|
Updated
15 Oct 2012
|
Integrated Services for Learning
A new section on the Grid is now available containing all the information you need on the new Integrated Services for Learning, including information on your local area team, support available and downloadable posters for your Area Team contacts.  More
Friday 23rd December 2011 |
BETT: There really is such a thing as a free breakfast with the Herts ICT Team - Wednesday 11 January 2012
Going to BETT can be the highlight of the ICT educationalists year. But it can also be mindblowing. Come and have breakfast with us on Wednesday 11 January 2012, we can update you on local and national developments whilst you eat, network with other Herts schools and we print off your tickets. Go on - start your BETT day the Herts way! More
Monday 19th December 2011 |
Assessment for Learning in Secondary Science: 11 January 2012
This course will bring together evidence from research and best practice to explore how to promote effective learning through the use of assessment for learning strategies. Participants will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and apply ideas to teaching schemes during the course. Book online : 11SCI/017S
Monday 19th December 2011 |
Herts & Minds Newsletter - Winter/Spring 2012
A bumper newsletter providing information on the education of children and young people to give you information, news and stories that help and inspire you in your work with children looked after! . More
Friday 16th December 2011 |
New Headteacher Induction Programme - January 2012
The Hertfordshire induction programme for new headteachers is designed to assist the process of initiation to headship, introduce colleagues (where appropriate) to Hertfordshire County Council Children's Services, and support colleagues in balancing the practical demands of their new role with personal leadership development. More
Friday 16th December 2011 |
Attainment on Entry (Nursery and Reception)
The completed analysis of the Attainment on Entry data has now been sent to all schools that submitted data. We would like to clarify that this data has been sent only to those schools that participated and has not been made available outside of the LA (e.g. to DfE or Ofsted).  More
Friday 16th December 2011 |
FREE pickup of Unwanted School Electrical Items
WasteAware will be running another milk round to schools in February 2012 to collect unwanted and broken electrical equipment, Free of Charge. More
Wednesday 14th December 2011 |
Serco Support Available via SITSS Service Desk
Effective from 19th December, a new option for assistance with IT support provided by Serco will be made available on the SITSS Service Desk number 01438 844777/Comnet 54777. Please listen carefully to the options when you call and select the correct option for the service you require. More
Monday 12th December 2011 |
|
Important - Email Virus Scam
Please remember to never click on links from unexpected emails. A number of people have recently received emails with harmful viruses..... More
Monday 12th December 2011 |
Breaches of Data Security
You may have recently read the Autumn SITSS Newsletter article regarding Breaches of the Data Protection Act. The ICT in Schools Partnership Working Group thought it would be useful to further raise its awareness to Headteachers. The article has been updated to include the latest press release from The Information Commissioner’s Office on 6 December 2011. More
Thursday 8th December 2011 |
HLTA Assessment Opportunity - Fast Track
The TDA have recently announced a continuation of funding for HLTA assessments for a limited period. This could be withdrawn at any point, with two months notice, so ELC have taken the decision to work with Hertfordshire LA to offer a Fast Track version of preparation and assessment to enable schools to access the funding available. More
Thursday 8th December 2011 |
Important News about NPQH
In November 2010, the White Paper announced a review of the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Following this review it has been decided that NPQH will no longer be a mandatory qualification for first-time headteachers. More
Thursday 8th December 2011 |
Hertfordshire Internet and Connectivity Service (HICS) Subscription Reduces for 2012/13 
We know how important early financial information is - and we have good news! Next year the membership fee for the HICS connectivity service is coming down as a result of increasing efficiencies and increased membership!
Next year the costs will be ... More
Thursday 8th December 2011 |
Data Collection - Spring Term 2012
The data collection calendar summaries for Spring Term 2012 are now available. More
Wednesday 7th December 2011 |
|
Certificate of School Administration - Briefing Session 2nd February 2012
A briefing session will be held at Hertfordshire Development Centre for administrative staff in schools who are interested in upgrading their skills or developing a career in school administration. More
Wednesday 7th December 2011 |
|
Performance Related Increments for Support Staff
FAQs and the headteacher briefing presentation on performance related increments for non teaching staff. More
Wednesday 7th December 2011 |
Healthy Eating: Nutritional Fact Sheets
Healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle is important from early years into adulthood. The whole school approach to healthy eating is important with the emphasis on healthy food provision and accessibility to fluids as water, fruit juices and milk drinks with less than 5% added sugar The fact sheets on saturated fat, sugar, salt and fluid can be used to encourage children in activities linked to healthy lifestyle. More
Monday 5th December 2011 |
|
Caretaker Training Course - 13th -14th February 2012
A two day fully BIC certified training course will be taking place in Sawbridgeworth. Places are limited so first come first served. More
Friday 2nd December 2011 |
Step up to French - Complete Language Teaching Resources
New! An exciting and revolutionary Language teaching scheme for Primary schools - available in French, Italian and Spanish -which enables you to teach a Modern Foreign language at KS2 using non specialist teachers. More
Friday 2nd December 2011 |
Bristol Document Summaries - December 2011
The latest summaries are now available covering: Summary of
the Education Act 2011; Annual report
of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector; A National Plan for Music Education; and Good Practice in Primary Mathematics. More
Monday 12th December 2011 |
|
BETT: There really is such a thing as a free breakfast with the Herts ICT Team - Wednesday 11 January 2012
Going to BETT can be the highlight of the ICT educationalists year. But it can also be mindblowing. Come and have breakfast with us on Wednesday 11 January 2012, we can update you on local and national developments whilst you eat, network with other Herts schools and we print off your tickets. Go on - start your BETT day the Herts way! More
Monday 19th December 2011 |
|
Assessment for Learning in Secondary Science: 11 January 2012
This course will bring together evidence from research and best practice to explore how to promote effective learning through the use of assessment for learning strategies. Participants will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and apply ideas to teaching schemes during the course. Book online : 11SCI/017S
Monday 19th December 2011 |
Children's Services Newsletter - November 2011
The latest edition of Children's Services News, an interactive e-newsletter for all staff in Children's Services is now available. Contains key news for children's services, including education and early intervention. More
Thursday 1st December 2011 |
|
Free Financial Seminars for all HCC Employees 
Hertfordshire County Council is working with AWD Chase de Vere to offer employees an independent financial advice service. A number of free financial seminars are being held over then next few months which are open to all staff, including those in schools. Places are limited so pleae book early. More
Wednesday 30th November 2011 |
Annual School Travel & Road Safety Awards and Film Competition
The 2012 School Travel Awards celebrate schools’ good practice promoting sustainable travel and road safety. Nominations are now being sought, the closing date for nominations is 3 February 2012. We are also running our Annual Film Competition; create a short film to convince others to walk and cycle to school. Closing date is 20 February 2012.
Tuesday 29th November 2011 |
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Courses - Spring 2012
Standards and School Effectiveness have improved the way we present our range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to schools in order to make the process of searching for and booking onto courses easier and more customer friendly. A copy of the new CPD brochure for spring term 2012 will be in your postbag this week. More
Tuesday 29th November 2011 |
Ofsted: An HMI Briefing on the New School Inspection Framework - 8th December 2011
We are pleased to confirm that following the high demand for the HMI briefing held at Hertfordshire Development Centre on 23rd November, a second briefing session has now been arranged. This free twilight briefing is an opportunity for Hertfordshire Headteachers and Chairs of Governors to understand more about the Ofsted inspection framework that comes into effect in January 2012. More
Monday 28th November 2011 |
Behaviour for Learning Briefing Sessions: January 2012
There will be 5 meetings throughout the County, covering: New Ofsted Framework: what does “Behaviour and Safety” mean for me? Education Act 2011: What does it say about “Ensuring Good Behaviour”? Screening, confiscation, anti-bullying, the use of reasonable force, allegations of abuse against staff. More
Monday 28th November 2011 |
|
On Your Marks...Get Set...Go
The Hertfordshire 'On Track' MFL Resource Pack features in the latest languages editorial on the Edexcel website. Jackie Rayment – MFL Adviser for Hertfordshire introduces the resource pack which combines French language learning at all levels with sports-related activities. More
Wednesday 23rd November 2011 |
ICT Video Updates
ICT moves very quickly, so in order to keep you as up to date as possible we have produced some updates on a range of ICT topics, which will be updated on a termly basis to keep you in the loop. More
Wednesday 23rd November 2011 |
Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners : Olympic Update
The Hertfordshire
is Ready for Winners November 2011 eNewsletter is now available online.
Find out how schools across England that are engaged with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games can apply for a grant of up to £8,800. Don't miss out on your Olympic and Paralympics ticket allocation - deadline is 16 December 2011.
Monday 21st November 2011 |
School Funding Arrangements 2012-13 Consultation
A set of proposals concerning school funding arrangements from April 2012 have been discussed with the Hertfordshire Schools Forum and we are grateful to them for their comments and support. We are now seeking the views of schools and other stakeholders on these proposals. More
Monday 21st November 2011 |
Standards and School Effectiveness New Head of Achievement - Secondary
Standards and School Effectiveness are delighted to welcome David Kilgallon to the post of Head of Secondary – Achievement, from 31st October 2011. More
Friday 18th November 2011 |
Schools Admissions - Under 11s
Guidance to Admissions 2012 entry for headteachers: Under 11s (Reception, Junior, Middle) and accompanying interactive booklet and directory. More
Friday 18th November 2011 |
Top International Prize for Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire’s Local Education Authority is celebrating after beating authorities from across the country to win a prestigious Link2Learn Award from HSBC and the British Council – thanks to their work helping children to become global citizens. More
Friday 18th November 2011 |
|
Bristol Document Summaries - November 2011
The latest summaries are now available covering: An Evaluation of the Impact of Federated Schools;
New Ofsted Inspection Framework; ImagineNation - The Case for Cultural Learning and Revised draft Codes for School Admissions and Appeals. More
Friday 18th November 2011 |
|
Coming Soon to a Staff Room Near You...
The new improved Continuing Professional Development brochures for Spring Term 2012 will be distributed to all schools during the week commencing 28th November or you can take an advance look at the courses online. More
Tuesday 15th November 2011 |
|
Ofsted Preparation and School Self-evaluation
With the shape of school inspection for maintained schools and academies changing from January 2012, Standards and School Effectiveness (SSE) have produced a new document which signposts the range of support, in addition to our usual CPD training programme, that SSE can offer to help schools prepare for Ofsted. More
Tuesday 15th November 2011 |
hertsART: The County Art Collection Autumn 2011 Newsletter
Includes new items in the Collection, Art Collection News, Other bits & pieces and dates for your diary. More
Tuesday 8th November 2011 |
|
School Network Manager Seminar - 30th November 2011
An opportunity to hear about recent and future developments, meet with colleagues from around the County with similar responsibilities and hold an open discussion forum along with SSE ICT (including SITSS) colleagues - no cost. Please book online.
Monday 7th November 2011 |
Buggy Buddies - Now available to Primary Schools for just £45
The Buggy Buddies are six friendly bugs that can be used by parents and teachers to create fun, outside activities for children to do when they are travelling to and from school and also when they are outside in the garden or at the park. They have been mentioned positively in the Ofsted reports of several Hertfordshire children's centres. More
Monday 7th November 2011 |
Free School Meals Matter Toolkit
Resources and support from the School Food Trust to help schools increase the take up of free school meals. The new Free School Meals Matter Toolkit contains everything schools need to know about the pupil premium, tackling stigma, eligibility criteria, and a host of practical tips and resources. More
Friday 4th November 2011 |
|
Heads of MFL Conference - 9th December 2011
Aimed at secondary curriculum subject leaders and middle leaders, this is an annual conference where delegates are able to network, share ideas and be updated on the latest issues and policies surrounding MFL teaching as well as hear about innovative ideas to use in the classroom. Our keynote speaker is Bernadette Holmes,
President of the Association of Language Learning and Director of Languages First, Cambridge University. More
Thursday 3rd November 2011 |
Translating and Interpreting for Schools
A brand new section for Translation and Interpreting (T & I) Services (through INTRAN) from Hertfordshire County Council is now live on the Grid. Here you'll find detailed information on Translation & Interpreting Services, including how to request a face to face interpreter, how to sign up for the telephone interpreting service, situations and scenarios when telephone interpreting can be used, advice, guidance, and resources. More
Thursday 3rd November 2011 |
Picture a Story:
KS1/2 Reading and Art Event with Guest Illustrator Mini Grey - 8th March 2012
The popular Picture a Story event will take place next March, again in conjunction with the Hertfordshire County Art Collection. We will produce a shortlist of books for you to enjoy during the Spring Term together with an information pack. Your school may also take part in an optional art competition, to be judged by Mini Grey on the day, details of which are given on the flyer. More
Tuesday 1st November 2011 |
|
Bristol Document Summaries - October 2011
The latest summaries are now available covering: The Ofsted Inspection Framework; schools causing concern statutory guidance; 16-19 funding formula review; NQT induction changes to regulations and science good practice. More
Thursday 27th October 2011 |
|
Post 16 Census - Secondary Video Briefing
Incorrectly filling out the Post 16 Census could be costing your school money. We have a produced a 5 minute video highlighting key issues and how you can make sure your school doesn't fall into this trap.
Thursday 27th October 2011 |
New Policy and Practice for Changing the Times of the School Day
Whilst Central Government no longer requires schools to follow a bureaucratic process to alter the school day, there is still an expectation that schools will have regard to the views of parents, pupils and staff and will manage change responsibly. In order to ensure this, the following guidance should be followed by governing bodies of schools who are considering changes to either the length, or timing of the school day. More
Thursday 27th October 2011 |
|
Important Assessment Updates for Primary Schools
Key updates for primary schools on assessment and reporting arrangements, KS1 and KS2 tests, NCATools, submission of attainment on entry data for nursery and reception, RAISEonline, FFT live, Testbase and Assessment Manager 7. More
Thursday 27th October 2011 |
|
Children's Services Newsletter
Children's Services News is an interactive e-newsletter for all staff in Children's Services. It has recently been relaunched in a new, easy to navigate format and includes an update from the Director of Education and Early Intervention. More
Wednesday 26th October 2011 |
Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners eNewsletter: Games Inspired Volunteering Opportunities
This month we are launching Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Volunteering. The scheme which has been awarded a LOCOG Inspire Mark, is being rolled out through the Hertfordshire Volunteer Centres. More
Wednesday 26th October 2011 |
Energy Briefing - October 2011
As part of our commitment to keep schools on the HCC contract up to date with changes or events relating to energy, we have published a briefing covering issues of new contracts for energy suppliers, billing, metering and AMR update. More...
Monday 24th October 2011 |
Hertfordshire Constabulary's Annual Firework and Halloween Poster Design Competition 2011
The winners have been announced for the annual poster design competiton. Congratulations to pupils at Fairfields Primary School and Batchwood Secondary School. More...
Monday 24th October 2011 |
Preparing for Severe Weather
In the last three years we have had snow in December and throughout January and February. This guidance, which includes an updated Severe Weather Plan, will help you be prepared for any snow this winter. More
Monday 24th October 2011 |
|
New Starter Terms and Conditions
Advice for recruiting and appointing school support staff following the Collective Agreement reached between the Council and UNISON to implement changes to terms and conditions of employment for all Schools NJC (Green Book) employees. More
Thursday 20th October 2011 |
ICT and Computing: Curriculum and Qualification Changes for Secondary Schools
Many changes to the current ICT curriculum and qualifications system are now being developed, with a greater emphasis on Computer Science. There are many ways to prepare and access support, including options that are based online and at no cost. More
Tuesday 18th October 2011 |
Failure of RM Hosted School Web Sites and HGfL Web Site: 17th October 2011
You will have noticed that the HGfL web site and your school web site, if it is hosted by RM, have not been available all day. This problem relates only to these web sites, access from schools to other web sites and to other Internet services such as email is unaffected. More
Monday 17th October 2011 |
Resilient Leadership Programme - New Dates
This programme provides practical, solution focused skills to ensure that leaders can deal more effectively with setbacks and maximise opportunities. The emphasis is on personal resilience, but in the context of leadership. As individuals explore and develop their own resilience they will develop a deeper understanding of the impact they have on those around them, and in particular those that they lead. More
Thursday 13th October 2011 |
Schools' Commissioning Toolkit Free Training - November 15th
Run by Children's Services Children and Young People's Commissioning Team - a beginner’s level course for Headteachers / Business Managers / School Office Manager or anyone responsible for commissioning, purchasing or contracting. School Governors welcome. More
Wednesday 12th October 2011 |
Strategies for Schools to Improve Attendance and Punctuality
These resource packs have been produced to provide Primary and Secondary schools with ideas and resources. They can be tailored to the needs of individual schools. More
Wednesday 12th October 2011 |
Inform Online - October 2011
This is the last edition of Inform Online. We hope it has been a useful vehicle to celebrate achievement and share good practice amongst schools, and would like to thank everyone for the contributions they have made over the years. Key business messages will continue to be communicated to schools through the School Bulletin and the Grid. More
Wednesday 12th October 2011 |
EYFS ‘Attainment on Entry’ Data Collection – Deadline 4th November 2011
We recently wrote to schools to advise of a new Data Collection, similar to the Nursery Learning Record, which will enable the LA to create an analysis tool, allowing schools to benchmark their children’s attainment on entry in the context of other Hertfordshire schools. More
Tuesday 11th October 2011 |
Using Twitter and Social Media to Communicate with Parents - William Ransom School and Verulam School
Schools are always trying to develop better home-school links and create a community of learning between parents, carers and the school. William Ransom school in Hitchin have extended their online communication toolkit to include Twitter. Do read their case study, and that of Verulam to see how this might work in your school. Our online guidance for Twitter and Facebook can help you get started. Do call us if you would like more help
Tel: 01438 845030.
Tuesday 11th October 2011 |
Admissions Guidance for Specialist Provision
New guidance for admission to Hertfordshire special schools/HI & PNI provisions for pupils with statements of special educational need. The guidance is accompanied by information prepared by Hertfordshire special schools detailing the ‘core offer’ made by each sector. More
Tuesday 11th October 2011 |
Hertfordshire Schools Library Service - New Website
Based in Hatfield, the Schools Library Service is a small team of committed, dedicated staff with expertise in children’s literature and libraries, serving all schools including independent schools and academies. More
Monday 10th October 2011 |
KS3 and KS4 Teachers’ Resource Pack: Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
The Teachers' Resource Pack on Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour has been produced by Hertfordshire Constabulary for teachers to compliment the PSHE and Citizenship Curriculum. More
Thursday 6th October 2011 |
Design and Technology Support and Events
We have formed a new alliance with Dave Parry who is an independent consultant for Design and Technology. He is available to support individual schools and is running some D&T courses for us this year. The Primary D&T Conference 30th November 2011 and Secondary Subject Leader Day on 4th November 2011. Look out for core and extended modules for Health and Safety. More
Thursday 6th October 2011 |
Electronic Income Collection Introductory Sessions - November 2011
For schools who have not yet considered WisePay, we would like to invite you to an introductory session on WisePay. The session will provide schools with an overview of the system, information about getting set up, the time frames involved and the costs. More
Thursday 6th October 2011 |
Physical Education and School Sport
Young Games Makers London 2012: Opportunities for young people to volunteer in support of 2012. More
Snowsport and Learning Outside the Classroom: A helpful leaflet for those considering a school skiing trip. More
Wednesday 5th October 2011 |
|
Primary Science Conference : Wednesday 19 October 2011
This is the major science event of the year. You can listen to key speakers, participate in workshops, review the resources exhibition and, as always, have some time to meet and chat with colleagues from other schools and the LA.
Book online : 11SCI/006P
Wednesday 5th October 2011 |
| |
