For Action

The Common Assessment Framework and Lead Professional role are central to the Every Child Matters implementation agenda. They will enable all making provision to children and young people to share information, identify need and solutions for vulnerable children, young people and their families.

All secondary schools have staff who have now completed the day training course and Barnet is implementing the Common Assessment Framework / Lead Professional from 2 January 2007 for all young people of secondary age. Secondary schools who would like more staff to attend training days may book staff on the dates below.

From 1 April 2007 all children and young people will be within the remit of the Common Assessment Framework. Therefore, all primary schools should arrange for appropriate staff to attend the multi-agency training day this term.

Dates available are:

19, 26 January
20, 23 February
1, 8, 9, 23 March

To book a place contact Angela Amedo at angela.amedo@barnet.gov.uk , telephone 020 8359 6393 or fax 0870 889 7445.

Graham Durham
Assistant Chief Education Officer
Standards and Inclusion
Telephone: 020 8359 7702

For Action

All primary schools, special schools and Pupil Referral Units have a statutory duty to have in place a Disability Equality Scheme by 3 December 2007.

To assist schools three briefing sessions on developing a scheme will be held this term as follows:

Thursday 15 March	4.00pm-6.00pm	NLBP, Building 5
Tuesday 27 March	4.30pm-6.30pm	Avenue House, East End Road, N3
Thursday 29 March	4.30pm-6.30pm	NLBP, Building 5

To book a place at these briefings please e-mail barbara.suleyman@barnet.gov.uk If you have any queries please contact Graham Durham on 020 8359 7702.

Graham Durham
Assistant Chief Education Officer
Standards and Inclusion

For Information

The SEN Contingency Panel met on 16 January. Please see the attached spreadsheet for a summary of the results which can also be seen on the BGfL Schools Funding and Finance website www.funding.barnet.lgfl.net

Carol Beckman
Schools Funding Manager

For Information

National Healthy Schools Status

Mathilda Marks-Kennedy Primary School has recently achieved National Healthy Schools status.

Secondary School Achievement and Attainment Tables

Jim Knight, Minister of State for Schools, has written to The Compton and Oak Lodge Schools to congratulate them on their achievements as top performing schools at Key Stage 4 in the 2006 Achievement and Attainment Tables.

The Compton is amongst the top performing schools based on sustained improvement in 5+ A*-C GCSEs (and equivalent) including English and maths GCSEs.

Oak Lodge is amongst the top performing schools based on the KS2-4 Contextual Value Added measure.

"Barnet: This was a well staffed service. Among the consequences of that were

• high take up of performance opportunities at junior and infant music festivals and frequent and regular out-of-Borough performances by the senior ensembles;
• the introduction of African music workshops in schools and music centres;
• a growing proportion of  schools participating in Whole Class Instrumental and Vocal Tuition (WCVIT) projects;
• generous provision, in terms of numbers and variety, of instruments for pupils to play and receive tuition on.

Also praiseworthy, was a significant financial commitment to minority instrument scholarships."

For Information

Thames Water has lifted the hosepipe and sprinkler ban in force across its supply region since April 2006. The ban ceased to be effective from 8am on Thursday 18 January.

The decision, taken in consultation with the Environment Agency, follows four months of above-average rainfall (September to December), which have eased immediate concerns about water resources following the record drought that began in November 2004.

Thames Water customers responded very positively to appeals to use water wisely, leading to a fall in demand of as much as ten per cent, even at the peak of the heat wave in July. Thames Water remains extremely grateful for their help.

Combined with the hosepipe ban, it helped ensure essential supplies were maintained throughout last year, despite the two previous very dry winters.

However, everyone does need to continue to keep saving water wherever they can. Even under normal rainfall conditions, the pressure on water resources is great, with London receiving less rainfall than Rome, Dallas or Istanbul. Population growth and climate change add to the need to use water wisely. Please contact Tony Denton if you would like more information. 

Tony Denton
Local / Regional Government Liaison Manager
Thames Water
Telephone: 07747 641 213

For Information

Further summaries have been placed on the BGfL website:-

• Effective Provision for Gifted and Talented Children in Primary
  Summary of DfES & National Academy for Gifted & Talented Youth Guidance - Ref. DfES-04072-2006, October 2006
• 2020 Vision: Report of the Teaching and Learning in 2020 Review Group
  Summary of DfES publication, Ref. DfES-04255-2006, January 2007
• Government Response to Paul Roberts's Report on Nurturing Creativity in Young People
  Summary of DfES/DCMS publication, January 2007
• Points of Information No. 111
  - New school Admissions Code - DfES
  - Language Review - DfES
  - Are You Ready for Inspection? Guide to Inspections of Childcare & Nursery Education - Ofsted
  - Framework for the Inspection of Independent Schools - Ofsted
  - The Five Year Strategy for Children & Learners: Maintaining The Excellent Progress - DfES
  - Advanced Skills Teachers: Promoting Excellence - DfES
  - The Children Act 1989: 2004 and 2005 - DfES
  - What To Do If You're Worried About A Child Being Abused - DfES

For Information

Get Physical
Teachers TV has teamed up with the Youth Sport Trust and the Association of Physical Education to produce a range of programmes to help teachers create interesting and engaging PE lessons. Further details can be found at:-
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/news/?id=1228

• Flyer re: Half Term Meeting for Overseas Trained Teachers
  All Schools 

  A flyer detailing the half term meeting for overseas trained teachers at Middlesex University, Trent Park, on Wednesday 14 February 2007. Please click on the above link for further details.

• NLSIN Newsletter Winter 2006/07
  All Schools (On BGFL and hard copy in School Bag) 

  The winter 2006/07 issue of the North London Schools International Network newsletter. Please click on the above link and see enclosure in the school bag for further details.

• Poster re: Thinking About Becoming a Teacher?
  All Schools (Not on BGFL: Hard copy in School Bag)
  Response required by: 26 January 

  A poster detailing a taster course for people interested in teaching secondary shortage subjects. The course takes place from 26 February to 2 March 2007. The closing date for applications is Friday 26 January 2007. Please see enclosure in the school bag for further details.

• Educational Visits Guide 2007
  All Schools (Not on BGFL: Hard copy in School Bag) 

  A guide to educational visits in the UK. Please see enclosure in the school bag for further details.

• CLEAPSS Spring Bulletin 2007
  All Secondary Schools (Not on BGFL: Hard copy in School Bag)
  

  The Spring 2007 issue of the CLEAPSS bulletin for all technicians and teachers of science and design & technology. 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