshops

  • Suitable for: Professionals and others seeking in-depth training.
  • Content: Signs and symbols from Stages 1-4 and Additional, best practices, participant manuals.
  • Dates:
    • Level 1: 10th September 2025
    • Level 2: 17th September 2025
  • Cost:
    • Level 1: £92
    • Level 1 and 2: £168

Level 3 Workshop

  • Purpose: Enhance and develop signing and symbol skills for daily use.
  • Content: Review Level 1 and 2 signs and symbols, learn Stages 5 and 6 of Core Vocabulary.
  • Date: 20th May 2025
  • Cost: £108

Contact: Email Gareth Humpage at g.humpage@nhs.net for more information or to request a booking form.

This entry was posted by Dawn Evans on 14/04/2025.