High Needs Funding: An overview of the key issues

The SEND and Inclusion Strategy sets out our commitment to learners with high needs, however, we know that in order to support our learners appropriately we have a financial challenge. 

Nationally, there is currently an estimated £600m overspend on the High Needs element of the Dedicated Schools Grant. This latest report, from the Education Policy Institute, sets out some of the factors behind this.

Along with other local authorities, Warwickshire is forecasting a significant overspend on the High Needs Block based on current trends, in terms of rising demand and complexity of need. This is being monitored by Schools Forum, and a task and finish group consisting of head teachers, SENCOs and LA officers has been established to explore different ways to address the current situation.

Findings from the task and finish group will be shared at the Headteachers' Conference on 12 June, setting out a series of recommendations for the best ways to sustain the work of the local area high needs system and local offer going forward. 

Exploring faith views and climate change: event for primary pupils

Rugby Inter Faith Forum, in conjunction with Coventry and Warwickshire SACREs and Bilton CE Junior School presents:

An event to explore the role of religion and worldviews in addressing climate change and care for the environment 

Thursday 13 June 2019, 9.30am - 11.30am at Bilton CE Junior School, Rugby

This is an excellent post-SATs project for Year 6, or a challenge for Year 5 pupils. Prior to the event, pupils will be asked to prepare a faith perspective on the topic of climate change and care for the environment which will be exhibited on the day.  The event will also challenge pupils to put forward their views as part of a debate around the following statement:

"Religion is an essential factor in motivating individuals to protect the environment and address climate change."

For more details see the attached flyer or email the RE Facilitator for Warwickshire jenniferjenkins@warwickshire.gov.uk

Free CPD for Primary School RE Subject Leaders and Coordinators

Thursday 23 May 2019, 4.30pm - 6pm at North Leamington School

Focus of the session: RE and the Arts

Religious Education (RE) subject leaders and coordinators from all Warwickshire primary schools are invited to the next twilight meeting on Thursday 23 May 2019, 4.30pm - 6pm at North Leamington School, Sandy Lane, Blackdown, Leamington Spa, CV32 6RD. 

These sessions are organised by Warwickshire County Council in partnership with the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) and are completely free to attend. They provide an excellent opportunity for teachers and subject coordinators of RE to:

• seek advice and support from the RE Facilitator
• receive updates on local and national developments in RE
• network with other RE coordinators
• develop subject knowledge

The focus for this particular twilight session will be RE and the Arts.

How to book

To book your place, please email your details (name and school) to sacre@warwickshire.gov.uk by Friday 17 May at the latest.

 

Technical support with Widgit InPrint 3

We are aware of some schools currently experiencing issues with Widgit InPrint 3.

If you are a WES supported school, you are advised to contact WES directly for guidance.

If your school does not subscribe to the WES support service, you are advised to contact your technician, who will then be able to contact the Widgit Tech team.   

The difficulties with Widget InPrint 3 could be due to the programme being incorrectly installed or an incomplete set of resource packs (if you only have the Example Files you haven't got all of the free resources you should have).

Additional support

For support with other aspects of Widgit, for example, how to make specific resources, contact Janet Dobbie - sip@widgit.com 

Alternatively, help sheets and the full manual are available on the Widgit website

Philosophy and Ethics Course

Free tennis course and £500 kitbag for primary teachers

She Rallies is about creating more opportunities for women and girls in tennis and was set up and run by Judy Murray (Andy Murray's Mum). This is the third year of running it.

The course is FREE, its only two hours and all the lesson plans are online for teachers to access afterwards.

Once the course is complete teachers can apply for a kitbag worth £500, one kitbag per school.

There are two courses running:

• Wednesday 15 May, 4-6pm. Location to be confirmed.

• Tuesday 21 May, 2.45-4.45pm at Warwick Tennis Club.

Any teachers interested can contact liannesupperstone@hotmail.com

This course is for all primary age children and no experience from teachers is necessary.

This course is not endorsed by Warwickshire County Council