Southwark schools bulletin
Welcome to the Southwark schools bulletin archive page.
July 2025
Hello everyone,
This is the last bulletin of the academic year. I know you are all very busy with parent meetings, reports, transition events, trips and performances, plus everything else that needs to be done as you approach the summer holidays, following closely behind the exam and assessment season. That is why it was great to see so many schools at our Headteachers’ Breakfast Forum in June. I hope that heads found it a useful opportunity to collaborate with each other.
We discussed our borough-wide Ordinarily Available Provision framework with those in the room, setting out what support should be available in all education settings for children and young people with SEND (0-25 years of age), without the need for an EHCP. Thanks to everyone who has filled in our survey so far. Following feedback, we are in the process of redrafting the framework, which we will make available for schools to comment on before the end of the summer term. The consultation will remain open until the end of September.
We also spent time thinking through the benefits of Southwark’s community of schools working together more collaboratively and how a partnership could work in practise. We looked at three potential models which would enable all schools to engage with each other and with the Council to better address our current challenges – strategic hubs, locality clusters and problem-solving committees. The voting summary following our discussion demonstrated a clear appetite for pursuing new ways of working, but the few unsure votes show that we still have work to do to make our plans a reality. We’ll share more information as we develop this further.
As the year comes to a close, we held another successful SENDCO Transition Day to ensure the transition to secondary school is well planned and successful. The event was really well attended, strengthening links across Year 6 and Year 7. Your feedback has been extremely positive, with 90 per cent rating the information shared about individual children ‘very useful’. One headteacher described how the event supported wider information sharing, about SEND but also for mainstream pupils, which will be highly beneficial for secondary staff as pupils make this important move.
Sadly, we are losing another two primary schools at the end of August, due to the impact of falling rolls in Southwark. I would like to thank Anna Harding, Headteacher of St Mary Magdalene, and Nicola Metcalfe, Headteacher of Charlotte Sharman, for their all their hard work to successfully support their staff, parent and pupil communities under what are incredibly challenging circumstances. Thank you also to everyone for keeping in mind the sensitive time these schools are going through – it is appreciated.
And finally, good luck to all of you on your respective results days – 8 July (KS2), 14 August (KS5), and 21 August (KS4). We would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for all you do for our children and young people to give them such a great start in life. Enjoy the rest of the term and we wish you a relaxing summer break when you get there.
Nikki Tilson
Principal Advisor, Learning and Achievement
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Key updates
>> School representatives for Southwark's MASH Strategic Board
The Southwark Safeguarding Children Partnership are looking for representatives from Southwark's schools to sit on Southwark's Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Strategic Board. The Board meets four times a year. To find out more or register your interest please contact mary.moroney@southwark.gov.uk.
>> SEND capital funding, up to £15,000 support for eligible projects
We’re pleased to share that the SEND Capital Funding programme is open for applications from all schools in Southwark. This initiative is aimed at helping schools enhance their inclusive learning environments for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Schools can apply for funding to support small-scale capital projects. Eligible projects may include classroom adaptations, long-term assistive technology, accessibility improvements, lighting upgrades for visual impairments, and soundproofing to reduce noise levels. You must be able to demonstrate that your project directly impacts children with SEND.
>> Review of commissioning arrangements for speech and language and occupational therapy
We are seeking to review the commissioning arrangements for speech and language and occupational therapy. To help us understand demand and current spend we need your help.
In the autumn term we are planning to write to you and your finance manager asking whether you make your own commissioning arrangements, how much you spend and what could be better.
Your support will help us understand better where there are gaps, areas of good practice which will inform the next steps of the needs analysis and commissioning activity.
>> Launch of Southwark’s Primary Behaviour Strategy Toolkit
Together with the mental health charity Anna Freud, we are producing a Primary Behaviour Strategy Toolkit for Southwark, launching this autumn. This evidenced-based toolkit aims to support teachers and school staff to better meet the needs of children with behaviours that challenge, and to implement behaviour management strategies, interventions, and techniques.
We would like to recognise the tremendous effort a group of primary schools put into developing the content over the past year, led by Lisa Noel, Beormund Primary School and Maureen Thomas, Summerhouse Behaviour Support Service.
>> New SEND feedback surveys for parents, carers, children and young people
To help us better understand what it’s like for a child, young people, parent or carer to undergo an EHC needs assessment or annual review process we have co-produced feedback forms. To help you share these with your families we have produced a poster to use in school and a signposting image which can be added to letters and newsletters. Please contact emma.mcdonald@southwark.gov.uk if you need help promoting the surveys.
>> Promote the Healthy Start scheme to families of nursery children
Healthy Start provides money for food and milk to families on certain benefits. When claimed from pregnancy to a child’s 4th birthday it is worth over £1000 per child. Contact adrian.allen@southwark.gov.uk to find out more about how you can promote the scheme in your nursery.
>> Water safety advice over the summer
Hot weather can mean more cases of drowning. It can happen silently, in minutes in just 2cm of water. We’re asking for schools to share the message with pupils and parents:
- always follow the water safety code
- if you see someone struggling in the water, don’t go in, always call 999
- supervise little ones and remove access to water immediately after use (empty out paddling pools, turn off the hose and cover hot tubs and swimming pools).
>> Cannabis harms campaign aimed at young people
Southwark Council is funding Change Grow Live (CGL) Southwark to raise awareness and reduce harm around cannabis use. Free support is available for ages 11+ and lesson plans for Key Stage 3 or 4 pupils. Social media and drop-ins will run in July and September. To get involved or request a lesson plan for your school call 020 3404 7699 or email cgl.southwark@cgl.org.uk.
>> Free Trauma Informed Weapons Awareness Programme (TIWAP), Year 7+
Designed for small groups of six or seven pupils, TIWAP aims to raise awareness of knife crime with young people. The six, 1hr sessions cover knife crime’s legal consequences, recognising its impact, and strategies to keep safe and access help. There is also the option to condense the content into three longer sessions. To find out more contact dermot.kealey@southwark.gov.uk.
>> Register interest for free Primary Arts programme for 2025/26
Register now for New Direction’s free Primary Arts programme for 2025/2026. Funded by the City of London Corporation’s City Education Trust Fund, and in partnership with cultural organisations, the programme aims to increase access to high quality and inspiring arts, cultural and creative opportunities for children and staff in primary schools, and primary SEND settings in London.
>> Free, accredited coaching apprenticeship
Southwark schools can now access the Education Coaching Professional Apprenticeship (Level 5) at no cost to schools. Starting in October, this is a great offer for anyone who wants to build their coaching skills. Register your interest at apprenticeships@tpchealth.com.
>> Trustee recruitment – Southwark Community Education Charity
SCEC has been offering academic enrichment programmes on Saturday mornings to primary school pupils for over 25 years. As a member of our board, you will have the opportunity to contribute to transformational strategic initiatives and broaden the charity’s reach and impact. We are looking for a senior leader in a state primary school to take on the role of community lead. This is a voluntary position. To find out more please contact dwarrschori@scec-uk.org.
>> Useful links for schools on climate action and air quality
Did you know you can access free resources and links online to help your school take action on climate change and air quality? Subjects covered include buildings, energy and biodiversity. You’ll also find a free climate action plan guide and template.
>> FundEd’s new offer for fundraising support
Fundraising plays a crucial role in supporting a thriving school environment. An annual FundEd subscription cost £75 and offers resources to help you achieve your goals.
>> Letter of thanks to governors of schools and academy trusts
A letter of thanks was sent from Catherine McKinnell MP, Minister for School Standards, to all school and academy trust chairs during Volunteers’ Week. The Minister expresses her sincere thanks for all the hard work and dedication you continue to show in supporting schools and improving outcomes for children and young people. Your efforts are truly appreciated.
>> 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 in Autumn 2025 and your participation is key to this. Please self-nominate if you’re interested.
>> Misleading SEND supply agency advertising
A supply agency is promoting their SEND recruitment services to local schools citing Beormund Primary School as a previous customer. In case you receive this unsolicited email, Beormund would like to make clear that they do not use this agency.
>> Please share with your parents: Become a foster carer in Southwark
We’re looking for compassionate individuals to provide loving homes for children in need. Make a lasting difference with flexible placements including part-time, essential training, and financial support.
What's on
>> DfE Prevent in education: Training for governors and trustees in schools
The Prevent duty requires schools to ‘have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism’. As a governor, your role is one of oversight.
>> Launch of the new Southwark agreed RE syllabus – 10 July
8.30am, Tooley Street. As part of its statutory duty, SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) has undertaken a full review of the RE syllabus. Please register in advance.
>> Free healthy secondary school meals session – 11 July
Free healthy secondary school meals are continuing for the upcoming 2025/26 school year. To prepare schools, we are running online engagement sessions for secondary school staff. If you have not received an invite, please contact: schoolfood@southwark.gov.uk.
>> Safeguarding in Schools 'harmful sexual behaviour’ webinar – 14 July
4.00pm, online. Staff from all education settings in Southwark are invited to attend our harmful sexual behaviour webinar, including developing methods to address this. Please register in advance.
The recording from our previous session ‘reducing parental conflict' is also now available to watch.
>> LGBT+ events for under 18s this summer
The mosaic LGBT+ Young Persons Trust have organised two events for the summer – pay what you can. Posters are available from administrator@mosaictrust.org.uk.
- Pride Prom, 18 July, 7.00pm to 11.00pm, Regents Place, NW1 3BF
- Queer Garden Party, 30 August, 1.00pm to 4.00pm, The Pheonix Garden, WC2H 8DG
>> Summer Food and Fun holiday programme – 28 July to 29 August
The DfE funded Holiday Activities and Food programme is designed to help local families who are in need of additional support during the school holidays to access free, healthy food and fun activities and is aimed at children and young people aged 4 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
An email has been sent to headteachers including the programme flyer and a letter inviting the parents/carers of eligible children in your school to book places.
>> Free transition to secondary school summer programme – 28 July to 8 August
Rye Oak Primary School. For children supported by Early Family Help, aged 9 to 11. Designed to empower and assist children in developing crucial life skills to ensure a smooth and successful transition to secondary school.
>> Please share with parents: Celebrate Wonder Day – 13 September
10.00am to 4.00pm. FREE fun-filled, family-friendly Wonder Day is full of fun and exploration, at the Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility as part of Open House London. From the Jamming with Junk orchestra to buzzing with Bumble bees, Wonder Day has it all.
>> Governors’ Forum dates 2025/26
Please hold the dates for this year’s Governors’ Forum in your diaries. Please register your interest.