Month: October 2026

Upcoming CPD and Events from the DBE…

 

Termly RE Network – Thursday 5 November 16.00-17.00

Led by Ian Corden, this term’s session for RE Leads is about the exciting new resouce from RE Today ‘Understanding Muslims, Understanding Islam’. Stephen Pett will be joining us to explore the programme how you might incorporate it within your curriculum.  Book a place here.

 

Headteacher Wellbeing Lunch – Wednesday 11 November

These termly meetings are hosted in relaxing spaces and facilitated by the DBE so that leaders can learn more about a wellbeing theme together. Have some shared conversation space and be hosted at a lovely lunch where you can enjoy collegiate support. Comfortable and weather appropriate clothing required suitable for a walk. These events are popular and booking is essential.

09:30 arrival for a 10:00am start. Find out more and book your place here.

 

DBE Annual ‘Trinity’ Conference – Wednesday 25 November  

The ‘Why?’ of Church Schools

Whether you are a Headteacher, MAT CEO, Chair of Governors, Clergy or Parish Partner, this conference offers an opportunity to be inspired, gain practical ideas, strengthen partnerships and renew your ‘why?’ for the vital role of church schools.

See the full agenda here and Book your place here.

 

Salt and Light Retreat – Tues 1 December to Thurs 3 December

This 48 hour retreat for senior leaders is a chance to reflect and rest, immersed in the majesty of nature, in the unique setting of a lighthouse on the Welsh coast. The retreat will take place from Tuesday 12 noon to Thursday12 noon at Point Lynas Lighthouse, Amlwch, Anglesey, Wales. Find out more here. Book here.

 

MAT News

Colleagues and friends from across Fosse MAT will be visiting Asha in New Delhi in February 2027. The aim of the visit is to support of the work of Asha, working with children living in the most deprived areas of New Delhi. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience Indian culture, work alongside inspiring people and see the life change impact Asha has had on communities through the power of education.

They are holding an information at Newbold and Tredington CofE Primary on 19 November at 19.00 for anyone who might be interested and hear directly from two Asha students visiting the UK for the first time. They will share their experience of growing up in New Delhi and explain how education has helped to transform their lives and futures. Find out more here.

 

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

 

 

The ‘Why?’ of Church Schools

Heads, Chairs and Parish Partners’ Annual Conference

Wednesday 25 November 2026 | 9.30am–3.30pm – includes lunch|

Ashorne Hill Conference Centre, Leamington Spa

This year’s conference brings together school leaders, governors, parish partners and education professionals for a day of thought-provoking keynote sessions, worship, practical workshops, reflection and networking.

Our keynote speakers…

• Professor Trevor Cooling, Emeritus Professor of Christian Education, will explore the purpose and distinctiveness of church schools.
• Des Ricketts-Chu, an experienced CofE headteacher and governor, will consider SEND and creating a vision of genuine inclusion for pupils with additional needs.
• Beverly Clarke MBE, an award-winning education and technology leader, will explore Church Schools in an Age of AI, offering valuable insights into one of the most significant opportunities and challenges facing education today.

The day will also include a special time of worship led by Bishop Sophie and pupils from Harris CofE Academy, providing an opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect with the purpose at the heart of our work.

After lunch, choose from two practical workshops: either ‘Space Makers’, a resource supporting wellbeing, resilience and spiritual growth, or explore ‘Meaningful Pupil Worship Leading’ and how to empower pupils from every faith and worldview background to participate authentically in worship.

 

RE Network Event – Theme for this term:

‘Understanding Muslims, Understanding Islam’

05 November 2026 – 16.00-17.00

Online on Teams

Understanding Muslims Understanding Islam (UMUI) is a complete programme for pupils aged 5-14, developed with RE specialists, Muslim educators, scholars and community contributors. It brings authentic Muslim voices, secure teacher subject knowledge and practical classroom resources together to support high-quality teaching about Islam.

Join the DBE and RE colleagues on Thursday 05 November at 4pm and hear from Stephen Pett (the Editor, Project Leader and National RE Today Advisor) about this programme and consider how you might incorporate it within your curriculum.

Book your place here.

 

‘Pray for Schools Event’ in Coventry

On Thursday 19 November, 18.00–19.00 Walsgrave St Mary’s church will be will be hosting their annual ‘Pray for Schools’ event at Walsgrave CofE Primary Academy.

For the last few years, the church have joined with the school for a special day of prayer, with children taking part in creative prayer stations they have helped to create. Throughout the day, the school community will be praying together, and in the evening they open this invitation to everyone.

It is an hour of prayer, praise and reflection to pray for ALL schools—our local schools, teachers, support staff, governors, families and, most importantly, the children and young people in our communities.

You can take part in the children’s prayer stations, bring a prayer request, join in with the prayers and worship, or simply come and spend some quiet time praying.

Everyone is welcome. Come and pray for our schools!

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

 

 

SIAMS News

Congratulations to staff and governors at All Saints CofE Academy, Leek Wootton who had their SIAMS inspection in late summer term. 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.

 

SIAMS 2025/26 Annual Report Recommendations for Schools

This document is a one-page summary of the recommendations given to schools from the most recent SIAMS Annual Report. You can find it on the DBE website resources page under the SIAMS section, and accessible with the usual passcode.

 

Missing POP Boxes

Are you using your POP Box? We’ve had a few schools get in touch who are unable to locate where their POP Boxes are. If you or your church isn’t using yours then please get in touch with joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org at the DBE so we can arrange pick up and they can be redistributed.

If you or your church would like to purchase their own, you are able at a diocesan discount of £99 (usually £120). Please contact emma.stevens@isingpop.com to purchase.

 

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