|
Updated
30 Apr 2013
|
Summer Holidays Energy Switch Off
Summer Holidays are the ideal time to identify your schools minimum energy consumption. Many of you will be able to monitor this using either the Automatic Meter Reading facility or by using the Optimal system. It is beneficial to establish your schools baseline as this is a tool to measure energy consumption against throughout the rest of the year.  More
Tuesday 10th July 2012 |
Music Conference: 3rd September 2012
These are interesting times for Local Authorities and Music Services and the Music Conference 2012 will be an opportunity to hear how Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Music Service will be providing services to schools in the future. The Keynote Speaker is Mick Waters, he will be focussing on Creativity. More...
Monday 9th July 2012 |
HGfL Internet & Intranet Maintenance Tomorrow Evening (10/7/2012)
This is to notify you of the upcoming maintenance due on the www.thegrid.org.uk and www.intra.thegrid.org.uk. Disruption to the service will be for 2 hours between 20:00 and 22:00 hours.
Monday 9th July 2012 |
SIMS Manager’s Conference - 11th July 2012 *Places Still Available for Tomorrow*
This conference is an opportunity for school staff to network with other SIMS school users and to receive updates and information first hand. As the agenda contains items that are relevant to all Secondary, Middle and Special Schools (deemed as Secondary) it is highly recommended that all schools are represented at the conference by at least one delegate. Please note the costs have been revised. Book online: 12SIT/030A
Tuesday 3rd July 2012 |
|
Dinner Money - End of Year
The End of Year Instructions Document, S1280, for Schools using Sims Dinner Money is now available on the SITSS website. More
Friday 29th June 2012 |
|
Thinking of Becoming an Academy?
On 28th June 2012, SITSS and FSS are holding a workshop designed to provide detailed information on the financial and MIS licensing implications for schools considering the move to academy status and offer you a chance to ask questions. Book online
Thursday 28th June 2012 |
|
End of Key Stage 3 Teacher Assessments
Schools are required to submit their End of Key Stage 3 Teacher Assessment Levels to the Standards and Testing Agency by 13th July 2012. Religious Education Levels are also to be returned to the Hertfordshire Humanities Department. More
Thursday 28th June 2012 |
Bristol Document Summaries - June 2012 
The latest summaries are now available covering: Mathematics, Reflections on body image, Work Experience, Responses to Ofsted’s consultations, Preventing and tackling bullying, Learning futures, Overall Reforms to the 2012 EYFS Framework, Ofqual: Corporate Plan 2012−15, The Governor’s Guide to the Law and Teachers’ Standards in England from September 2012. More
Thursday 28th June 2012 |
FREE Pickup of Unwanted School Electrical Items
WasteAware will be running another milk round to schools in September 2012 to collect unwanted and broken electrical equipment, Free of Charge. More
Monday 25th June 2012 |
New School Banking Arrangements
The latest updates on the school new banking arrangements are available on the banking page of the Grid. This includes the transition document which should answer any questions the schools may have as well as additional information on Barclays products and services. More
Monday 25th June 2012 |
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Courses - Autumn 2012
A copy of the new CPD brochure for Autumn term 2012 will be in your postbag this week. This is a new look brochure with an updated index to help you find you courses quicker. More
Monday 25th June 2012 |
Talk for
Learning Course: Tuesday 10 July 2012
Dialogic talk is central to involving pupils in their learning, enabling them to become active and
motivated learners and thinkers. It is also a key tool for investigating pupils’ misconceptions and
enabling teachers to plan next steps in learning to accelerate progression. Book online
Monday 25th June 2012 |
New Statutory Requirement for Religious Education from September 2012
The Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus of Religious Education 2012-2017 containing the new statutory requirements for RE in Hertfordshire Schools is now available to download. Limited places are still available for the related Primary Schools briefings and courses .A complimentary copy of the syllabus will be sent to all schools unable to attend the briefings in the Schools post. More
Monday 25th June 2012 |
Ofsted Report ' No Place for Bullying'
One of the key findings in the new Ofsted report on bullying is around the need for staff to be well trained in responding to different kinds of bullying, particularly prejudice based language. There are a range of both 'tried and tested' and new staff training packages that are available from Karin Hutchinson, the Hertfordshire Anti-bullying Adviser. More
Friday 22nd June 2012 |
Staff Benefits - Free Money Matters Seminar
A reminder that the next free financial advice seminar available to all HCC staff, including those in schools is on the 28th June at County Hall. More
Wednesday 20th June 2012 |
Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Newsletter - June 2012
The next month is going to be very busy for us as we prepare to welcome both the Olympic Torch and our pre-Games training teams! More
Tuesday 19th June 2012 |
Statutory Requirements for School Websites
On 1st September 2012, new regulations come into force regarding information which must be included on maintained school websites. More
Friday 15th June 2012 |
Free Trial of Language Angel Teaching Resources - Olympics
Step Up To Languages are encouraging all Hertfordshire schools to take a free trial of their Language Angel teaching resources. You will get immediate and completely FREE access to their entire Olympics unit in French, Spanish or Italian for a whole month. There are six fun, interactive lessons all based around the Olympics and perfect material for the summer term. More
Wednesday 13th June 2012 |
Recruitment and Advertising Update - 22nd June 2012
Learn how to get more out of your advertising. Spaces are still available on our comprehensive briefing event aimed as school staff responsible for recruitment, selection and advertising for staff in your school. Book online
Thursday 14th June 2012 |
SEND Briefings - Summer Term 2012
Special rate of £70 for two delegates from the same school! Join us for important updates to support you in your leadership role including the SEND Green Paper: Progress and next steps , Teachers Standards from September 2012, G and T update and Ofsted. The sessions will include a practical activity to support monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of TAs in the classroom. Book online: Dates are 18th & 19th June and 20th & 25th June.
Wednesday 13th June 2012 |
|
Recruitment and Retention Newsletter - Summer 2012
This half term can be a busy time for recruitment, dealing with last minute panics caused by late resignations and unforeseen vacancies. Our recruitment and retention newsletter updates you on the latest news and advice for recruiting staff. More
Wednesday 13th June 2012 |
Primary: The Hertfordshire Summer Folk Dance Festival: Saturday 7th July 2012
The Hertfordshire Summer Folk Dance Festival will be held at Sherrardswood School, Welwyn Garden City. Dancing will be to the music of Jump the Vortex, and the dances will be called by Barry Goodman. Folk Dance Workshops are also being run in October 2012
and February 2013. More
Tuesday 12th June 2012 |
EYFS ‘Nursery Attainment on Exit’ Data Collection – Nursery Schools Only
As indicated earlier in the year, the local authority intends to collect from all Hertfordshire Nursery schools the children’s attainment on exit. This is so that we can produce for your benefit some analysis which you can use to benchmark the progress that your children have made across the year. More
Friday 8th June 2012 |
Healthy Schools Surgery One to One Consultancy Sessions: Autumn 2012 - Summer 2013
It has been noted that schools have found it difficult to attend the twilight sessions, we are therefore introducing half termly one-to-one surgery sessions as part of our ongoing support to schools. The surgery session model has been very effective in supporting other areas of health and wellbeing, and we are confident it will be a more accessible approach for you to gain the individual support you require. More
Wednesday 6th June 2012 |
Important Information Concerning Banking Transfer
Schools will be aware of the imminent change of the authorities banking contract from the National Westminster Bank to Barclays. Further guidance concerning arrangements for transferring schools account balance and systems instructions is contained in Transferring Balances to Barclays using RM Finance (RM Bulletin) and Banking Contract Guidance for information concerning FMS6, Wisepay and Check Printing.
Friday 1st June 2012 |
Count on Culture: Free Conference - 3rd July 2012 (n.b amended date)
Hertfordshire Music Service in partnership with the Royal Opera House Bridge is running a free conference 'Count on Culture’ for Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Luton schools. The day will include speakers; workshops on Artsmark, Arts Award and working with artists; and a panel discussion 'Cultural Provision in Schools during a time of Austerity - Luxury or Necessity?'. More
Friday 1st June 2012 |
Learn how to Manage and Update your School Website
We are still taking bookings for the 'Dreamweaver' course on Wednesday 27th June 2012. This course provides a basic level of training in web design to accompany the support available from our school website support services. Book online: 12ICT/001A
Friday 1st June 2012 |
|
Schools Renewables Reporting
In order to comply with the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) for the year 2011/12, HCC must report information on renewable technologies at all schools. If your school has renewable technologies e.g. solar panels, solar thermal, wind turbines.... More
Wednesday 30th May 2012 |
|
ICT Primary Subject Leader Updates: June 2012
The focus for the summer 2012 update is sorting and classifying data in KS1 and KS2, with specific reference to using mind mapping tools and branching databases. Book online: 18 June 2012 or 21 June 2012
Tuesday 29th May 2012 |
|
Staff Benefits - Free Retirement Seminar
A reminder that the next free retirement seminar available to all HCC staff, including those in schools is on the 31st May 2012 at Apsley. More
Monday 28th May 2012 |
iPad Event - July 2012
Toucan Computing are hosting two free events; Primary (now FULL) and Secondary to introduce schools to the use of iPads in the classroom. The events are an opportunity to see first hand how the iPad can be an immersive device which has the potential to transform learning and teaching in schools. More
Monday 28th May 2012 |
|
Bristol Document Summaries - May 2012 
The latest summaries are now available covering: Apprenticeships, Protecting Children Online, Support and Aspiration, Reflection, Renewal and Reality, Improving Attendance at School, Equality Act 2010, Changing the Game for Girls, Great Teachers, Exclusion from Maintained Schools, The Growth of Academy Chains, Secondary School Food Survey 2011 and the Independent Evaluation of GCSEs in Mathematics
(MLP). More
Friday 25th May 2012 |
The New Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education - Introductory Briefings for Schools
The briefing for primary schools is now full and there is a waiting list. Please do not attend the event unless you have booked and received confirmation of a place. If you arrive without having booked, you will be disappointed as we will be unable to accommodate you. We are at maximum capacity and have to comply with health and safety regulations. There are still places available on the afternoon for the Secondary briefing. More
Thursday 24th May 2012 |
KS2 English - Calculating the Overall Subject Level
The DfE has made a decision regarding how the reading test result and the writing teacher assessment are to be combined to form an overall subject level. More...
Thursday 24th May 2012 |
Hertfordshire Fit & Green Short Film Challenge Winners
Congratulations go to the joint winners: Colney Heath Primary School, Whitehill Junior School, Knightsfield School and Verulam School. View the FILMS from this year’s group of very talented young movie makers who entered the Film Competition run by Hertfordshire’s Safe & Sustainable Journeys Team. More...
Wednesday 23rd May 2012 |
Safe Practice In Physical Education and Sport
The new "AfPE Safe Practice In Physical Education and Sport" guidance manual is now available. This is essential reading for all delivering PE and school sport, please check that your school or department has a copy. More...
Wednesday 23rd May 2012 |
|
Celebrate the Arrival of the Olympic Flame Torch!
The latest Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners newsletter gives all the latest Olympic news in our county, plus we have the latest cross curricular resources, competitions and courses for schools. More
Wednesday 23rd May 2012 |
Small Schools Headteacher's Update: 30th May 2012
The agenda for the update to which all small school heads are invited is now available. Guest speakers will be addressing issues faced specifically by small schools and ways in which we can access support and address the future with confidence. More
Tuesday 22nd May 2012 |
|
Why Not Run Your Own MFL Mini Olympics?
What will you be doing for the Olympics in the summer term? See our 'MFL Mini Olympics - a quick guide to running your own event' using the exciting and innovative 'On Track', a time-saving, one-stop collection of 30 inspirational ideas and activities that can be used with all key stages. Order your copy now! More
Tuesday 22nd May 2012 |
Special Educational Needs and Disability Pathfinder
The DfE last week published a ‘Next Steps’ document setting out how the reforms proposed in the Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) Green Paper will be taken forward. Hertfordshire was chosen as one of 20 Green Paper Pathfinder areas in September 2011 and will be inviting selected families to test out the Green Paper reforms. More
Monday 21st May 2012 |
Prospectus of Services for Academies 2012/13
We are delighted to present to you our Prospectus of Services for Academies, updated for 2012/13. The Prospectus gives details of the wide range of services that Hertfordshire County Council can offer to academies, with a clear and competitive pricing structure for each. More...
Friday 18th May 2012 |
|
Primary Headteachers’ Conference - 11th-12th October 2012
You can now book online for the Primary Headteachers Conference to be held on 11-12th October 2012 in Brighton. Keynote speakers include Sir Ranulph Fiennes, OBE British adventurer and Andrew Curran, Neurologist - brain based learning. More
Wednesday 16th May 2012 |
|
Aspiring Hertfordshire Headteachers’ Programme
We are now recruiting for the September 2012 cohort of the Aspiring Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Headteachers’ Programme. The programme is designed to support strong candidates who are committed to applying for headship in the near future or who have been identified as being potential headteachers and need a boost of confidence to apply. More
Wednesday 16th May 2012 |
|
School Websites and 'Cookies'
A cookie is a small text file downloaded on to a device when a user accesses certain websites. School websites which use’ cookies’ now need to gain users consent by law. The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulation 2011 came into effect on the 25th May 2011 and will be enforced by the Information Commissioners Office. For advice on what to do.... More
Wednesday 16th May 2012 |
|
Important Changes to Accessing Funding for the National Award for SEN Co-ordination
There are important changes in the way the DfE will be funding places for the mandatory training for SENCos new to role. Schools / SENCos will need to apply online (likely to be on the 18th May) and places will be allocated on a first come first served bases. More
Monday 14th May 2012 |
A Flying Start in English: Looking at Year 6-7 Transition - 22nd May 2012
This course is aimed at teachers in both phases and aims to explore how to focus on certain key skills in
reading, writing, speaking and listening, alongside effective strategies for improving pupils’ development of
them in order to give them a flying start. Book online
Monday 14th May 2012 |
A Big Bang Call to Hertfordshire Schools
The Big Bang Eastern Fair will take place on 4 July 2012 at the Imperial War Museum Duxford and SETPOINT Hertfordshire is inviting all secondary schools in Hertfordshire to take part. More
Monday 14th May 2012 |
New Headteachers Course - June/July 2012
Financial Services for Schools is delivering a two part New Headteachers' Course in June/July 2012. The aim of the course is to provide primary, special and nursery headteachers with an overview of school finances and budget management. More
Monday 14th May 2012 |
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month - June 2012
Are you ready for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month which takes place in June, giving everyone the chance to celebrate and raise awareness of the unique history and culture of Traveller communities? We can offer a fun filled interactive training session entitled 'My big fun Gypsy workshop'. More
Friday 11th May 2012 |
Walk to School Week 21st-25th May 2012
Walk to school resources will be sent out to schools week beginning 14th May 2012. Meanwhile enter the Living Streets competition to design a your own Walk to School banner and win a class worth of shoes! More
Thursday 10th May 2012 |
|
Viewing Energy Bills Online
Schools will be able to view their energy bills on line rather than the historic method of copying and posting the invoices to sites. The site is now live and schools will shortly be sent their user names and passwords. A user guide is now available to download. More
Thursday 10th May 2012 |
Latest Good Practice Case Studies
A varied selection of case studies have been published during March and April covering: Use of iPads, Netbooks and Kindle eReaders, Using Facebook for Communication & Promotion, Use of Edmodo ‘Social Learning Platform’,
International Schools Award and a Pupil Voice Conference. More
Wednesday 9th May 2012 |
eSafety Newsletter - Summer 2012
In this termly newsletter we focus
on engaging and promoting eSafety with Parents and Carers.
Appropriate sections can be added to your newsletters or school website to help raise awareness and support parents with keeping their children ‘Safe Online’. More
Wednesday 9th May 2012 |
Changes to QTS for Some Overseas Trained Teachers and FE Teachers with QTLS
Guidance on the changes to Qualified Teacher Status which came into effect from 1st April 2012 for teachers who qualified in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and further education teachers who have been awarded QTLS (Qualfied Teacher Learning and Skills) by the Institute for Learning (IfL). More
Tuesday 8th May 2012 |
|
New Biometrics Guidance for Schools
Schools using systems that store student biometric data now need to gain active consent before collecting biometric data for any new students/pupils. Schools considering the purchase of a biometric system will need to get active consent for each student / pupil before their data can be collected and stored. More
Tuesday 8th May 2012 |
|
LA Funding for Accredited SpLD Training
Teachers and Teaching Assistants (TAs) working in school can apply for funding for a range of accredited SpLD courses from a range of course providers. More
Tuesday 8th May 2012 |
TES Advertising - New Discounted Rate for Hertfordshire Schools
We have negotiated a new discounted rate for Hertfordshire schools that book via teachinherts.com. You will be dealing directly with the TES (rather than through TMP/Tribal the advertising agency), and you will be eligible for substantial discounts and no production charges.
This is achievable by Hertfordshire schools working together to increase buying power. More
Tuesday 8th May 2012 |
Herts County Show Olympic and Jubilee Art Competition - Deadline 11th May 2012
Has your school submitted its entries for the annual Herts County Show school competition to be in with a chance to win a class trip to Willows Farm and £150 cash? Winning pupils also receive a family ticket to the show which this year will be a colourful affair with a joint theme of the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Organisers have called it "Hertfordshire's biggest street party" More...
Friday 4th May 2012 |
Case Study: Using iPads in Art to Create Work Inspired by David Hockney
In the Spring term of 2012 a group of able, gifted and talented students at Sandringham School in years 8 and 9 took part in a project where they used iPads to create artwork inspired by ‘paintings’ by David Hockney. Whilst this project was for a group of able, gifted and talented students, the teachers involved definitely feel there is great potential in using the iPads in art for all students. More...
Wednesday 2nd May 2012 |
|
Health & Well Being: Self Harm Guidance Alert
Hertfordshire Police have alerted Children's Services to a worrying website (www.tumblr.com). Please alert staff and highlight that this is NOT a supportive or informative website for children and young people. Practice guidance and the new Tools for Schools document has been produced to support schools on a range of emotional health and wellbeing issues. It includes a useful checklist for schools of 'when to worry'. More
Wednesday 2nd May 2012 |
|
Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire: Deadline extended to 9th May 2012
By now you should have received a letter inviting you to take part in the Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire. This questionnaire is an excellent tool for schools to use which provides data for an extensive range of health and wellbeing priorities. The data is particularly useful for the four key judgements of the new Ofsted framework. We hope that the benefits for the school will encourage you to participate in the survey. More
Monday 30th April 2012 |
Department for Health Initiative, Get Ready – Games4Life for Schools Launches in May
Aiming to inspire children and their families to get their active minutes everyday. Active minutes are the ones that really get our hearts pumping, helping us to feel good and strengthening our hearts and bones too. The Games4Life packs have lots of fantastic ideas for primary teachers and school children to harness the energy and excitement of summer 2012. More
Monday 30th April 2012 |
|
Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Newsletter - April 2012
The route the iconic Olympic Flame will take through Hertfordshire on the weekend of 7 and 8 July has been announced, providing the perfect opportunity for families, friends and communities to plan their celebrations. More
Monday 30th April 2012 |
|
Bristol Document Summaries - April 2012
The latest summaries are now available covering: Behaviour and Discipline in Schools;
Careers Guidance for Schools;
School Funding Reform;
Future of Statistics;
Subject progression from GCSE to AS Level;
Making a Mark;
Moving English Forward;
Review of Early Education and Childcare Qualifications and
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage More
Thursday 27th April 2012 |
Gifted and Talented Newsletter - Summer 2012
The latest local and national news for gifted and talented including deadlines for Dux awards (27th April) and summer schools funding (30th April). More
Thursday 27th April 2012 |
|
Staff Benefits - Ill Health Insurance and Financial Advice
A reminder about free financial planning seminars and drop in sessions about ill health insurance provided by Foresters Friendly Society available to all HCC staff, including those in schools. More
Monday 23rd April 2012 |
|
Caretaker Training Course 6th - 7th June 2012
We are arranging a fully BIC’s certified training course to be held at Sawbrigdeworth over two days for caretakers. More
Monday 23rd April 2012 |
|
Induction for New SENCos
This course (one twilight and two further days) is for colleagues new to the SENCo/INCo role. The course offers direction and practical ideas to support delegates in ensuring that all children and young people in their school make good progress. More
Thursday 19th April 2012 |
|
Small Schools Headteacher's Update: 30 May 2012
All small school heads are invited to the next meeting. Guest speakers will be addressing issues faced specifically by small schools and ways in which we can access support and address the future with confidence. Guest Speakers: Justin Donovan, Carole Bennett and Tracy Warner. More
Tuesday 16th April 2012 |
ALERT - Connexions-direct.com Website
We have recently identified that the main information website for the national support service for 13 - 19, Connexions Direct now redirects to an American site which has unsuitable information and links for young people. Please can you check everything in your School and remove any items that have this address on. More
Tuesday 16th April 2012 |
Data Collection Calendar - Summer 2012
The summer term data collection calendars which list both collections expected from schools and information planned to be provided to schools have been published. More
Friday 13th April 2012 |
Children's Services News - April 2012
Key news updates from Hertfordshire Children's Services, including Education and Early Intervention Services. View Newsletter
Thursday 12th April 2012 |
Community Games – National Rollout: Workshop 18th April 2012
Is your community celebrating the 2012 Olympics or the Jubiliee year? Why not arrange a Community Games event in your area to get into the Olympic spirit, or add a sporting element onto an event already being organised. To get you started attend the Workshop on 18 April 2012. More
Tuesday 10th April 2012 |
URGENT: School Web Site Hosting Renewals 2012-13
If you purchased website hosting for your school website last year and have not renewed with RM by the deadline of the 31st March 2012 or made alternative arrangements, you risk losing your school website. More
Tuesday 3rd April 2012 |
|
Bristol Document Summaries - March 2012
The latest summaries are now available covering:
The Impacts of High Stakes Testing on School Students and Their Families;
Early Entry to GCSE; Music in Schools: Wider Still, and Wider; Financial Education & the Curriculum; Cultural Education in England; Solving the Maths Problem; Implementing STEM Careers Strategy in Secondary Schools More
Tuesday 3rd April 2012 |
Inspection 2012 - SENCOs Are You Ready? - 23rd May 2012
A half day course examining the new Ofsted inspection arrangements which
came into place in January 2012, focussing specifically on the leadership
and management role of the SENCo/INCo. More
Monday 2nd April 2012 |
|
The New Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education - Briefing Events for Primary and Secondary Schools - 30th May 2012
There are new statutory requirements for RE in Hertfordshire schools from September 2012 and these briefings will enable delegates to gain a thorough understanding of the changes and the effect of these upon the learning outcomes and experiences of all pupils in the RE classroom. More
Monday 2nd April 2012 |
| |
