Education for All Bill
The government has confirmed that it will no longer be publishing the "Education for All" Bill, meaning it will no longer be a requirement for good schools to convert to academy status. In a statement to the House of Commons on 27th October, Justine Greening, the secretary of state for education, said that while her Department’s ambition remains for more schools to convert to academy status, the focus for now will be “building capacity in the system and encouraging schools to convert voluntarily” adding, “No changes to legislation are required” to achieve this.
However, it is still the government’s intention that “all schools should benefit from the freedom and autonomy that academy status brings”.
This has implications for the LA in relation to its statutory responsibilities for school improvement, as discussions indicate that the Education Services Grant – the grant for local authorities to support schools – will still be cut, yet the remaining education duties currently still remain with LAs.
There will be further consultation from January 2017 on the school system.
The early years foundation stage profile
The early years foundation stage profile is statutory for the 2016 to 2017 academic year.
Local authorities, early years education providers and education professionals with responsibility for assessing, reporting or moderating the early years foundation stage (EYFS) profile should use this handbook.
The latest version is available here and was updated on 31 October 2016.
It gives guidance to help you complete and moderate EYFS profile judgements so that outcomes are accurate and consistent across all early years settings.
It should be used alongside the EYFS Assessment and reporting arrangements.
Anti-Bullying Week 14th-18th November 2016
Next week (14th-18th November) is Anti-Bullying Week. The event, coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), shines a spotlight on bullying and encourages all children, teachers and parents to take a stand against bullying and to raise awareness. 
The theme this year is 'Power for Good' which encourages young people to realise the power they often hold and to ensure they use it for good.
The week is a great opportunity for you to reinforce the messages about how your school approaches bullying including ensuring your pupils know what to do if they are being bullied and how you will deal with anyone who bullies.
Ways to get involved
- Register for Anti-Bullying Week updates by joining the free ABA School or College Network
- Download the Anti-Bullying Week logos and share on your website and newsletters
- Share your Anti-Bullying Week plans and activities online using #antibullyingweek #PowerForGood and don't forget to tag @WarksEducation so we can see what you have been doing!
- Plan a lesson or assembly or organise an anti-bullying debate
- Take part in the Wear Blue Campaign on 18 November
Free resources are available for schools at BullyingUK and Anti-Bullying Alliance
Resources are also available to order here from Action Work
On an ongoing basis, you can ensure that your school regularly consults with students, parents and carers and staff about issues relating to bullying and that you have an Anti-Bullying Policy that is up-to-date, shared with all members of your school community, and available on your school website.
Anti-Bullying in Warwickshire
The Family Information Service provides a dedicated helpline for reporting bullying, up-to-date advice for parents and support for prejudice related bullying. There is also an Anti-Bullying Guide and Statement that has been developed to support people who are working with children and young people.