Month: February 2026

School News

On 11 February All Saints CofE Primary, Coventry held a Spirituality Day based on the theme of Love. Creative and reflective activities were organised both in school and at the church, with older children being tasked with supporting younger children through the activities. The day culminated with a whole school collective worship in church led by Revd Pam Howell to reflect on God’s love. The school reported that “it was a special day for our whole school community.”

 

Invitation to Headteachers from Bishop’s House

All Diocesan Headteachers and Leaders are invited to share in the reaffirmation of ministerial vows and the blessing of oils in the Maundy Thursday Chrism Service at Coventry Cathedral on Thursday, 2nd April 2026 – 10.30am in Coventry Cathedral. Book via the link on the Headlines email.

 

DBE News – Office Move

The DBE team are moving and will no longer be in the Rugby Offices from 04 March.

Our new office is based at: Wolston Priory, Priory Rd, Wolston, Coventry CV8 3FX

Our telephone numbers and emails addresses will all remain the same but please bear with us next week if our responses are slower than normal.

Free Resources Available from our Downsizing!

We have cleared our cupboards of resources, books, stationary and other sundry items that are available free of charge for schools and churches that can put them to good use. Do feel free to come and look at them after 1pm on Friday 20 March – there is parking on site.

 

Church of England Welcomes Government’s Schools White Paper Announcements

Ahead of Monday’s publication of the Schools White Paper and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) consultation, the National Society for Education welcomed the announcements, recognising the opportunity they offer to secure long‑term improvements for children, young people and families. Interim Chief Education Officer Andy Wolfe welcomed the child‑focused approach and emphasis on improving inclusion and standards as “two sides of the same coin” but said “complexity of implementation should not be underestimated.” Read the full press release here.

 

Diocesan Director of Education Vacancy

Are you a senior Christian leader who sees education as mission and wants to make a lasting impact on children, communities, and the Church?

The Diocese of Coventry is seeking a Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) to lead and sustain Christian education across 76 Church of England schools. As Director and CEO of the Diocesan Board of Education, you will provide strategic leadership, working with the Bishop, parishes, schools, MATs, local authorities, and national partners. This influential role requires theological depth, educational credibility, and strong system leadership.

Start date: September 2026

Salary: £84,699

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Role Description Application Form

Closing Date: 2 March 2026 12 noon  Interviews: 16 March 2026

For more information and an application pack please contact pa@bishop-coventry.org

 

Still Time to Book – Unpacking the New CofE RE Statement of Entitlement

Tues 03 March 15:45-16:45 Online on Teams

For RE and SIAMS Leads

The new CofE Statement of Entitlement for RE 2026 was published in January this year. It replaces the previous document created in 2016. This is a key document that provides important guidance for all Church of England Schools on the expectations of providing quality RE. It will be referenced in all SIAMS inspections from September 2026.

This live online update is provided in partnership with Birmingham Diocese and will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese.

 

Christianity as a Global World Faith – New RE Resources from the CofE National Society

• Weds 20 May – 09:30 – 12:00
• In person event at a venue near Wawick
• For primary and secondary RE Leads
• Resources are free once the training is complete

This National Society resource aims to work together with Understanding Christianity to challenge the Eurocentric vision of Christianity and celebrate the infinite translatability we can find in the diversity that exists within the Christian Faith. Through this session you will be able to access both the excellent training programme for schools as well as all the resources. It will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese

The training will allow opportunities to understand the significance of providing a diverse approach to Christianity in your school. This will be explored in a bespoke training package that can then be used to train your teachers. Keith will look at how this might fit within your current curriculum that meets the expectations of SIAMS and the new Statement of Entitlement. There will be time to go through the resources to consider an action plan for your school.

Find out more from the NSE here. Book your place here.

Keith will outline the main elements of this document and highlight the changes. This will provide key information in ensuring your RE curriculum serves the purpose in your church school. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.

Book your place here.

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

School News

Last week’s Headlines featured one of our schools who had proudly achieved Makaton Friendly school status. The Canons CofE Primary School in Bedworth got in touch to say that they too had been awarded this status so it is fantastic news to have another great example of inclusive and welcoming practice. If you want to find out more about how to achieve this in your own school, find out more on The Makaton Charity website here.

 

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at Berkswell CofE Primary who had their SIAMS inspection last month. They were found to be living up to their foundation as a Church school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read their report here.

 

Diocesan Director of Education

Following Rev’d April Gold’s resignation, the advert for the Director of Education role is now live, linked here. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please forward the link.

 

Upcoming CPD This Term…

 Unpacking the New CofE RE Statement of Entitlement

• Tues 03 March 15:45-16:45 Online on Teams
• For RE and SIAMS Leads

The new CofE Statement of Entitlement for RE 2026 was published in January this year. It replaces the previous document created in 2016. This is a key document that provides important guidance for all Church of England Schools on the expectations of providing quality RE. It will be referenced in all SIAMS inspections from September 2026.

This live online update is provided in partnership with Birmingham Diocese and will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese.

Keith will outline the main elements of this document and highlight the changes. This will provide key information in ensuring your RE curriculum serves the purpose in your church school. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.

Book your place here.

Headteacher Wellbeing Lunch

Thurs 05 March to be held at a venue in South Warwickshire – for more information and to book click here.

Salt and Light Retreat

Salt and Light Retreat – 24-26 March. Further details and booking link can be found here.

DBE Training on School Admissions and Appeals

• Weds 18 March – 16:00-17:00
• Cost: £25 for DSA subscribers
• For – Presenting Officers, Governors and Office Administrators

This online training session is led by Joanne Evans, the DBE’s Admissions and Appeals Officer. It aims to ensure an understanding of the admissions and appeals process within a school that is responsible for its own admissions. Book here.

Getting Ready for SIAMS

 Weds 29 April – 09:30 – 11:30

• In person at a venue near Warwick
• For all leaders involved with SIAMS and Christian Distinctiveness
• A recorded version of this training will also be available.

This training will be particularly helpful for those schools who are expecting a visit from SIAMS in the next 2 years. It will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese and will explore the key inspection questions as well as the latest updates from the annual report. Keith will focus on key preparation such as what your website should contain and creating an effective SIAMS SEF.

This training replaces the previously advertised sessions that were scheduled for March. Book here.

 

Christianity as a Global World Faith – New RE Resources from the National Society

• Weds 20 May – 09:30 – 12:00
• In person event at a venue near Wawick
• For primary and secondary RE Leads
• Resources are free once the training is complete

This National Society resource aims to work together with Understanding Christianity to challenge the Eurocentric vision of Christianity and celebrate the infinite translatability we can find in the diversity that exists within the Christian Faith. Through this session you will be able to access both the excellent training programme for schools as well as all the resources. It will be led by Keith Farquhar, Church Schools Distinctiveness Advisor for Birmingham Diocese.

The training will allow opportunities to understand the significance of providing a diverse approach to Christianity in your school. This will be explored in a bespoke training package that can then be used to train your teachers. Keith will look at how this might fit within your current curriculum that meets the expectations of SIAMS and the new Statement of Entitlement. There will be time to go through the resources to consider an action plan for your school.

Find out more from the NSE here. Book your place here.

 

For the full Headlines Newletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

School News

Knightlow CofE Primary School has proudly announced that it has become one of the first primary schools in Warwickshire to achieve Makaton Friendly status – a significant milestone for the whole school community.

Guided by its vision for every child to “let their light shine,” Knightlow is committed to providing a welcoming, nurturing and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Over the past two years, staff and pupils have worked together to embed Makaton signs and symbols into everyday school life, helping all children to communicate effectively, make choices and express themselves with confidence.

Makaton is brought to life across the school through a range of exciting initiatives. Each class has two dedicated Makaton Ambassadors who attend weekly meetings to learn new signs, including the popular Sign of the Week, which they model in class and share with families through the school newsletter. The much-loved Makaton Choir, open to pupils and staff, adds an extra layer of fun, offering opportunities to rehearse and perform at school events.

Knightlow is delighted to be recognised as a Makaton Friendly School and looks forward to continuing to work with local schools and the wider community to promote the power of inclusive communication.

The school thanks Mrs Betteridge for all of her hard work, dedication and enthusiasm in leading this initiative in school.

 

Sheila Mellor, Deputy Headteacher of Dunnington CofE Primary School writes:

“Our new SRP, The Oversley, was officially opened on Friday 30th January by the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Mr Tim Cox. He brought with him three young, female cadets who represented each of the armed forces.

As a Church of England school, we know that our resource provision is another living, breathing example of our Christian Vision ‘Encourage one another and build each other up’ 1, Thessalonians 5: 11. Our vision states that

‘we are determined to create an inclusive culture of learning where all children are challenged in their thinking, discover their talents, achieve to the best of their abilities and become motivated and resilient life-long learners.’

We were pleased to also welcome Rev. Helen Smith from St Lawrence’s church in Bidford on Avon who blessed our new provision.

The Oversley is a key part of our provision for inclusion and we can already see its wide-ranging benefits having a positive impact on our young people and our staff.”

DBE News – Jen Jenkins

Jen Jenkins left the DBE team on 31st January to pursue new challenges and we wish her all the best for the future.

During her time at the DBE Jen’s work has equipped schools to deepen their Christian foundations and develop their understanding of spirituality. She also co-created and launched the new SACRE RE Agreed Syllabus enabling children to understand a wide perspective of world views.

Jen’s upcoming CPD sessions will be delivered by colleague associates and we’ll be in touch with those rescheduled dates and arrangements shortly. In the meantime, if you require any support regarding RE, collective worship or SIAMS do get in touch in the first instance with Joanne Evans joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

Salt and Light Retreat – Booking Date Extended

Find out more and book here.

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org