The DfE has launched a
consultation on "Fairer Schools Funding in 2015-16" seeking views on how the proposed additional funding is allocated in 2015-16 to the least fairly funded local authorities. We would urge all schools to read the consultation document and submit responses before 30th April 2014 noting that it is likely that the Local Authority will be considering a "Devon" response along with input from the school phase association representatives on Devon Education Forum and Schools' Finance Group which schools may wish to consider as a basis for their own response.
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Universal Infant Free School Meals
and
Revised Food Standards consultation
The Government made significant announcements last week regarding the
countdown to delivery of free school meals to infants in September, as well as launching a
consultation on new standards for school food.
Read more ...
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Devon Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
**Important Information**
Devon Safeguarding Children Board has, today, issued
important guidance on sharing of information when contacting and making any disclosures to MASH regarding safeguarding concerns.
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Mandatory Legal Requirements for Schools -
Timeline
This
timeline, published by the DfE sets out important mandatory information to help headteachers, principals and governors plan ahead, prepare for and implement mandatory legal requirements during this academic year and beyond. Other non-mandatory reforms are also included in this timeline.
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Reporting on the Impact of PE and Sport Grant Allocation
Maintained schools and academies
must publish, on their website, information about their use of the PE and Sport Grant allocation by
4 April 2014. Schools should publish the amount of grant received; how it has been spent (or will be spent) and what impact the school has seen on pupils' PE and sport participation and attainment as a result, to help to ensure that all pupils develop healthy lifestyles.
Click here for further information.
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Pupil Premium On-line reporting -
Information to be included on your school website
The DfE has issued
updated information on what schools are required to include on their website regarding Pupil Premium allocation. Links to examples of good practice are also included.
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Pupil Premium Awards 2014
Win £10k for your school
The Department for Education's 2014 Pupil Premium Awards are now
open for entries. The awards, which will be worth up to £10,000 to each of three overall winners, aim to reward schools that make the best and most innovative use of the extra funding they receive from the pupil premium initiative. The deadline for entries is midday on
7 April 2014.
Click here for further information.
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Children and Families Act 2014 gains royal assent
The new
Children and Families Act, given royal assent last week will have wide-ranging implications for children's services. Some of the key changes to the law will mean, greater protection to vulnerable children, better support for children whose parents are separating, a new system to help children with special educational needs and disabilities, and help for parents to balance work and family life.