Insurance Services
The Insurance section of Hertfordshire County Council provides insurance policies to schools. Follow the link for updates on policies we provide, optional extensions (schemes) and frequently asked questions.  More information
Tuesday 13th November 2018 |
Secondary Leaders of Languages Conference – Friday 7th December 2018
We are delighted to announce this year’s keynote address, making languages matter: the value of MFL in the school curriculum - Dr Shirley Lawes, UCL Institute of Education. More information
Tuesday 13th November 2018 |
Feeling Good Week - 11th - 17th February 2019
Feeling Good Week will be 11th – 17th February next year. Feeling Good Week is a Hertfordshire-wide event that encourages schools and the wider community to promote children and young people’s emotional wellbeing by raising awareness of mental health and showing where support can be accessed within the community. There is opportunity to put in a funding bid for up to £500 to support activities in school that week. The deadline for applications is the 7th December. More information
Tuesday 13th November 2018 |
Get into Teaching – Saturday 19th January 2019
Our next free Get into Teaching event will be at Letchworth in January. This recruitment event is essential for anyone interested in teaching as a career. More information
Monday 12th November 2018 |
Herts for Learning Training & Events
Do you speak learnish? The role of teaching assistants in the implementation of the Assessment for learning
Tuesday 27th November 2018 Book now
Building Assessment for Learning into everyday teaching in Key Stages 1 and 2
Wednesday 28th November 2018 Book now
Making effective use of Assessment Manager 7 for SENCOs
Wednesday 28th November 2018 Book now
Managing under pressure - learning to work smarter not harder
Thursday 6th December Book now
Maximising effective use of SIMS Exams Organiser
Thursday 6th December Book now
Excelling in the workplace
Friday 7th December 2018 Book now
SIMS Assessment Manager
Tuesday 11th December 2018 Book now
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Primary Leaders of Languages Conference – Friday 30th November 2018
We are delighted to announce keynote speeches from Suzanne Graham, Professor of Language and Education at the Institute of Education University of Reading, Steve Eadon, Arsenal Double Club Languages Coordinator, Jackie Rayment, British Council Ambassador and Juliet Lawson, Primary Language Teacher of the Year. More information
Friday 9th November 2018 |
RE Assessment grid for primary age related expectations by year group
An RE assessment grid has been developed by Hertfordshire SACRE members to provide the statutory expected learning outcomes for the end of each key stage taken from Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2017-2022 pages 18-22 wheels. For years 1, 3 and 5 new suggested non-statutory exemplars are provided in italics. In school training and consultancy on assessing RE is available from HfL. More information
Thursday 8th November 2018 |
Hertfordshire Primary Schools' PE and Sport Conference : Securing a Legacy for Healthy, Active Children through PE and School Sport
Herts for Learning is delighted to support and work in partnership with Herts Sports and Physical Activity Partnership, Youth Sport Trust and Sport England to deliver their sixth primary PE conference on 15 January 2019. More information
Wednesday 7th November 2018 |
Herts for Learning Financial Resilience Forum, Tuesday 27th November 2018
This half-day event will provide guidance to future proof leaders with success criteria to achieve sustainable educational and financial improvements for their schools. The event will have a strong focus on networking and relationship building through speakers providing a national perspective, panel questions and a roundtable workshop. Attend with key members of your SLT and governor/trustee board to maximise networking and collaborative learning. More information
Wednesday 7th November 2018 |
Christmas show for primary schools – Alice in Wonderland – special offer
Flying Pizza Theatre Company’s Alice in Wonderland is specially adapted for children age 4-11. Packed with delightful animal characters, a magical story, song, dance, costume, beautiful backdrops, a six foot flamingo puppet and loads of audience high-jinks and fun. Special offer for Herts schools - £50 off - for any shows booked for November, December or January More information
Monday 5th November 2018 |
Spring 2019 Training Programme
Herts for Learning (HfL) is pleased to announce that our spring 19 training programme for staff working in primary, including Early Years, and secondary phases has now been published on our booking site. More information
Monday 5th November 2018 |
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Herts for Learning Training & Events
Analysing data using ASP and IDSR in Key Stages 1 and 2
Beginning Thursday 8th November 2018 Book now
Effective English planning and teaching: using rich texts to pln productive teaching sequences at KS1 / LKS2 / UKS2
Beginning Tuesay 13th November 2018 Book now
Developing young scientists in Early Years and Key Stage 1 / Key Stage 2
Beginning Tuesday 20th November 2018 Book now
Marking and standardising mock exams for the new GCSE mathematics specifications
Beginning Wednesday 21st November 2018 Book now
Essential foundations for counting workshops
Beginning Monday 26th November 2018 Book now
SIMS Nova-T6 unit 1: Basedata
Tuesday 27th November 2018 Book now
AQA GCSE English language mock standardisation training
Thursday 29th November 2018 Book now
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Female Genital Mutilation - Home Office campaign
The Home Office is launching a Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) campaign on the 5th October and it will be running for eight weeks as part of their commitment to tackling this crime and protecting vulnerable women and girls. The campaign will support their ongoing work to tackle FGM, which includes an ongoing programme of outreach by the Home Office’s FGM Unit, work with law enforcement bodies, and working with partners to help ensure the Government’s response is as effective as it can be. The campaign seeks to help prevent FGM by changing attitudes among affected communities through raising awareness of the negative long-term health consequences of FGM. The campaign also encourages communities to report via the NSPCC’s FGM helpline. More information (pdf)
Monday 29th October 2018 |
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Herts for Learning Training & Events
Autumn Sixth Form curriculum and funding update
Tuesday 27th November 2018 Book now
Advancing access - outstanding outreach for all
Tuesday 27th November 2018 Book now
Closing the gaps in spelling at Key Stage 2
Tuesday 4th December 2018 Book now
Making maths stick: addressing gaps and misconceptions
Wednesday 5th December 2018 Book now
A year in the life of a school administrator: the secrets of SIMS
Wednesday 5th December 2018 Book now
Planning an engaging and exciting science week
Thursday 6th December 2018 Book now
Secondary Leaders of Languages Conference
Friday 7th December 2018 Book now
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Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
The cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme will be running throughout November 2018, to help with the cost of new bicycles and cycling equipment up to £2,000. We are working in partnership with the Halfords Cycle2Work Scheme, to offer access to a wide range of bikes available from Halfords stores, and also from a wide selection of partnered independent bike shops. More information (docx)
Friday 26th October 2018 |
HCSS Budgeting mid-year update
HCSS budgeting mid-year update for maintained schools is planned for release during half term. It will include the Teachers Pay Award along with other known changes and revised assumptions. IMPORTANT: The update will be presented as an optional update. It is strongly recommended that users lock any working scenarios that they wish to save prior to applying the update.
Details of the update will be available in a Financial Services bulletin planned to accompany the release of the software. More information
Tuesday 23rd October 2018 |
EpiPen and EpiPen Junior shortage – please ensure you are aware of the following information
Schools should be aware that there is currently a supply issue affecting EpiPen and that there is likely to be limited availability of EpiPen and EpiPen Junior for the remainder of 2018. More information (pdf)
Monday 22nd October 2018 |
Home Office guidance on county lines
This guidance outlines what county lines (and associated criminal exploitation) is, signs to look for in potential victims, and what to do about it. The document is a supplement to an organisation’s existing safeguarding policies, to help identify and protect those exploited through gang violence. More information
Monday 22nd October 2018 |
Hertfordshire Secondary Headteachers' Conferences 2018-19
Planned by headteachers, for headteachers, these conferences provides an ideal opportunity for leaders to hear from national experts, reflect on practice in their schools and strengthen collaboration on a local level. Book all three conferences by Friday 2nd November 2018 to receive a discount. More information
Monday 22nd October 2018 |
New management advisers introduced to support schools in maximising their resources and budgets
Herts for Learning will be providing 20 School Resource Management Advisers to work with schools across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and the London boroughs. HfL are one of just nine providers across the country that have been awarded a contract to deliver this highly specialist service. More information
Friday 18th October 2018 |
Confirmed keynote speaker at the Financial Resilience Forum - 27th November 2018
This half-day event is a must for all admin staff, headteachers, school business managers and governors who are looking for support and advice on how to secure the future of their schools. Hear from keynote speaker Tanya Arkle, Deputy Director of Academies Programme (South) ESFA, leading a discussion on ‘Excellent school resource management: making every pound count towards improving pupil outcomes’. More information
Thursday 17th October 2018 |
Secondary Science Conference: Effective Curriculum, Effective Assessment – 26th November 2018
This year’s conference will feature presentations from three specialist secondary science keynote speakers. More information
Wednesday 17th October 2018 |
Hertfordshire Teacher Recruitment Events
Herts for Learning is pleased to announce that they will be extending their Hertfordshire Teacher Recruitment Events brought to you by Teach in Herts to five events over the key teacher recruitment period November 2018 to May 2019 in three different locations in Hertfordshire. More information
Wednesday 17th October 2018 |
False Widow spiders - advice for schools
Given the media attention in previous years any risk posed from false widow spiders has got blown out of all proportion. It is normal to see more spiders at this time of year as they come indoors for warmth. False widow spiders are native to the UK, and are common in Southern England. They are most active at night; during the day they tend to remain within or near their webs. More information
Tuesday 16th October 2018 |
Herts for Learning announced as a finalist in the 2018 Hertfordshire Business Awards
Following the judging of the Awards, organised by Archant, Herts for Learning has been voted onto the shortlist in the ‘Large Business of the Year’ category. The Hertfordshire Business Awards 2018 seek to unearth the dynamic companies, pioneering entrepreneurs and the visionary and ambitious leaders, who are breaking boundaries and showcasing innovation. More information
Tuesday 16th October 2018 |
Stress management
Work related stress accounts for almost half of all working days lost across the UK, in the last 12 months almost half a million working days were lost in secondary schools due to stress, depression or anxiety. Updated risk assessments for schools and guidance. More information
Tuesday 16th October 2018 |
Compromised email accounts
A number of schools have recently had their email accounts compromised, in some cases with hackers potentially gaining information to contents of confidential emails. These might have resulted in personal data breaches under the GDPR. All school users should be aware of the risks around having easily guessable passwords (e.g. using the school name), with not changing passwords regularly or with sharing passwords. Subscribers to the HfL GDPR toolkit can refer to the advice on managing password security in the Data Security Policy template (added to the resources in September). More information (pdf)
Tuesday 16th October 2018 |
Herts for Learning announces impact of the Reception Early Reading Project Pilot
A new pilot project, delivered collaboratively by the Herts for Learning (HfL) English and Early Years team, has doubled the progress of struggling readers within a sound Early Years ethos. The Early Reading project pilot, which started in the autumn term of 2017, involved 53 pupils from nine schools in Hertfordshire. The aim of the pilot project was to improve outcomes in reading at the end of the Reception year, effectively closing gaps in children’s early reading skills and knowledge. More information
Tuesday 16th October 2018 |
Annual Early Years Conference: Play, Learn, Achieve – Wednesday 30th January 2019
This conference will focus on the importance of supporting children's learning and development through purposeful play to maximise achievement and is a must for teachers and Early Years practitioners working with children aged three to five years in Nursery and Reception classes. More information
Monday 15th October 2018 |
Hazard House – Fire safety for children and young adults
Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service has launched a new gameshow to teach children and young adults about fire safety. Hazard House pits two fire cadets against each other to find eight common fire hazards in the quickest time. The 12-minute mini-episode is available to watch here: Hazard House. Watch the episode with your class to help them learn about common fire hazards and encourage them to find hazards in their own homes.
Friday 12th October 2018 |
The Hertfordshire Headteacher Updates – 2018/2019
The dates for this year’s Hertfordshire Headteacher Updates have now been confirmed. Dates for your diary
Thursday 11th October 2018 |
Parental Drug and Alcohol Awareness workshops
Choices about drugs and alcohol might be made much earlier then many parents / carers realise, with some children exposed before they leave primary school. Whilst schools provide drug education for pupils, HCC builds on this by offering Parental Drug and Alcohol Awareness workshops to help families carry on learning together at home. More information
Thursday 11th October 2018 |
SAVE THE DATE - Hertfordshire Teacher Recruitment Events 2018-19
The Teacher Recruitment Event activities this year have been increased to 5 smaller events (based on our pilot model in Watford last February) located around Hertfordshire following the consultation completed with Headteachers at the end of the summer term. Booking forms for schools will be available shortly, but in the meantime – please save the dates! Dates and venues
Monday 8th October 2018 |
Availability of EpiPen® adrenaline auto-injector in the UK
See the Allergy UK and Epipen websites for the latest updates on supply issues of EpiPen® adrenaline auto-injector in the UK. For the remainder of 2018, EpiPen® and EpiPen® Junior will be subject to restricted availability. Some specific batches of 0.3mg Epi-pen ‘senior’ have now been extended for 4 months past their expiry date. The affected lot numbers, which have labelled expiry dates between July 2018 and November 2018, are listed here. (docx)
Wednesday 3rd October 2018 |
Hertfordshire Governors' Annual Conference: School Leaders Managing Change
Bookings are now open for the Annual Hertfordshire Governors’ Conference on Saturday 17th November 2018 at the Hertfordshire Development Centre, Stevenage More information
Tuesday 2nd October 2018 |
Herts for Learning Primary Headteachers’ Seminars: Autumn 2018
We are pleased to confirm the programme for the autumn term primary headteachers’ seminars. More information
Tuesday 2nd October 2018 |
School Nature Grant
Learning Through Landscapes are still encouraging schools to apply for their Local School Nature Grant. It couldn't be easier to apply for the handy grant; which includes £500 worth of outdoor resources and a two hour training session. Read their guidance here
Tuesday 2nd October 2018 |
Hertfordshire Secondary Headteachers' half-day autumn conference - Thursday 22nd November 2018
Bookings are now open for our annual autumn conference. More information
Tuesday 2nd October 2018 |
Local authority policy on school attendance
This Attendance Policy is intended to guide, assist and empower schools to meet their responsibilities and to provide an agreed framework within which consistent practices and procedures can be applied. More information
Friday 28th September 2018 |
School teachers’ pay and conditions
Here is the latest advice available for implementing your schools approach to pay and guidance on school teachers’ pay and conditions. More information
Friday 28th September 2018 |
Secondary mathematics teaching and learning support events for teachers and students, 2018/19
The HfL Secondary mathematics team will be offering a wide range of training and workshop events for teachers and students during thisacademic year. More information (Pdf)
Thursday 20th September 2018 |
New Business Management Toolkit
The Herts for Learning Business Management Services team have launched a new Business Management Toolkit. The Toolkit has been designed by experienced school business practitioners, and contains downloadable templates, polices and guidance which can be used as a structure to review and streamline business management processes. More information
Thursday 20th September 2018 |
Fully funded “Talk about alcohol” teacher training and resources for Hertfordshire secondary schools on 13th November 2018
The Alcohol Education Trust (AET) have secured Hertfordshire Community Foundation funding to offer their full Talk about Alcohol resource packs and training free of charge to schools across Hertfordshire. In partnership with Herts for Learning, they will be offering “Talk about Alcohol” teacher training on 13th November from 3.30-5.30pm at Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School, Woods Avenue, Hatfield AL10 8NL. For further details and to book your place please email kate@alcoholeducationtrust.org More information
Wednesday 19th September 2018 |
RSE News Digest update
Lastest news on RSE including the government’s draft guidance on sex and relationships education which will be mandatory in all schools from September 2020. More information
Tuesday 18th September 2018 |
Secondary English teaching and learning support
The HfL Secondary English team offer GCSE English Revision and Exam Support for all seasons. This year’s range of marking, assessment and review services, consultancy packages, staff training and pupil revision workshops. More information
Tuesday 18th September 2018 |
KS2 Reading Fluency Project 2017-18 research article
Read about the latest findings on HfL’s Key Stage 2 Reading Fluency Project. This research article summarises the impact and learning of the project from its launch, including SAT results for project participants More information
Monday 17th September 2018 |
GCSE English revision and exam support: support for all seasons
The HfL Secondary English team are offering an extensive range of support in GCSE English throughout the 2018-19 academic year for students, as well as subject leaders and teachers. This year’s support includes marking, assessment and review services, consultancy packages, staff training and, for the third year running, ‘GCSE English Revision Hubs’ pupil workshops. Download a flyer detailing all the support available on our Secondary English page. More information
Friday 14th September 2018 |
Herts for Learning reaccredited with Cyber Essentials
Herts for Learning has successfully been reaccredited with the Cyber Essentials certification for their work in ensuring the organisation is protected from cyber-attacks. Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed, industry-supported scheme set up to help organisations protect themselves against the most common threats found on the internet. More information
Thursday 13th September 2018 |
The Green Tree Schools award – Free help and support for Schools from the Woodland Trust
Kick start the new school year with a Woodland Trust assembly showing the importance of trees. Our Man Who Planted Trees assembly is an engaging tale which helps pupils and teachers to fully understand what trees do for us. We can come and deliver the assembly for you, or you can do it yourself, or even better get the children to do it. More information (Pdf)
Thursday 13th September 2018 |
Disposable Cups at HCC Sites
Please be aware that in an effort to reduce the impact of single use cups on both the local and global environment, since Monday 3rd September, Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) no longer supply disposal cups at any of their sites, including the Stevenage campus. Therefore, Herts for Learning encourages all school staff attending events at the Hertfordshire Development Centre (HDC) to bring their own travel cups or water bottles, when possible. HDC have introduced reusable cups and beakers for delegates to use at the Stevenage coffee shop and at water coolers. Delegates can collect these from, and return them to, HDC reception.
Monday 10th September 2018 |
Whole School Approach to Improving Mental Health and Self-review Tool
The School CAMHS Link Managers have developed a Whole School Approach to improving mental health. The model takes account of national guidance and links to local resources and approaches. The Self Review Tool enables schools to explore their contribution to 11 domains, identify strengths and areas for development. More information
Monday 10th September 2018 |
Children and Young People Plan 2018-21
Hertfordshire County Council's plan for children and young people 2018 - 21 is now published. It presents more detail about the priorities for children, young people and their families outlined in Hertfordshire County Council’s Corporate Plan. CYP plan 2018-19 (pdf)
Monday 10th September 2018 |
Diagnosing and intervening effectively - Place Value (Y3)
Identifying gaps in mathematical knowledge and create teaching sequences for personalised interventions as part of this autumn's new HfL primary maths project starting on 16th October. More information
Monday 10th September 2018 |
Do you have something missing in your life? Could you foster a child?
Hertfordshire County Council’s fostering recruitment team has launched a powerful film this week highlighting the urgent need for more foster carers in the county. More information
Thursday 6th September 2018 |
Primary assessment updates - September 2018
Updates include: New Herts Primary Assessment profile; KS2 performance tables checking; attainment on entry (Nursery and Reception children); key assessment dates; FFT Aspire; update to the progress model in AM7. Update (Pdf)
Wednesday 5th September 2018 |
Possible contact record corruption in SIMS – updated guidance (version 2.2)
Schools will already be aware of an issue in SIMS earlier this year that could have potentially corrupted Contact data in SIMS, associating people to the incorrect Students. This has the potential to lead to data breaches under GDPR, as information could be shared with the incorrect parents. Following extensive conversations with Capita and SIMS Support Units across the country, HfL’s Data Management Services have produced a document to collate all of the information previously provided to schools, along with additional information needed in relation to this issue, which can be found here.
Tuesday 4th September 2018 |
Data collection calendar update for 2018-19
The full data collection calendar of the new school year 2018-19 and the summary versions for the Autumn term 2018 are now available. Download
Monday 3rd September 2018 |
Asbestos found in ceramic gauzes
Recent guidance from CLEAPPS (3rd September 2018) suggests that schools should take precautionary action regarding the use of gauzes on tripods. Please see details on the science health and safety pages. More information
Monday 3rd September 2018 |
