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 |
Primary Science Conference – 24th October 2018
The theme for this year’s conference is engaging pupils and teachers through working and thinking scientifically and will feature a keynote from the Wellcome Trust and a workshop from Sphere Science. With one week to go, it is not too late to book your place. 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 |
Downloadable Halloween posters
Hertfordshire Constabulary have produced two downloadable Halloween themed posters for kids and teenagers. The posters can be used in schools to raise awareness of staying safe during Halloween. More information
Tuesday 16th October 2018 |
Halloween and Bonfire Night competition
The Halloween and Bonfire quiz will test your knowledge on how to stay safe and be responsible during the Halloween and Bonfire Night festivities. Hertfordshire Constabulary have a fantastic competition running this year for children aged up to 16. There are two categories - children aged 5-8 can win tickets to 360 Play in Stevenage! Children aged 9 to 16 can win tickets to the Warner Bros. studio tour - the making of Harry Potter in London! 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 |
Herts for Learning Training & Events
Analysing data using ASP and IDSR in Key Stages 1 and 2
Beginning Thursday 8th November 2018 Book now
Developing young scientists in Early Years and Key Stage 1 / Key Stage 2
Beginning Tuesay 20th November 2018 Book now
Effective use of the Early Years Pupil Premium - improving outcomes for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in the EYFS
Wednesday 21st November 2018 Book now
Managing staff conflict and handling grievances
Thursday 22nd November 2018 Book now
Mastering spelling at Year 2: accuracy, rules and patterns
Thursday 22nd November 2018 Book now
Supporting the SEND learner with apps, iPads and other technologies
Thursday 22nd November 2018 Book now
Essential foundations for counting workshops
Beginning Monday 26th November 2018 Book now
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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. Early bird booking offer of £149 until 31st October 2018. 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 |
Hertfordshire Primary Headteachers' Conference 2018 - 17th-19th October 2018
Navigating Leadership in the Real World: identifying the moral compass for you and your school. Additional speakers confirmed. Online bookings close Friday 12th October More information
Wednesday 10th October 2018 |
National Anti-Bullying Week for 2018 - HfL Workshops
National Anti-Bullying Week is 12th-16th November 2018 and the theme for this year is 'Choosing Respect'. Details of the workshop run by HfL wellbeing advisers during November and suggestions of activities for schools to deliver. More information
Monday 8th 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 |
Detailed English plan based on an engaging World War I text - available for £1.00 donation for Remembrance Day
As we approach the 11th November, many schools across the country will be focusing on the significance of Remembrance Day and the importance of peace. To mark the centenary of the end of the First World War and support pupils, our detailed English plan is based on an engaging World War I text. This is now available as part of the PA plus subscription package and is also available for non-subscribers to purchase for £1, with net proceeds being donated to the Royal British Legion for Remembrance Day. More information
Monday 8th October 2018 |
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Herts for Learning Training & Events
The reasoning rich classroom in Key Stage 1 / Lower Key Stage 2 / Upper Key Stage 2
Thursday 8th, Thursday 15th and Tuesday 20th November 2018 Book now
Linking science and English for impact
Monday 12th November 2018 Book now
Recruitment in schools workshop
Monday 12th November 2018 Book now
Effective English planning and teaching: using rich texts to plan productive teaching sequences at Key Stage 1 / Lower Key Stage 2 / Upper Key Stage 2
Monday 13th, Tuesday 20th and Monday 26th November 2018 Book now
The importance of teaching during child-initiated learning
Thursday 15th November 2018 Book now
Lift-off… Celebrating high ambition for children with SEND - The Herts for Learning Annual SEND Conference
Thursday 15th November 2018 Book now
Improving staff emotional health and wellbeing
Friday 16th November 2018 Book now
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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 |
Primary Science Conference – 24th October 2018
The theme for this year’s conference is engaging pupils and teachers through working and thinking scientifically and will feature a keynote from the Wellcome Trust and a workshop from Sphere Science. More information
Wednesday 3rd October 2018 |
Outdoor Classroom Day – 1st November 2018
When teachers take learning outdoors they report some powerful impacts: Children’s behaviour improves, whole classes are excited to learn, and individuals who feel inhibited by the curriculum often thrive in an outdoor environment. When adults think back to their own happiest memories of childhood, they frequently recall the joy of playing outdoors. Play is not only central to children’s enjoyment of childhood, but teaches critical life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and creativity. More information
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 |
November 2018 – March 2019 HfL YR Early Reading Project
The deadline for applications to join the next 12-week long HfL YR Early Reading Project starting on 7th November to help improve the trajectory of YR pupils towards attaining ELG reading and ARE in phonics, is Wednesday 17th October 2018. 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 |
Honour Based Abuse Conference – 7th November 2018
Hertfordshire Constabulary Event on honour based abuse. More information (pdf)
Monday 1st October 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
Monday 1st October 2018 |
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Herts for Learning Training & Events
Managing behaviour in the primary classroom
Tuesday 6th November 2018 Book now
Inclusion matters!
Wednesday 7th November 2018 Book now
Celebrating boys - challenging gender stereotypes
Wednesday 7th November 2018 Book now
Guided reading at Key Stage 1 / Key Stage 2
Wednesday 7th November Book now
Training for PSHCE coordinators
Beginning Thursday 8th November Book now
Growing Minds
Beginning Friday 9th November 2018 Book now
Google classroom: a hands-on beginner's guide
Friday 9th November 2018 Book now
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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 |
Herts for Learning Annual General Meeting 2018
The AGM provided a great opportunity for Herts for Learning’s (HfL) Managing Director, Andrew de Csilléry and the Chair of the HfL Board, Nigel Ludlow, to report to shareholders about the impact that HfL has had on education over the last year and the company’s plans for the year ahead. More information
Friday 28th September 2018 |
Healthy pupils capital funding
The window is now open for any Hertfordshire maintained schools to apply for grant funding under the Government’s 2018/19 Healthy Pupils Capital Fund (HPCF). The HPCF will support schemes that will improve and increase availability of facilities for physical activity, healthy eating, mental health and wellbeing and medical conditions that will improve children’s and young people’s physical and mental health. Applications for funding must be received by the end of October so that they can be considered by a panel of experts from Public Health, the Herts Sports Partnership and the County Council. More information
Thursday 27th September 2018 |
Countywide RE survey for Headteachers and Subject Leaders with responsibility for RE
A countywide RE survey has been issued today by the Hertfordshire SACRE for completion by Headteachers or Subject Leaders with responsibility for RE. The purpose is to formulate advice and support and to advise the authority on the provision of RE in all schools in Hertfordshire including Academies and Free Schools. Any teacher completing this survey by November 5th 2018 will be entitled to receive a FREE digital download of the Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus of Religious Education 2017-2022 for their school once the survey window has closed. It is expected that all schools (apart from nursery schools, faith academies and Voluntary Aided Schools with a religious character) to complete the following 2018 RE survey: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HertsSACRESurvey
. More information and sample pages from the syllabus
Thursday 27th September 2018 |
AQA GCSE English language Year 12 November Re-sit examination workshop, Monday 29th October, St Albans
This intensive session will provide an engaging, focused and active learning environment to help pupils achieve a grade 4 or above in their re-sit. Parents and schools can book places by emailing training@hertsforlearning.co.uk More information (Pdf)
Friday 21st 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 |
Hertfordshire Primary Headteachers' Conference 2018 - 17th-19th October 2018
Navigating Leadership in the Real World: identifying the moral compass for you and your school. Additional speakers confirmed. Online bookings close Friday 12th October 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 |
NQT induction
Alongside the NQT Induction Service, Herts for Learning offers NQT Induction training to support NQTs through their first year. These programmes are tailored for NQTs working in primary, secondary and special schools. More information
Monday 17th September 2018 |
KS2 Reading Fluency Project 2017-17 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 |
Annual travel scheme and third party hirers
We refer to a bulletin on the grid dated 25th July 2018, followed by emails sent out to you on the 4th September 2018 regarding Annual Travel Scheme and Third Party Hirers declarations. As mentioned in the bulletin and emails the deadline date for your responses is Friday 14th September 2018. We are now giving you a final deadline date of Friday 21st September 2018, if we do not receive your responses by this date we will recharge you based on last year’s figures, however we may have to include an additional amount to cover the premium, we calculate this at roughly 10%. If you require further information please email insurance at insurance@hertfordshire.gov.uk or phone 01992 555480.
Wednesday 12th September 2018 |
Apprenticeships in schools - survey
The DfE is looking to school leaders, business professionals and teachers for their views on how they can best support schools to use apprenticeships in their workforces. To have your say, please complete the following survey by 9am on Monday 17th September. More information
Tuesday 11th September 2018 |
Local Democracy Week - 15th-21st October
This is an excellent opportunity for councillors to tell young people about the role of a councillor and the importance of taking part in local democracy, and will also give students the chance to ask lots of questions. Councillors could be invited in for a session with any class or year group that you think could benefit from this, or could even be invited to address the whole school. More information
Tuesday 11th 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 |
Debate event for Sixth Form students during Local Democracy Week 2018
The Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, Councillor Richard Thake, invites you to bring a group of up to 20 sixth form students from your school to County Hall on Friday 19th October to participate in a debate event for Local Democracy Week 2018. 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 |
Free Just2Easy taster session
Just2Easy, who provide award-winning online software tools designed for education, are running a FREE taster session at Robertson House, Stevenage, after school on Thursday 4th October 2018. More information
Thursday 6th 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 |
Hertfordshire Family Centre Service
Public Health Nursing (PHN), who provide Health Visiting and School Nursing services, and Children’s Centres will be re-launched from 1st October 2018 as the Family Centre Service. More information (Pdf)
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 |
Financial Services helpdesk closure dates
The Financial Services helpdesk will be closed for training on the morning of Tuesday 13th November 2018. Calls to the helpline will be taken and attended to following the training.
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 |
New Herts Primary Assessment Profile 2018
The primary assessment profile is now an online tool. Headteachers will need to register for an account to access it. More information
Friday 31st August 2018 |
Admissions 2019/20 
Updated admissions guidance from HCC for 2019/20. More information
Friday 31st August 2018 |
HCC Guidance on part-time timetables
Updated guidance on the use of part-time timetables for pupils of compulsory school age. More information
Friday 17th August 2018 |
Measuring height and weight of children in Year 6 - 2018-19 (NCMP)
Letters for parents and headteachers with regard to the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) for 2018-19. More information
Thursday 16th August 2018 |
RM Finance Online – Fund Account
The Fund and/or Capital account facility is ready for schools. If you wish to migrate your data to RM Finance Online, RM will be able to attach the facility to your data area. Please follow the instructions
Monday 13th August 2018 |
Online safety newsletter - Summer 2018
The Online Safety newsletter for the summer term 2018 is now available to download.  Online Safety Newsletter
Wednesday 1st August 2018 |
