Medway School Information ebulletin
Issue 253 – 17 January 2017
Please note that the SIB will be distributed fortnightly on Wednesday. Please send items for SIB to [email protected]. Deadline for inclusion of SIB items is 12pm on the Tuesday before.
Examples of your practice to support early career teachers All schools and academies - headteachers, SMT and experienced teachers – for action
The 2016 Teacher Workload Survey by the Department for Education states that workload is highest for teachers in the first five years. Coupled with this, the recent report by the National Audit Office identified workload as one of the main barriers for teacher retention.
As part of the Department’s action to remove unnecessary workload for teachers, we are developing a workload reduction toolkit, developed with the profession and containing advice, tools and effective practice. The aim of this toolkit is to provide practical support to help governors, leaders, teachers and ITE providers remove unnecessary workload throughout their schools and provision.
You may have seen recent communications from the Department calling for contributions and examples of effective practice from the profession to support the development of this toolkit. We have received a positive response already but are now looking for specific examples relating to how schools support early career teachers. In particular, we’d welcome contributions focussing on:
advice and good practice examples with accompanying case studies about how workload burdens, over and above day to day teaching and unique to an early career teacher, are being addressed within schools; examples of ways in which schools support the transition from trainee to newly qualified teacher and how they support the professional development needs of newly qualified teachers and early career teachers; good practice examples about what effective support looks like which helps early career teachers to develop strategies to manage their workload to have a sustainable work life balance; examples of signposting to effective support networks for mentors which are used to help manage workload concerns and share effective and efficient practice; other strategies and good practice that schools are adopting to respond to the specific needs of early career teachers to support teacher retention.
To help inform this toolkit, we would be very grateful if you could share your examples of effective practice, by sending them to [email protected] by Monday, 5 February 2018. We want to make sure this process is not time consuming so please send this in whatever format you use. Please also include your name, organisation and contact details in the email so we can get in touch with you if necessary. All organisations or individuals contributing to the toolkit will receive recognition in the final publication.
Thank you very much for your help – we look forward to hearing from you and on behalf of the Department would like to wish you a Happy New Year.
Michael Green, Teacher Workload Unit
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 1 of 14 Spring School Census 2018 All schools and academies – office staff – for action by Thursday, 18 January 2018
All schools in England are required to complete a Spring Census 2018 Return. This return will take place in your school on Thursday, 18 January 2018. Please see link below and click for guidance on how to complete and return this census. http://www.medway.gov.uk/schoolsandeducation/resourcesforschoolstaff/schoolinformationreturns. aspx
The Spring School Census data is used by the Department for Education, therefore it is vitally important that schools are happy with the accuracy of their returns before uploading them, and that they are uploaded within the prescribed timescales.
Problems relating to SIMS should be directed to EIS on telephone: 0300 065 8888 or email: [email protected]
Please note there have been new data items added, changes to existing data items and removal of data items within the Autumn School Census 2016 as well as new data items for the Autumn School Census 2017.
Further details outlining these changes can be found on our website. http://www.medway.gov.uk/schoolsandeducation/resourcesforschoolstaff/schoolinformationreturns. aspx
Please be aware that some of these changes affect school funding; therefore please implement these changes as soon as possible for an effective Spring School Census return.
Please also ensure that you check your attendance and exclusion data.
FAQ
Collection times are based on the last digit of a school’s DfE establishment; Code Descriptor 4, 7, 8 or 9 The selected time is one hour after the start of afternoon school 0, 1 or 5 The selected time is one hour after the start of morning school 2, 3 or 6 The selected time is one hour before the end of morning school
For further information please see guidance. If you have any other queries, please contact the Performance and Intelligence Team by emailing [email protected] or by telephoning 01634 332613 or 01634 334266. To contact CAPITA helpdesk please call 01234 832020
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 2 of 14 School business manager networking event All schools and academies – business managers – for information
This is an opportunity for school business managers in Medway, Kent and further afield to meet and discuss ideas/issues and share good practice ideas.
Representatives from Ocelot Education Solutions, Towergate Insurance, Teachers2Parents, HR, KPS (Educational Suppliers) and payroll will be providing information on services they provide to schools. We are also hoping to include other service providers.
Date: Tuesday, 30 January 2018 Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm Venue: Wainscott Primary School, Wainscott Road, Rochester ME2 4JY Cost: £30 per person (refreshments are included)
Booking form can be located via the link below: http://www.educationservicesmedway.org.uk/Article/53772
Secure Access All schools and academies – all staff – for information
There are a number of files on the secure access transfer site which have not been collected. Please can you check https://sa.education.gov.uk/ui/home
If you require any further information please email [email protected]
Strengthening Qualified Teacher Status consultation All schools and academies – all staff – for information
In December the DfE launched a consultation on ‘Strengthening Qualified Teacher Status and improving career progression for teachers’ https://consult.education.gov.uk/teaching-profession-unit/strengthening-qts-and-improving-career- progression/
The consultation is proposing options to strengthen both teacher induction and career progression for all teachers throughout their careers.
Please send responses for the consultation by 9 March 2018 using the link above. Thank you.
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 3 of 14 In-year (casual) admission processes with effect from 1 January 2018
Medway own admission authority schools and academies (academies, voluntary aided, foundation and free schools) – headteachers – for information and action
Further to the SIB article dated 8 November 2017 regarding the change of casual admissions processes for own admission authority schools and academies, please find via link below the various forms you will need to ensure are completed to advise School Services of applications and outcomes. You will also find a copy of the Medway Council application form (which you must accept if used by a parent) and another copy of the protocol.
If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact School Services whose contact details are in the protocol document.
Link: http://www.educationservicesmedway.org.uk/Article/53559
From Simon Harrington, Programme Lead-School Services
Free professional development opportunities for teachers in Medway All schools and academies -teaching staff – for information
KMTSN and KSENT have been working with the National Institute of Education to provide professional learning journeys to school staff teams, which will be funded by the school’s apprenticeship levy. These professional development courses are completely free to you as an employee of the school.
In April 2018 we will be offering two courses:
The Master Teacher Programme – MA in Education Click here to find out more.
Senior Leadership Programme - MA in Educational Leadership Click here to find out more.
On 28 January 2018 the NIE are holding an open day so staff can find out more about the apprenticeships on offer and to ask any questions they may have about how to apply. To register your interest in the course and click the link and complete the simple form. We will then send the full details of our regional open day event.
If you have any questions about the NIE or your professional learning journey, please email [email protected]
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 4 of 14 Senior Leadership Programme and Master Teacher Programme – open evening on 24 January 2018 All schools and academies – all staff –for information
The NCE is delighted to invite you to a Rochester open evening to introduce you to a Senior Leadership Programme and Master Teacher Programme.
With an overview of the programmes, a chance to have your questions answered, networking opportunities and a personalised advice service, the evening promises to be a fantastic start to your professional learning journey.
The Master Teacher Programme is a one year, part-time and fully funded MA in Education that will equip teachers at all stages of their career with the deep subject knowledge and advanced pedagogical understanding required to become an expert teacher.
The Senior Leadership Programme is a two year, part-time and fully funded MA in Educational Leadership which will equip current and aspirant school leaders with the crucial tools required to lead a department, school or trust to success in this unfamiliar and ever changing landscape, drawing from a plethora of industry experts both inside and out of education.
Details of the open evening on 24 January 2018 are available via the link below: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-evening-rochester-tickets-41797704058
500 Word Writing Competition All schools and academies – all staff – for information
Now in its eighth year, Chris Evans' 500 Words is one of the most successful story writing competitions for kids in the world and is open to every 5-13 year old in the UK. Its mission is to get children excited about reading and writing, regardless of their ability.
Entry opens on Monday, 15 January 2018 at 8am. Entry closes on Thursday, 22 February 2018 at 7pm
More details at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1V6nvt83ntX0f4T3crZgYYq/500-words-rules or join the live lesson on Monday, 15 January 2018 at 2pm: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2yRxNT9ws7MkJsFvbxPfhry/500-words-2018-live- lesson
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 5 of 14 SEND Home to School Transport – Have your say All schools and academies – all staff – for information Medway Council is putting forward a number of proposals to change the Medway SEN home-to- school transport policy and would like to hear your opinions. The proposed changes would ensure that travel assistance support can continue to be provided to all eligible children and young people in line with increasing demand. It would also provide the opportunity to offer a more flexible range of options to families and improve the quality of the service provision.
The council is committed to ensuring that young people with special educational needs are provided with opportunities to develop and learn to be as independent as possible as they transition into adulthood. Further information regarding the proposals can be found at: www.medway.gov.uk/SEN
We are very interested in your views regarding the proposed changes and would encourage you to provide your feedback through the consultation we are undertaking.
How can I get involved?
Send an email to the Consultation Team with your comments to: [email protected] by 5pm Friday, 16 February 2018
Medway Parents and Carers Forum is holding a coffee morning on Tuesday, 30 January 2018 at Gillingham Golf Club at 10am. This event will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed changes. Further information about this event can be found at: http://medwaypcf.org.uk/events/ or Medway Parents and Carers Forum Facebook page
If you are interested in attending an evening session please contact: Michelle Lofting on: 01634 332445. Further information about these events will be loaded on the www.medway.gov.uk/SEN webpage.
You can also give your views via an online survey that must be completed no later than 5pm on Wednesday, 7 February 2018 via the webpage: www.medway.gov.uk/SEN
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 6 of 14 Marlborough Outreach Team (MOT) All schools and academies - headteachers and staff - for information
The next ASD forum will be on Wednesday, 17 January 2018 from 1.30pm-3.30pm at the Marlborough Centre. The aim of the forum is to offer strategies, advice and support to schools for pupils with autism. To make a referral please email MOT to [email protected] and in the subject box write ‘forum referral’.
A reminder that MOT also offers the following as a free service commissioned by Medway;
Termly forums (as above) please contact MOT immediately if you have a pupil you wish to discuss Opportunities to visit the Marlborough Centre to see strategies in action and work alongside the staff A range of support for whole school, whole class and individual pupil work as well as co- teaching with school staff. Please note, all referrals for this element of work can be made directly to MOT using the above outreach address. We will then send you the current referral form We will respond within two working days to any referrals made and arrange an initial visit within seven working days of receipt of referral where possible Training for all school staff at different levels on a range of autism and language friendly strategies.
If you are interested in any of the above or would like further information please do not hesitate to contact the team on 01634 338080 or email [email protected]
Teacher awards reveal celebrity supporters All schools and academies – all staff – for information
Big names from the worlds of sport, entertainment, and books are backing the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2018.
Celebrities keen to trumpet the county’s top educators include humanitarian author Terry Waite, award-winning children’s author Nick Butterworth, former England Women’s Rugby Union captain Catherine Spencer, and television and radio presenter Nicki Chapman - best known for her stints on Popstars and Pop Idol.
The awards, organised each year by the KM Group’s charity department, are open for nominations at www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk until 1 March 2018.
Categories cover all subjects for primary and secondary school teachers in addition to newly qualified teachers, non-teaching staff, volunteers, and teams. Anyone can place a nomination including members of school staff, parents, and pupils. A big reveal announcing the awards’ celebrity supporters for this year’s event was staged at the University of Kent.
Steven Holdcroft, assistant director of the university’s Enrolment Management Services department, said: “We’ve got some fantastic celebrity endorsement this year from people across the county.”
He added: “These awards make an important contribution to raising the profile of teachers and support staff and recognise the inspirational work they do.”
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 7 of 14
Simon Dolby, chief executive of the event’s organisers the KM Charity Team, said: “We are very grateful to our famous supporters for helping us to raise awareness of the awards. They share our belief in the importance of not only good teaching, but also a strong support network of talented individuals and teams working behind the scenes.”
He added: “I hope this will encourage more people to submit nominations and shine a light on the extraordinary yet humble individuals who make such a big difference to their schools.”
Winners will be invited to a prestigious awards ceremony at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel in May 2018.
Judging the entries will be representatives from Kent County Council, Medway Council, Kent Sport, Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Greenwich, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Medway Youth Trust, Social Enterprise Kent, Beanstalk, CXK, Salus, LoopCR, the University of Kent, and Diggerland.
Follow stories about Kent Teacher of the Year on Twitter @KMCharityTeam and #KMTOTY. To view the video news report on this story, click this link: https://vimeo.com/249930757
Schools can promote the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards in school and to their external contacts using the promotional materials available for free download at this link: http://sforce.co/2qup7BC
Teacher Awards are open for business All schools and academies – all staff – for information
From finance to facilities, a school business manager needs to be a master of many trades – so why not nominate yours for a Kent Teacher of the Year Award?
School business managers are multi-talented individuals and their job is to take on whatever organisational work they can so that teachers can teach – yet their efforts aren’t always as visible as those on the front line.
This is why Chatham accountants Kreston Reeves are calling for nominations for the Business Manager category in this year’s Kent Teacher of the Year Awards.
“Business managers are generally the unsung heroes of the education world,” said Rob Sellers, the firm’s Senior Manager. “We’re there to support them – and we think they need to be recognised for the invaluable support they offer their schools. We look forward to celebrating their achievements!”
The Kent Teacher of the Year Awards offer dozens of categories, covering not only primary, secondary and newly-qualified teachers of every subject, but also those who carry out other roles or unpaid work in a school – including parent helpers, lunchtime supervisors, caretakers, governors, and other non-teaching staff. Anyone, including pupils, can submit a nomination up until the deadline of 1 March 2018. A panel of judges will choose category winners from each district, plus overall champions, and these will be revealed at a ceremony in May 2018 at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel in Maidstone. The panel includes representatives from Medway Council, Kent County Council, the University of Kent, Kent Sport, Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Greenwich, Three R’s
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 8 of 14 Teacher Recruitment, Medway Youth Trust, Social Enterprise Kent, Beanstalk, Hornby, the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, CXK, Salus, LoopCR, and Diggerland. For more information, or to make a nomination, visit www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk or contact Karen Brinkman at [email protected] or call 0844 264 0294.
Schools can promote the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards in school and to their external contacts using the promotional materials available for free download at this link: http://sforce.co/2qup7BC To view a video news report detailing why Kreston Reeves is supporting the Business Manager category, click this link: https://vimeo.com/248382018 Follow stories about Kent Teacher of the Year on Twitter @KMCharityTeam and #KMTOTY.
Get confident in front of the camera All schools and academies – all staff – for information
Teachers and school leaders are invited to a training session to learn the art of getting their message across in front of a video camera.
Timid talkers can transform themselves into telegenic talents at the workshop which is being run by the KM Charity Team this month.
Journalist-turned-chief of the children’s charity Simon Dolby will teach those present how to perfect their one-minute message and cover skills such as positive body language and speaking fluently.
Mr Dolby said: “For some reason, the most confident people can be overcome with nerves in front of a camera. Speakers who can talk happily to a room full of people can become self-conscious and awkward.”
He added: “This session aims to take all that away and help you become relaxed and assured when the camera’s rolling. We’ll also be looking at how to get your message across convincingly, confidently, and concisely.”
The course will take place on Tuesday, 30 January 2018, 9.30am - 12.30pm at the KM Charity Team offices at 10 Estuary View, Whitstable. The price includes a sandwich platter lunch and tea and coffee beforehand.
To reserve your place, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk/booking and receive a £15 discount when you enter the code KMNEWS18.
Key Stage 2 data in ASP Primary schools and academies – headteachers – for information
Progress bandings for KS2 schools in ASP have now been updated in line with the School Performance Tables (SPT).
You may see differences in data between the two services as ASP holds provisional KS2 data and SPT contains KS2 validated data. ASP will be updated with KS2 validated data at the end of January 2018.
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 9 of 14 UCAS Progress Secondary schools and academies – headteachers and heads of 6th form – for information
Please see below the information regarding UCAS Progress that was sent to all secondary schools and placed in the School Information Bulletin last academic year. Medway Council ceased brokering this service at the end of the academic year 2016/17. If you would like advice on next steps with regard to using the UCAS Progress service for this academic year or future years please contact Matthew Lannen the Relationship Manager at UCAS on 01242 544 828 or 07469020023.
UCAS Progress – September 2017 onwards
From September 2017, schools that are interested in purchasing UCAS Progress, will need to do so directly from UCAS. Medway Council will no longer be brokering this service for the academic year 2017/18 onwards. If your school is interested in purchasing, please contact UCAS Progress directly using the contact details below. Pricing depends on the size and type of provider.
UCAS Progress do not charge for the ‘search only’ option, providers can list their courses on the site for free. However with this option providers do not have access to the site and all changes to provision need to be done through UCAS Progress.
UCAS Progress do not charge for sending schools students’ their passwords. For those wanting to support their students through the applications process this is free and they are allowed access to monitor their learners.
Schools are recommended to contact UCAS Progress direct for specific pricing for their requirements, but indicative pricing is set out below:
11-18 providers are charged a minimum of £375 + VAT but can be more depending on size. 16-18 providers are charged at a minimum of £750 + VAT but will be more for larger providers.
For further information, please contact: Matthew Lannen, Relationship Manager, Customer Experience and Marketing, telephone: 01242 544 828 Mobile: 07469020023
Finance meeting for schools All schools and academies – bursars, business managers and finance officers – for information
With the ever increasing pressure on school budgets this course is aimed at bursars, business managers and finance officers of both maintained schools and academies.
Topics covered in these sessions will be updates on the 2018/19 Funding Formula Consultation, new High Needs Strategy, Natwest Bank, becoming an Academy, Closedown, LBA and VAT Returns, plus much more. Ocelot Education Solutions will present at the start of the meeting.
Date: Monday, 22 January 2018 or Friday, 26 January 2018 Time: 9.30am – 12pm (tea and coffee will be served from 9am) Venue: Darwin Room, Innovation Centre Medway, Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME5 9FD
This course is free for all maintained schools but a small charge of £25 per attendee will be payable for academy Finance Officers (except if academies have purchased the Academy Finance SLA), places can be booked via SLA Online.
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 10 of 14 Securing Outcomes: Effective Teachers – Foundation subjects: design and technology Primary schools and academies – year 1-6 class teachers – for information
Date: Thursday, 25 January 2018 Time: 1.30 – 4.45pm Venue: Royal Engineers Museum Cost: £85
Trainers: Amber Cottee and Sarah Hall
This session will support teachers who are accountable for securing outcomes in design and technology for their classroom across the curriculum. The course content will include practical approaches to design and technology that meet the requirements of the National Curriculum across the Primary phase. Elements will cross reference against opportunities to support writing and maths across the curriculum. Bookings can be made via SLA Online.
Securing Outcomes: Effective Teachers – maths years 1 and 2 Primary schools and academies – year 1 and/or year 2 class teachers – for information
This session is designed to support teachers who are accountable for securing outcomes in mathematics for pupils in their classroom. The course content will consider progression through the maths curriculum, challenging thinking and understanding, explaining and recording mathematical thinking and maths across the curriculum
Date: Friday, 26 January 2018 Time: 1.30 – 4.45pm Venue: Innovation Centre Medway, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9FD Cost: Maintained £75 Academy £85 Trainers: Maths SLE and Sarah Hall
Bookings can be made via SLA Online.
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 11 of 14 ‘The Mindful Workplace’ workshop for Teaching and Support Staff All schools and academies - headteachers, senior leadership team, business managers, bursars and teaching and support staff – for information
Following on from the successful introductory mindfulness session we ran in October we are running this session again in February. Places are limited so please book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment, the last session was over subscribed.
Date: 7 February 2018 Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm Trainer: Graeme Green
This half day session will begin with an introduction to mindfulness followed by group Action Learning around the topics learnt and how to develop them in the classroom.
Mindfulness In the workplace can: improve concentration and focus increase productivity and performance increase resilience and ability to handle pressure and stress promote clearer and more balanced judgement and decision making strengthening the ability to work with and alongside others develop awareness and understanding of the needs of colleagues and clients reduce levels of conflict – with self or others
This session will be held at the Innovation Centre Medway, with ample and free parking available. Tea and coffee is included. Full details and booking can be found on SLA Online: http://www.educationservicesmedway.org.uk/TrainingAndEvents
The cost is £45 (plus VAT for non-maintained schools) per delegate, if you have any questions about the session please contact Julie Jones – [email protected]
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 12 of 14 Medway HR Services Training Programme 2017/2018 All schools and academies - headteachers, senior leadership team, business managers, bursars and teaching and support staff
Managing Attendance at work – 27 February and 22 May 2018 This session will cover: Understanding the strategic importance of managing all types of absences Overview and refresher of the short and long term sickness absence processes Quick wins for managing absence more effectively and proactively Ensuring appropriate support is offered
Managing Conduct and undertaking disciplinary Investigations – 19 April 2018 (this session will run from 9am – 1pm including lunch and will cost £70 per delegate) This session will cover: Examples of misconduct and the school’s Code of Conduct The school’s Disciplinary policy & procedure and best practice approach The requirements of a good investigation Understanding the key role of the investigator How to complete a final report and what happens next
Appraisal Workshop for Appraisers – 19 June 2018 This session will cover: Objective setting Different functions of appraisal Tips on how to give feedback How to develop a Personal Development Plan (PDP) Learning styles Taking a ‘coaching’ approach
Performance Management – September 2018 (date to be confirmed) This session will cover: Managing performance by setting clearly aligned goals Identifying causes of poor performance whilst working with employees to improve and develop Recognising and communicating success, focusing on behaviour and results Applying the Capability procedure
All sessions are held at the Innovation Centre Medway, with ample and free parking available. Tea and coffee is included. Our half day training sessions run from 1.30 – 4.30pm. Full details and booking can be found on SLA Online: http://www.educationservicesmedway.org.uk/TrainingAndEvents
The cost is £45 (plus VAT for non-maintained schools) per delegate which includes copies of all training materials and resources. Please contact Lyndsey Mark 01634 333724 for further details [email protected]
Medway School Information ebulletin Page 13 of 14 MGfL ICT technical forum All schools – ICT technicians and coordinators – for information
These meetings are for ICT technicians and coordinators to receive updates.
Date: Tuesday, 20 February 2018 and Tuesday 26 June 2018 Time: 2 - 3.30pm Venue: Cedar Primary School, Cedar Primary School, Cedar Road, Strood ME2 2JP Cost: No charge
Bookings can be made via SLA Online www.educationservicesmedway.org.uk.
MGfL policy and practice All schools and academies - headteachers - for information
This meeting is for headteachers to discuss the policy and practice of ICT in schools.
Date: Tuesday 6 March 2018 and Tuesday 10 July 2018 Time: 2 - 3.30pm Venue: Cedar Primary School, Cedar Primary School, Cedar Road, Strood ME2 2JP Cost: No charge
Bookings can be made via SLA Online www.educationservicesmedway.org.uk.
ICT Coordinators network meetings All schools – ICT coordinators and other ICT staff – for information
These network meetings are aimed at ICT Coordinators or any member of staff responsible for the ICT curriculum. The meetings will provide an opportunity for teachers to update their knowledge, network and share good practice.
Date: Wednesday, 14 March 2018 and Wednesday, 18 July 2018 Time: 4 – 5.30pm Venue: Cedar Primary School, Cedar Primary School, Cedar Road, Strood ME2 2JP Cost: £65 per delegate.
Bookings can be made via SLA Online www.educationservicesmedway.org.uk.
RED – For action *NEW* – New course information BLUE – For information PINK – Course
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