A Pastoral Message from the Diocesan Education Team
Dear Colleagues,
We write to assure you of our support, prayers and best wishes in these continuing challenging times. Once again we wish to thank you for the amazing work you have been undertaking. We know that so many of you have offered extensive support and pastoral care to children and families, as well as assisting members of staff and their families as well.
 Because of the government guidelines, the DES offices at Don Bosco House have been closed. However, the DES IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AS USUAL. All members of the DES team can be contacted by phone or e-mail and are available to support you and your school community. You will see on our website the list of phone numbers and ​e-mail addresses to contact staff who are currently working from home. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need any advice or support.
 We will be keeping in touch with you on a regular basis with information updates from various team members as and when required.
 Please be assured of the daily prayers off the DES team for you. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has also been offered for your intentions.
 May Mary the Mother of Jesus and all the saints assist us with their prayers at this time.
 With every good wish,
 The DES Team ​

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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 for visitors until further notice, DES officers will continue to be available and accessible by phone and email.
​All DES training events will now be taking place virtually until further notice.

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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

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Government Advice

​Covid-19: Guidance for Educational Settings 

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 

Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak 

Face coverings in education 

Action for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 

Financial Support during the coronavirus (Covid-19) Outbreak 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) asymptomatic testing in schools and colleges 

Health Advice

Please click here for health advice by the NHS

Public Health 

Schools can access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in scenarios where they have staff whose wages are funded by commercial activities such as lettings or catering income rather than public funds.  The Department for Education have published advice. The relevant guidance can be accessed by clicking here.

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 available at St Chad's Cathedral

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

Catholic Bishops Conference

Press Communication

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

Ofsted and Section 48

Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update 
Ofsted have published a new page to set out guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children's social care and further education and skills providers. It is being updated regularly.
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Section 48 Inspection guidance:
The disapplication of the requirement for our schools to undergo Section 48 Inspection remains, due to the persistent nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Disapplication from Section 48 inspections currently remains in place until January 2021.
Section 48 Monitoring Visits have been suspended for the remainder of the academic year 2020-21. Further information is available on the Section 48 page of this website.

Archdiocesan News

Please click here for the latest news from the Archdiocese.

Religious Education

Please click here for teaching resources for schools. 

Pastoral Support Through Times of Bereavement and Separation 

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

Governance

School Governance 

National Governance Association 

Admission Appeals Update 

CES Guidance - School Admission Appeals During Coronavirus

BDES Admissions Page