Southwark schools bulletin
April 2026
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Hello everyone,
I hope you all had a restful Easter break and are feeling re‑energised for the summer term as you support your pupils through SATs, exams and the many transitions that come with this time of year.
Over a two‑week period in March, our children’s social care services underwent an Ofsted inspection under the ILACS framework, ahead of national changes coming into effect this month. As a local authority graded Good, we received a short inspection. While final judgements remain provisional until national moderation is complete, inspectors were highly complimentary about many aspects of our work. They commented on the depth of insight they gained into our strengths, the skill and commitment of our workforce, and several areas of real excellence. They also identified a small number of areas where further development will help us build on the progress we’ve already made.
Crucially, inspectors heard directly from children, young people and families. In almost all areas, they found that our work is making a positive difference and that children remain firmly at the centre of our practice. We will share the full report with you once published following the local elections.
Later this month, on 23 April, our Southwark Learning Partnership Board meets for the first time. This marks an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between Southwark’s schools, the council and wider partners. The Schools White Paper published in March places renewed emphasis on collaboration over competition and anticipates the formalisation of local area partnerships – so the timing of our Board’s establishment could not be better.
To support the establishment of the Board we are delighted that Maria Dawes has agreed to serve as Chair. Maria brings a wealth of experience across the education sector including significant work in school-led partnerships and multi-school collaborations, most notably as the founding Chief Executive of the Schools Alliance for Excellence (SAfE). She has also held senior regional and national positions, alongside her experience in inspection and improvement and is currently a RISE adviser working with schools in the southeast of England.
Supporting Maria and the wider Board in delivering the work of the Partnership, I am pleased to welcome Natalia Antoniou as our new Southwark Schools Partnership Manager. Working alongside Janice Babb, Headteacher and Partnership Adviser, Natalia will ensure schools’ feedback is heard, coordinate support and professional learning, and keep you informed about opportunities and resources. Some of you will already have met her at our recent Headteachers’ Breakfast Forum; if not, please do reach out to SouthwarkSchoolsPartnership@southwark.gov.uk.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Headteachers’ Breakfast Forum on 11 March, where we focused on tackling rising exclusions and suspensions. Colleagues shared their approaches, reflected on shared pressures, and explored how we strengthen our inclusion offer to meet the needs of our most vulnerable children. Presentations are available on the Southwark Schools website.
Our next Headteachers’ Breakfast Briefing will take place on Wednesday 29 April from 8.30 to 10.30am (online). I encourage you to attend for key updates and discussions on the issues shaping education in Southwark. Please register to join us.
Thank you, as always, for your leadership and the work you and your teams do every day to support, challenge and champion Southwark’s children and young people.
Alasdair Smith
Director of Children's Services
Quick ask – if you don’t already, please share this bulletin with your relevant staff. We hope it’s packed with useful information that will help schools stay more informed.
Key updates
This month:
- Southwark Youth Parliament elections
- The Power of Talk – oracy in primary schools
- Southwark Council staff updated letter of assurance
- New sickness return form
- Meningococcal disease outbreak – resources
- Free youth vaping prevention programme for Southwark schools
- PE ‘Inclusion 2028’ programme extended for 2026/27
- Fully funded Black history enrichment for two primary schools
Southwark Youth Parliament elections
Congratulations to everyone involved in our recent Southwark Youth Parliament (SYP) elections, and especially to those elected! A total of 2,342 votes were cast across nine schools and colleges, with a further 376 votes submitted online across Southwark. The results were announced on the 27 March at an event at our Tooley Street offices, where candidates and their parents attended to watch the count carried out in person by the Council’s Electoral Services alongside young leaders from our Youth and Play team.
Our 30 newly elected young people will now serve a two-year term as an SYP member. We’ll publish the winners on our One Hub website shortly. There are lots of opportunities for students to get involved in the community, including local youth neighbourhood area forums launching this term. Please follow us on Instagram for updates.
The Power of Talk – oracy in primary schools
Teachers and leaders gathered for the Violence Reduction Unit funded Talk Matters event, highlighting how high‑quality oracy in primary schools boosts equity, confidence and classroom relationships. Southwark was strongly represented, with ten schools involved in the Talk Matters programme and two schools presenting at the event, putting the borough in a strong position as national policy moves towards a more formal oracy curriculum.
Geoff Barton, Chair of the Oracy Education Commission, emphasised oracy as the “fourth R” – “this is not about asking children to abandon who they are, but about widening their repertoire so they can code‑switch effectively according to audience and purpose – while Southwark schools shared practical strategies transforming daily practice. To find out more read the interim Talk Matters evaluation report (link above) or email cara.cahill@southwark.gov.uk.
Other updates
>> Southwark Council staff updated letter of assurance
Staff from Southwark Council’s Children's Services are regularly required to visit schools and meet with children. Please see the updated letter which explains the arrangements for this, including that staff shouldn’t be required to show a physical copy of their DBS. Please ensure your safeguarding and office staff (and any other relevant colleagues) are aware of these arrangements.
>> New sickness return form
Schools have a statutory duty to notify their local authority when a pupil is likely to miss 15 days (consecutive or cumulative) due to illness. This is to ensure that we can jointly agree provision for children unable to attend due to illness and assess whether Section 19 obligations may be triggered.
>> Are you signed up for Southwark's safeguarding updates?
The Safeguarding in Schools team sends out a weekly bulletin with key safeguarding information including local and national updates, policy changes, training opportunities and upcoming events. Leaders, safeguarding staff and governors from all types of schools and education settings are invited to sign up to the mailing list to be kept in the loop.
>> Meningococcal disease outbreak – resources
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published guidance for education settings on managing the current meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent. It covers attendance advice, definitions of contacts, recommended actions, and vaccine information. No extra precautions are needed unless advised by the UKHSA Health Protection Team.
>> Contact details for reporting outbreaks
The UKHSA London Region Health Protection Team manages infectious diseases, outbreaks, and environmental hazards in south London. To report an incident or for advice call 0300 30 30 450 or email london.region@ukhsa.gov.uk.
>> HPV Vaccination for Year 8
HPV vaccination will be offered to Year 8 students during the summer term. This important vaccine helps protect against several cancers. Please help to schedule vaccination clinics and remind parents to return consent forms promptly.
>> Free youth vaping prevention for Southwark schools
Southwark has high levels of youth vaping. This programme works to prevent vaping in young people through assemblies and workshops for primary and secondary schools. If your school is interested or you'd like to know more, email shaileedhuvad@everyonehealth.co.uk.
>> Support for new mandatory allergy safety measures
The new Benedict’s Law will require schools to make fundamental changes to their policies and procedures by September 2026. To support you in making these changes to your allergy safety measures The Allergy Team offer free webinars to help schools understand their new responsibilities and the steps they need to take to be prepared.
>> DfE consultation: medical conditions at school – until 1 May
The Department for Education (DfE) is consulting on proposed updates to the statutory guidance on supporting pupils with medical conditions at school.
Schools would be required for the first time to hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors (allergy pens) for emergency use. The guidance would also introduce mandatory allergy awareness training for staff and require schools to maintain a clear policy for supporting pupils with medical conditions, including the use of Individual Healthcare Plans where appropriate.
>> PE ‘Inclusion 2028’ programme extended for 2026/27
The Inclusion 2028 programme has been extended for the 2026/27 financial year. This grant supports schools to make PE, sport and physical activity more inclusive for pupils with SEND. A national network of 53 lead schools can provide advice, guidance and training, plus access to free, bespoke resources.
>> Fully funded Black history enrichment for two primary schools
Kids Black History Education CIC has secured funding to deliver a fully funded literacy and curriculum enrichment programme in two Southwark primary schools. Schools will receive access to engaging peer-to-peer video lessons, resources, and impact support, with limited device support available where needed. Register your interest at info@kidsblackhistory.com.
>> Active travel maps for schools
To encourage pupils to walk, cycle and scoot more, nurseries, primary and secondary schools in Southwark have active travel maps showing routes 10 to 15 minutes away from schools. The maps also show cycling routes and safe crossing points around schools.
>> New V levels and post-16 qualifications
Students in England will be able to take a new qualification known as V-levels from 2027, providing a third pathway alongside A-levels and T-levels for post-16 education. The initial subjects will include education, finance, and digital, with the aim of simplifying vocational courses and offering clearer routes into higher education and skilled jobs.
>> Take part in trial to evaluate the impact of offsite PPA
The UCL Institute of Education and Chartered College of Teaching are leading an evaluation to find out the impact of teachers being able to take their planning preparation and assessment (PPA) time away from the school site on teacher retention, job satisfaction and wellbeing.
>> Use the ERA’s archive of TV and radio clips to enhance learning
The Educational Recording Agency (ERA) provides legal access to high‑quality TV and radio clips for teaching, CPD, and curriculum planning. All Southwark schools are covered under the national ERA Licence, funded by the DfE.
>> Free tickets to musical theatre production ‘Lifeline’ – until 2 May
Lifeline, at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant, tells the history of Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, intertwined with a modern, real-life story of a junior doctor facing the medical reality of AMR. The team can also deliver science and drama workshops. Free matinee performances are available on 23 and 30 April. To find out more email coxlade@BSAC.org.uk.
>> The Old Vic’s free Year 6 transition theatre project
The Old Vic’s free Primary Take the Lead project supports Year 6 students moving from primary to secondary school. Using theatre techniques and drama practices, the project explores themes of transition and change to help young people build their confidence and take ownership of their next steps. Primary teachers on the programme also receive free CPD sessions.
>> Free curriculum resources: Beyond gender stereotypes
Part of The Children’s Society’s evidence-based Lifting Limits programme, these Global Boyhood Initiative resources support Key Stage 2 children to understand and break free from gender stereotypes. A full roll out of the curriculum is expected from the autumn term.
>> Sign up to find out about London Symphony Orchestra schools’ concerts
Receive updates about LSO schools’ concerts, Orchestra Unwrapped, including when sign up for the next concert opens.
Governors
>> Webinar recording – What the Schools White Paper means for you
Watch NGA policy experts explain the new ‘Every child achieving and thriving’ White Paper and its implications for schools and trusts. Outlining key proposals, their impact on governance, and changes affecting SEND, parental engagement, workforce recruitment, retention, and school structures.
>> Changes to Governor Support team
Maureen Boyle is retiring at Easter after many dedicated years in Southwark, both as Governor Development Advisor and the former Head of Governor Services. You can read more about her in our ‘day in the life’ feature – link above.
>> Governor training non-attendance
In 2024/25, there were 166 cases of training non-attendance. Training spaces are limited, and late cancellations/no shows prevent others from attending. We also pay trainers per session, so attendance matters to ensure viability of the session. Please ensure that if you need to cancel that you notify us in advance. From the summer term, cancellation fees will apply and headteachers and chairs will be informed.
What's on
>> Unlock early writing success: A practical approach – 20 April
3.30pm to 5.30pm, online. This webinar explores WISE Academies’ approach to early writing. Based on Ofsted and DfE guidance, this session explores a Writing Continuum for ages two to five and small-steps Reception guidance. Discover methods for developing core strength, transcription and composition in the Early Years.
>> A practical walk through Martyn’s Law – 21 April
6.00pm, online. Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats is running free training on Martyn’s Law, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
>> ‘One big rainforest do’ live lesson from the Eden Project – 22 April
10.00am to 10.45am, online. Join the Eden Project’s live KS1–2 lesson broadcast from the Tropical Rainforest Biome, exploring friendships, food, fun and taking action. Bursting with riddles to solve, connections to make, actions to take and experts to ask.
>> Workshop: Marketing Sustainable Wraparound Childcare – 30 April
9.30am to 11.30am, venue TBC. Are you looking to strengthen the long-term sustainability of your Wraparound Childcare offer? Join us for a free practical, hands-on training session designed to boost your marketing confidence, increase engagement with families, and help your provision thrive. To reserve your place email wraparoundchildcare@southwark.gov.uk.
>> Governors’ Forum summer date – 6 May
6.00pm, online. Please register in advance for this meeting.
>> Climate action and building upgrades workshop – 21 May
9.30am to 2.00pm, Tooley Street, SE1. Following the success of our first workshop, we are hosting a further day of climate action support, open to all Southwark schools. It will help you to develop a Climate Action Plan, plan next steps for upgrading your buildings and unlock funding. The session is designed for site managers, sustainability leads, governors and senior leaders. Register to attend.
>> School Food Champion Workshop – 15 May
9.00am to 12.00pm, Southwark Resource Centre, SE17. Secondary schools are invited to nominate staff for a free half‑day workshop to strengthen whole‑school food practice. Participants will receive practical resources, specialist advice, a local network, and ongoing buddy support. Open to all staff. To nominate yourself or a colleague, please email kirtana.gunapalan@southwark.gov.uk.
>> Southwark’s Annual SEND Conference – 26 June
St. Saviour's & St. Olave's School, SE1 4AN. Bringing professionals together from across services and provisions to share good practice, learn from one another, tackle key challenges and network, under the broad theme ‘What Works: Meeting all needs in mainstream settings’ with a focus on meeting complex needs.
Please book your place on either the morning or afternoon session: