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Newsletter - Issue 8: Summer 2 (July 2023)
Welcome
Congratulations to both ECTs and mentors who have successfully completed the first ever national Early Career Framework Programme. We wish you all well as you move forwards in your careers.
The recent government review of the ECFP reveals interesting early findings. The overwhelming majority of ECTs feel well supported and Year 2 ECTs report that their second year has been crucial in growing their confidence levels in the classroom. The early data also indicates that ECT retention is higher than previous years. We’ve discussed, listened (and often agreed) with reservations about the programme and we are looking forward to implementing the changes that the ECFP review also acknowledges. Thank you for all your feedback - it is invaluable in improving the programme.
This edition focuses on AB and ECFP registration. There is important information about AB changes and Saffron AB training for schools. We hope as many of you involved in Statutory Induction can attend. Although retention is stronger than previous years, a surprisingly high percentage of ECTs change schools during induction. It reinforces how important mentoring and school leadership is in ensuring ECTs get the best possible start to their careers.
Wishing you a well-deserved summer break when it comes.
Doug Brechin, Director, Saffron Teaching School Hub
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 Registration for the Saffron Teaching School Hub Early Career Programme - opens w/c 3 July
How do I register my ECTs and mentors for the Saffron TS Hub Early Career Programme?
Registration for the Saffron TS Hub Early Career Programme is done via the DfE Online Service 'Manage Training for Early Career Teachers'.
Registration on the DfE Online Service for September 2023 ECTs and Mentors opens in the week commencing Monday 3rd July. The DfE will email schools in batches.
If schools have previously had ECTs, they will have an existing link to the DfE Online Service. If not, use this link: https://manage-training-for-early-career-teachers.education.gov.uk/
All emails from the DfE about the Online Service go to the school's nominated Induction Tutor. Please check that your nominated Induction Tutor is up-to-date on the DfE Online Service as soon as possible.
Induction Tutors will be able to register ECTs on the DfE Online Service from 3rd July. Please refrain from doing this before then. Induction Tutors should wait for email confirmation from the DfE before signing into the service.
Who do I choose for my Lead Provider and Delivery Partner?
As part of the DfE Registration process, you will be invited to choose a Lead Provider and Delivery Partner for your Early Career Programme. To register for the Saffron TS Hub programme, choose 'Education Development Trust' as the Lead Provider and 'Saffron Teaching School Hub' as the Delivery Partner.
Do I need to register separately with the Lead Provider?
If you are not currently using Education Development Trust (EDT) as your Lead Provider, you can register your interest with EDT on their website so that they can start to create a record for your school. Register your interest with EDT here.
If you have previously used EDT as your Lead Provider, you can skip this step.
Do I need to register separately with an Appropriate Body?
As part of the DfE Registration process, you will be asked to say which Appropriate Body you are using for statutory induction. Please note: this does not constitute registration with an Appropriate Body - you need to register with an Appropriate Body separately. To register with the Saffron Appropriate Body service, click here.
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 Changes to Appropriate Bodies
From September 2024, Teaching School Hubs will become the main provider of Appropriate Body services for Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction.
Local authorities will withdraw from their Appropriate Body role in 2 stages:
- From September 2023, they will not register any new ECTs
- From September 2024, they will stop operating as Appropriate Bodies
Schools who access Appropriate Body services through a local authority will need to make sure that from September 2023 they register all new ECTs with a Teaching School Hub Appropriate Body.
Schools are encouraged to choose their local Teaching School Hub for appropriate body services unless they have specific reasons to go elsewhere.
The statutory guidance on induction for early career teachers in England has more information.
If you have ECTs, you need to make sure that:
- Your school is registered with an appropriate body
- Your Induction Tutor, ECTs and mentors are registered with the DfE ‘Manage Training for Early Career Teachers’ service
- You have an Early Career PD Programme in place for your ECTs - you can find out more about the Saffron TS Hub programme here
Registering with Saffron Appropriate Body
To register with Saffron Appropriate Body, please visit our website. There is clear information here about this part of the registration process.
Saffron Appropriate Body training sessions
We are running online up front training for schools who register with Saffron Appropriate Body. There are sessions for Headteachers, established Induction Tutors, new Induction Tutors, ECTs and schools transferring from other ABs.
The training sessions start in July and will be repeated in September, so that everyone is familiar with the systems and processes.
Details of these sessions and links to book are here.
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Fully funded National Professional Qualifications with Saffron Teaching School Hub
 Applications for our October 2023 cohort are now OPEN.
Secure a fully funded place on your chosen NPQ programme by completing the two steps below:
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Register your NPQ choice with the DfE – this then secures your funding: Register your NPQ with the DfE
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Apply for your NPQ using our online form: NPQ Application Form
Closing date for NPQ applications: 11 September 2023
Not sure which NPQ is right for you? Find out more about our NPQ programmes here.
Find out about the positive impact an NPQ can have on your career here.
Funding for small schools
For each teacher or leader employed at a state-funded school and state-funded 16 to 19 organisation who started an NPQ in the 2023 to 2024 academic year, the following funding grant will apply:
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State-funded primary schools with 1 to 150 pupils will receive a grant payment of £800
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State-funded primary schools with more than 150 pupils will receive a grant payment of £200
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State-funded secondary schools and state-funded 16 to 19 educational settings with 1 to 600 pupils will receive a grant payment of £200
Facilitator opportunities
We are currently looking for NPQ facilitators to deliver our programmes in October 2023. If you are interested in joining our facilitation team, please complete our online Facilitator Application Form.
Find out more about the facilitator role here: NPQ Programme Facilitator Role
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Key dates - Saffron Early Career Programme
Training Dates
Please see below training dates for the early Autumn Term 2023 (registration for these training sessions will open in September):
| Training session for: |
Date(s): |
| January 22/23 Starting ECTs |
Tuesday 19th September 1-4pm, Online |
| April 22/23 Starting Mentors |
Tuesday 26th September 1-5pm, Online |
| April 22/23 Starting ECTs |
Thursday 28th September 1-5pm, Online |
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September 22/23 Starting ECTs
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Thursday 12th October, 9:30 to 1:30pm, Great Baddow High School
Tuesday 17th October, 9:30 to 1:30pm, Passmores Academy
Friday 20th October, 9:00 to 1:00pm, Saffron Walden County High School
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Other Training Information
New from September 2023 onwards, any new mentors will be asked to complete a 3-hour online induction at the start of their mentoring journey. They will be able to do this at a time of their choosing through the EDT platform.
New September 23/34 Starting ECT and Mentors will have Local Face to Face Training in November/Early December - dates and venues to be decided.
Milestone Dates
ECTs and Mentors should aim to complete the blocks to 100%, however the following is the minimum required to meet the milestone by 17th October 2023:
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January 2021/2022 starting ECT/Mentors: 50% Block 9&10, 10% Block 11
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January 2021/2022 starting ECT/Mentors (Extended Programme): 38% Block 4, 50% Block 5, 25% Block 6
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April 2021/2022 starting ECT/Mentors: 50% Block 7&8 and 10% Block 9
Milestones for the new September 2023 starting ECTs and Mentors are yet to be announced but will likely be in December 2023. All other cohorts have their next milestones in early December 2023 (those that began the programme in the 2022/2023 academic year).
Facilitator recruitment
We are looking to increase our pool of facilitators for our Early Career Programme. If you are interested, click on the link below to find out more about this role and how to apply:
Early Career Programme facilitator
Next ECF Milestone dates
If you have any queries about these milestone dates, contact our ECF Admin Lead Martin Green at mgreen@efspt.org.
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 | 01 Jul 2023 Teaching School Hubs have been asked by the DfE to take a strategic role in ITT from September 2023 which will include mapping school engagement in Initial Teacher Training and supporting ITT providers. There are also several changes which will impact on mentoring that schools need to be aware of. |
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 | 30 Jun 2023 In May, Teaching School Hubs in the Eastern Region hosted an online 'ITT into ECT' conference for primary and secondary trainee teachers moving into their ECT year. Resources from this event (slides and video recording) are now available to view on our website. |
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01 Jul 2023
The research tells us that professional development for teachers works – if it is well designed, carefully selected and robustly implemented. For busy teachers and practitioners, it needs to be worth the investment of time and energy. That is why it is so important to look at the evidence on...
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01 Jul 2023
Having been involved with continuous professional learning and development for teachers and schools for a number of years, I am committed to the use of research to inform practice but am always also acutely aware of how this can become something that can be viewed as a ‘luxury’ or...
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CPD from the Saffron Teaching School Hub
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Subject Forums - registration now open for 2023-24
 Developing strong subject expertise in teachers is one of the key factors in ensuring pupils’ success. Our Subject Forums will allow you to look at the latest research in your subject area and to explore how you can incorporate this into your classroom practice.
Subject Forums are delivered in partnership with three Teaching School Hubs in the Eastern Region (Alpha, Chafford Hundred and Saffron) and with the Curriculum Hubs.
These remote sessions are designed to provide teachers with subject specific insights into evidence informed practice as a starting point to further reflection, professional learning and development of greater expertise.
Overview
- Our online Subject Forums are for all staff at all stages of their careers.
- The Subject Forums will give staff the opportunity to look at the latest research in their subject area and consider how they can incorporate this into their practice.
- The registration fee allows a school to add any teacher onto the Subject Forums during the year.
- Once schools have signed up, each school will be sent additional information for them to share with their staff, so their teachers can sign up for individual sessions.
For further information about Subject Forums, including a link to register your school/trust, visit our Subject Forums page here.
Subject Forums launch event - Tuesday 19 September
A launch event for the Subject Forums will take place on Zoom on Tuesday 19 September 4:00-4:45pm.
This event is for schools who have registered for the Subject Forums, or who have not yet registered but would like to find out more.
To register for this launch event, click here.
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Saffron Teaching School Hub CPD Leads Network
Are you looking to connect with fellow CPD leads, share best practice, and keep up to date with the latest evidence?
The Saffron Teaching School Hub CPD Leads Network is a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to driving educational excellence in Essex. This peer-led network of primary and secondary leaders meets online once a term, often with guest speakers from the world of education.
- Connect: Network with inspiring teachers from both primary and secondary schools across the county. Share your experiences, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships with colleagues who share your passion for education.
- Discover: Explore a wealth of ideas to enhance your pedagogical approach and bring fresh inspiration to your school CPD programme. Learn about how your school can access DfE funded ‘Golden Thread’ CPD for your staff.
- Collaborate: Unlock the power of collaboration! Together, we can create a thriving CPD community across Essex.
- Grow: Continuous professional development is at the heart of our network. Benefit from a range of experiences and evidence designed to expand your knowledge and empower you to excel in your role.
The dates and times of our 2023-24 CPD Leads Network meetings are:
- Wednesday 18 October 2023 (4pm - 5pm)
- Tuesday 5 March 2024 (4pm - 5pm)
- Thursday 2 May 2024 (4pm - 5pm)
To join our CPD Leads Network and receive invitations to these termly online meetings, click here.
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CPD from the Curriculum Hubs
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Science Learning Partnerships - changes from September 2023
Currently:
From September 2023 this will change as follows:
For more information about which Curriculum Hubs cover the Local Authority Districts in the Saffron Teaching School Hub area, click here.
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 Science Learning Partnership - Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
* From September 2023, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Science Learning Partnership will cover the Saffron TS Hub areas of Braintree and Uttlesford
Health & Safety for Trainees and Early Career Teachers
- 3 remote sessions: 27 September, 11 October and 1 November, all 4-5pm
- Cashback subsidies available
- For more information and to book click here.
Getting to Grips with A Level Physics
4 face-to-face sessions (9:30am - 4:00pm) on the following dates:
- 21 September
- 22 September
- 16 October
- 17 October
Venue: Sir Harry Smith Community College, PE7 1XB
PLUS 2 x Physics in Maths webinars included - on 27 September and 11 October (both 4:15 - 5:45pm).
Cashback subsidies available.
For more information and to book click here or download the course flyer here.
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 Science Learning Partnership - East & North Herts, Essex, Beds & Milton Keynes
* From September 2023, the East & North Herts, Essex, Beds & Milton Keynes Science Learning Partnership will cover the Saffron TS Hub areas of Epping Forest, Harlow and Chelmsford
Science Subject Knowledge Enhancement School package
- Course dates: package of courses running throughout 2023-24
- Phase: Secondary
- Venue: Online and face-to-face
- *£50 subsidy available* for eligible schools. Contact stem@herts.ac.uk to find out if your school is eligible.
For more information and to book click here or download the course flyer here.
Primary STEM conference - Making Connections
- Date: 3 November 2023, 09:00-15:15
- Phase: Primary
- Venue: University of Hertfordshire
- *£50 subsidy available* for eligible schools. Contact stem@herts.ac.uk to find out if your school is eligible.
For more information and to book click here.
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 Computing Hub - London, Herts & Essex
BBC micro:bit the next gen
BBC micro:bit the next gen is a new partnership between BBC Education, The Micro:bit Educational Foundation and Nominet. Made possible by Nominet’s support, the partnership will donate a set of 30 micro:bits to every primary school across the UK that registers to receive them.
Our Computing Hub can offer an Introduction to microbit course with a teacher modelled lesson as part of your CPD. For further information please contact teachcomputing@swchs.net
Summer of Computing
 Are you ready to make this the Summer of Computing and supercharge your computer science knowledge and pedagogy?
The National Centre for Computing Education is excited about what they have in store over the next few months to help you maximize your professional development and get ahead for September. Fire up your computer, free your imagination and join them for a summer of learning!
For more details click here: Join us for a summer of computing
For further information on how the Computing Hub can help your school, please email TeachComputing@swchs.net or visit our page here.
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 New Vision English Hub
Showcase Event - 16 November 2023
Come to Elmhurst Primary School on 16 November 2023 to find out how you can access ongoing support and funding of up to £6,000 for your school. During the morning you will have the chance to observe phonics teaching at Elmhurst, receive free CPD on early language development and reading for pleasure and plan next steps for your school.
This event is open to Headteachers, Reading Leaders and Senior Leaders in EYFS and KS1. Up to two members of staff can attend a Showcase. If your school achieved less than 82% in the 2023 Phonics Screening Check, then we are able to reimburse £160 to offset the cost of cover and travel. Headteacher attendance is compulsory in order to claim for cover costs.
For a flyer and sign up link, click here.
 2023-24 Phonics Reading Leader Network
The Phonics Reading Leader Network is a nine session remote course, focused on the fundamentals of running and teaching a phonic programme effectively. It is not programme specific and participants can choose to attend sessions which are most applicable to their training need.
Participants will develop their pedagogical understanding of the generic principles underlying SSP programmes, understand how and when to use decodable texts in a phonics lesson, review strategies to boost the progress of the lowest 20% of pupils and share phonic expertise with local colleagues.
Sessions are 45 minutes long and will focus on topics such as: effective intervention for the lowest 20%, blending in Reception and engaging parental support.
For a flyer and sign up link, click here.
You can find out more about the New Vision English Hub here.
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 Matrix Maths Hub
Primary Teaching for Mastery - Development
Be part of the continuing programme to develop teaching for mastery in primary schools
Two teachers from each participating school can join a Work Group, consisting of six or seven local primary schools. Work Groups meet regularly to plan, observe and discuss teaching for mastery. Support is provided from a local classroom-based Mastery Specialist who leads the group.
The Work Groups are fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme, so are free to participating schools.
We have a few places left to join our Primary Developing Mastery Work Group in September 2023. For more information contact Kirsty at kirsty.pettinger@matrixmathshub.co.uk or visit https://matrixmathshub.co.uk/primary-teaching-for-mastery-development-application-2023-24/
Secondary Teaching for Mastery - Development
Professional development to enable you to introduce teaching for mastery across your maths department
Secondary maths teachers can nominate two teachers (Mastery Advocates) to join a Work Group. Mastery Advocates then form part of a locally-based group of teachers who meet regularly to develop professional knowledge and expertise, and receive bespoke support.
In a Teaching for Mastery Work Group, teachers collaborate with colleagues from local schools, and get support and guidance from a Local Leader of Maths Education (LLME).
The Work Groups are fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme, so are free to participating schools.
For more information, visit https://matrixmathshub.co.uk/secondary-teaching-for-mastery-development-application-2022-23-copy/
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 Venn Essex Maths Hub
 Click on the link below to view our 2023-24 CPD offer:
Venn Essex Maths Hub 2023-24 CPD catalogue
For more information about the Venn Essex Maths Hub, click here.
If you have any questions about any of our programmes, contact Kelly at:
kelly@vennessexmathshub.co.uk.
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CPD from Saffron Teaching School Hub partners
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Click on each course title for more information | |
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For more information about CPD courses run by Saffron Teaching School Hub, our partners, and the Curriculum Hubs in our area, visit our Continuing Professional Development page.
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Find out more about the Saffron TS Hub
Visit our website www.saffronteachingschoolhub.net
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