Important Message from the DFE

It has been brought to our attention by the DFE that some of our schools are choosing to close early in order to facilitate cleaning. It is not their expectation that schools reduce their official working week in order to provide cleaning which can normally be undertaken outside the normal school day.
 
The DFE wish to bring to everyone’s attendance the following guidance, which references a requirement for enhanced cleaning but they do state that most schools are implementing this outside of the normal school week. 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools
 
If your school is experiencing exceptional circumstances which necessitates closing early for cleaning then governors must provide the necessary explanation to the DFE for this course of action and address the following questions:
 
  1. Whether school is operating for two sessions, separated by a break in the middle of the day, on the days that they close for deep cleaning? If not, how many sessions are they holding on those days?
  2. How the governing body of the school is ensuring that it meets the statutory number of sessions each year, given the cancellation of the sessions for deep cleaning?
 
In asking these questions the DfE reference the guidance on school attendance:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/907535/School_attendance_guidance_for_2020_to_2021_academic_year.pdf
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 after the October half term. 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. 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
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. ​
Picture
​

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@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

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.
Press release: Routine Ofsted inspections suspended in response to coronavirus 
​The Secretary of State has allowed Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) to suspend all routine inspections of schools, further education, early years and social care providers.
​
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

Updated Interim Guidance on managing the Recruitment and Appointment process for Protected Posts. 6/4/2020

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 17/7/2020
National Governance Association 
Admission Appeals Update 14/4/2020
CES Guidance - School Admission Appeals During Coronavirus
BDES Admissions Page

CES Updates

© Design and Content Copyright The Diocesan Education Service
Don Bosco House
Coventry Road
Coleshill
B46 3EA
​01675 464 755
Privacy Notice
Website supplied by Gabriel Media Limited
Birmingham Diocesan Trust, Registered Charity No: 234216