Video Case Studies of schools that have successfully created the conditions to support the professional learning of all staff have been published on Learning Wales

In support of the launch of the New Deal for the Education Workforce, Welsh Government has produced a range of video case studies that exemplify the most effective approaches to professional learning. 

Professional Learning Resources – Hard copies available

Copies of both the Reflective Practice and Coaching and Mentoring Practice-based Information Booklets are now available.  Please contact PLM@wales.gsi.gov.uk with the number of copies you require and we will send them on to you.

Professional Learning Resources to support the Launch of the New Deal

The Welsh Government will continue to provide professional learning resources to practitioners that support the launch of the New Deal for the Education Workforce.  A range of materials will be rolled out during the Autumn term and will be publicised in Dysg.

Toolkit for Schools - Parental Engagement

Following the launch of the Family and Community Engagement (FaCE) toolkit we have produced a campaign information pack for “Education begins at Home” for schools to use in their communications with parents.  It includes powerpoint presentations, logos, templates for posters and a limited supply of resources can be ordered.  All schools will be receiving postcards in early July.

The Rewriting the Future:A year on - annual report now available to download online

The report summarises what has been achieved so far,   the next steps and actions schools should take to improve attainment in learners affected by poverty. Rewriting the Future: Raising ambition and attainment in Welsh schools was published in June 2014 and focuses on improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged learners. 

Winners of the Anti Bullying film competition

Pupils from the Bishop of Llandaff high school and Pontnewydd primary school have been announced as the winners of the Welsh Governement’s anti bullying film competition. Schools were invited to submit films or storyboards depicting bullying of children in the protected characteristics groups.

• Pontnewydd School (primary)
• Bishop of Llandaff High School (secondary) 

Lesson plans to accompany each film will be available to schools at the start of the autumn term. For further information on Anti Bullying and protected characteristics

School Sport Survey 2015

Schools have until the 20th of July to take part and qualify for an individual Estyn-recognised report that can be used for self-evaluating attitudes towards physical activity and well-being.

Learning in Digital Wales - Survey

Are you a Digital Champion? Have you received Hwb+ training? If so then we would like to ask you to take part in the evaluation of the Learning in Digital Wales Programme by completing a short survey on your experiences. 

School leaders survey on the National Literacy and Numeracy Programmes

Have you received the link to the survey for the evaluation of the National Literacy and Numeracy Programme?

All schools should now have received an email form SQW the contractor delivering the evaluation for the Welsh Government the survey will only take 10-15 minutes to complete so please take the time to provide your valuable feedback on the NLNP.  If you haven’t received the email yet please email david.roberts@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Best practice in teaching and learning in the creative arts at key stage 2 – film

Estyn has produced a short film to accompany its report, Best practice in teaching and learning in the creative arts at key stage 2.  Staff from six schools across Wales explain how their strategies have developed pupils’ skills in the various art forms.  

Lead Creative Schools Scheme – Has your school applied?

You still have time to apply to enter the Lead Creative School Scheme for the 2015/16 academic year if you haven’t already done so.  If you missed the school briefing sessions and want to find out how your school could benefit from entering into the Scheme then watch the following videos..  The closing date for applications is 17th July 2015.  More information on how to apply

Female genital mutilation (FGM)    

Schools need to be alert to the risks of FGM. Victims are often thought to be taken abroad at the start of the holidays for there to be sufficient time to recover before returning to school. Guidance on identifying potential victims and safeguarding girls from FGM is in Keeping learners safe (page 45).  

Headteachers and Designated Senior Persons (DSPs) – We need your expertise!

Following the recent survey monkey, work has begun on developing arrangements to strengthen safeguarding in schools to support published guidance Keeping learners safe.  We are seeking headteachers and DSPs to consider and test the content of training packages.  If you are interested, please contact deborah.campbell@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Ministry of Defence Education Support Fund

2016-2017 Bidding round now open!

The fund is open to any maintained school which has service children whose parents are subject to frequent mobility or deployment.

Application pack and further advice and information.  If you would like to discuss any ideas for an application, please contact Deborah Campbell on 02920 825807 or deborah.campbell@wales.gsi.gov.uk  Closing date for applications is 16:00 on 30 September 2016.

SAVE THE DATE – KEEPING LEARNERS SAFE CONFERENCE - 3 December 2015

Headteachers, teachers and designated senior persons (DSPs) and all those with safeguarding responsibilities in education! You are warmly invited to attend a Keeping learners safe conference on 3 December at the SWALEC stadium, Cardiff which will focus on the impact of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence on children. Further details, including how to register, will follow shortly.  

Welsh Government launches Better with Books (Wales)

This month the Welsh Government is launching the Better with Books (Wales) scheme. This scheme is a recommended self help book list encouraging children and young people to consider reading a book to help them work through a difficult period in their lives, or who may be dealing with mild to moderate mental ill health. A poster to raise awareness and a web link with further information will be circulated in the new term

School term dates for 2016 to 2017

The 2016 to 2017 school term dates (external link) for all maintained schools in Wales have been published

New features on Hwb

Free training sessions are available for schools this summer to demonstrate the new features now available on Hwb. If you are interested in a visit to your school by the Hwb Content Team, email hwb@wales.gsi.gov.uk to book your session.

Recommended web filtering standards for schools in Wales

These standards will provide teachers with the opportunity to teach safe, responsible and considerate online behaviours.  Further details can be found here.

PLRS Cymru 2015/16

Premier League Reading Stars 2015/16 is now open.  Please click here to sign up. PLRS Cymru is a 10 week literacy intervention designed to stimulate reading and improve literacy skills for those children who are disengaged with learning but passionate about football. PLRS Cymru has been specially adapted for use within the Welsh educational setting with content in line with current curriculum development, football news and reading recommendations.

NSPCC Helpline

The NSPCC helpline is available for teachers and Designated Senior Persons (DSPs), or anyone who has a safeguarding concern or is worried about a child. This additional resource can accessed as a source of help, advice and support. The helpline is available on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. For more details please click here. Link to the FGM poster available here. 

Adoption UK video

The Welsh Government has sponsored Adoption UK to produce a video to increase awareness of the educational needs of adopted children and to help schools become better equipped to meet those needs.