Southwark schools bulletin
Welcome to the Southwark schools bulletin archive page.
November 2025
Hello everyone,
I hope you had a restful half-term break and that the return to school has gone smoothly. As we settle back into the rhythm of the new half-term, I wanted to share some important updates and opportunities
You may have heard that the much-anticipated SEND White Paper has been delayed until early in 2026. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, wrote in October to the Chair of the Education Select Committee ‘that a full Schools White Paper will be published in the new year, underpinned by our belief that high standards and inclusion are two sides of the same coin’.
Whilst we welcome a thorough review to ensure any recommendations are considered, transformative and can deliver effective systematic change, it is frustrating there are further delays. We’ll update you as soon as we know more. In the meantime, we continue to implement our own SEND strategic plans, which in summary include developing our Ordinarily Available offer, banding review, and increasing SEND provision including Alternative Provision. Headteachers will have received a draft of Southwark’s SEND Strategic Capital Strategy 2026-2030 – we welcome your feedback to make sure the strategy is as robust as it can be. Subject to the Government’s White Paper we had hoped to take the strategy to the Council’s Cabinet on 6 January so that we could begin to deliver on our plans, but we are conscious that any new policy direction could have implications for these. We will of course share with everyone once it has been agreed.
Last week, we had the privilege of welcoming colleagues from the House of Commons to Southwark. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the dedication of our schools and services, highlight our local SEND successes, and discuss the challenges we face. The agenda included an overview of the Southwark context, a walkthrough of statutory education, health and care plan (EHCP) processes, mock panel and a lively discussion with representatives from across our education, social care, finance, and health services, along with Councillor Ali, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees. We were able to reflect on the excellent practice in our schools, demonstrate the tensions in the system and outline local challenges with a view to influencing policy makers.
In case you missed the email, we are looking for expressions of interest from schools who would consider developing a resource base either delivered by your school or by a special school. Please contact schoolcapitalprojects@southwark.gov.uk to find out more.
In other exciting news we are making plans to hold another SEND and inclusion conference after our successful inaugural event ‘Beneath the Behaviours' in January. We’re keen to hear when you would like the conference to run – please fill in our short form to help us find the best date for schools.
Over the summer some changes were made to our senior leadership roles within Children’s Services. In particular, our education structure is changing to strengthen how we are able to fulfil all our legal duties while ensuring we deliver on our Southwark 2030 commitments, particularly a good start in life for all children, but most importantly, for those who face disadvantage. It will take some months to fully implement, but we have already started recruitment. We will let you know more in due course.
As you will be aware, Ofsted are introducing significant changes to its inspection framework from November. These reforms aim to provide a more balanced and contextualised view of school performance, which I hope will lead to a more constructive inspection experience for all. John Kennedy, Ofsted’s Assistant Regional Director for London, will be discussing what the changes mean for schools at our next in-person Headteachers’ Breakfast Forum on 19 November, kindly held at Alfred Salter Primary School, SE16.
We’ll also hear more on the Exclusions Project from Councillor Ali and an update from the Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership. Please register to attend.
Thank you for everything you do for our children and young people. If you have any questions or ideas, my door is always open.
Anna Chiva
Assistant Director, SEND
Key updates
Inclusion and Targeting Support meetings
We all know that children being in school every day makes for better outcomes. To help encourage children to attend more regularly Southwark Council has a duty to hold Targeting Support meetings as part of the DfE’s ‘Working together to improve school attendance'. In the 2024/25 school year we held nearly 200 meetings with schools to discuss 3,643 individual children (severe and persistent absentees). Our data shows that for about a 1000 of these children attendance improved. For example, 35% of severely absent pupils discussed in the autumn term were coming into school more frequently by the summer, with 34% achieving more than 90% attendance. In addition, children identified as vulnerable were included in Team Around the School and Team Around the Family meetings led by managers from our Family Early Help service.
For the 2025/26 school year we will be holding Targeting Support meetings rather than routinely offering Team Around the School meetings. The latest published attendance data indicates that we’ll need to hold 172 meetings to ensure there are robust plans in place for severe and persistent absentees, led by our Education Inclusion team.
We are currently discussing with colleagues and partners, including from SEND, how Team Around the School meetings will be facilitated to ensure resources are allocated appropriately and that we can offer an effective multi-agency offer.
Our Family Early Help service will continue to give all schools a single point of contact and have introduced daily consultations with the Education Inclusion team. If you’d like more information please get in touch with one of our senior education welfare officers on 020 7525 2714 or book a virtual surgery: earlyhelp@southwark.gov.uk. We have also developed a range of resources and support to help you tackle this issue which you can access from our schools’ website.
>> Youth Parliament applications open – deadline 14 December
The application for young people (aged 14 to 18) to stand as youth parliamentarians is now open. Being in the Southwark Youth Parliament is an opportunity for young people to learn new skills, have great experiences and ensure young people’s voices are heard. Our process has changed slightly for this election – students will no longer stand for their individual school, but instead will represent their neighbourhood. We will also hold regular Neighbourhood Forums to allow more young people to have an influence. We will be distributing posters and lesson packs shortly. Find out more at our information session on 11 November under ‘What’s on’.
To help encourage your students to stand for election please use our flyer or print off our poster for use within schools.
>> Get involved in the My First Vote pilot
Southwark Council is inviting secondary schools to take part in My First Vote, a new project helping young people learn how voting works and why their vote matters. Schools will receive a free mock election pack, real polling equipment and guidance. To get involved, contact rachel.yarrow@southwark.gov.uk.
>> Updated health and safety information
We have updated our Health and Safety pages on the schools’ website so they take you directly to Assure, the Council's Health and Safety Information Portal for schools. Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the portal, its policies and documents. Contact cshealthandsafety@southwark.gov.uk with your questions.
>> Changes to Southwark's Safeguarding training: survey
From Spring 2026 our designated/deputy safeguarding lead training will begin to be delivered in-house by the Safeguarding in Schools team, with input from other Council teams and services. We want to ensure our new training works for schools. Please complete our short survey about what the new training should look like or contact emma.geiringer@southwark.gov.uk to discuss further. Information about training currently available to schools can be found on the schools’ website.
>> Resilience mental health coaching for young people
The Resilient Youth, Stronger Families project supports 10 to 19-year-olds with emerging mental health challenges to help build resilience and improve their mental health. For more information email bbf@mindspark.org.uk. Funded by the Maudsley Charity.
>> New sexual health service for young people in Southwark
This free, confidential sexual health clinic is every Tuesday (3.00pm to 6.30pm) for under-25s. Based at the Tessa Jowell Health Centre, SE22, it offers STI testing, contraception, and friendly sexual health advice.
>> Extension of Free Healthy Nursery Breakfast funding
Funding for free Healthy Nursery Breakfasts has been extended to this academic year 2025/26 at 53p per breakfast (backdated to September). School-based nurseries and nursery schools will have already received the funding, and a letter with further details will be circulated soon
>> Reminder: School Meals Transformation Programme evaluation survey
To help us understand how the School Meals Transformation Programme has supported your school, and how we can continue to improve, please complete our survey. This is a condition of grant for all settings.
>> Schools poster competition, celebrating 25 years of Transport for London – deadline 17 November
For pupils aged 11–18: design a poster responding to a real TfL brief, exploring how young Londoners can help shape the future of travel. Winning posters will be displayed at Battersea Power Station, as well as digital screens at the London Transport Museum.
>> Primary school nature sessions
As part of the London Wildlife Trust’s project to reunite Sydenham Hill Woods and Dulwich Woods we are offering nature-based school sessions with bug hunting, pond dipping, habitat exploration and more, designed to support curriculum learning. The learning sessions are £100+VAT and run for 1.5hrs, with discounts available. Contact learning@wildlondon.org.uk to find out more.
>> Bright Spots survey for looked after children – live until 28 November
We have launched a survey for children and young people aged 4 to 17 to share their views about their care. A ‘trusted adult’ for each child has been contacted to support them to complete the survey. For most children this is their Designated Teacher. For more information, please contact poppy.laurens@southwark.gov.uk.
>> EasyPeasy app in Southwark: Empowering parents and carers of children in the early years
EasyPeasy is an evidence-based programme, providing expert advice, engaging activities, and a supportive community for families with children aged from birth to five. Early years education, health and social care practitioners can also use the app to access expert resources, tips and an online training programme. For inquiries, email hello@easypeasyapp.com.
>> Best Start Family Hubs
The DfE’s new ‘Giving every child the best start in life’ strategy (July 2025), builds on Family Hubs and the Start for Life pilot programme, creating Best Start Family Hubs. A new ‘Best start in life’ brand identity and website have now launched and we’ll be updating our communications to align with these.
>> School Streets rolled out across the borough
As part of our Streets for People plans, we’re accelerating our roll out of school streets across the borough. There are currently 31 school streets, timed road closures to reduce congestion and air pollution outside schools, making it safer for parents and pupils to walk, cycle, scoot or use other greener ways to get to school.
Governors
>> Health and Safety Link Governor
Southwark recommends that all governing boards appoint a Health and Safety Link Governor to help monitor health and safety across their school. This is a strategic role – link governors are not expected to carry out checks or inspections themselves. Instead, they hold school leaders to account for ensuring that all necessary health and safety procedures are followed and that compliance is maintained. Our H&S Link Governor role description and checklist can help governors understand their responsibilities and monitor key areas effectively.
Your school’s ASSURE portal tracks health and safety compliance. If you do not yet have access, please contact temple.george@southwark.gov.uk.
>> Southwark Governors' Association (SGA) – management committee members needed
We need more governors to join the SGA management committee to keep our schools thriving. The SGA is a great forum for governors from maintained and academy schools in Southwark, meeting once a term to discuss important issues. We have seven vacancies and would love for you to join us. We're excited to relaunch the SGA this autumn and your participation is key to our success. Please self-nominate if you’re interested.
What's on
>> Learn more about Southwark’s Youth Parliament – 11 November
4.30pm, online. We would like to work in partnership with schools and colleges to make Southwark’s Youth Parliament election really memorable, as well as providing an opportunity for young people to have their first experience of voting. This is particularly relevant with the recent decision to allow 16 and 17 years olds to vote at the next general election. Come find out more at our information session – please register to attend.
>> Governor health and safety training – 12 November
6.00pm, online. This online course equips governors with a clear understanding of their strategic health and safety and security responsibilities covering key legislation and policies, how to use the ASSURE portal, and the essential questions governors should be asking school leaders.
>> Flu vaccination catch-up clinic – 15 November
For children and young people aged 4 to 16 who missed their school vaccination a flu clinic will be open between 10.00am and 2.00pm at the Big Yellow Office, 49-65 Southampton Way, SE5 7SW.
>> Free Sparking Creativity CPD – 17 November
4.00pm, online. Would you like to spark and embed more creativity in your school? A New Direction are offering a free taster session introducing the theory that underpins their Teaching for Creativity Programme and discuss the role of creativity in learning.
>> SGA Annual General Meeting and case study – 19 November
6.00pm, online. Our AGM agenda includes the election of new members, appointment of the Chair, review of the constitution and a governance case study.
>> ‘Supporting you to support young people: A trauma informed approach’ webinar – 25 November
12.30pm, online. The next Safeguarding in Schools webinar will be delivered by the Nest (Groundwork). Learn about using trauma informed approaches to identify and support young people experiencing difficulties such as anxiety and low mood, plus develop strategies to look after your own wellbeing as you can’t pour from an empty cup. Recordings from our previous sessions are also now available to watch.
>> Climate action workshops – 25 November
Work with experts from Let's Go Zero and RAFT (retrofit action for tomorrow) to build climate action plans for your setting. You should leave the workshops with a well thought through climate action and decarbonisation plan that covers all the areas of the DfE’s sustainability and climate strategy.
>> Free neurodiversity and food session – 26 November
3.30pm, online. Learn practical approaches to creating an inclusive food environment for SEND students in mainstream schools. This School Food Matters session focusses on neurodiversity and food behaviour.
>> Governors’ Forum dates 2025/26
Please hold the dates for this year’s Governors’ Forum in your diaries. Please register your interest.
>> Free Anna Freud webinars for Southwark Schools
- 9 December, online, 4.30pm – Are Students Missing School, or Missing Support?
- 20 January, online, 4.30pm – Is Belonging the Missing Piece in Educational Wellbeing?
To register for a free place, please complete the eligibility form for a booking link and voucher code. Places will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
>> Governor networking evening – 12 February
6.00pm, Tooley Street. Meet in person for an evening of networking and discussion. Share insights, build connections, and explore governance in action.