SGA Schools


COVID Guidance COVID-19: guidance for educational settings This guidance will assist schools and other educational settings in providing advice for pupils, students, staff and parents or carers regarding follow link There is also this useful public health poster which you can download
For the Attention of the CEO, Headteacher & Chairs of Governor - Surrey Education Covid 19 Coronavirus Weekly Update Dear Colleagues This is your weekly COVID19 Coronavirus update that includes all the new and updated local information and guidance related to COVID-19 including links to information and guidance newly published on SCC dedicated webpages for School Leaders. DfE and government guidance continues to be published regarding Lockdown 2 and we will continue to update the webpages with any changes to our local response. The county council has been advised by DfE colleagues that further guidance for schools is expected to be published soon which will include further detail regarding Extra Curricular activities, Face Coverings, Remote Learning, Ofsted and Children’s Social Care. Following the publication by government of a Winter Package last week end, the county council are working with partners to develop a response. Any updates and further detail will be available in future weekly emails and/or the weekly Schools Bulletin. ...Read More For the Attention of the CEO, Headteacher, DSLs & Chairs of Governor - Surrey County Council Template Safeguarding Child Protection Policy 2020 It has been brought to the attention of the Education Safeguarding Team that the Surrey County Council Template Safeguarding Child Protection Policy 2020 circulated to schools via the Education Safeguarding Team Update mailing list has not reached everyone...Read More Surrey County Council Template Safeguarding Child Protection Policy 2020
Current government lockdown Guidance and regulations 5th Jan 2021 The following links are advice on the current lockdown for all. National lockdown: Stay at Home - GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home?utm_source=66664b8c-6ee0-4c42-ae67-5f2e5d703736&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate Publication of Remote Education information https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/providing-remote-education-information-to-parents-template Critical Workers and Vulnerable Children https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision Draft School Admissions Code Briefing for schools on the proposed changes Introduction 1. On 26 June, the DfE issued a consultation on a revised version of the School Admissions Code - https://consult.education.gov.uk/home-to-school-transport-and-admissions-team/changes-to-the-school-admissions-code. The consultation will run for 16 weeks until 16 October 2020. Summary of Code changes for schools 01/09/2020.docx What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak Information for parents and carers about the wider opening of nurseries, schools and colleges, transport, attendance, free school meals and remote education. Added information for parents and carers about the wider opening to nurseries, schools and colleges from 1 June. updated 6:57pm, 11 May 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings Guidance for education and childcare settings on how to implement protective measures.	Diocese of Guildford Arrangements for School Opening - Spring Term 2021 I am writing to you this evening as I am very aware that many of you will be wrestling with very difficult decisions regarding the opening of your school tomorrow or later this week. The current situation regarding the guidance that has been issued by the Department of Education and the advice to schools from Local Authorities, Public Health England and the national teaching unions has placed school leaders and governors in an impossible position. Many of you will be feeling angry, let down, confused and overwhelmed by the constant changes which you are being asked to respond which makes planning for different scenarios almost impossible. The situation is further excaberated by the inconsistency in messaging and communications which are read by parents, staff and your wider school community which I know has led to many of you working over the Christmas holiday period responding to queries rather than focusing on arrangements and risk assessments for your school. During this period of uncertainty, chaos and confusion, as a headteacher and governor, your leadership and deep conviction to serve the children and staff in your care matters more than ever. I know that despite the very challenging circumstances and the risks to your own safety and well-being, that you will be considering actions and decisions which will be right for your school and your school community. There is no right answer or solution to the challenges or situation that an individual school faces; whatever you decide, it will be the right decision based on your own knowledge of the circumstances that you face. The Diocesan Board of Education is not a union, nor does it have the responsibility of the Local Authority or the DFE, however it does have a special, statutory responsibility for all Church of England schools in our diocese which enables me as Diocesan Director of Education to write and advise you on any matter related to Church schools. I hope that a global pandemic and national crisis would be one scenario, which although none of us would have envisaged a year ago, would meet these requirements. The Diocese is a strong advocate for you and your Church school and we continue to work with the three Local Authorities of Surrey, Hampshire and Kingston to ensure that your voice is heard; we meet regularly with the DFE and Regional School Commissioners to express your views and concerns on behalf of each of our 83 Church schools. For some time now, we have been pushing for all teachers and school staff to be prioritised for early vaccination so that you can continue to operate your school, safe in the knowledge that you, your colleagues and your families are not at risk from the virus and can keep your schools open. Working with our Local Authority partners we will continue to seek assurances from the DFE and PHE on when school staff will be included in immunisation programmes, in order that you can focus your energy on teaching the children in your care. So, as we begin the new term and the new year, my message to you is simple; remember that you are not alone. The Diocese and all of us in the Education team stand with you as you face the daily demands and challenges in front of you. Our hope is based in our Christian faith which is underpinned by a commitment and confidence in you as a Church school leader; that despite everything that is asked of you in the days ahead, you can place your trust in God knowing that he will never leave you: "And I will be with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28 verse 20. We will be praying for you in the days and weeks ahead as you make difficult decisions and navigate the challenges ahead. If you need help or support, or just want to speak to someone for a few minutes, do make contact with us by e-mail; my mobile number is 07562 265365 if you need to ring. Take care and best wishes for the new term, Alex Tear Diocesan Director of Education A Christmas Bulletin from SAfE Heading towards the end of term, the SAfE team would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all our colleagues in schools and settings, for the tremendous work and outstanding effort throughout this incredibly challenging year. Looking forward to 2021, in this bulletin we signpost new training courses, highlight additional events being scheduled across our 6 priority areas and offer some reading recommendations to support you and your staff. We look forward to working with you in 2021! With best wishes on behalf of the SAfE team COVID-19: Latest updates The NHS COVID-19 app launched today and will help the national test and trace effort and support those businesses that are required to collect customer data. The app uses your phone to detect other app users nearby, and the NHS will let you know if you have been near someone who has developed symptoms.- Elmbridge Borough Council. Download the app now and find out more about what the app does. Looking after your mental wellbeing The government has advised that those shielding can now spend time outdoors if they wish to do so. Despite these measures, however, continued social isolation, reduction in physical activity, and changes in routine can all contribute to increased stress. Many people, including those without existing mental health needs, may feel anxious. Reasons for increased anxiety may include potential effects on support with daily living, ongoing care arrangements with health providers, support with medication and changes in daily routines. It is important that you take care of your mind as well as your body and that you get further support if you need it. Follow the advice that works for you in the guidance on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19. At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. Constantly watching the news can make you feel more worried. If you think it is affecting you, try to limit the time you spend watching, reading or listening to media coverage of the outbreak. It may help to only check the news at set times or limit this to a couple of times a day. Try to focus on the things you can control, such as where you get information from and actions you can take to help you feel prepared. The Every Mind Matters page on anxiety and NHS mental wellbeing audio guides provide further information on how to manage anxiety. If you’re still struggling after several weeks and it’s affecting your daily life, contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. If you are receiving services for your mental health, learning disability or autism and are worried about the impact of isolation, contact your key worker, care coordinator or provider to review your care plan. If you have additional needs, contact your key worker or care coordinator to develop a safety or crisis plan. Staying mentally and physically active There are simple things you can do that may help you to stay mentally and physically active during this time such as: • you can find free 10 minute workouts from PHE or other exercise videos to try at home on the NHS Fitness Studio • spend time doing things you enjoy such as reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to favourite radio programmes or watching TV • try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
Schools with Governor or trustee Vacancies In this section we offer opportunities for those interested in taking up school Governance and for existing governors and trustees either looking for a change or with the capacity to take on a second school position. The core responsibilities of Governance are 1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; 2. Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and 3. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent. Please respond to advertisers directly if you encounter any difficulty please contact admin@surreygovernance.org.uk
Overview of scientific information on coronavirus (COVID-19) The Department for Education’s response to issues raised regarding the science on coronavirus (COVID-19). updated 2:56pm, 15 May 2020	Moss Lane School Needs You! Are you interested in becoming a school governor at our lovely primary school in the heart of Godalming? The school Moss Lane School has two classes in each of our three years (Reception, Yr 1 and Yr2) so has up to 180 children at the school. The staff, governors and headteacher are committed to creating an environment that will ensure that children progress academically, socially and personally to reach their full potential. We value the support and co-operation of parents and view the education of each child as a partnership between the school and home. At the heart of our approach is a passion to make Moss Lane School a happy, safe and inclusive community where expectations are high and where everyone is cared for and valued. Across the school staff, governors and PTA (parents’ association) we are keen to promote independent, enthusiastic, confident and successful learners, as acknowledged in our Ofsted Report (February 2018)You can find out more about the school on our website https://www.moss-lane.surrey.sch.uk/web The Governing Body monitors teaching and learning, achievement, finances, staffing, premises and safety to ensure that everything within the school creates an environment where the children in our care can achieve the best possible education. We meet seven times a year between September and July, usually in the early evenings. We also carry out focused visits to the school to learn more about what the school is doing and what we can do to support and challenge in our roles as governors. At the moment due to Covid 19 our meetings are virtual and our visits to the school are suspended. We currently have two governor vacancies (these are not parent governor positions) and if you are interested in being a governor please contact our Chair of Governors, Adam Boshoff at aboshoff@moss-lane.surrey.sch.uk for an informal chat about the positions.	The Governing Body at Fetcham Village Infant School has two Co-opted governor vacancies. The board would be particularly interested to hear from anyone who would be interested in taking on the Health and Safety governor role. I look forward to hearing from you. Caroline Smith Clerk School Lane • Fetcham • Surrey • KT22 9JU Telephone: 01372 373502 Email: info@fetcham.surrey.sch.uk Website: www.fetcham.surrey.sch.uk
Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care Preventing and controlling infection, including the use of PPE, in education, childcare and children’s social care settings during the coronavirus outbreak updated 7:06pm, 14 May 2020		Vacancy Filled showing advertising with SGA works "I like the new website, and followed it using the newsletter guide. Thank you for placing our advert, I would certainly use this route again. Kind regards, Helen"
For the attention of the CEO, Headteacher, DSL and Chair of Governors/Management Committee -Promoting the attendance of vulnerable children. 01.05.20 1000hrs Dear Colleagues As you are aware Gavin Williamson wrote to all schools last week emphasising the expectation that those children with social workers should be in school. Whilst being mindful that there will be a handful of children with specific health issues, the overarching principle is that schools and social workers must work together to support the children's attendance in school. To help with this, the LA has put together this leaflet for parents. It has been written by colleagues from social care as well as primary practitioners, and is aimed at encouraging parents to see the benefits of their child's attendance at school. We are asking social workers and schools to send this leaflet to those parents whose children have social workers and who could be coming to school, but aren't. Currently on average only 3-5% of our children with social workers are attending school. Thank you in advance for your help in getting more children from this very vulnerable group into school where they can be safely cared for. Mary Ellen McCarthy Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership Executive Member for Education Jacquie Burke Surrey County Council Director Family Resilience & Safeguarding SCC dedicated webpage – Covid-19 Information for School Leaders: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/emergency-planning-and-community-safety/coronavirus/school-leaders #stayathomesavelives Just breaking: Guidance for school governor virtual meetings School governors should not meet during Coronavirus situation. Guidance how virtual meets can take place. To view your notification click here: http://www.bettergovernor.co.uk/schools/my_account#tabs-3 Registering emergency children’s homes as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic: fast-track applications Guide for local authorities and existing registered providers on fast-tracking their application to register children’s homes services. updated 9:30am, 11 May 2020 Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers. updated 9:30am, 11 May 2020 Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Updated guidance including adding a new section clarifying the position on welcoming back all children to early years settings from 1 June, information on when childminders can reopen to more children, and what provision they can currently provide, information on testing for essential workers, and information for parents on temporary changes to the 30 hours free early education entitlements. updated 5:28pm, 15 May 2020 Providing free school meals during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance for schools and local authorities on free school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.Updated information about claiming for additional costs, providing meals or food parcels through your food provider and ordering vouchers to cover multiple weeks. updated 1:50pm, 15 May 2020	The Church School Governance Training Programme (CSGTP) Good Afternoon, I would like to introduce you to an online Governor Training Programme specifically aimed at Church Schools and with significant discounts available for groups of governors from the same Diocese. We would be very grateful if you could pass this on to those responsible for governor training within your Diocese. The Hope Church School Governance Online Training Programme (CSGTP) is aimed at Governors and Trustees (Directors) in both church schools and schools with a distinctively Christian ethos, providing support for Governors and Trustees (Directors) committed to improving provision and outcomes for children and young people... Read More CPD Registration Form CSGTP Online 2018/19 CSGTP_A4_Leaflet_09/10/19 pdf Course notes on cpd training pages as per last forward From the Diocese of Guildford Director’s Letter – ‘Leading Flourishing School Communities’ Secondary Heads’ Phase Council : Supporting our Headteachers in Surrey Surrey’s Secondary Headteachers’ Phase Council is an organisation which advocates on behalf of the Headteachers of Surrey’s state-funded secondary schools. Central to this purpose is the provision of support to all secondary heads: to protect and promote their welfare and well-being. We recognise that leadership in schools, against the backdrop of constant change and with limited resource, can be very demanding, challenging and at times isolating. This can affect us all and at times has a more profound effect on school leaders, given professional context and personal circumstances. We also know that there is a wealth of experience and knowledge amongst colleagues who have all faced similar challenges. I am therefore delighted to share with you a new support package being offered to Surrey Secondary Headteachers by Secondary Phase Council. The new offer signposts support to any Head who would welcome such an opportunity, on a personal 1:1 and completely confidential basis. The support offered through this service is funded by Phase Council and comes from a colleague (often a former Headteacher) who has offered to act in a supportive capacity. It is not intended that the package offers long term support rather that is provides welcome pockets of individual support, at times of particular need. Secondary Phase Council is keen to ensure that this offer is seen as a model of support that complements other offers of assistance from Chairs, Governing Bodies/Trusts or professional associations. Secondary Phase Council is also in the process of undertaking a review of Headteacher Appraisals and we would be pleased to share our findings and recommendations of best practice with Heads and with Governors in due course. We anticipate circulation of the report during the spring term 2020. If you have any questions relating to the work of Phase Council or the specific initiatives I have highlighted, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Ayers Executive Officer at sarah.ayers@surreysecondaryheads.org.uk Ben Bartlett Chair, Surrey Secondary Headteachers Phase Council Headteacher, Hinchley Wood School Surrey Governance Association and SEND Teaching School agree to Link Geoffrey Hackett Chair of SGA writes: - This link between our two websites illustrates the increasing need to share experience and knowledge not only across education but up and down each strand of education.... Read more
Are you an Inclusive school or are you just missing out. That there are very many hard working and dedi- cated people in Surrey education is not in doubt and the results overall would tend to reflect that these achievements have been gained in a system which has been very stable for the last 14 or more years but systems become dated and time, tech- nology, economy and society has moved on. Read more on page 12 To Read more	Interested in Governance? We are always looking for new governors to swell our ranks and perform some important functions in the Surrey education system currently a new developing Schools -Led System. Governors are in the main a unique unit in the education army, unlike all the other units of education’s delivery, they are not chasing a career nor relying on a salary, they are not in governance for a pension or promotion or a bigger house they are simply there to ensure a better future for our next generations; by ensuring today’s society get the best value out of the current generation’s investment. Uncluttered by personal ambition, governors are able to monitor the desired progress in education to ensure each and every one of our children gets the best education possible. They bring their experience, their knowledge and their reputation from every walk of life, into persuing the very best of education for all children from 0-25. So the next generation will be able to build and enjoy a better society they are proud to pass on to all in the future. While specific governor vacancies are advertised in the schools section if you are interested in general please contact admin at SGA admin@sureygovernnce.org.uk . Alternatively you can contact SGOSS www.moderngovernor.com or a local school or council of your choice.	Dorking Nursery School Here At Dorking Nursery School, we offer a range of high quality courses for early years' professionals. Our one-day courses are aimed at all practitioners, including teachers and support staff, in Early Years settings. The day includes a buffet lunch, refreshments throughout the day and a tour of Dorking Nursery School. We also regularly run 2-day Makaton for Beginners and Talk Boost training as well as offering early years practitioners an opportunity to visit our Nursery on our Visitor Mornings. Since 2018, we have been working in partnership with Early Excellence to offer series of practical and informative workshops. In June 2017, Dorking Nursery School was designated as a National Support School and our Headteacher, Donna Harwood-Duffy is a National Leader of Education. A range of support, training and CPD for schools and settings can be purchased by contacting us directly. For our current courses, it may be best to add this as it will update regularly when new courses are offered - https://www.dorkingnurserychildrenscentre.org.uk/ courses-and-events-early-years-practitioners