What's new this week!

WELL Independent Evaluation - Positive Findings  

Last week, the University of Nottingham delivered positive evaluation headlines of the WELL project to the WELL Board.  

The evaluation team identify that the project is taking the right approach for sustained impact over time. There are many encouraging aspects and some very helpful recommendations. The quality of the evaluation is in no small part due to the dedication and commitment of the WELL family of schools. We are extremely grateful to Professor Toby Greany and the University of Nottingham team, for their expertise and objective approach to the project. 

The full report including findings and recommendations is currently being finalised by the evaluation team and will be with us by early December. The WELL Team will share the full evaluation with you all once we receive it.

Being an Evidence Informed Governor Workshop

Tuesday 5 December 18:00 - 20:00, Energus

Next Tuesday evening, Patty and Sue from the Education Research Alliance (ERA) will be delivering this session for school governors, exploring how research and evidence can support governors in their role.

Using the EEF Guidance on 'Becoming an evidence-informed school governor or trustee', participating governors will explore how to use evidence-based guidance to provide practical support and challenge whilst focusing on:

1. How well pupils are achieving in your school
2. How effectively is your school spending its money
3. How does your school support effective teaching and learning

Please click to view the flyer for this workshop and make your governors aware of this high quality professional development opportunity.

Places can be booked with the School Development Team.

Reciprocal Reading: Mixed Phase Training

Wednesday 6 December 09:00 - 15:00, Energus

Thank you to all the schools that have been in contact requesting this training.    Day 1 of this programme will take place next Wednesday 6 December 09:00 - 15:00, Energus.

Please could you send your nominated colleagues: names and email addresses to WELL@cumberland.gov.uk before the end of the week. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at this training. 

Cumberland ELSA conference 2024

Tuesday 4 June 2024 09:30 - 15:30, Energus - Hold the Date!

WELL is proud to have supported the training of 121 Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs). We are even more proud of the difference these dedicated colleagues make everyday in schools.

We are excited to announce a new professional development opportunity for all fully trained ELSAs who are currently working in Cumberland and access supervision. 

Read more details below in the ELSA section of this WOW. 

The latest from ERA this week!

EEF Evidence into Action Podcast: Defining Disadvantage

The EEF hosts regular podcasts. This is a link to last week's which was on the subject of Defining Disadvantage.

It includes inputs from Marc Rowland and Rebecca Montacute from the Sutton Trust. It lasts about an hour and has some really useful ideas for schools to consider when they thinking about 'disadvantage' and their actions in school.

EEF Guidance Report on Improving Primary Science

The EEF have released a new guidance report on 'Improving Primary Science' this week.

Please click the link to have a read of the report, which provides six practical recommendations, underpinned by high quality evidence, about how to make meaningful improvements to primary science teaching. 

Review of Implementation Plans 

Please look out for direct emails to the lead implementation team member, offering feedback on your implementation plans and any further actions required.

These will be arriving over the next few weeks so we can progress your grants.

Annual Planner 23/24 

Click here to view the WELL Universal Grant Offer Annual Planner 23 -24 for all events and training opportunities this academic year.

This planner is a live link and is updated throughout the year.

Review of Implementation Plans 

Please look out for direct emails to the lead implementation team member, offering feedback on your implementation plans and any further actions required.

These will be arriving over the next few weeks so we can progress your grants.

Cumberland ELSA conference 2024

Tuesday 4 June 2024 09:30 - 15:30, Energus - Hold the Date!

WELL are excited to announce a new professional development opportunity for all fully trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) who are currently working in Cumberland and access supervision. 

With Sheila Burton, Educational Psychologist, and creator of ELSA training, as key note speaker. There will be a variety of Cumberland Council Educational Psychologist led workshops. This is an exciting opportunity for all ELSAs in the Summer term.

Bookings are not yet available, please hold the date for this event!

Put these dates in your diary for upcoming WELL events!

A live link to our Annual Planner for all 23/24 events is available for Universal and Targeted Grant Offer Schools on our website.

Being an Evidence Informed Governor (Book via SDT)

• 5 Dec 2023 18:00 - 20:00, Energus 

Reciprocal Reading Mixed Phased Training - Day 1 (Email WELL Team)

• 6 Dec 2023 09:00 - 15:00, Energus 

SPRING TERM BEGINS 

Evaluating Your Impact for Universal Grant Schools - Attend 1 Session (Book via SDT)

• 16 Jan 2024 09:30 - 11:30, Whitehaven Golf Club 
• 18 Jan 2024 15:30 – 17:00, Whitehaven Golf Club
• 24 Jan 2024 13:30 - 15:30, Energus 

Evaluating Your Impact for Targeted Grant Schools - Attend 1 Session (Book via SDT)

• 16 Jan 2024 13:30 - 15:30, Whitehaven Golf Club 
• 24 Jan 2024 09:30 - 11:30, Energus

Action Research Session: Planning for Evidence Collection - Attend 1 Session (Book via SDT)

• 27 Feb 2024 13:00 - 15:30, Energus
• 28 Feb 2024 09:00 - 11:30, Whitehaven Golf Club 

RR Secondary Community Meeting 2 (Attend via WELL Invitation)

• 6 Mar 2024 15:45 - 16:45, Online

Great Teaching Toolkit - Spring Learning Community (Attend via WELL Invitation)

• 12 Mar 2024 15:35 - 17:00, Online 

MADE in Cumbria 2024 (Book via SDT)

• 13 Mar 2024 09:00 - 17:00, Energus