Free access to the FundEd online fundraising portal and termly publication for all Herts schools
From January 2020, for a 12 month period, all Hertfordshire schools will have free access to FundEd’s online fundraising portal and termly publication. This will provide all Herts schools with the chance to increase their income generation prospects. To access the portal, schools will need to use the login details for the FundEd website sent on Wednesday 18th December 2019 to all Heads and School Business Managers.  Read more
Wednesday 22nd January 2020 |
The heat is on in Welwyn and Hatfield!
Over the last few months, schools across Welwyn Hatfield have been teaching the ‘Young Chef of the Year’ award, which culminates in a grand final on Friday 7th February. The finalists (aged 9-11) will be donning their aprons and competing at the event hosted by Ridgeway Academy. After cooking their menus, the finalists will celebrate the day’s achievements with their families, school representatives and guests. The Mayor, Councillor Roger Trigg and Mayoress Mrs Carole Trigg will attend the awards ceremony, where the winner of Welwyn Hatfield Young Chef of 2020 will be announced. Read more
Wednesday 22nd January 2020 |
Herts for Learning Year 7 Mathematics Challenge
Entries are invited for the Year 7 Mathematics Challenge 2020, each school is encouraged to submit teams of four Year 7 students for this friendly inter-school competition. There are five heats scheduled across the County in March, winners from individual heats will go forward to the Final, to be held on Thursday 26th March at the Hertfordshire Development Centre, Stevenage. Please search ‘Year 7 Mathematics Challenge’ on our CPD Hub for more information and to book. Year 7 Mathematics Challenge
Tuesday 21st January 2020 |
Python Programming essentials for GCSE computer science
The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) is running a 2-day course at Hitchin Girls School in February. Bursaries are available to support some teachers through this course. Read more
Tuesday 21st January 2020 |
Reach for the Stars! Raising aspirations and expectations for our disadvantaged learners – Monday 1st July 2020
This annual conference will focus on addressing the needs of our disadvantaged pupils across all phases of education. This year Marc Rowland, Pupil Premium and Disadvantaged Learners Adviser for Unity Schools Partnership, will be delivering a keynote on improving outcomes for disadvantage and vulnerable learners. Dr Janet Goodall will be delivering the second keynote related to a parental engagement and the impact on children's learning. Reach for the stars
Monday 20th January 2020 |
Storytelling techniques for RE – free twilight training event
Welwyn Hatfield & Hertford Encouraging R.E. network would like to invite all those teaching primary RE, RE governors and head teachers in Welwyn GC, Hatfield, Hertford and local area to a free training event in Welwyn village – at St Marys school – Tuesday 4pm Jan 21st to learn from a specialist in the Godly Play storytelling method. Read more
Monday 20th January 2020 |
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Authorised Signatory Forms for SERCO - now updated
Schools must register authorised signatories to enable Serco to process invoices and payroll transactions on behalf of the school. These documents have now been updated. Authorised Signatory Forms
Thursday 16th January 2020 |
Online safety newsletters - Spring 2020
The spring HfL Online Safety Newsletters have now been published by the HfL Wellbeing team and feature a wealth of helpful links, guidance, news and updates. Please feel free to download the School Staff and / or Parents and Carers version and share it with your personal and professional networks. Online safety newsletters
Thursday 16th January 2020 |
Year 2 moderation clusters
The Assessment team will be leading assessment moderation clusters for Year 2 teachers across the county from 30th January to 12th February. Further information, including guidance for teacherst. Year 2 moderation clusters
Thursday 16th January 2020 |
Safer Internet Day – 11th February 2020
Safer Internet Day 2020 will be celebrated globally with the theme: Together for a better internet. This year the educational resources focus on the theme of identity online and whether young people are #freetobe themselves online. The free resources explore how young people manage their identity online and are tailored for 3-7s, 7-11s, 11-14s, 14-18s and parents and carers, along with guidance for educators. Find out more about Safer Internet Day
Wednesday 15th January 2020 |
Hertfordshire service request form update
To access advice and support about individual children from any teams in the Integrated Services for Learning, a Service Request form must be completed. Please note, of these the Hertfordshire service request form has now been updated. Service request form
Wednesday 15th January 2020 |
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HR and Payroll Guides for Schools
New guides for HR and payroll have been produced to provide basic guidance for those taking on the role of HR and Payroll administration in schools. Read more
Friday 10th January 2020 |
Model policy for reducing the need for restrictive interventions in schools update
Hertfordshire schools and educational establishments are encouraged to use this updated framework, and to adapt it to their own situation. It is advised that all schools should be familiar with the Hertfordshire Policy on the use of Restrictive Physical Intervention. Read more
Friday 10th January 2020 |
Bursary-supported computing training
Herts for Learning continues to support the National Centre for Computing Education by delivering computing courses for primary teachers. These courses are available with bursaries to support some teachers. We shall be delivering a 2 day, KS1 course at Sandringham School on 22nd January and 28th February, with a KS2 course to follow. Read more
Friday 10th January 2020 |
Herts for Learning appoints Transformation Director
Herts for Learning is delighted to announce an important new addition to its leadership team. Matt Schofield has been working with HfL since mid-2019 to help select new Finance, Payroll and other support systems, and has now joined the company as Transformation Director. Matt will be a member of the Executive Team. In this role he will help to manage implementation, data cleansing and training to ensure that the change is successful and that HfL realises the benefits of this important investment. Read more
Thursday 9th January 2020 |
New updates added to the Standing Advisory Council on Religous Education (SACRE)
New updates have been added to the SACRE page on the Grid. These include guidance on collective worship and also information on what is SACRE and what does it do? Read more
Thursday 9th January 2020 |
Herts for Learning appoints Head of Technology in Schools
Herts for Learning is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Bramwell as Head of Service – Technology in Schools with effect from January 2020. Chris is an experienced technology leader, having spent more than 25 years both in the public and private sectors including ten years as a head of IT at BT. Much of Chris’ career has focussed on delivering ‘fit for purpose’ IT solutions and technology-enabled change. This included delivering Wi-Fi for the Olympic venues and ensuring that BT Mobile launched without a hitch. Read more
Thursday 9th January 2020 |
Data Collection Calendar – Spring term 2020 
The Spring term Data Collection Calendar for 2020 has now been published which gives a list of the major and statutory data collections and disseminations of data between schools and the local authority. Data Collection
Monday 6th January 2020 |
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Guidance for schools: post-London Bridge terror attack
The DfE has issued guidance for schools following the terror attack at London Bridge for any pupils seeking support. Read more
Monday 16th December 2019 |
RM Finance Online - Multi Line posting issue with VAT
Please be aware that there is an intermittent issue with VAT when using the multiline posting screen. RM have posted a message within the software with further information. When reclaiming VAT please ensure that you reselect the correct VAT code and ensure that the VAT on the invoice agrees with the VAT on the screen before posting. This issue is expected to be resolved on Thursday evening. RM are going to amend any incorrect transactions through the back of the system, do not attempt to adjust the transactions, if you find any. Please contact the financial services helpline if you require any further advice.
Tuesday 10th December 2019 |
GCSE Mathematics and AQA English Revision Workshops for spring and summer 2020
The HfL Secondary Mathematics and English advisers are running 25 GCSE revision workshops starting in January. Schools, parents and Carers can all book places for their children / students onto these workshops designed to support your school’s own revision programmes and motivate and challenge students in engaging, focused and active learning environments to help students feel 'exam ready'. Please visit the HfL CPD Hub to book places or please share the flyer with your parent body. Revision workshops (pdf)
Wednesday 4th December 2019 |
New CPD Programme: Curriculum in Motion 2019/2020 – Session Two
Curriculum in Motion 2019/2020: Session Two – 27th January 2020. Session two of this series of half-day CPD events is now available to book. The session will feature a keynote from guest speaker Andrew Percival, Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead at Stanley Road Primary School in Oldham on Developing a curriculum for long-term learning and Penny Barefoot, Headteacher at Bushey Heath Primary School on Where to begin: Developing your curriculum Curriculum in Motion
Tuesday 3rd December 2019 |
Inclusivity Award 2020
The Accord Coalition’s 2020 Inclusivity Award is open to all state funded schools in England and Wales. The Award recognizes schools that excel in promoting an inclusive ethos and which advance the growth of mutual understanding, especially on the grounds of religion and ethnicity. Deadline for entry is Sunday 21st February 2020. Inclusivity Award 2020
Thursday 28th November 2019 |
Updates to the Insurance Services page on The Grid
Updates have been made to the FAQs section on the Insurance Services page on The Grid. For more information please contact us: insurance@hertfordshire.gov.uk or see the Insurance Services page Insurance Services page
Wednesday 27th November 2019 |
Holocaust Educational Trust - Live Survivor Webcast 2020: Register Now!
Mark 75 years since liberation by hearing the live testimony of Auschwitz-Birkenau survivor Susan Pollack MBE - Friday 24th January 2020 - 10-11am. Read more
Wednesday 27th November 2019 |
Revising for Grade 5 in GCSE mathematics with new HfL resource
Following on from the success of Revising for Grade 4 in Mathematics, Herts for Learning has launched a new resource designed to help students achieve a Grade 5 in GCSE mathematics. Revising for Grade 5 in Mathematics provides students with useful and easy-to-understand revision exercises from the curriculum to help students achieve a Grade 4 in mathematics. Read more
Tuesday 26th November 2019 |
Programme of Visits to Bergen-Belsen in February and March 2020 (Y12-13 only)
Secondary Schools across the UK are being invited to take part in a visit to Bergen-Belsen with learning workshops to support understanding. This project, run by the Holocaust Educational Trust, will only be running in the spring to commemorate the 75th anniversary. Please use this link for further details Visits to Bergen-Belsen
Tuesday 26th November 2019 |
LGBT Inclusive Primary Curriculum
Produced in conjunction with the Government Equalities Office and Pearson, this resource offers primary schools practical support and ideas to include issues around LGBT people and families into their lessons, and will help them to create learning environments where every pupil feels accepted. Each of the 13 subject areas (including PSHE) includes activities for the EYFS, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2, as well as offering adaptations that can be made for SEND pupils. LGBT Iinclusive Primary Curriculum
Monday 25th November 2019 |
Hertfordshire Headteacher Updates
The presentation and supporting documentation for the Heads Updates are now available to download from The Grid. Hertfordshire Headteacher Updates
Monday 25th November 2019 |
Book now for Future Heroes 2020 – the biggest and best health and care careers expo! - 24th March 2020
We have already had an incredible response to Future Heroes 2020 with the morning session now completely full and only around 100 tickets left for the afternoon session. So, if you and your students would like to attend please book your spaces ASAP so that you do not miss out. Read more
Thursday 21st November 2019 |
Herts for Learning receives Gold Stonewall Champion Award
Stonewall, Britain’s leading lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) equality charity, has awarded Herts for Learning its highest award in its Children and Young People's Services Champions programme. Read more
Tuesday 19th November 2019 |
Operation Encompass 2nd December – information sharing with schools on domestic abuse
Hertfordshire Police will be launching Operation Encompass on 2nd December 2019, which is intended to significantly improve information sharing and the timeliness of this between Police and schools following incidents of domestic abuse. Designated Safeguarding Leads and Deputies are asked to review the documentation and key principles of Operation Encompass which will provide information about the launch and the police commitment to sharing information to schools to ensure your school is prepared for the launch on 2nd December 2019. This information is for the attention of DSL’s, Deputy DSL’s and Head Teachers. View the documentation
Tuesday 19th November 2019 |
Save the Date! Primary School Pastoral Leads Conference - Tuesday 28th January 2020
Following on from the success of the December 2018 event, this interactive conference will provide practical tools for promoting resilience of pupils, building confidence, sharing evidence and good practice, and showcasing information from a variety of professionals. Throughout the day there will be speakers and workshops. Topics will include: Whole school approaches to emotional wellbeing and mental health, Five ways to wellbeing, diet, exercise and pupil wellbeing, and solution focussed reflective practice. We will be offering up to 2 spaces per school. Details of how to book on to this event will be publicised in a future Schools Bulletin and sent to Mental Health Leads - watch this space!
Tuesday 19th November 2019 |
Review of SEND IASS
The Transforming SEND team is supporting a review of Hertfordshire’s SEND IASS service, which is a free service providing confidential and impartial information, advice and support on issues related to SEND for parents of children and young people up to the age of 25. In a review of the service, we would like to ensure we provide relevant support to schools and would like to hear any comments on the service, whether you have used it, or whether you have thoughts on what you would like to receive from the service. Please take this five minute survey to share your thoughts. Stakeholder Survey
Friday 15th November 2019 |
The new Data Management Services (DMS) Portal is now live
Herts for Learning is pleased to announce that the new Data Management Services (DMS) portal is now live and can be accessed via your main school account if you have a support contract with the DMS team. More information
Thursday 14th November 2019 |
Flying Pizza Theatre production ‘The Snow Queen’ - Special Reduction
£50 off to local Hertfordshire schools who book a show in November, December or January. Full details available in the flyer or visit Flying Pizza Theatre production
Monday 11th November 2019 |
Budgeting
The Mid-Year Update to the Access Education Budgeting software (previously called HCSS) is planned for release shortly. As with previous updates this will be presented as an Optional Update allowing the opportunity to apply it at a time convenient to the school or not apply it. Financial Services will be releasing a bulletin to accompany the release but in preparation it is strongly advised that schools Lock any budget Working scenarios you wish to keep as updates do not get applied to Locked or Archived scenarios. If you have any questions please contact the helpline.
Friday 8th November 2019 |
Ofsted - Education Inspection Framework (EIF) roadshows
Ofsted are running a series of Education Inspection Framework (EIF) roadshows for primary and secondary schools to help them deepen their understanding of the curriculum thinking that underpins the ‘quality of education’ judgement. These one-day events will offer the opportunity to learn about deep dives and early emerging findings from the EIF. These events are aimed at curriculum leaders and headteachers. Three representatives from your school are welcome to attend. Each will need to register separately. Current Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) should not attend this event. Spaces are available on a first-come-first-served basis. If you are interested in attending this event, please register for your place here. Contact events@ofsted.gov.uk
Friday 8th November 2019 |
EU exit: no deal preparations for schools in England
The Government has issued some updated guidance on the 1st November for schools in the event of a no deal Brexit. Further information from the DfE
Friday 8th November 2019 |
Hertfordshire head teacher updates - Autumn term
The Hertfordshire head teacher updates for the Autumn term have now been published. Read more
Wednesday 6th November 2019 |
Herts for Learning Training Programme Spring 2020
Herts for Learning (HfL) is pleased to announce that our Spring 2020 training programme for staff working in primary, including Early Years, and secondary phasesis now available on our CPD Hub Read more
Monday 4th November 2019 |
