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Thirty-eight students from Years 9 and 10 enjoyed an inspiring visit to the Lichfield City FC Academy for 16-19 year olds, where they explored future careers in the sports sector and educational settings. The trip aimed to raise students' awareness of the opportunities available after completing their BTEC Level 2 course at school and how they can further their career prospects. Students began with a workshop led by college teachers, focusing on what makes a successful sportsperson and identifying the key skills and attributes needed for a career in sports. They engaged in group activities, offering insightful answers that connected both the sporting world and the broader workforce. Next, the group learned about the BTEC Level 3 Non-league Football Academy Scholarship, gaining insight into what the extended or national diploma involves, how the program balances college work with football, and the additional opportunities available through university or employment.

Throughout the trip, students displayed impressive respect and excellence, earning praise from college staff. To conclude, everyone had the chance to be coached and play on a non-league football ground by UEFA A and B qualified coaches—showcasing their skills, enjoying the experience, and relishing the chance to play at a football club’s stadium. The trip was a resounding success, forging a valuable partnership that will hopefully open up further opportunities for our students and broaden their awareness of the many career paths available in sport and further education.

We want to hear from young people and parent carers of children with SEND.

Two new Lived Experience Surveys are now open on Birmingham’s Local Offer, one for young people with SEND and one for parent carers of children and young people with SEND.

We’re asking you, as professionals working with families, to help us reach as many people as possible by sharing these surveys with the young people and parent carers you support.

For young people:

We want to know what life is like for them in Birmingham, at school, at home, or in their community to get a sense of how they’re feeling and what matters most to them.

For parent/carers:

We want to hear about their experiences of support and services for their child or young person. Their insight helps us understand what families are experiencing and how things could be better.

Please share these links with the families you work with:

• Lived Experience Survey for Young People
• Lived Experience Survey for Parent/Carers

The surveys are multiple-choice and hopefully won't take up too much of their time, but the feedback will make a big difference to improving services for children, young people, and families across Birmingham. The surveys close on 12 December.

If anyone has questions or needs support completing a survey, they can contact localoffer@birmingham.gov.uk

We are pleased to share that Forward Carers will be hosting a Parent Carer Support Group for families in our community. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents and carers, share experiences, and access valuable advice and guidance. Each session will include a focus on wellbeing and embracing neurodiversity, with guest speakers offering practical insights. A representative from Autism West Midlands will also be present to provide support. Light refreshments will be available. For more information and details of upcoming sessions/locations, please see the attached posters below:

A weekly bulletin for parents/carers of Hodge Hill College is published every Friday with a curation of education news, important dates and advice: