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  COVID Guidance
Updated 28 February 2020This 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 |
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For the Attention of the CEO, Headteacher, Chair of Governors & DSL - Updated Document School Safeguarding Arrangements COVID19 - 29.5.20Dear ColleaguesThe Automated Tracking Mechanism for reporting non- attendance of vulnerable children expected to attend, is being upgraded to allow you to submit more than one child at a time, this will reduce some of the administrative burden on schools in this essential safeguarding activity. The upgrade will take effect from 1 June 2020. The new link is : https://www4.surreycc.gov.uk/social/child/absence-submission-portal/ this will be live from 1 June. We attach the guidance as a reminder to you of the process. Could we please also remind you to continue to submit your school status and attendance data to the DfE, this is shared by the DfE (without individual child data) with the county council and it provides a valuable oversight and analysis of attendance for the safeguarding partnership. May we take this opportunity to thank you for continuing to work in partnership with Social Workers, the Virtual School for Children Looked After and SEND colleagues to encourage school attendance for vulnerable children, where it is safe and in their best interests to do so. In the last few weeks there has been significant increase in vulnerable learners attending schools, providing these children with a safe space, access to learning and the care and listening ear of trusted adults often in the most difficult times and circumstances in their lives. We are aware of the significant pressure on the education sector and as such admire and respect your continuing commitment to this group of children. To assist in the promotion of attendance of vulnerable children a primary leaflet and secondary leaflet aimed at encouraging parents and children to see the benefits of their attendance at school, these have been developed by the partnership. We request that 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. There is also a YouTube clip for Children Looked After which has been shared with foster Carers : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKYtuAtOuz8&feature=youtu.be Mary Ellen McCarthy |
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What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreakInformation 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 settingsGuidance for education and childcare settings on how to implement protective measures. |
Looking after your mental wellbeingThe 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 activeThere 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 Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreakWhat schools need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. updated 5:53pm, 15 May 2020Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020Next steps for the phased wider opening of educational and childcare settings. |
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settingsGuidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students. Added a link to information about opening schools and educational settings to more pupils from 1 June. |
Details on phased wider opening of schools, colleges and nurseriesSchools, colleges and nurseries to begin to prepare to open to more young people from 1 June at the earliest, with protective measures in place updated 7:21pm, 11 May 2020 |
Coronavirus (COVID 19): online education resourcesOnline educational resources for schools and parents to help children to learn at home. updated 12:00am, 13 May 2020 |
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreakGuidance for further education (FE) providers on maintaining education and skills training, changes to funding arrangements, data collections and assessment. updated 1:06pm, 13 May 2020 |
Outcomes for children looked after by LAs: 31 March 2018A range of outcome measures at national and local authority level for children looked after continuously for at least 12 months. |
Outcomes for children looked after by LAs: 31 March 2019A range of outcome measures at national and local authority level for children looked after continuously for at least 12 months Added additional tables, text and pre-release list for attainment of previously looked after children. Updated main text to amend minor error’. Updated 9:30am, 14 May 2020 |
Preparing for the wider opening of schools from 1 JuneA planning guide for primary school leaders to help prepare them to open their schools for more pupils during the coronavirus outbreak. updated 6:38pm, 14 May 2020 |
Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social carePreventing 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 |
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 |
Providing free school meals during the coronavirus outbreakGuidance 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 |
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreakWhat 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 |
Supporting vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreakGuidance for education settings and local authorities about children supported through social care, with EHC plans or identified as vulnerable by their school or local authority. Guidance to reflect wider plans for more year groups to return to education settings, stating that vulnerable children and young people remain a priority, and are expected to attend if appropriate. We have not changed the groups included in the definition of vulnerable children, but have provided further examples of what types of children might be considered to be ‘otherwise vulnerable’, at the education provider’s discretion. We have also included updated links to Public Health England advice. Time updated 7:01pm, 15 May 2020 |
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling updateOfsted 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 |
Registering emergency children’s homes as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic: fast-track applicationsGuide for local authorities and existing registered providers on fast-tracking their application to register children’s homes services. updated 9:30am, 11 May 2020 |
Registering children’s homes in an emergency as a direct result of COVID-19 pandemic: fast-track applicationsGuide for local authorities and existing registered providers on fast-tracking their application to register children’s homes services. updated 12:06pm, 11 May 2020 |
For the attention of the CEO, Headteacher, DSL and Chair of Governors/Management Committee -Promoting the attendance of vulnerable children. 01.05.20 1000hrsDear ColleaguesAs 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 meetingsSchool 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 SGA AGM Conference 2019Geoffrey Hackett Chair of SGA gave a warm welcome to the stalwart and dedicated Governors and Trustees of Surrey in their annual Conference and AGM.At Denbies on the 2nd November where sheltered from the stormy weather outside and isolated from the TV networks showing a rather special sporting occasion, they took a deep dive into the new school curriculum with the help of some very able, knowledgeable and insightful speakers on a subject that is becoming more and more of interest to good governance they were 1. Chris Hodges Headteacher Cleves School Creativity within the curriculum including aspects that feature in the new Ofsted framework such as intent and progression. 2. Wendy Newton Head of Children & Young People - Active Surrey Appropriate spending & accountability of the Primary PE & Sport Premium funding. 3. Prof. Dr Anne Bamford OBE Strategic Director of the Education, Culture and Skills for the City of London The value of a creative curriculum. 4. Matthew Purves Ofsted Deputy Director for Schools Policy Update on the new Education Inspection Framework, focus on the curriculum and the way Governors and Trustees carry out their role. Their slide presentations are contained in the combined presentation below which is downloadable except the slides of Prof. Dr Anne Bamford OBE are only available to attendees at the conference. The Chair’s annual report is also available here. In a few day time the conference reports will become available all of which will be part of the Autumn Bulletin  SGA AGM 2019 Presentation SGA Chairs Report 2019 |
Invitation for governors: COVID -19 WebinarSchools Alliance for Excellence (SAfE) is working with Surrey County Council and Phase Councils to provide support for all schools and academies in Surrey as ‘closure’ continues. We are in regular contact with the Regional Schools Commissioner.Together, we are producing detailed guidance and regular updates which are being distributed to Headteachers, CEOs, and Chairs of Trusts and Governing Boards. This information can be found on the Surrey CC website. In order to provide specific support and guidance for governors, we have established a section on our website, which includes useful links for governors and FAQs which are being updated regularly with your questions as we receive them. On Wednesday the 1st of April at 7pm, on behalf of Surrey County Council and SAfE, we are hosting a webinar especially for governors/trustees to provide an update on the current situation and to allow you to pose questions to a panel made up of Maria Dawes (SAfE) and Jane Winterbone (Surrey County Council). The webinar will last about 1 hour. Please visit our event page to register your interest in participating in the webinar or to receive access to a recording of the event. Register hereSCC Bulletin forword with Liz Mills Dear colleaguesI want to start this update by saying thank you for the extraordinary effort and measures that you have been taking to put education provision in place for today, Monday 23 March. Most of you will....Read More  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 2018/19CSGTP_A4_Leaflet_09/10/19 pdfCourse notes on cpd training pages as per last forward From the Diocese of GuildfordDirector’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 |
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Developing a schools-led local partnership in SurreyFrom my previous role as Head of School Effectiveness in Surrey until 2016 and as interim Regional Schools’ Com- missioner, I know that Surrey schools are amongst some of the best in the country with our children and young people consistently achieving great outcomes. Read more on Page 5Are 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 moreSurrey Governance Association and SEND Teaching School agree to LinkGeoffrey 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 |
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. LA Governor RequestsVacancy 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" |
The Education Secretary's response to Lord Tyrie's letter about school uniformGavin Williamson’s response to the letter sent from the Competition and Markets Authority.4 September 2019  Dorking Nursery SchoolHere 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   |
