For Information
 
From Monday 24 September Barnet Grid for Learning will have a new look. The website address will stay the same: www.barnet.lgfl.net

Following consultation with schools, the Children's Service has worked hard to ensure that all of the information on the new Barnet Grid for Learning is easy to find and as up-to-date as possible. 

• The homepage has been redesigned to be accessible in a more intuitive way and to ensure that users can be kept informed of updates which are particularly relevant to you.
• A help section will be available on the new look site that talks you through how to find the information that you are looking for and use the new site.
• New sections will be added to the site as the year progresses so if you are unable to find what you are looking for let us know and we will work quickly to provide you with the information that you require.

Some schools may need to update their bookmarks and favourites lists within their web browser. Simply visit www.barnet.lgfl.net on or after the 24 September and add the new look site to your favourites list.

Please find your Barnet Grid for Learning notepad in this weeks' School Bag and we look forward to welcoming you to the new site. I would like to thank all those who have worked on developing the new site.
 
Martin Baker
Deputy Director

For Action - Book your place now!

Inspirational ICT - Wednesday 14 November 2007
The Conference Area, Building 2, North London Business Park

Tim Rylands will be our major contributor. Tim, a Primary school teacher for over 20 years, has always maintained that in order to gain experience you need to do it. In order to do it you need to want to do it!

Tim has been described as an "extremely gifted and inspirational teacher, with a love of the creative potential of technology, who has an excellent rapport with his pupils." (Becta). Tim has gained most notable recognition for using games to inspire children's creative confidence in many areas of the curriculum including creative writing, speaking and listening, music and art.

There will also be Marcus Orlowsky as the opening speaker. Marcus is in demand as a public speaker, known for his enthusiasm, innovative thinking, and ability to both enlighten and entertain. Marcus is passionate about helping the world of education create better learning environments where young people can set out on their journey to achieving their goals. As usual a prize draw will be held at the end of the conference.

Book your free place at www.ictconference.barnet.lgfl.net . For further information please contact John Schmitz on 020 8359 7273 or at john.schmitz@barnet.gov.uk

John Schmitz
ICT Strategy Officer

For Information

Following the integration of Education and Children & Families into the Children's Service, from September 2007 the responsibility for dealing with allegations against all staff in Barnet's children's workforce will be centralised in the Safeguarding Division. Liz Shaw (Conference and Review Team Manager) will be taking over the roles previously carried out by Soola Georgiou and Alison Dawes in respect of allegations against school and education staff.

Should schools receive an allegation against a staff member from September 2007 they should consult Liz Shaw on 0208 359 4489. In her absence cover arrangements will always be in place to ensure you have access to advice. Liz will assist you in determining the threshold issues relating to the allegation, ie potentially a crime, child protection, standards matter or a complaint and she will advise you on whether a formal referral needs to be made and how this will be handled.

Procedures relating to allegations against staff can be found in the London Child Protection Procedures. The Safeguarding Division will be developing this service further with the appointment of further specialist staff. There will be training events organised for school staff provisionally planned for the Autumn Term covering recent changes in government guidance, expectations in respect of allegations against staff and associated HR/safer recruitment issues. In the meantime if you have any queries please contact Liz Shaw. 

Liz Shaw
Conference and Review Team Manager, Safeguarding Division

For Action - Response required by: 10 October 2007

Requests are invited for funding from the SEN Contingency Panel. The panel will be meeting on 18 October to distribute additional SEN funding to schools who feel they have a child with exceptional and unforeseen need which is not met by existing SEN funding streams. Funding will only be given for the current financial year (2007/08) and will not given for a child whose level of need was known before the school's 2007/08 budget was agreed.

If you wish to apply please complete the attached application form and send it, together with brief supporting evidence if necessary, to Sarrosh Ali in the School Funding Team. Please ensure that your application is received by 10 October as time is needed for the information to be collated and passed to the panel members before the meeting. You can also download the application form directly from our website - the following link will take you straight there: SEN Contingency Fund

If you would be interested in sitting on the SEN Contingency Panel, Sarrosh would be very pleased to hear from you. At present we are particularly looking for a secondary head for 18 October, but as heads who put in an application cannot sit on the panel, we are always looking for substitutes from all sectors. The second meeting of the year will be held on 22 January 2008.

Carol Beckman
School Funding Manager

For Action

All teachers trained outside the EEA who do not already have QTS must gain QTS within four years of starting to teach in the UK. All teachers without QTS are strongly recommended to attend an information meeting to be held on Wednesday 26 September 2007 at Middlesex University, Trent Park campus, at 4.30pm. A flyer is included in the enclosures section of this week's School Circular.

Gill Paling
Professional Standards Officer

For Action - Response required by Friday 19 October 2007

As part of the newly launched Clean Borough Strategy, Barnet Council invites your school to take part in the exciting Anti-litterbug Competition for primary schools throughout the borough.

The Anti-litterbug Competition is a great opportunity for young people to learn more about taking pride in their surroundings and helping to keep their environment litter-free.

Tutor groups, year groups or whole schools can work on the collage conveying the anti-litterbug message. We encourage your students to get creative and look forward to lots of interesting entries. Collages can focus on litter hazards, the negative effect of unclean streets or any other litter-related subject.

The winning collage will be exhibited in local libraries. Because of this, collages must be of a suitable size to fit onto the display boards - 84cm high and either 59cm, 118cm, or 177cm long.

For more information about prizes, entry requirements or deadline details, please contact Beth Stewart on 020 8359 7441 or at beth.stewart@barnet.gov.uk

Beth Stewart
Waste and Sustainability Officer

For Action

You may already be aware of this imaginative scheme, now in its 18th year, which is open to young people between the ages of 11 and 25, living, working or studying in the London Borough of Barnet.

The Trustees are keen to see more applications from young people who have not previously had the opportunity to travel abroad or experience horizon broadening activities in the UK or overseas. Young adults are encouraged to take advantage of new opportunities to camp, climb, sail and go on adventurous trips. Applications are most welcome from youngsters seeking to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, undertake physically challenging expeditions, take part in projects which include community service or teach overseas. School trips of an adventurous nature taken during school holidays will be considered; trips undertaken as part of the curriculum do not come within the criteria. The Trustees are particularly keen that funds should reach young people from low income families. The maximum contribution to any individual is £750 in total.

In previous years the Fund has been undersubscribed and the Trustees would like more young people to benefit from the opportunity to enhance their personal and social development. Mariane Klinger is keen to meet with the appropriate contact in your school to discuss means of targeting pupils interested in applying to the fund. Please contact Mariane on 020 8359 2096 or at mariane.klinger@barnet.gov.uk with any queries or to receive application packs for interested pupils. A poster advertising the fund can be found in the enclosures section of this week's Circular.

Mariane M Klinger
Grants Unit

For Action

This preventative programme to support pupils' emotional well being and mental health is based on positive psychology. It was piloted in Barnet in the last academic year and, following some promising results, training in the programme is being offered to schools again this year. The Department for Children, Schools and Families is also currently evaluating the Penn Program.

Further information about the programme and how to apply is included in the enclosures section.

Catherine Kelly
Senior Educational Psychologist

For Information

Please find in the enclosures section of this week's Circular an update on the national and local developments in gifted and talented whole school provision. The National Strategies Gifted and Talented Programme aims to:

• Improve opportunities and outcomes for G&T pupils by improving and 'personalising' mainstream provision
• Emphasis on 'quality first' teaching rather than extra-curricular enrichment activities.

Barnet LA will be working with schools and key national and regional partners to ensure that all schools have access to a trained leading teacher for G&T education. The leading teacher for G&T provision will play a key role in strengthening self-evaluation and improve provision at whole-school and classroom level.

Wendy Hulme
Gifted and Talented Strand Coordinator/Ethnic Minority Achievement Consultant

For Action - Response required by Monday 1 October 2007

Barnet will be organising a Teachers' International Professional Development Study Visit (TIPD) next Easter, under the theme - Creativity. TIPD enables teachers to learn from and contribute to educational ideas and best practice in schools throughout the world, helping to support teachers in raising standards of teaching and learning in both England and abroad. Such visits also aim to create valuable international links between schools facilitating international school partnerships and information sharing on a global level - in line with the new DfES International Strategy for Education.

You will find full details and guidelines for TIPD in the enclosures section of this week's Circular. Nominations should be sent to Anne Roots, Manager, NLSIN, 1st Floor, Building 2, North London Business Park
Oakleigh Road South, London N11 1NP, Tel: 020 8359 7798  Fax: 0870 889 6799 or nlsin@barnet.gov.uk by Monday 1 October 2007

Mick Quigley
Principal Inspector (Support and Development)

For Information

Please find in the enclosures section of this week's School Circular a consultation document on a school organisation proposal to add a nursery at Underhill Infant School. The council will consider all comments and observations made in writing and received by Monday 5 November 2007. Any comments or observations should be made to Mr D Clark at School Organisation & Admissions Manager, Building 4 North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London N11 1NP or david.clark@barnet.gov.uk

David Clark
School Organisation & Admissions Manager

For Information

Church Farm, the oldest surviving house in Hendon, now offers innovative 360-degree panoramic views of its 19th Century kitchen, dining room and laundry room- unique in Greater London. The views include 'hot-spots' which bring significant objects into close-up, with background information about them. Visit www.churchfarmhousemuseum.co.uk.

The tour is suitable for History KS2, and is an ideal preparation for either a school visit to the Museum, or one of the Museum's free outreach sessions on Victorian home life at your school. The tour will also be helpful to groups with mobility problems, who may find access to the Museum in person difficult. For details of any of the Museum's services for schools, please ring 0208 359 3942.

A leaflet about the tour is enclosed in this week's School Bag. The tour may also be accessed via:
www.barnet.gov.uk/general-information-museums-galleries and
www.panoramicmuseum.com/churchfarmhouse.php

Museum Curator
Gerrard Roots

For Information

DCSF
Term time holidays
The Government has urged parents to avoid taking their children on holiday during term time, after new research showed that more than 5.4 million school days were lost due to holidays during the Autumn 2006 and Spring 2007 terms.

Speech, language and communications review launched
A major review into the provision of services for children and young people with speech, language and communications needs has been launched.

Ofsted
Pupil referral Units
Ofsted survey of the best units identifies effective practice that can be the key to success.

Joy Court
Assistant Information & Communications Officer

• Letter re: Booktime Project
  All Primary Schools with Reception Classes
  

  A letter regarding the Booktime Project book pack to be delivered to schools in October. Please click on the above link for further details.

• Poster re: Apthorp Adventure Fund
  All Secondary Schools 
  

  A poster advertising the Apthorp Adventure Fund for young people aged 11 - 25 years. The fund provides opportunities for young people in Barnet to undertake adventurous and horizon broadening experiences by awarding grants of up to £500. Please click on the above link for further details.

• Letter re: Assessment Arrangements for KS1
• Letter re: Assessment Arrangements for KS2
• Letter re: Assessment Arrangements for KS3
  All Schools 
  

  Individual letters regarding the assessment arrangements for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 for 2007-08. Please click on the above links for further details.

• Application form re: SEN Contingency Panel
  All Schools 
  URGENT - Response required by: 10 October
  

  An application form for funding from the SEN Contingency Panel which meets on 18 October to distribute additional SEN funding to schools who feel they have a child with exceptional and unforeseen need which is not met by existing SEN funding streams. The deadline for applications is 10 October 2007. Please click on the above link for further details.

• Flyer re: Penn Prevention Program
  All Schools 
  

  A flyer giving information regarding the Penn Prevention Program. This is a preventative programme to support pupil's emotional well being and mental health is based on positive psychology. Please click on the above link for further details.

• Letter re: National Strategies Gifted and Talented Programme - Update
• Leading Teachers for Gifted and Talented Education FAQs
  All Schools 
  

  A letter regarding the update for the national Gifted and Talented Programme and frequently asked questions about the role of Lead Teachers. Please click on the above links for further details.

• Letter re: TIPD Study Visit - Easter 2008
• TIPD Study Visit Guidelines
  All Schools 
  URGENT - Response required by: 1 October
  

  A letter and guidelines for the Teachers' International Professional Development Programme (TIPD) study visit - Easter 2008. The deadline for applications is 1 October 2007. Please click on the above links for further details.

• Underhill Children's Centre - Statutory Consultation
  All Schools 
  Response required by: 5 November
  

  A consultation document on a school organisation proposal to add a nursery at Underhill Infant School. The council will consider all comments and observations made in writing and received by Monday 5 November 2007. Please click on the above link for further details.

• Flyer re: Somali Achievement Conference - 16 October
  All Schools 
  

  A flyer and return for the Raising the Achievement of Somali Pupils in Schools Conference on 16 October 2007 at Lambeth Town Hall SW2. Somali (and Afghan) pupils' achievement levels are the most 'adrift' from Barnet All Pupils at all stages. This conference is organised by Lambeth, which is also leading the Pan-London Somali Achievement project in which Barnet is participating. Please click on the above link for further details.

• Flyer re: Glimpse Local Victorian Home-life Online
  All Schools (Not on BGFL: Hard copy in School Bag)
  

  A flyer regarding Church Farmhouse Museum's innovative, interactive 360-degree panoramic views of its 19th Century kitchen, dining room and laundry room- unique in Greater London. Please see enclosure in the school bag for further details.

• Help at Hand
  All Schools (Not on BGFL: Hard copy in School Bag)
  

  A guide to Barnet's voluntary and community sector for extended sevices in and around schools. Please see enclosure in the school bag for further details.

• Flyer re: Teacher Learning Academy
  All Schools (Not on BGFL: Hard copy in School Bag) 

  A flyer and return advertising the two training sessions for supply teachers and those returning to teaching (with QTS). The sessions take place on 9 October and 27 November 2007 at NLBP. Please see enclosure in the school bag for further details.

• Barnet Grid for Learning Notepad
  All Schools (Not on BGFL: Hard copy in School Bag)
  

  A Barnet Grid for Learning notepad to mark the launch of the new look BGfL on 24 September 2007. Please see enclosure in the school bag for further details.

• Flyer re: Overseas Trained Teachers without QTS Meeting - 26 September
  All Schools 
  

  All teachers trained outside the EEA who do not already have QTS must gain QTS within four years of starting to teach in the UK. All teachers without QTS are strongly recommended to attend an information meeting to be held on Wednesday 26 September 2007 at Middlesex University, Trent Park campus, at 4.30pm. Please click on the above link 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