Welcome back after what I hope was a restful summer break.

Congratulations to you all on yet another great year for pupil progress and achievement in Barnet schools. Performance at the end of the Foundation Stage improved for the fifth year running. Key Stage1 and 2 results maintained the high levels compared to the national averages. GCSE and A level results also improved for the fifth year in a row. This sustained and improving performance is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of all staff working with children and young people in Barnet.

I would like to extend a special welcome to all our new Headteachers joining the Barnet family of schools. They are:
Catherine Allard (Acting) - Childs Hill
Alison Anscomb - Claremont
Leigh Carmichael - Frith Manor
Barbara Costa (Acting) - Our Lady of Lourdes
Joanna Smith (Acting) - St Paul's NW7 (until October 2011)
Anthony David - St Paul's NW7 (from October 2011)
Neil Enright - Queen Elizabeth's (Boys)
Jennifer Gaffney - Chalgrove
Maureen Kelly - St Theresa's
Catherine McMahon - Sacred Heart Primary
Lisa Meyer (Acting) - Sunnyfields
Giovanna Phelan - Livingstone
Val Phillips - Woodridge Primary

The coming year already looks to be one of great challenge and opportunity and I look forward to working in partnership with all schools to achieve the very best for children and young people in Barnet

Mick Quigley
Assistant Director 
Schools & Learning

For action by Primary Heads

In the enclosures section of this week's School Circular is a copy of the letter concerning the distribution of Secondary Transfer application information to parents / carers of Year 6 children. The information should be distributed to parents no later than Friday 9 September 2011.

For further information contact Liz Ferrie on 020 8359 7652 or at liz.ferrie@barnet.gov.uk

Liz Ferrie
Admissions Team Manager

For information and action

As you may be aware, the Government has announced a privately financed Priority School Building Programme to address the condition of school premises through complete or partial rebuilding. Barnet is considering the implications of the proposed privately financed scheme, both for individual schools and for the council, before deciding whether to submit a bid. There is limited funding available nationally and it is likely that any Barnet submission would be for a small number of schools in the worst condition. We will be holding a meeting on 19 September 2011 for those who feel that their school may be eligible and would be interested in pursuing a privately financed initiative.

Please see the enclosure for further details.

Val White
Assistant Director
Policy, Planning and Performance

For Action by Primary Heads

A Members scrutiny group is looking at secondary school place planning in the borough. As part of its work the group would like to hear the views of parents with children currently in Year 5, as they will be starting to think about which secondary school their child might wish to attend. Parents' views will be used to help inform secondary school place planning in the borough. As you will appreciate there are lots of factors to take into account when planning school places, including the funding available to the council and whether there is space to expand schools. Nevertheless, understanding parental preferences is an important part of place planning.

It would be much appreciated if you could use your school newsletters or other mechanisms to ensure that all parents with a child in Year 5 in your school receive the following link so that they can express their views via a short survey - www.surveymonkey.com/s/Q8SNBB3.  Not all parents may have access to the internet, so we have also attached a hard copy of the questionnaire in this week's enclosures section - please do make hard copies available to those who are unable to access the online survey. The deadline for completed online surveys is midnight on Sunday 25 September 2011. Much appreciated if you could return any paper responses in your school bag collection on Wednesday 21 September 2011 or if you do not have a school bag post to Kim Webster, Openness and Transparency Officer, Corporate Governance at London Borough of Barnet, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London N11 1NP. 

Elaine Tuck
Strategy and Planning Manager

For Information

The Agency Workers Regulations come into force on 1 October 2011.
Although the Regulations were passed in 2010 the Government deferred their implementation to October 2011 primarily to allow time for temporary work agencies to prepare and make changes necessary for compliance.

The Regulations will give agency workers certain rights from their first day of assignment and further rights after a twelve week qualifying period.
The regulations will cover all agency worker including supply teachers.

The Regulations will also place obligations on the employer that hires agency workers. In Foundation schools, Voluntary Aided Schools and Academies, the 'hirer' is the school's governing body. In community schools the 'hirer' will normally be the school's governing body but in certain circumstances could be the local authority. It is a matter of fact to be determined in each case and depends on to whom the worker is supplied and who supervises and directs that person's work.

I have attached further details and information about the changes, implications and action needed by employer. Failure to comply with the Regulations may lead to an employer becoming liable for an award of compensation made against it by an employment tribunal.

If you require any additional information about the Regulations and how they impact upon you then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Deborah Shaw
Schools Business Partner

For Information

The Early Years Training and Development Guide 2011/12 has now been published and is available on the Barnet Partnership for School Improvement website. Headteachers are asked to alert their Foundation Stage Co-ordinator to this publication as soon as possible as the first training course of the term is on 22 September 2011.  Applications for all courses can be made immediately. 

For further details please click on the Early Years Training and Development Guide link at the end of the School Circular in the Professional Development section.

Amelia Whitehouse and Carol De Rosa
Early Years Lead Officers

For Information

The revised arrangements for Monitoring and Challenge visits by the Local Authority have been discussed with Headteachers in a variety of forums. Attached, as an enclosure to this week's School Circular, is an item which will be in the termly Director's report to Governors. Please note the need to share your Monitoring and Challenge report annually.

If you have any queries please discuss them with your Learning Network Inspector.

Chris Brook
Learning Network Inspector

For Information

Background
The Multi-Agency Groups (MAGs) were created in September 2010 to trouble-shoot (Common Assessment Framework) CAF and pre-CAF cases that had become 'stuck'; to strengthen commitment between partner agencies regarding the use of the CAF to coordinate multi-agency work and to provide a strategic oversight of CAFs in each area. Unmet and emerging needs arising from cases are also logged at each MAG and the information used to inform future service planning.

Impact of the MAGs
A review of the MAG process was held after the first six months, and it was found that during this period, the MAGs had managed to get CAFs back on track in 63% of the cases. Similarly during the last six months up until this September, around 60% of cases presented to the MAG are now back on track or have been closed, with help of the MAG's intervention.

Changes to the MAGs as from September 2011
From September 2011, the MAGs will reduce from four (for each Learning Network area) down to two, which will mean combining two Learning Network Areas. This will be in line with the geographical divide used by the Youth Support Service, so combining South/East and West/Central. The two MAGs will meet on alternative months. South/East will be chaired by Barnet's Children's Service Deputy Director and West/Central by the Assistant Director for Children's Social Care.

The MAGs will continue to aim to resolve stuck CAFs and iron out professional differences. They will also continue to have an oversight of CAF activity in each area and to monitor emerging needs. However the creation of the new Family Focus Team (FFT) from September/October 2011, will mean that the MAGs will no longer deal with CAF cases where there is difficulty in agreeing a Lead Professional due to a family's multiple need, or due a family's unwillingness to engage, as practitioners will be able to refer these cases directly to the FFT via the CAF intake desk.

The reason for reducing the number of MAGs is in recognition that many previous MAG-type cases will now be able to be resolved by a direct referral to the above new team. Reducing the frequency of meetings will also mean better value for money in terms of the time and cost of bringing together senior managers from a wide range of agencies. Finally, it will free up time for the Multi-Agency Coordinators (MACs) to be able to actively promote the use of a newly revised and simplified CAF form across the local children's workforce and to drive up the number of CAFs being initiated, as well focus on the running of our enhanced early intervention intake system.

For further information about the MAGs and processes visit www.barnet.gov.uk/multi-agency-groups.

Michaela Carlowe
Multi-Agency Support Manager 

For Information

The new Standard
The DfE has now published the results of the consultation on this new Standard, which replaces the Financial Management Standard in Schools (FMSiS). It has been designed to assist schools in managing their finances and to give assurance that they have secure financial management in place.

The standard is a requirement for local authority maintained schools.  Governing bodies have formal responsibility for the financial management of their schools, and so the standard is primarily aimed at governors.  

The standard consists of 23 questions which governing bodies should formally discuss annually with the head teacher and senior staff. The questions are in four sections - The Governing Body and School Staff; Setting the Budget; Value for Money and Protecting Public Money. Positive answers to the questions need to be supported by evidence; negative responses require remedial action.   

The governing body may delegate the consideration of the questions to a Finance Committee, but a detailed report should be provided to the full governing body and the chair of governors must sign the completed form. The school must send a copy of the signed standard to their local authority's finance department.

What is the role of local authorities (LAs)?
Unlike FMSiS, the SVFS will not be externally assessed.  LAs should use schools' SFVS returns to inform their programme of financial assessment and audit.  LA auditors will have access to the standard, and when they conduct an audit can check whether the self-assessment is in line with their own judgement. 

Further information
The DfE website includes support notes for each question, which governing bodies can use if they wish. The notes provide clarification of the questions, examples of good practice and information on further support to assist schools in addressing specific issues.

Briefing sessions will be held for governors, headteachers and school finance staff during the autumn term 2011.  

Timetable and action required

• For all maintained schools, the first run through is required by 31 March 2013; and an annual review thereafter. Schools are recommended to complete the Standard and submit it in the autumn term each year.
• Schools are encouraged to undertake an exercise to complete the Standard during 2011/12 and submit their self assessment form to myself.

Nick Adams
Schools Finance Services Manager

For Information

I am inviting you to attend the Complex Needs Panel during the autumn, spring and summer terms 2011/12 as a participant and representative of Barnet Headteachers.

The panel meets on Friday mornings at 9am, term time only. An agenda and papers to be discussed will be sent to you on Wednesday preceding the panel.

It is very helpful to have a Headteacher input and assists the local authority in making equitable and consistent decisions. A SEN co-coordinator also attends the panel as an observer.

I would like to thank colleagues who have given up time to prepare for and attend the Complex Needs Panel in the past. We value your contribution and hope that you will volunteer again.

Please contact Caroline Crooke on 020 8359 7741 or caroline.crooke@barnet.gov.uk if you are interested and to organise a mutually convenient date.

Caroline Crooke
Tribunal and Complex Needs Panel Officer

For Information - Reminder

In issue 40 of the School Circular (Wednesday 20 July 2011) there was an article from Cllr Richard Cornelius regarding the tree planting scheme that is being co-ordinated to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

The council will provide a tree for all schools that wish to participate in the scheme, and advice on planting and aftercare will be provided by the council's Tree Officer. Schools can choose either a Black Mulberry tree or a Witch Hazel tree. The Black Mulberry is recommended if the tree is to be planted in a grassed area, while the Witch Hazel is better suited to a hard standing planting site.

If you are interested please send a response to lauren.burbidge@barnet.gov.uk  stating which tree you would prefer and what sort of ground the tree will be planted into, for example, grass, soil, paving, tarmac or concrete. This information is to help work out how long it will take to plant the tree and what equipment will be needed.

I would be very grateful if you could respond by Monday 12 September 2011.

Lauren Burbidge
School Business Officer

 For Information

It has recently come to Beko's attention that certain models of Beko frost-free fridge freezers may, in some circumstances, fail and overheat leading to a risk of fire. Please check if you are in possession of one of these products. The model's affected were manufactured between January 2000 and October 2006. These have a serial number that begins either 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 or 06. The manufacturer Beko is making a free of charge modification to all affected models. For further information please visit the Beko website and/or contact the manufacturer via it's helpline on 0800 009 49837.

Paul Kelly
Health and Safety Consultant

For Information

Join us in Championing Plants at the Olympics
With one year to go until the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, BGCI (Botanic Gardens Conservation International) and the Fairchild Challenge are delighted to invite you to participate in 'Plant Champions' an inspiring international competition that will showcase the importance of plants around the world.

Officially recognised by the London 2012 Olympic Inspire Programme, Plant Champions will engage students in researching their country's plant biodiversity and creating a botanical wreath fit for an Olympic athlete. Gardens will send their winning images to BGCI and these will be exhibited during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

An estimated nine million people are expected to visit London in 2012, between April and September. This offers the botanic garden world a unique opportunity to raise the profile of plants and highlight the importance of botanic gardens as excellent centres for environmental education. Join us in making this competition a success! To find more please visit www.bgci.org/education/fair2/.

Steve Marshall
Science Adviser Teacher

• a Survivors Speakers programme through which survivors to speak to schools at no charge (except for travel expenses). The impact our speakers have on students is remarkable and has so many contemporary resonances in terms of anti-racism and citizenship etc
• The Holocaust Explained:  On 25 January 2011, the London Jewish Cultural Centre launched a unique multi-media website called The Holocaust Explained, www.theholocaustexplained.org. Aimed at KS3 students (aged 11-14) and written in appropriate and accessible language, it offers young people impactful and comprehensive insights into The Holocaust, set in the wider context of European history. This student oriented site supports independent and reflective learning for KS3 students of all abilities. Interactive content is updated regularly and includes powerful survivor testimony videos, photos, timelines, maps, a full explanatory glossary and background insights to Jewish life and heritage. The fascinating materials are presented to suit homework, classroom or project-based learning. The user-friendly online Teachers' Pack and the site itself will give teachers the confidence to teach this important and sensitive topic, even non-specialist teachers of the Holocaust.
• The next phase of development is planned to go live in 2012 and will incorporate in-depth material for key stages 4 and 5.

For Information

The Ambition AXA Awards initiative is a biennial programme open to all 11-18 year-olds to nominate themselves for a mentoring package worth up to £40,000.

There are five categories: sport, arts, science, community and enterprise. A winner from each group will be presented with the award.

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts and celebrities, including Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder of Kids Company; business woman and Apprentice advisor Karren Brady; Alex James from Blur, Jason Bradbury from Channel 5's The Gadget Show; and the Olympic Gold Medallist Amy Williams.

This is a positive scheme and a good opportunity to encourage local young people to develop their talents.

Full information, together with details on how to enter, can be found at www.ambitionaxaawards.com. You can also contact Phil Hickley at phil.hickley@axa.co.uk.

Lauren Burbidge
School Business Officer 

• Letter to Primary school heads re Secondary Transfer 2012
• Secondary Transfer 2012 Timetable
• Letter to Parents / Carers of Year 6 Children re Secondary Transfer 2012
• Secondary Transfer 2012 - Change of Circumstances form
• Secondary Transfer 2012 - Open Evenings Timetable
• Secondary transfer 2012 application guide - Applying for a school place online (Not on BGfL: Hard copy in School Bag)
  Primary Schools
  Action required by: 9 september 2011

Information for schools and parents / carers of all Year 6 children regarding secondary transfer 2012. Please click on the above link for further details. 

• Briefing note re: Priority Schools Building Programme
  All schools
  Response required by: 19 September 2011

More detailed information about the Priority School Building Programme. Please click on the above link for further details. 

• Survey re: Year 5 parents on school preferences
  All Primary Schools
  Response required by: Wednesday 21 September 2011

• Invitation re: Schools Forum training
  All Schools
  Response required by: Monday 12 September 2011

An invitation to attend Schools Forum training on Tuesday 20 September 2011 and Monday 21 November 2011. Please click on the above link for further details.
 

• Letter re: Parent Partnership Choice Advice - Primary Schools
• Letter re: Parent Partnership Choice Advice - Secondary Schools
  All Schools

Choosing a secondary school is a very important decision for parents, and can be confusing. There is a lot to think about, decisions to make and forms to fill in. The Choice Advice Service is available to help parents understand the secondary transfer process and offer free and impartial advice and support. Please click on the above link for further details. 

• Form re: The Annual Review of A Statement of Special Educational Needs
  All Schools (Headteachers and SENCOs) 
  

  Please find attached a revised Annual Review form for you to complete following each child's annual review. This information together with all reports submitted for the Annual Review must be sent to the Local Authority within 10 working days of the Annual Review meeting. Please click on the above link for further details.

•  Factsheet re: The Holocaust explained
  All Schools

A factsheet containing further information around Holocaust education. Please click on the above link for further details.

• Flyer re: BASPCAN seminar - 6 September 2011
• Flyer re: BASPCAN seminar - 6 December 2011
  All Schools

  Flyers with information on the two future BASPCAN London Branch seminars to be held on 6 September 2011 and 6 December 2011. Full programmes and booking forms for both seminars are attached. Please click on the above link for further details. 

• Letter re: reception class vacancies 2011
  All Primary schools

Letter from the Deputy Director asking for you to notify us about all reception class vacancies that arise. Please click on the above link for further details. 

• Booklet re: Secondary Transfer arrangements for September 2012 for pupils with SEN
  All Primary Schools (Not on BGFL: Hard copy in School Bag)

A booklet with guidance for parents on Secondary Transfer arrangements for September 2012. Please see enclosure in the school bag for further details 

• Leaflets re: Hertfordshire outdoor education sites
  All Schools (Not on BGFL: Hard copy in School Bag)

In the school bags you will find an enveloped stock of leaflets for all of the Hertfordshire outdoor education sites. Please see enclosure in the school bag for further details.

Please click the relevant links below for all of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Flyers.

All CPD Flyers organised by Programme Strand

Primary CPD Flyers organised by Issue Date

Secondary CPD Flyers organised by Issue Date

Early Years' Training & Development Guides