News of SEND and Inclusion interim arrangements and appointments

As mentioned in Paul's introduction, Pat Tate, Strategic Lead for SEND and Inclusion, leaves Warwickshire at half term. Pat has held a number of senior roles, including Head of Learning and Behaviour Service, Programme Manager for the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) and Head of Early Intervention Services. We wish her well with her new work life balance and phase as an independent consultant.

Through the Council's Transformation Programme, a new strategic role covering SEND will be designed and advertised later in the summer.

During this interim period, Jane Carter will be Acting Strategic Lead for SEND and Inclusion. Many of you will already know Jane through her management of the Integrated Disability Service, lead for Disability Access and training for governors, heads and SENCOs. Jane is also the Vice Chair of the Physical Disabilities Network (PDNET) and is currently coordinating a DfE sponsored education programme.

In addition, Paul Fellows, Specialist Teaching Service Area Manager, will be leading the work to implement the SEND and Inclusion part of the High Needs Recovery Plan.

At Christmas, SEND and Inclusion said goodbye to Dr Helen Kendall, Principal Educational Psychologist (EP) and SENDAR Manager and wished her well in retirement. Ann Ricketts, the Principal Educational Psychologist in Hertfordshire, has been appointed and will be joining Warwickshire on 1 April. During the interim period, Kerry Stace, Senior EP will be Acting Principal Educational Psychologist, and Ellen Gadd, Senior Plan coordinator will be Acting SENDAR Manager. Both colleagues will be familiar to many of you.

Contact details :

janecarter@warwickshire.gov.uk   Tel 01926 742347

paulfellows@warwickshire.gov.uk Tel 01926 413777

kerrystace@warwickshire.gov.uk   Tel 01926 413258

ellengadd@warwickshire.gov.uk    Tel 01926 742155

Alternative Provision – a framework of approved providers now in place

Last July, Warwickshire County Council's Cabinet agreed to an Alternative Education Provision Framework.

Following the first round of tenders the new framework is now in place with a published list of approved alternative education providers for secondary aged pupils either at risk of, or already permanently excluded, from school. 

As a result of the new framework, the Local Authority has now established a brand new Alternative Provider Alliance consisting of approved providers and those wishing to join the framework in the near future. There will be a drive to develop and embed quality assurance processes with the support of lead practitioners in secondary schools through this alliance model.

The framework will be refreshed in March 2019 and it is anticipated that additional providers will be approved to deliver provision from July 2019.

To access the full directory of approved providers please click here.

For general information about the Area Behaviour Partnerships please contact Jamie Barber Goodall, ABP Coordinator and Support Officer, Education Entitlement Team:

Office: 01926 742294

Mobile: 07584 337206

Email: jamiegoodall-barber@warwickshire.gov.uk 

SACRE guidance on withdrawal from RE

Warwickshire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) has produced some updated guidance for schools to help if pupils decide to withdraw from RE, including top ten tips for managing withdrawal in your school.

Supporting a broad and balanced curriculum - how Warwickshire Music can help

The video below speaks for itself!

Check out Warwickshire Music's website for more info.

Schools Library Service (SLS) - benefits to schools

There are various benefits for schools to signing up to the Warwickshire School Library Service (SLS). 

Schools can borrow books more cheaply and are able to buy them through the library supplier - there is also an option to have books bound with wipe-clean plastic. The range of books is much wider than with high-street bookshops, and the service can also help with selecting books.

You can contact SLS to talk to them about the discounts available on buying high quality books for curriculum topics and reading for pleasure - and the savings to be made by borrowing resources too.

Email the service at schoolslibraryservice@warwickshire.gov.uk or ring 01926 413461 / 413462.

Take part in the 2019 Big Pedal

     

The Big Pedal 2019 is the UK’s largest cycling, walking and scooting challenge for schools. Signing up is a great way to get actively involved in the Coventry and Warwickshire Year of Wellbeing.

Organised by the walking and cycling charity Sustrans, the competition will run from Monday 25 March to Friday 5 April, and will encourage young people from across the UK to travel by bike, foot or scooter for their journey to and from school. Primary, secondary and special schools will compete with one another to make the most journeys. The competition is completely free to enter!

In 2018, 82% of Big Pedal schools surveyed said pupils continued to travel actively to school following the competition.

Dozens of schools across the UK will register for the first time to close the road outside the school gates to motor vehicles. This is to limit the volume of traffic and help reduce air pollution while creating an environment in which cycling and walking are safe, convenient and enjoyable. New research shows 40% of our children are breathing toxic air at school, leaving them at an increased risk of developing lifelong conditions including asthma. Walking and cycling can play a key role in improving air quality outside the school gates while helping to boost children’s activity levels. It's also a great way to take part in Warwickshire's push to support active travel.

The theme of this year’s Big Pedal is ‘Travelling around the body’, with pupils tracking their progress on a wall chart, learning about the human body and how active travel benefits their health as they go. 

The Big Pedal 2019 is open to individual classes as well as whole schools, with hundreds of thousands of pupils expected to take part. For schools unable to take part in the main challenge there is also a one-day version, which can include cycling, walking and scooting activities during the school day as well as on the journey to school.

Schools and classes will be entered into a daily prize draw for rewards, including scooters, if more than 15% of the school cohort cycle, walk or scoot on each day of the challenge.

For more information check out the Big Pedal 2019 website. In the 'Resources' section you'll find a handy powerpoint for introducing this in school and some top tips on making it a success if you decide to register!

New government scheme to help care leavers access education and employment

Last week, Education Secretary Damien Hinds, announced the launch of a new project to improve the education and training of young people leaving care.

The government will be investing £5 million in pilot schemes that will aim to reduce the number of care leavers ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training’ (NEET). The programmes will be designed to develop care leavers' confidence, communications and skills needed to help them make the transition into independent life.

Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-schemes-to-help-care-leavers-access-education-and-employment