Important Pastoral Letter from Fr Jonathan Veasey

Message from Leora Cruddas, CEO 
Confederation of School Trusts

In response to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, and the impact it is having on all of our schools across the diocese, the DES has set up a designated support page on our website.

We hope to be able to provide pastoral support to schools during these challenging times.
In addition to the latest government advice and the Public Health guidelines, we will be providing general diocesan information as well as practical support to our schools.
Although Don Bosco House is closed until further notice, DES officers will continue to be available and accessible by phone and email.

However please note:

• All DES training events in schools and at Don Bosco House have been cancelled until the start of the new academic year. If possible, these will be rescheduled in the future and details will be provided when appropriate.
• All DES scheduled meetings both at Don Bosco House and in schools have been cancelled until the start of the new academic year. When possible and if necessary these may be rescheduled in the future.

Prayers during a time of flu and illness

Please click on the image below for prayers during a time of flu and illness.

Prayer with Pope Francis

Message from the Rt Rev Marcus Stock

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Government Advice

Guidance for schools about temporary closing 27/3/2020

​Covid-19: Guidance for Educational Settings 27/3/2020

Safeguarding in Schools, Colleges and Other Providers 27/3/2020

School Closures 27/3/2020

Guidance on vulnerable children and young people 27/3/2020

Attendance Recording 26/3/2020

School Governance 25/3/2020

Travel Advice for Educational Settings 25/3/2020

Implementing Social Distancing in Education and Childcare Settings 24/3/2020

Public Health 23/3/2020

Further details on exams and grades 20/3/2020

Health Advice

Please click here for health advice by the NHS

Accessing Mass in Parish Churches

Please click here to find some of the parishes in the Diocese which live stream their Masses, so you can still access a Mass even if not in person. ​

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Live Streaming now available at St Chad's Cathedral
​Monday to Friday – 12.15pm
Saturday and Sunday – 11am

Liturgy and Sacramental Preparation (The Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation) and The Celebration of the Sacraments in School 

The advice from our Bishops is that 'these celebrations should be postponed until a time that allows for families and friends to gather safely within our churches.' 

Catholic Bishops Conference

Press Communication

The HR department is led by Gerry Dryden, Human Resources & Communications Director:
​Email: Gerry.dryden@rc-birmingham.org
0121 230 6224
​Caroline Bletso and Faye Fawcett are the Press and Media Relations Officers for the Archdiocese: 
​caroline.bletso@rc-birmingham.org
faye.fawcett@rc-birmingham.org

Ofsted and Section 48

Please click here for Ofsted guidance.
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Section 48 Inspection guidance:
In light of the COVID-19 crisis, the Diocesan Education Service is suspending the Section 48 inspection schedule until further notice. This means that any school anticipating their inspection imminently will not be inspected until further notice.
Section 48 Monitoring Visits will also be suspended until further notice. 

School Appointments for Senior and Protected Posts

​Interim Guidance to Directors, Governors and Head Teachers on managing the recruitment and appointment process for protected posts in all schools and academies in our Archdiocese.

Archdiocesan News

Please click here for the latest news from the Archdiocese.

Religious Education

The Exams Office Update 23/03/20

Please click here for teaching resources for schools. 

Pastoral Care

If you would like information on the Rainbows project, please contact:
Primary
Rebecca Brolly r.brolly@bdes.org.uk
David Harris d.harris@bdes.org.uk
Secondary
Richard Smith r.smith@bdes.org.uk
Beccy Roseman b.roseman@bdes.org.uk

Governance

School Governance 25/3/2020

Decision making resources for Boards of Academy Trusts

National Governance Association 

NGA Governor Advice on Business Continuity and Virtual Meetings

Admissions Update 

Admission Appeals Update

CES Updates

Following the Prime Minister's statement on the partial closures of educational settings, the following information and guidance is now available on Gov.Uk. To note, the Guidance for Schools, Colleges and Local Authorities contains details of those deemed critical workers. 
​Guidance for Schools, Colleges and Local Authorities on Maintaining Education Provision 19/3/2020
​FAQ for Parents and Carers 20/3/2020

DfE have also published further information and guidance on how schools should support free school meal pupils, as follows:
​Press notice 19/3/2020
Guidance 20/3/2020

FCO travel ban, advising against all domestic and overseas trips, and advice for students and staff currently overseas 17/2/2020

New Q&A re exam cancellation 20/3/2020

Please see links below to the first iteration of the guidance for schools and guidance on vulnerable children which we understand will be regularly updated (potentially daily) to add further information and respond to the situation on the ground.  Please note that guidance is also expected on social distancing in education and childcare settings.
 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-school-closures 22/3/2020
 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people ​22/3/2020
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