13th February 2026
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.
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