Sandwell Virtual School Newsletter

🎉 ARC Conference 2024: Highlighting Attachment and Trauma Awareness 🎉

On November 19, 2024, over 500 delegates gathered in Birmingham for the ARC conference, bringing together educators and experts to focus on attachment and trauma awareness in schools.

The event opened with a welcome from ARC Chair, Andrew Wright OBE, and an update from Zoe Byrne, ARC’s Director of Partnerships. Keynote speakers included Baroness Floella Benjamin, Paul Dix, Ellie Costello, Dr Belinda Hopkins, and Maureen McKenna OBE.

A highlight was the 2024 Alex Timpson ARC Attachment Awards, which recognized schools excelling in attachment-aware practices. Tiffany Pigott from the Timpson Group praised ARC’s progress over the past eight years in spreading attachment research and supporting schools to help vulnerable students.

🌟New Opportunity for Schools: Attachment Research Community Accreditation🌟

Sandwell Virtual School is now inviting schools to express interest in becoming accredited under the Attachment Research Community (ARC) standards. This recognition, available in Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels, highlights schools' efforts to support vulnerable learners.

The Virtual School offers the following to schools engaging in the accreditation process:

• Free ARC membership, providing resources, training, and access to an audit tool.
• Dedicated support throughout the accreditation journey.
• Free online training with Jenny Nock.
• Bespoke training for all school staff.
• Guidance from a regional winner of the Alex Timpson ARC award.

Crocketts Primary School recently achieved the Gold award, and several other schools are working toward accreditation. To discuss this opportunity, please contact Scott Johnson: Scott_Johnson@sandwell.gov.uk  🌟

💬 Kooth is a free, confidential online mental health platform offering emotional support for children in care. It provides access to a team of experienced counselors, peer support, and a variety of self-help tools, all available anytime, anywhere. Whether it's managing stress, anxiety, or just needing someone to talk to, Kooth is here to help our young people feel supported and understood. 💬

Visit www.kooth.com to learn more.

👍At Sandwell Virtual School, we are dedicated to providing a wealth of resources and support for carers, children, and education professionals. Whether you’re a carer looking for guidance on supporting children’s learning, a student in need of tailored education resources, or a professional seeking strategies for supporting vulnerable learners, we’ve got you covered.

Explore our range of services:

• Carer Support: Find helpful advice, practical tools, and emotional support to help you assist the children in your care.
• Children’s Learning Resources: Access tailored educational materials that foster engagement and achievement for all children.
• Professional Development: Enhance your skills with resources and training opportunities aimed at empowering education professionals to better support children’s learning and well-being.

Visit us today on the link below and explore all the ways we can help you make a positive impact.👍

🤍Supporting Children with Anxiety: Key Takeaways🤍

In partnership with Dr. Jenny Nock, Sandwell Virtual School recently hosted a FREE webinar for professionals working with children with a social worker. The session focused on strategies to support children with anxiety, including the creation of calming boxes. Key insights included understanding the difference between anxiety-based and anxiety-inducing behaviors, as well as the distinction between separation anxiety and school-based anxiety. Practical strategies, such as co-regulation techniques, were shared, along with valuable resources. I will be sharing these resources with our staff, including TAs who work closely with anxious children, and incorporating these strategies into our support for students, particularly those struggling with school mornings. Let's continue to collaborate and share tips to ensure all our students feel supported.

📚Can you spare a few hours a week to make a difference in a child's life?

We're excited to partner with Coram Beanstalk to recruit and train volunteer reading helpers. By volunteering just an afternoon or two a week, you’ll have the opportunity to work one-on-one with children, helping them practice their reading skills and gain confidence outside the classroom.

Interested? For more information or to apply online, visit www.corambeanstalk.org.uk and complete an application form. Your time could make a lasting impact!📚

On Wednesday 15 January 2025, the Council agreed to make “care experience” a “protected characteristic” in Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council for children and adults who have been in care.

In the coming months, Sandwell will proactively engage with care experienced individuals to develop new policies. This will align with our corporate parenting strategy, which aims to improve outcomes for the children we care for and care experienced people, ensuring they have a positive experience across various services.

Get involved: To be a part of this policy change contact Sandwell Corporate Parenting Project Officer: Rosa_DaSilva@Sandwell.gov.uk

Date for your diary Corporate Parenting Week will be held from 9-13 June 2025.  Look out for events happening during the week.

🗓 Date: Saturday, 10th May 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: Forge Mill Farm, Forge Lane, West Bromwich, B71 3SZ

Step into the spotlight and explore the exciting world of circus skills with professional performers in a hands-on session designed for everyone! Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring circus star, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn new tricks, build confidence, and have a blast in a friendly and creative atmosphere.

For ages 10-16. No experience required—just bring your energy and enthusiasm!

Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wmvs-farmyard-circus-workshop-bham-sandwell-walsall-wolves-dudley-vs-tickets-1279239713419?aff=oddtdtcreator for more information or to register.

Don’t miss out on the fun—mark your calendars!