Recognising the need to deal with an issue that “is a fact of life and affects every woman but is frequently regarded as a taboo subject” has led to a new approach being introduced by a Birmingham charity to support its staff.

Services For Education is amongst the first employers in the UK to introduce a menopause policy to raise awareness around this issue and promote a positive culture of support. The new policy came into effect last month (September 1, 2021). Now, the charity – which brings music and learning to life and supports thousands of children and adults in Birmingham and employs more than 200 – is hoping that other employers in Birmingham and the West Midlands will follow suit.

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Launch coincides with the release of a new song and music video created in lockdown by the West Midlands Inclusive Choir members

Five new choirs for the West Midlands bringing together young people of all abilities and that were created during the pandemic, are meeting for the first time in-person this Saturday (September 18^th) as part of a major UK initiative. The West Midlands has the largest number of choirs in a nationwide scheme – the Soundabout Inclusive Choir network – that celebrates that everyone, no matter their abilities or disabilities, has their own way of sharing their voice.

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One of the enduring memories of the pandemic will be the extent to which we have used technology – as our work and social worlds have continued virtually in the midst of lockdown and restrictions. 

In order to maintain music tuition during Lockdown our colleagues have adapted to on-line delivery – and so when approached by the ISSEA (International Schools of Southern and Eastern Africa) * regarding involvement in an event to celebrate music and creativity across their eight member schools, we were delighted to be involved. 

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A new national subscription-based safeguarding training service has been launched by Services For Education following an increase in demand for safeguarding support from the education and training charity.

The digital subscription-service enables schools throughout England to access a unique range of practical support on key topics in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (KCSIE) including domestic abuse, female genital mutilation (FGM), ethical decision making in safeguarding, The Equality Act, serious case reviews and Prevent – to safeguard individuals from being drawn into terrorism.

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An innovative series of weekly interactive music workshops has been proven to boost learning outcomes for disadvantaged primary school children, according to research by Services For Education.

Three hundred children in the disadvantaged Birmingham wards of Soho, East Handsworth, Lozells and Shard End participated in Services For Education’s Soundtots programme of music-making and singing for children aged 3-5 years. All had below-average school readiness goals and below-average language development.

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A Birmingham drummer, who teaches drumming and percussion to Birmingham school children, has become the face – and hands – of a national advertising campaign celebrating the work of pandemic key workers.

Goggie*, as he is best known, works for Birmingham-based Services For Education and is now appearing in a national advertising campaign undertaken by Vaseline which has put its hands together with celebrated UK photographer Rankin to applaud those who have continued to deliver during the pandemic.

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