DSLS Newsletter | Reference & Guidance | Spring Term | 22 March 2022
Devon County Council sent this bulletin at 22-03-2022 11:18 AM GMT
 School Admission Policies – what you need to know, when you need to know itWhoever picks up Admission duties in your school or Trust, they will need to know when to arrange meetings for governors, what to publish on websites, when to respond to the LA. Training is available from DCC to help you meet statutory responsibilities, either as a refresher or if you’re new to the tasks. This can be arranged via Teams in response to demand for groups of schools and Trusts. For example, the annual cycle will start again at the beginning of September with draft policies for 2024-25 being prepared for you to consider. Whether you are an academy or maintained school, you should schedule a meeting for Governors in the first half term. To register an interest in Admissions training, please email:  Adolescent Safety Framework (ASF) - Safer MeThe Adolescent Safety Framework (ASF) is a pioneering approach to managing contextual risk which will support children, young people, families and professionals from across the partnerships. These risks are often found outside of the family environment and place young people at risk or compromise their safety. This includes risks caused by peer groups, exploitation, locations and persons of concern outside the family. A recommended online training module for schools can be found below and other resources available on the Devon Children and Families Partnership website. 
What is the SEND 100 Project?The SEND 100 project is a resource available free at the point of delivery to Devon schools for Devon children; it is funded by DCC and school’s group monies. We are a group of familiar teams working together under one umbrella project; Devon County Council, Babcock LDP SEND & Inclusion Specialist Advisory teams, South West Special Schools Teaching Alliance (SW SSTA) and school group representatives. The SEND 100 project aims to support and work together with mainstream settings helping them to increase their provision and ability to sustainably meet SEND needs - ensuring that local provision meets local needs. We are part of Devon’s graduated response to SEND. The projects have been set up to support schools and families to feel more confident about meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND in Devon’s mainstream schools. Much like the wider Devon SEND Transformation Plan – our aim is to work together in a multidisciplinary, integrated way. This will allow settings to apply for project support through ‘One place – One form – One pathway’. SEND Online Training ModulesBabcock LDP have launched a range of online SEND courses that are available for school staff to access on a flexible basis: SEND Module 1: An Introduction for all new and existing staff in Devon SEND Module 2: Developing your understanding of SEND SEND 100 project – Condition Specific Courses across 6 modules which will support staff in gaining specialist skills for teaching learners with:
 Help for teachers and families to talk to pupils about Russia’s invasion of UkraineRussia’s invasion of Ukraine is distressing and concerning and children and young people may have questions or be seeking reassurance. Schools are well placed to talk to pupils about the images they are seeing and help them navigate the concepts and issues this brings up. Whilst the DfE is confident that schools and colleges are well equipped to handle any questions they may be receiving from pupils or students regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, The Education Hub contains some useful advice and resources for schools and colleges. This information may also be useful for families and young people themselves. The Education Hub is a site for parents, pupils, education professionals and the media that captures information about the education system. Also available is guidance and advice article is written by Dr Sheila Redfern, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Anna Freud Centre, and published by BBC Bitesize. In the article, Dr Redfern shares advice for parents and carers on how to talk with young people about the invasion of Ukraine - a time that will be extremely unsettling and scary for many. There is advice for parents and carers on managing their own reactions and feelings, as well as ways to reassure and support children.
 Fundamental British ValuesSchools looking to fulfil their obligations around Fundamental British Values may be interested in a new initiative currently being piloted. The British Values Project have developed a new set of resources for Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 exploring democracy, liberty, the rule of law and tolerance as well as British history and culture and universal human rights. These resources can be delivered as part of an off-timetable day, a series of six lessons or a one-off lesson. The project is founded by former PSHE Association Chief Executive Joe Hayman, who is looking to pilot the resources in schools or to take feedback on the resources from teachers. Joe is also the author of two books on modern Britain, British Voices and British Journey. Please contact joe@rebuildbritain.uk if you want to find out more  Early years foundation stage: exemplification materialsThe DfE has published case study materials to support EYFS teachers in assessing children’s development. The case studies show teachers using their professional judgement and knowledge of the child’s overall development to make EYFS profile determinations. Amanda Spielman speech the Nursery World business summit 2022Ofsted's Chief Inspector reflects on the last 2 years and talks about Ofsted's work on education recovery. Do you receive the latest news and updates from the Early Years and Childcare Service?Keep up to date:
 School Leadership changes and Headteacher email updatesWe should be grateful if you would kindly bring to our attention any known forthcoming or impending changes to school leadership roles eg. Headteacher, Head of school etc. as it is not always possible to pick these up, particularly within MATs and Federations. Please email devonsls@devon.gov.uk Additionally, to ensure that school leaders are well informed and kept up to date with important information from the Local Authority and the DfE, regular headteacher updates are being emailed directly to you via Dawn Stabb, Head of Education & Learning. If you are not receiving these on a regular basis please let us know via email and we'll make sure you are added to the distribution list. 
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