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The next England and Wales Census is being held this year, with Census day on 21st March. The census only happens once every 10 years, and is run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This time, the ONS is running a free primary education programme on Census 2021 – Let’s Count! – to which I would encourage you to sign up your school.
The Let’s Count! education programme covers key areas of the curriculum, with 14 cross-curricular, easy-to-use lesson plans and resources to choose from. The resources are flexible and time-saving, and can be used to support your school through Covid-19, to re-engage children and families in learning and to celebrate local community, as part of your recovery curriculum. There are best practice video lessons that can be used for remote learning.
Visit https://letscount.org.uk/en/ to sign your school up, and, if you’d like to, take part in the Let’s Count! competition, in which your school could win £1,000 of equipment, plus announce the Census 2021 population of England and Wales, for the first time.
Teaching our children about the Census and why it’s important that we all take part will help get the word out in our wider school community. Encouraging as many of our households as possible to complete the Census is really important, so that we are able to provide the services that our communities need.
The next England and Wales Census is being held this year, with Census day on 21st March. The census only happens once every 10 years, and is run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This time, the ONS is running a free secondary education programme on Census 2021 to which I would encourage you to sign up your school.
The Secondary Education Programme provides teachers access to free school and lesson content designed to bring the census to life for students. Curriculum-linked lesson plans and flexible activities are available to download, and can be taught in the classroom or online. The lessons feature real-life examples to help students understand the power of data to tell stories, and there are resources for PSHE, maths, history, geography and citizenship. Students can find out how census information is used and how it can help them understand their local area.
Visit https://censuseducation.org.uk/ to sign your school up.
Teaching our students about the Census and why it’s important that we all take part will help get the word out in our wider school community. Encouraging as many of our households as possible to complete the Census is really important, so that we are able to provide the services that our communities need.
Current Gates Cambridge Scholars (PhD and MPhil students) at the University of Cambridge will teach fun, short, interactive online sessions related to their areas of research. Find out more about the Topics and Schedule here.
Crosshall Junior School is the only school in the East of England with this accreditation. The Flagship School Status for inclusion (awarded by the Inclusion Quality Mark) highlights Crosshall Junior School’s constant endeavours to make inclusion at the heart of its strategy for education and well being.
Having held the Centre of Excellence award for the past five years and initially awarded Flagship School Status in 2019, the school was pleased to have maintained and built upon it’s inclusion targets, especially during the pandemic when many families felt, and continue to feel, the impact of being isolated from the school community and beyond.
Following a reinspection in late November, inspectors highlighted Crosshall Junior School’s ability to quickly adapt the way it supported pupils and parents during the pandemic and initial lockdown in various ways, including visiting “homes to support children and parents, delivering ICT resources and food parcels”.
Inspectors also highlighted the range of activities the school provided to keep in touch with pupils and families during lockdown, including “34 pupil activities/celebrations as well as regular curriculum work. It also included virtual residential trips using innovative ideas and humour which were enjoyed by all”.
The report concluded that “Crosshall Junior School ensured the children and staff felt safe and protected through this difficult time and that no child was left behind, they are a shining example to other schools”.
Comment from Head Teacher, Anne Eardley:
“The staff work hard to ensure that the curriculum is accessible and opportunities are plenty. Plans have been curtailed this year due to COVID restraints, but even still, we try to find ways in which we can inspire and ensure the children’s minds are stretched and grow. Crosshall Junior will continue to support other schools nationally with their ambitions”.
We all have mental health. There is no health without mental health.
In this regular feature, some ideas to support and signpost will be shared in the hope that you may benefit or you may be able to help others.
Support
Based on the 10 Keys to Happier Living [www.actionforhappiness.org], a little and often approach to self-care and wellbeing may be more manageable, achievable and realistic for school staff. Another key is Direction; give it a go by saying out loud each day to yourself or another, something you have achieved, however small.
Signposting
Anxiety UK aims to support everyone affected by anxiety via an infoline, text services, talking therapies etc www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Author and further contact: Juliet.Adloune@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Adult Mental Health First Aid Training: Book here
School Reopening – meeting RSC
Jon Lewis is meeting with Regional School Commissioner 10/02/21, with all other LA’s from across the Eastern Region to discuss the process of school reopening.
Half Term
We have received 803 responses to our February half term childcare survey. We have responded to those who have made contact and stated they needed places. If you have any further queries or parents who haven’t been contacted, Cambridgeshire parents should be advised to phone our Family Information Service: 0345 045 1360. Peterborough parents have the option of phoning 01733 864446 or emailing fis@peterborough.gov.uk
Heads' Meeting – Reopening 24th February 11am
Meeting to cover the guidance on the 8th March reopening process (if it happens). The meeting is planned for the 24th February at 11am for up to 90 minutes. You can book here. It is open to all schools and trusts and we will cover the LA view on reopening. First come, first served with Zoom but we will live stream if there is demand. We are speculating the guidance will come out on the 22nd February, as we have been told 2 weeks notice and clearly the government will always stick to its plan.
DfE updates from Yesterday
- Exams – the Dfe have confirmed that scheduled assessments planned for February and March should only go ahead where they examine occupational or professional competency.
- Testing FAQ updates Primary / maintained nursery schools – the DfE have updated their frequently asked questions on asymptomatic testing . Don’t forget our guidance here - Primary Testing Guide / Secondary Testing Guide. Key changes the government have identified are – change the 90 days re-testing approach - If staff have recently (within 90 days) had a positive PCR test for COVID-19, they are likely to have developed some immunity. Individuals are exempt from testing by both PCR and LFD within 90 days of a positive PCR test, unless they develop new symptoms. However, individuals may choose to take a LFD test after the isolation period, for example as part of a workplace or community testing programme. This should only be done after completion of the required self-isolation period as per the NHS stay at home guidance. If they test positive with a LFD test, they will be required to self-isolate for 10 days or longer if symptomatic.
- All-through schools will run as part of the secondary progamme which is unhelpful. If your sites are too distant geographically to reasonably expect the testing of primary staff to be accommodated on the secondary site, then please contact us via the DfE Helpline on 0800 046 8687 or the contact form and we can arrange for self-test kits to be delivered for testing primary staff.
- Staff who have been vaccinated should follow the guidance in the same way as someone who has not been vaccinated including those supporting with wraparound childcare – we think this is important.
- Teacher reclaiming student loans payments – teachers who trained from 2013 until 2021 working in languages, physics, chemistry, biology and computing – can claim back the cost of repaying their student loans.
#BePartOfTheSolution - Cambs Children and Young People Video
A new video directed at children and young people (CYP) aged 13 - 18 has been identified as an effective way to encourage young people to follow the COVID-19 rules more strictly than previously. The video follows a local young person and highlight their fears, challenges, and hope for the future. It aims to encourage others to do their bit in the fight against COVID-19 and to be part of the solution, not the problem. Schools and colleges are encouraged to play the full-length video to pupils in assemblies and lessons and make use of the teacher-led discussion resources. Please promote the campaign on your school social media channels. The videos can be downloaded here or you can simply share the CCC posts.
A separate Peterborough young people video is currently in production and will feature a diverse range of local CYP. More information to follow very soon.
Cambridge Children’s Hospital network
A pioneering new children’s hospital is going to be built in Cambridge and there’s an opportunity for children, young people and families to get involved and have their say. Within the heart of the hospital, a ground-breaking research institute will work to transform the understanding of children and young people’s health, from before birth, from diagnosis to treatment. You can read more about Cambridge Children’s hospital here.
The project teams now need your help – patients, formers patients, families and carers - to make sure they get it right. Joining the Cambridge Children’s Network is easy. If you’re a young person, aged 14-25, fill in this short form. If you’re a parent or carer, please fill in this one. If you are a school staff member and would like some more information on the schooling workstreams development please get in touch with Leah Miller, Headteacher at the Pilgrim PRU at head@pilgrim.cambs.sch.uk.
Supporting Primary Heads – University of Cambridge Research
Heads of some Primary school clusters have recently been sent invitations to participate in research at the University of Cambridge around Headteachers’ support networks. Anna Caroe, who is managing the project (and one of our brilliant governors) is very aware of the pressures you're all under but is hoping to use her work to help develop support systems in the future. If you haven't already, I encourage you to fill out the survey if you possibly can – it only takes 15 minutes and the best results will be generated from complete cluster data. Primary clusters most similar in size have been selected, to help disguise the data later on. The specific links are here:
The Pligrim PRU is changing its name to Pilgrim Pathways School with effect from 22 February 2021.
ReadingWise Zip (click here for more information) is an online phonics resource for children acquiring their phonics as well as for those who are struggling and would benefit from reinforcement and overlearning. They are offering free trials to schools for use with as many pupils as you wish. They have features incorporating monitoring, formative data and encouraging learner engagement.
Set up free, no obligation, trial: https://readingwise.com/zip
More information: https://readingwise.com/blog/phonics-adaptive-learning
Get in touch if you would like a short demo or conversation: Caroline 07487 762 120 or caroline@readingwise.com
Applying knowledge and understanding in science
2 sessions starting Wednesday 24 February 2021, 16.00 – 17.30, Zoom webinar, from £50.
Teaching KS1 science
3 sessions starting Tuesday 16 March 2021, 16.00 – 17.30, Zoom webinar, from £140
Teaching EYFS Science
4 sessions starting Tuesday 23 March 2021, 15.45 – 16.40, Zoom webinar, from £140
Improving Mathematical Progress Courses
Audience: Teachers in Years 1 and 2 – 15/3/21 – 15:30 until 17:00, Teachers in Years 3 and 4 – 16/3/21 – 15:30 until 17:00. Video presentation followed by Zoom session. Cost: £29 for Cambs LA schools and £39 for Academies and out of county schools.
English for NQTs and RQTs
Audience: NQTs and RQTs. Live 2 hour Zoom sessions: Session 2 – 10/2/21 – 15:00 to 17:00, Session 3 – 11/3/21 – 15:00 to 17:00, Session 4 – 23/3/21 – 15:00 to 17:00. Cost: £29 for Cambs LA schools and £39 for Academies and out of county schools per session.
Booked Based Learning – Planning for Progress in Years 3 & 4
Audience: Teachers in Years 3 & 4. Date and Time: 9/3/21 – 13:30 to 16:30. Live 3 hour Zoom session. Cost: £29 for Cambs LA schools and £39 for Academies and out of county schools per session.
English Subject Leader Briefings
Audience: English Subject Leaders
Dates and Times: 8/3/21 – 14:30 until 15:30 and 16:00 until 17:00
10/3/21 – 14:30 until 15:30 and 16:00 until 17:00
11/3/21 – 16:00 until 17:00
17/3/21 – 14:30 until 15:30
Video presentation followed by Zoom meeting. Cost: Free to schools who have purchased Element 2 of the Primary Offer or £29 for Cambs LA schools and £39 for Academies and out of county schools.
Developing Number Sense in EYFS Using Multi-sensory Approaches
For Teachers and TA’s. Tuesday 23rd February 2021 - 13:30 – 16:00. Diamond Teaching School – Online. £30 per delegate. To book email cpd@diamondtsa.com
Building a School that Writes (2 Parts)
For Teachers in KS1 & KS2, Subject Leads. Wednesday 24 February 2021, 13:30 – 16:00 & Tuesday 16 March 15:45 – 16:45, Diamond Teaching School – Online. £50 per delegate. To book email cpd@diamondtsa.com
Preparing Subject Leaders for a Deep Dive
For Subject Leads. Friday 26 February 2021, 09:30 - Noon. Diamond Teaching School – Online. £30 per delegate. To book email cpd@diamondtsa.com
Multi-Sensory Writing in Early Years
For Teachers and TA’s. Thursday 11 March 2021, 13:30 – 16:00. Diamond Teaching school – Online. £30 per delegate. To book email cpd@diamondtsa.com
Developing RSE: For Primary and Special School colleagues, especially PSHE subject leads and school leaders.
Wednesday 3 March 2021, 13.30-15:45 or Wednesday 28 April 2021, 13:30-15:45.
This training will be hosted via Zoom.
£45 for non-subscribing schools, £35 for subscribing schools or subscribing schools can use their ‘free course’ credit if they have not already taken up a consultancy
Teaching RSE: Suitable for Primary and Special school colleagues, especially PSHE subject leads and school leaders.
Tuesday 9 March 2021, 13.30-15.45 or Wednesday 5 May 2021, 15.30-17.45
This training will be hosted via Zoom.
£45 for non-subscribing schools/non-licence holders, £35 for subscribing schools/licence holders. Cambridgeshire subscribing schools can use their ‘free course’ credit if they have not already taken up a consultancy.
Exploring Gender: For Primary, Secondary and Special School colleagues, especially PSHE subject leads, pastoral leaders and school leaders.
Wednesday 17 March, 15.30-17.00
This training will be hosted via Zoom.
£45 for non-subscribing schools/non-licence holders, £35 for subscribing schools/licence holders. Cambridgeshire subscribing schools can use their ‘free course’ credit if they have not already taken up a consultancy.
What Does Outstanding Physical Education Look Like In Primary Schools
Target Audience: Any teacher, coach or assistant in the primary, special and secondary phase.
Thursday 25 February 2021 – 13.30 to 16:30. Via Zoom. Cost: £45
Primary Physical Education (PE) Subject Leader Network Meeting
Target Audience: Primary phase PE coordinators.
Tuesday 2 March 2021, 13:30 to 15:30, via Zoom. Cost: £45.
Safe Practice in Physical Education
Target Audience: Any teacher, coach or assistant in the primary, special and secondary phase.
Thursday 4 March 2021 - 09:15 to 12:00 via Zoom. Cost £45
Making Sense of Assessment in Physical Education
12th March 2021 – 9.15am to 12pm via Zoom. Cost £45
Target Audience: Any teacher, coach or assistant in the primary, special and secondary phase.
OA webinar series
In collaboration with Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough County Council, the Fenland and East Cambridgeshire Opportunity Area has developed a FREE webinar series available for all schools across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It is a first-class repository of relevant, quality-assured and engaging CPD and other materials to support Head teachers and their staff. Pre-recorded sessions are available for use by individual staff members or as part of a group-CPD staff session. Live sessions will be advertised and repeated to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access them. New content will be added over time.
Please sign up to Knowledge Hub and then request access to the webinar series group:
- Go to https://khub.net/sign-up to register
- Complete your details and verify your account – you’ll be sent an email to verify
- Sign in and accept the site terms
- Click on the webinar series group link: https://khub.net/group/opportunity-area-webinar-series
Registrations for the group can be whole-school or individuals, as preferred.
For more information, please contact Jacquie Woodcock, School Improvement Project Lead.
Education Testing - We are operating in Peterborough on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please complete the Education Frontline Staff Booking Spreadsheet – email it to capccg.covid19staffswabbing@nhs.net. Our updated guide is here.
DfE Data Return - educational setting status form and the deadline is 2pm today. The questions are here - Questions for Schools - Education Setting Status Form. Guidance is here.
Test and Trace - short reporting form can be found here. Multiple cases can be submitted with this form. Test and Trace Guidance for Primary Schools / Secondary Schools, FE and Skills Providers
Links to all government guidance in one place / our updated Recovery Pack / latest LA structure chart / Self-isolation quick guide for parents / Parents - quick reference guide.
Any questions or comments please contact EmergencySchool.Closure@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
Jon Lewis
Service Director: Education
Education Testing - We are operating in Peterborough on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please complete the Education Frontline Staff Booking Spreadsheet – email it to capccg.covid19staffswabbing@nhs.net. Our updated guide is here.
DfE Data Return - educational setting status form and the deadline is 2pm today. The questions are here - Questions for Schools - Education Setting Status Form. Guidance is here.
Test and Trace - short reporting form can be found here. Multiple cases can be submitted with this form. Test and Trace Guidance for Primary Schools / Secondary Schools, FE and Skills Providers
Links to all government guidance in one place / our updated Recovery Pack / latest LA structure chart / Self-isolation quick guide for parents.
Any questions or comments please contact EmergencySchool.Closure@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
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