Sent on behalf of Joanna Cassey, Service Director of Education

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Dear Colleagues

Thank you to those who have sent in their questions for us to consider and provide advice on as we collectively respond to the current situation. I am attaching two documents that have been worked on ny officers today:

• Responses to questions received either from schools direct or the Chairs of PEB, BASH and SSHT as part of our daily teleconference;
• Responses drafted by HR officers.

We will upload these onto our dedicated schools web page and also move to allocate these to specific sections to make them easier for you to be orientated/digest the information. The web page is being maintained regularly during the day as and when new guidance is shared with us be DfE so do please continue to check that and signpost your staff to do likewise..

With very best wishes
Jo

Joanna Cassey
Service Director of Education
Children’s Services
Buckinghamshire County Council

 

18 March – Coronavirus – Important message from Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson

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GOV.UK

Department for Education

Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, has asked for this message to be passed to all those who work in the education sector
The government recognises the huge importance of the role you have played in maintaining the education, training and social care of our children and young people during this challenging time. I recognise that you will have the same anxieties as the rest of the country about your health and that of your families. On behalf of the Prime Minister and the entire government, I thank you all for all of your work so far, and your continued support. I am deeply grateful for the civic spirit and dedication of everyone working in education, and I will continue to provide my full support throughout this crisis.

Next steps
It is clear that education and children’s social care settings are increasingly finding it difficult to continue as normal, as illness and self-isolation impacts on staffing levels and pupil attendance. To provide parents, student and staff with the certainty they need we are announcing that schools, colleges and early years settings will be closed to everyone except children of key workers and vulnerable children from Monday, as part of the country’s ongoing response to coronavirus.
Examples of these workers include NHS staff, police and delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work. Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with Education, Health and Care Plans.
A full list of key worker categories will be published by the Cabinet Office tomorrow.
Children who do not fall into these groups should remain at home with appropriate care.
Where schools are unable to provide this reduced provision, local authorities will work with the Department for Education’s regional teams to ensure an alternative option is available.
We are expecting early years providers and sixth form and further education colleges to do the same. We are working with Her Majesty’s Treasury on the financial support required. We are also asking that independent schools and boarding schools follow the same approach.
Where possible, we would encourage settings to stay open for this purpose throughout the Easter holidays.
Many universities and other higher education institutions are already taking necessary steps to keep their staff and students safe and where possible keep providing education. We are confident vice-chancellors are making the right decisions and the Department for Education continues to support them in doing so.

Temporary suspension of Ofsted inspections
Ofsted is to temporarily suspend routine inspections of schools, colleges, early years settings, children’s social care providers and local authorities to reduce the burden on staff who are providing vital services to the nation in response to coronavirus.

Update on assessments and examinations
We can confirm that we will not go ahead with assessments or exams, and that we will not be publishing performance tables for this academic year.
We will work with the sector and Ofqual to ensure children get the qualifications they need.
My Department is working closely with local authorities, representatives of early years, schools and head teachers, regional school commissioners and bodies such as Ofsted and Ofqual about how to deliver this change as effectively as possible.
And we will do whatever is necessary to support local authorities, settings, schools and teachers through the weeks and months ahead.

Free school meal provision
We will give schools the flexibility to provide meals or vouchers to children eligible for free school meals. Some schools are already doing this, and we will reimburse the costs. As soon as possible, we will put in place a national voucher system.

Thank you once again for everything you are doing at this difficult time.
The Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP
Secretary of State for Education

 

Autism Conference on 23rd March 2020

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I am hosting a day Conference on Autism on behalf of Joint Commissioning and the SEN Team on 23rd March at Green Park in Aston Clinton.
It is the second time we have run this and it was well received last year.
I was wondering if you thought your SEND Governors or Chairs of Governors might be interested in attending? The programme is around autism friendly schools including the sensory classroom and autism in girls with Guest speaker Gareth Morewood and two local Special School head Teachers, Alison Rooney and Tara Deakes.

The conference is £49 and lunch is included. Booking is via Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/buckinghamshire-autism-conference-2020-for-sendcos-tickets-85758817933

We would be very grateful if you could circulate the information to your governing contacts

Kind regards

SarahTilston

Sarah Tilston
Designated Clinical Officer for SEND
Autism Champion
Buckinghamshire County Council
Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 – 17:00
County Hall
Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP10 1UA
stilston@buckscc.gov.uk
sarah.tilston@nhs.net
DCO@buckscc.gov.uk

Please note that I am part-time and I don’t usually work Mondays and Fridays.

Making governance work – Workshop for new Governors

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Making governance work – workshop for new Governors
Book Now for Networking follow up workshop
open to those who attended Induction training Autumn term 2019
2 dates and locations
Aylesbury- Green Park Aston Clinton, Saturday March 21st 9.30 -12.30

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/making-governance-work-networking-for-new-governors-aylesbury-tickets-97757151271

High Wycombe Cressex School Thursday 19th March 6-9pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/making-governance-work-networking-workshop-for-new-governors-wycombe-tickets-97762840287

Apologies that due to venue availability we hace had to move the dates forward by one week
Please book early to avoid disappointment
Best wishes
Paul and Anne.

Buckinghamshire Schools Traded Services Forum for Buckinghamshire Governors & Headteachers

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Buckinghamshire County Council are inviting all Buckinghamshire School Governors and Headteachers to attend their upcoming Schools Traded Service Forum events.

These two upcoming events, will share important updates and information about the current buyback period for schools on services on offer through Bucks.

The first of the Schools Traded Service Forum is being held on the 10th March at Harleyford Golf Club, Henley Road, Marlow, SL7 2SP. This the smaller of the two events.

The second event is on the 17th March at Green Park Training & Conference Centre, Stablebridge Road, Aston Clinton, HP22 5NE. This event will hold more attendees and have more services present for networking opportunities.

Please find attached the link to book through Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/buckinghamshire-county-council-14631651594

Forum Agenda 17th March Aylesbury[21193]

 

 

NGA Visible Governance in Schools campaign

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Visible Governance in Schools campaign

Will you join us in championing your contribution to the education system and shining a light on the difference that good governance makes to your school/trust?

To celebrate and promote the value that good governance brings to the school system and the people that volunteer for the role, we are encouraging Learning Link users to take part in our Visible Governance in Schools campaign.

NGA believes that school and trust governance is almost always invisible when it is working well, and very much in the spotlight when things go wrong. Through this campaign we want to achieve a higher profile and better understanding of governance, and further improve the lives of children and their communities.

We’ve come up with a list of simple actions that you can take as an individual or as a governing board to highlight what you do and why you do it. Take a look at the list: https://www.nga.org.uk/getattachment/News/Campaigns/Visible-Governance/Making-school-governance-visible-ideas-for-supporters-PDF.pdf?lang=en-GB. We would love to receive photos of governors, trustees and supporters with the campaign logo, to see you use it in your board’s activities, and hear about what you do to take part in the campaign. Share your activity and photos with us using #VisibleGovernance on social media or by email to visible@nga.org.uk

Several organisations in the education sector have pledged to better recognise the importance of school and trust governance and make it more visible within their work by working with us on initiatives throughout the year and promoting the campaign. Find a full list of our supporters and what they say on the NGA news page.

Planned activities for the year include an awareness week (6 to 12 June), a resource pack to help your board be more visible at school and trust level, and a volunteer recruitment campaign with Inspiring Governance.

Find out more about the campaign: https://www.nga.org.uk/News/Campaigns/Visible-Governance.aspx

How to take part

Share your activity and photos with us using #VisibleGovernance on social media or by email to visible@nga.org.uk

Download logos and resources to use from https://www.nga.org.uk/News/Campaigns/Visible-Governance.aspx

Got any comments about the campaign? Let us know visible@nga.org.uk

 

Free Governor Training for all Buckinghamshire Governors – Next Two Booking Date’s Open

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The Schools Team have arranged several twilight workshops which are free to all Buckinghamshire governors:

17th March Safeguarding – Georgina Masefield and ESAS
2nd April Ofsted – Naureen Kausar
29th April Safer Recruitment – Pat Stappard
5th May Equalities – Yvette Thomas
12th May PSHE – Carol Stottor
3rd June SEND – Belinda Nunn/Hero Slinn
9th June Finance – Janaki Try
18th June Educational Visits – Mike Harwin

The first 3 dates are available to book now, the rest will follow shortly. Please book your place following the links below:

17th March Safeguarding
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safeguarding-training-for-governors-tickets-92891042609?utm_term=eventname_text
2nd April Ofsted
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ofsted-training-for-governors-tickets-92891684529?utm_term=eventname_text
29th April Safer Recruitment
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safer-recruitment-training-for-governors-tickets-92892370581

5th May Equalities

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/equalities-training-for-governors-tickets-97291945829?utm_term=eventname_text

12th May PSHE & RSE

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pshe-and-rse-training-for-governors-tickets-97292292867?utm_term=eventname_text

All sessions will be held in the Mezz rooms at County Hall Aylesbury and will be from 6.30 to 8pm unless otherwise stated.

 

The Ofsted Inspection Framework with Lee Selby HMI. 23rd March 2020

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Dear Chairs of Governors and Clerks,

You may remember that last year, our regional HMI, Lee Selby, came to speak to colleagues regarding the implementation of the new Ofsted framework. This meeting was very well received by Head Teachers across the county.

Although Lee has significant pressures on his time, he has offered to return to Bucks next month to share thoughts on the new inspection framework and to take feedback from colleagues.

In order to maximise his time, we have agreed that he will run two hour long sessions 9am to 10am and 10.30am to 11.30am on the 23rd March at the Gateway in Aylesbury.

Please follow the links below to book your place:

9am https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ofsted-inspection-framework-with-lee-selby-hmi-tickets-94125553063?utm_term=eventname_text

10.30am https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-ofsted-inspection-framework-with-lee-selby-hmi-tickets-94128698471?utm_term=eventname_text

Any problems registering contact Hazel David hdavid@buckscc.gov.uk

 

 

Side By Side Conference for All Schools

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Side By Side Conference for All Schools

Following on from the recent Side by Side Conference which focused on Behaviour & Attitudes, we are pleased to invite Headteachers and Chairs of Governors to the next date arranged in March.

This conference will focus on the curriculum and deep dives in readiness for Ofsted. Presentations will be made by Headteachers from Buckinghamshire schools that have recently been inspected.

Thursday 12th March, 9.00 – 11.30
Aylesbury Rugby Club, Weston Turville
Free parking and refreshments provided

Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/side-by-side-conference-for-all-schools-tickets-90772142923?utm_term=eventname_text

Regards,

Hazel David
Education Team
Children’s Services

Buckinghamshire County Council
4th Floor, County Hall
Walton Street
Aylesbury,
HP20 1UZ

07824 482570
hdavid@buckscc.gov.uk

BASG Newsletter No. 1 February 2020

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Bringing you a round-up of news and updates on BASG activities this first half term of 2020. And there is plenty to report on! January kicked off with the Buckinghamshire County Council Executive Director’s Briefings, where governors and headteachers gathered at County Hall and at Millbrook Combined School to hear updates on education and social care from the senior leaders in Children’s Services. The Chair of BASG, Paul Randall, made the most of his slot on the agenda to highlight the work BASG is doing with the Local Authority to keep governance in the spotlight and high up on the agenda in current and future planning. Click here to see the presentation slides from the briefings.

http://www.bucksgovernors.org/basg-news/executive-director-briefing-presentation-january-2020/

Keep an eye on our website for dates of the next briefings: http://www.bucksgovernors.org/

In February we have seen this term’s round of local Governor Network meetings, where governors from schools across the local area (or sometimes across the county!) come together in an informal setting to discuss wider issues around school governance and education and to share thoughts and concerns on local and national agendas. Feedback is gathered and the key points – safeguarding, SEND, governor training, funding and school improvement support – are escalated to the County Council Member for Education & Skills via the School Governance Consultative Board. Local Governor Network meetings are held termly in the following areas, usually over an abundance of coffee and cake!

• South Bucks

• High Wycombe

• Marlow

• Great Kingshill

• Aylesbury

• Amersham & Chesham – starting soon!

Please check the BASG website http://www.bucksgovernors.org/ for dates of next term’s meetings and do come along and join in. Here is a snapshot of South Bucks governors in action at the meeting held on 8 February 2020 at the Quaker Meeting House in Jordans.

Meanwhile, the BASG Committee continues to meet monthly, keeping an oversight of the whole governance picture across Bucks, attending meetings with the LA and, most importantly at the moment, planning the BASG Spring Event, to which every governor in Buckinghamshire is invited! Here we are during half term, organising final details:

Do come along to hear Sam Henson of the National Governance Association talk about Spotlight on Disadvantage. The NGA’s Spotlight on Disadvantage campaign is informed by research undertaken to explore the Governing Board’s role in spending, monitoring and evaluating the Pupil Premium since its introduction in April 2011. Tickets are going quickly – get yours here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spotlighton-disadvantage-sam-henson-director-of-policy-information-nga-tickets-91813507673

A subject close to all our hearts – governor training. A reminder that the County Council is hosting a series of twilight workshops, which are free of charge to all Buckinghamshire governors. All sessions are delivered by BCC specialists and held in the Mezz rooms at County Hall in Aylesbury from 18:30 to 20:00 unless otherwise stated.

• 17 March 2020: Safeguarding, led by Georgina Masefield and ESAS

• 2 April 2020: Ofsted, led by Naureen Kausar

• 29 April 2020: Safer Recruitment, led by Pat Stappard

• 5 May 2020: Equalities, led by Yvette Thomas

• 12 May 2020: PSHE, led by Carol Stottor

• 3 June 2020: SEND, led by Hero Slinn and Belinda Nunn

• 9 June 2020: Schools Finance, led by Janaki Try

• 18 June 2020: Educational Visits, led by Mike Harwin

 

The first 2 dates are available to book now:

Safeguarding:   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safeguarding-training-for-governors-tickets-92891042609?utm_term=eventname_text

Ofsted: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ofsted-training-for-governors-tickets-92891684529?utm_term=eventname_text

Recommended reading: as governors we are all pressed for time, but this article on the NGA website really is worth a read: https://www.nga.org.uk/News/NGA-News.aspx If we needed further confirmation on the importance of what we do, it is heartening to hear Ofsted acknowledge that “Improving governance helps break the cycle of ‘stuck’ schools”. Something we would all 100% agree with, and to have Ofsted validating our work as we move into the next half term is reassuring.

Thank you to everyone who responded to the DfE consultation on the Removal of the Outstanding Exemption. The overwhelming consensus was that the exemption should be removed and BASG have sent a collective response to the DfE confirming this.N