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 this academic year. More information (Pdf)
Thursday 20th September 2018 |
New Business Management Framework
The Herts for Learning Business Management Services team have launched a new Business Management Framework. The Framework 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 |
Maximising your 2019 - 2020 Sixth Form funding – Friday 28th September
Preparing to complete the post-16 autumn census correctly. 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 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Lastest news on RSE including the government’s draft guidance on sex and relationships education which will be mandatory in all schools from September 2020.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 |
REMINDER: Save the date: HfL AGM 2018
please be advised that the Herts for Learning 2018 Annual General Meeting for shareholders will take place on Wednesday 26th September 2018 at 5.00pm at the Hertfordshire Development Centre, Stevenage. All headteachers and chairs of governors from shareholding schools are invited to attend. Further details about this event will follow in early September. More information
Monday 17th 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 |
Herts for Learning Training & Events
Teaching assistants: spotlight on phonics and spelling / reading / grammar
Beginning Monday 1st October 2018 Book now
Pupil power: growing independent learners
Tuesday 2nd October 2018 Book now
Achieving mathematical age-related expectations in Year 2 / Year 6
Beginning Wednesday 3rd October 2018 Book now
Essentials for leaders of primary Geography / History
Beginning Thursday 4th October 2018 Book now
Presenting with impact
Beginning 16th October 2018 Book now
Securing age-related expectations in English - Year 6 / Year 2
Tuesday 16th October 2018 Book now
Subject leadership for Key Stage 2 languages
Beginning Wednesday 17th October 2018 Book now
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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 |
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Herts for Learning Training & Events
Forming secure teacher assessments and assessing pupils' progress in Key Stage 1 / Lower/Upper Key Stage 2
Beginning Monday 8th October 2018 Book now
Effective mathematics planning: unpicking the learning to secure progress in Key Stage 1 / Lower/Upper Key stage 2
Beginning Tuesday 9th October 2018 Book now
SIMS Personnel / SIMS Personnel Wednesday 10th October 2018 Book now
Workshop to raise awareness of PREVENT (WRAP): 4:00-5:30pm / 6:30-8:00pm
Thursday 11th October 2018 Book now
RE, PPA and me!
Thursday 11th October 2018 Book now
An introduction to learning mentoring for support staff in the primary school: removing barriers to learning for PPG and disadvantaged pupils
Friday 12th October 2018 Book now
Securing starting points for Nursery and Reception children - moderating Early Years outcomes
Beginning Friday 14th October 2018 Book now
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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 |
Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Project – DEADLINE Friday 7th September 2018 (revised date)
The deadline for applications for the autumn HfLY1 Phonics Screening Check Project is on Friday 7th September. Schools have doubled the average progress rate for their children in previous nine week long projects. More information
Wednesday 5th September 2018 |
Financial Services bulletin
Bulletin 210 1st termly return. More information
Wednesday 5th September 2018 |
YR Early Reading Project - DEADLINE for applications Friday 7th September 2018
Improve the trajectory of YR pupils towards attaining ELG reading and ARE in phonics by taking part in this autumn’s HfL Early Reading Project starting on 21st September. More information
Wednesday 5th 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 |
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Herts for Learning Training & Events
School business management briefing
Tuesday 18th September 2018 Book now
Briefing to help carry out the role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Wednesday 19th September 2018 Book now
Preparing for GDPR for office and administrative staff
Wednesday 19th September 2018 Book now
Single Central Record training
Thursday 27th September 2018 Book now
Becoming a highly effective English / Mathematics subject leader
Beginning Tuesday 25th September 2018 Book now
New and aspiring primary science subject leaders
Thursday 27th September 2018 Book now
Mock employment tribunal
Thursday 4th October 2018 Book now
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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 |
YR Early Reading Project - Friday 21st September 2018
Improve the trajectory of YR pupils. The next HfL Early Reading Project will start on 21st September, offering invaluable guidance and activities to close gaps in early readers in your reception class this autumn. More information
Tuesday 14th August 2018 |
Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Project - deadline Wednesday 19th September 2018
Applications for the Y1 Phonics Screening Check Project are invited. Schools have doubled the average progress rate for their children in previous nine week long projects. More information
Tuesday 14th 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 |
Free waste electrical collections for schools - final registration by 30th September 2018
There’s still time to register your school for the free waste electrical collections in October. Anything with a plug or battery will be collected More information
Wednesday 1st August 2018 |
National Anti-Bullying Week for 2018
National Anti-Bullying Week is 12th-16th November 2018 and the theme for this year is 'Choosing Respect'. HfL workshop descriptions will be available shortly if you would like external visitors to bring in a new dimension. More information
Monday 30th July 2018 |
Annual travel scheme and third party hirers
It’s that time of year again and you will shortly be receiving an email from us asking for your Annual Travel Scheme and Third Party Hirers figures.
Please ensure they are with us by 14th September 2018. If you require further information please email insurance at insurance@hertfordshire.gov.uk or phone 01992 555480.
Wednesday 25th July 2018 |
DfE consultation - relationships education, relationships and sex education, and health education
The Department for Education launched its consultation on its draft guidance on Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education. You can find all the related consultation documents on the DfE website, along with the link to the consultation survey. DfE Consultation
Wednesday 25th July 2018 |
Model Child Protection Policy - updated July 2018
This document replaces the previous version(s) and is operational from the 3rd September 2018. Changes have been highlighted. It takes into consideration the changes/updates in statutory guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education (2018) and Working Together to Safeguarding Children (2018). Please note there are sections that require the school to input their own details/school arrangements. Read more
Monday 23rd July 2018 |
Possible contact record corruption in SIMS
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.
Monday 23rd July 2018 |
Phone partners
As you may be aware, Hertfordshire County Council have previously provided telephony solutions to schools. They are now withdrawing from this service. Herts for Learning (HfL) has been asked by schools to identify alternative providers for them. We are delighted to confirm that we are now working with our new expert provider, Hello Telecom, to offer schools and academies a service that, as well as being quality assured by HfL to ensure it meets schools’ changing needs, offers high-quality VOIP systems at an affordable price, with a clear, value-for-money price structure and school-ready systems.
If you want to discuss this new service, please contact Alice O’Shea on 08000 116 443 or email her at hfl@hello-telecom.co.uk.
Wednesday 18th July 2018 |
Hertfordshire schools save on improved internet services
Herts for Learning (HfL) is working with over 500 schools across Hertfordshire to save them money on their broadband whilst delivering an enhanced service. HfL has worked closely with schools and academies across the county to develop a high-quality connectivity provision tailored to their specific needs. HfL’s Hertfordshire Internet and Connectivity Service (HICS) provides a safe, secure network, which is designed to enable schools to access the internet and education services in a supported environment. HICS’ new provision offers not just a better service, but costs savings to schools enrolled of at least 15%.
Read more
Wednesday 18th July 2018 |
Herts for Learning is Finalist in the 2018 Nursery World Awards
Herts for Learning (HfL) has just been announced as a finalist in the 2018 Nursery World Awards.
Following the judging of the Nursery World Awards 2018 HfL has been voted onto the shortlist in the ‘Staff Resources’ category with its Making the Difference Early Years Toolkit -supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable children.
The Nursery World Staff Resource Award is open to early years resources and equipment that help practitioners to improve their practice and provision. More information
Friday 13th July 2018 |
KS4 and KS5 exam results data collection and helpline
As in previous years, we are asking all Hertfordshire schools and academies to submit to us their headline figures for KS5 and KS4 results on the results days (16th and 23rd August, respectively). More information
Wednesday 11th July 2018 |
Christmas art competition 2018 - Opportunity for Key Stage 2 pupils to win a prize for their school!
Following the resounding success of last year’s Christmas Competition, Hertfordshire’s Armed Forces Covenant has decided to run this competition again this year – with a difference! The 2018 competition will be judged by Northwood HQ - the UK’s principal military headquarters – who will distribute the art to armed forces personnel working away from home at Christmas. More information
Tuesday 10th July 2018 |
Save the date: HfL AGM 2018
please be advised that the Herts for Learning 2018 Annual General Meeting for shareholders will take place on Wednesday 26th September 2018 at 5.00pm at the Hertfordshire Development Centre, Stevenage. All headteachers and chairs of governors from shareholding schools are invited to attend. Further details about this event will follow in early September.
Monday 9th July 2018 |
Book now for the 2018/2019 Early Years Annual Programme
The Herts for Learning Early Years team are pleased to announce that the 2018/19 Early Years Annual Programme is now open for booking. The 2017/18 Annual Programme saw a record 79 Hertfordshire schools and nurseries taking part with lots of positive feedback being received. The bespoke CPD Programme enables headteachers and practitioners to fully develop their provision, practice and improve outcomes for young children. Find out more or book your place.
Friday 6th July 2018 |
RM Finance Online - Combined Batching Functionality
RM have re-introduced the functionality in the latest update. There is a new tab in the View/Post Batch area called “Combined Income & Expenditure”. The functionality is not yet working as intended. We will issue guidance on the combined functionality in due course. The original RM Finance Online batching functionality is working as normal.
Friday 6th July 2018 |
Headteacher briefings Summer 2018 - presentations
The presentations from the Summer 2018 headteacher briefings are available to download. Presentations
Tuesday 27th June 2018 |
Phonics Screening Threshold Score 2018
The STA has announced 32 as the 2018 Phonics Screening Threshold score. For details on how to use this information in SIMS to view the Phonics Screening documentation.
Monday 26th June 2018
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Parental drug awareness workshops - now booking for Autumn 2018 - Spring 2019
Making choices about drugs and alcohol can begin much earlier then many parents / carers realise, with some children exposed before they leave primary school. HCC Parental Drug and Alcohol Awareness Workshops provide practical information about a range of drugs, alcohol and the law, along with tips on how to have positive conversations at home that encourage making healthy choices. More information
Thursday 21st June 2018 |
