Welcome to the Spring Term edition of the Saffron Teaching School Hub newsletter.
The long-awaited White Paper is a key moment for schools. Colleagues can find a useful round-up of explainers and reactions here.
The White Paper highlights the key value of investment in high-quality staff, collaboration between schools and enabling innovation and ambition. We are delighted that colleagues and partners have contributed articles detailing how they are utilising the power of these themes within the ‘Golden Thread’ to enhance the work of their schools and trusts.
Early Years is a key focus of the government’s consultation. Our Spotlight on Evidence section this term focuses on Early Years, with articles including ‘The Children of the 2020s Study’, ‘Starting Reception’ and ‘Getting it right from the start’.
This edition also includes information on the RISE Networks in the East of England.
Wishing you a happy Easter and a well-deserved break when it arrives.
Doug Brechin, Director, Saffron Teaching School Hub
Strengthening Our System Together: Mark Farmer, CEO, Bridge Academy Trust
Mark Farmer, CEO, Bridge Academy Trust
Bridge Academy Trust continues to deepen its partnership with Saffron Teaching School Hub, working collectively to strengthen teacher development across the region.
This collaboration supports a seamless professional journey for educators - from Initial Teacher Training through to leadership development.
More than 90 Bridge Academy Trust colleagues have now engaged in NPQ programmes delivered by Saffron Teaching School Hub, helping to grow research-informed, empowered leaders across the trust.
Our shared work in Initial Teacher Training, through Mid Essex ITT, ensures new teachers enter the profession with high quality preparation and a consistent pathway into early career support and further development.
Through strategic involvement in the Saffron Teaching School Hub CEO Strategy Group and ongoing joint professional learning, this partnership continues to build capacity, expertise, and a connected workforce committed to delivering excellent education for every child.
We're now taking Expressions of Interest for our next NPQ cohort starting in Autumn 2026.
Complete our Autumn 2026 Expression of Interest form here.
With five Specialist and five Leadership programmes, there is scope for you to explore your passions – from Leading Behaviour & Culture or Leading Teacher Development to Executive Leadership.
On Tuesday 19 May 2026, the Eastern Region Teaching School Hubs will host their annual online ITT into ECT conference for primary and secondary trainee teachers moving into their ECT year in September 2026. The conference will provide valuable insights and support for this crucial career phase.
Information on how to register for this online conference will be available soon – details will be added to our website here. If you would like to be sent registration details for this conference when they become available, please complete this form.
Mentor Conference - AI in Education
On Tuesday 3 February, the Eastern Region Teaching School Hubs held their annual online conference for ITT and ECT mentors on the theme of AI: Ethics, Tools, and Practice. The conference brought together colleagues from Initial Teacher Training, Early Career support, and wider school leadership, creating a rich and collaborative professional learning environment.
If you have ECTs starting at your school and you would like to register them with Saffron Appropriate Body, find out how to do this at our AB page here.
Important:
An ECT cannot start their induction until they are registered with an Appropriate Body.
Saffron Appropriate Bodyruns a set of training sessions for Induction Tutors throughout the year to ensure they stay up to date with current guidance. All Induction Tutors are encouraged to attend these to ensure they can offer the best possible support to their ECTs.
Upcoming training sessions:
ECTE Annual Briefing, Wednesday 25 March 2:30-4:30pm: for all new Induction Tutors or for any that missed the September/January briefing.
Breakfast briefing, Thursday 26 March 8:00-8:15am: key messages for Induction Tutors.
“Writing quality assessments”, Wednesday 13 May 3:30-4:30pm: a training session focused on the requirements for the end of year assessments.
To book a place on these training sessions, see the session booking links in the document here.
Richard McIntosh, Headteacher at Baddow Hall Junior School, Chelmsford, is in the role of Induction Tutor for ECTs for the first time this academic year. Richard has been attending Appropriate Body briefings and training for Induction Tutors, as well as receiving a QA visit earlier this ye...
Saffron Teaching School Hub is proud to celebrate the achievements of our NPQ Leading Primary Maths (NPQLPM) programme members - this month shining a light on Jasmine Crawford, Assistant Headteacher and Maths Lead at Helena Romanes School.
This term, our Early Career Training Programme brought together ECTs and mentors from across the region. Through a rich combination of in-person and online sessions, participants engaged with evidence-informed strategies designed to strengthen classroom practice, build professional confidence...
This term our literacy priority has championed evidence-informed practice across schools, emphasising reading as a whole-school responsibility, developing disciplinary literacy in every subject, and innovating how spelling is taught in Key Stage 3.
The national Curriculum and Assessment Review has highlighted significant inequalities in access to music education. Music currently shows the widest disadvantage attainment gap of any GCSE subject. In 2024/25, 61% of the most disadvantaged schools entered no pupils for GCSE Music, compared with jus...
On 3 February 2026, over 80 mentors from across the Eastern Region joined our annual Mentor Conference, a dynamic virtual event exploring the theme of 'AI in Education: Ethics, Tools, and Practice'. The conference brought together colleagues from Initial Teacher Training, Early Car...
January was conference season at Saffron Teaching School Hub, with events taking place for our Cohort 4a SENCO, Early Years Leadership and Senior Leadership NPQ programmes. These conferences brought together a vibrant mix of teachers and leaders across all phases to deepen their...
Developing pupils’ metacognitive and self-regulatory capacity is still ranked among the most impactful evidence-informed teaching and learning strategies.
In the continually updated EEF Teaching and Learning Toolkit it is judged as ‘high impact... based on extensive evidence...
Commissioned by Ofsted in 2024 and published in 2025 to look specifically at practice with babies and toddlers, this research aimed to help address what was seen as a largely neglected area of Early Years research. This is particularly pertinent in the context of recent childcare reforms which have...
In January 2026, the Department for Education published its second summary of key findings from the Children of the 2020s (COT20s) study on the home learning environment at age 2, including screen time and digital media use.
This phase of the research was carried out by UCL - you can read th...
The Children of the 2020s (COT20s) study is a longitudinal national research study following the lives of children born in the 2020s over the course of their first five years.
The study has been commissioned and funded by the Department for Education (DfE). It is being led by University Col...
The Starting Reception website has been developed by a coalition of early years organisations, and is promoted by the Department for Education. It aims to support parents and educators with guidance and resources to help their children develop the essential skills needed for starting primary school...
Schools are well practised at working in challenging contexts and still achieving strong academic outcomes for their pupils. The question many of us continue to grapple with is how we sustain and deepen this success while meeting the needs of pupils with SEND, disadvantage, and a wide range of...
These networks provide CPD opportunities which are DfE-funded, so there is no charge to schools. See below for details of each network and the events they are running this term.
Reception Year Showcases for Primary Schools
The East of England RISE Network for Disadvantage is hosting Reception year showcases across the region during March 2026. The showcases provide an opportunity to observe successful classroom practice. The showcase structure is:
Pedagogy theory behind the practice
See it in practice
Reflection
Showcases are free to attend (max. 2 attendees per school) and will cover 2-3 areas of practice. For the full schedule of events and booking links, see here.
KS2 and KS4 Attainment Networks
The East of England RISE KS2 and KS4 Attainment Networks are running various events in March. See the links below for more details:
Join Susan Marbe (ELE, West Essex SCITT Director, DfE Quality Associate) for a focused session on Effective Questioning, grounded in EEF guidance on Metacognition and Teacher Feedback. Explore how deliberate questioning strengthens planning, monitoring, evaluation, and feedback. Gain practical, evidence-aligned strategies to deepen learning, avoid common pitfalls, and enhance classroom dialogue and self-regulation.
Three-part webinar series: Maximising the impact of the Pupil Premium
Essex Research School and Unity Research School are delighted to offer a free three-part webinar series focused on maximising the impact of the Pupil Premium.
Reviewing and improving the quality of participating schools’ pupil premium strategies will be a key theme throughout. Each session will explore practical strategies, leadership approaches, and evidence-informed practices to help schools make the most effective use of their Pupil Premium funding.
Part 1: Setting the Foundations – 11 March – 4:00-5:00pm
Part 2: Addressing Need and Disadvantage – 15 April – 4:00-5:00pm
Part 3: Engagement and Sustained Impact – 12 May – 4:00-5:00pm
Greater Essex Music Hub is a partnership of organisations which support and provide access to high quality music making for young people across Essex. We are funded by the Department of Education; our grant is administered by Arts Council England to create more opportunities for children and young people to get involved in music.
Essex Music Service (the Lead Organisation in Greater Essex Music Hub) promotes high quality music education across Essex schools both within the curriculum and through instrument and vocal teaching. We offer a range of services supporting schools to deliver high quality teaching and learning.
See our website for a full list of all upcoming CPD events, including training from our partners and music teacher networks for you to meet with other colleagues across the county.
Stay in touch with the latest news and support via our newsletters and our termly online music network meetings
Schools’ Music Curriculum Conference - 9 July 2026
All schools in Essex, Southend and Thurrock are invited to join the Greater Essex Music Hub on 9 July 2026 at Hylands House for a day exploring how all young people can receive the music education they so richly deserve.
There will be keynote speakers and designated Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND), primary and secondary sessions.
Opportunity to meet with Greater Essex Music Hub delivery partners and discuss your needs with your specific music service.
Delegates can choose from a selection of different sessions throughout the day, including workshops on composing, singing and music technology.
Saffron Music Live,a key partner in the Greater Essex Music Hub, is responsible for a programme of live music for schools, with the aim of enabling all young people to experience inspirational high quality performance, and to support music in schools more generally.
In School: the opportunity for schools to have artists visiting their school to give interactive performances in the school building.
Following previous schools concerts at Saffron Hall and Harlow Playhouse, we are delighted to bring saxophonist Jess Gillam and her ensemble back to Essex with a new performance for primary schools. This series of concerts will take us on a journey from the time of King Henry VIII through to the modern day – via pieces by Mozart, Duke Ellington and others – on the way exploring the Interrelated Dimensions of Music, and featuring lots of opportunities for participation.
Jess Gillam is a Brit Award-winning saxophonist whose first two albums both reached No. 1 in the UK Classical Music Charts. With The Jess Gillam Ensemble she has formed a band which includes strings, piano and percussion and performs music ranging from Bach to Bjork and Bowie. Jess is passionate about music education and the role of music in society.
Monday 20 April, 11:00am - Chelmsford Theatre -Book Now
Tuesday 21 April, 11:30am - Harlow Playhouse - Book Now
Monday 27 April, 11:30am - Southend Palace Theatre - Book Now
Wednesday 22 April, 11:30am - Braintree Institute - Book Now
New Vision English Hub
Who are the New Vision English Hub?
New Vision English Hub is based at Elmhurst Primary School in Newham. We are one of 34 English Hubs nationwide, funded by the Department for Education to support schools in achieving excellence in teaching reading and early language development.
We are passionate about reading and teaching all children to read fluently and for enjoyment.
We provide up to £6,000 of free funding and support to schools in North East London and Essex. View our flyer here to see which areas we cover and to complete a self-referral form.
English Hub Showcase - 18 March 2026
Join us for the New Vision English Hub Showcase Event at Elmhurst Primary School (E7 8JY) on Wednesday 18 March from 09:00-13:00 (lunch will be provided).
Discover how to choose and use phonics resources effectively
Find out how we have developed a Reading for Pleasure culture in our school
Begin writing an action plan to apply for funding and free bespoke support
Network with schools in your area
Following attendance at a Showcase, you will be invited to write an action plan to apply for funding and free support for your school. New Vision English Hub is able to offer up to £6,000 funding to schools, with outright funding available to schools who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Headteacher attendance is compulsory (maximum two attendees per school). The event is also open to Reading Leaders and Senior Leaders at schools in North East London and Essex.
Schools can claim £160 to offset cover costs for attending the Showcase.
Professional Development Opportunities for 2026/27
If you’re interested in becoming a Local Leader of Maths Education (LLME) for the Matrix Maths Hub, you can start your journey by participating in one or more of the NCETM’s centrally-run professional development programmes:
Primary Mastery Specialist Programme
Secondary Mastery Specialist Programme
Post-16 Mastery Specialist Programme
Professional Development Lead Programme
School Development Lead Programme
The deadline to apply for 2026/27 is 5pm on 23rd April 2026.
All programmes are fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so are free to participants and their schools.
For more information and to apply, please CLICK HERE.
Matrix Support Briefings for Secondary SLTs
From 13th-20th March we’re delighted to be running a series of 20 minute online briefings for Secondary senior leaders with responsibility for the teaching and learning or professional development of maths.
Each briefing will explore how high-quality, subject-specific professional learning in maths can contribute to current school priorities and national expectations.
To find out more and book your place, please CLICK HERE.
Primary Teaching for Mastery Breakfast Support Sessions
These sessions are perfect for Primary Headteachers who are either new to working with the Matrix Maths Hub and beginning to consider the Teaching for Mastery journey, or more established and further down the road.
Please come and join us from 09:30-10:30 at oneor both of our remaining sessions on 20th May and 11th June. To book your place, please CLICK HERE.
Our 2026/27 Work Groups and Programmes
Bookings for most of our 2025/26 Work Groups have now closed but it's not too early to register your interest for next year!
If you're looking to enrol in a Primary or Secondary Early Career Teachers Work Group or are considering one of our many other free courses for 2026/27, please complete an Expression of Interest form on our website so we can notify you when bookings are open.
To visit our website and browse our full range of Work Groups and Programmes, please CLICK HERE. Once you've chosen the course you might like to join next year, just scroll to the bottom of the page to find the corresponding Expression of Interest form.
Venn Essex Maths Hub
Summer Conference - 30 June 2026
Join us for an exciting event at the University of Essex in Colchester on Tuesday 30 June. This in-person conference will bring together educators passionate about enhancing their teaching skills. Discover innovative strategies, exchange ideas, and network with like-minded professionals. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights. We look forward to seeing you at Wivenhoe Park!
Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs provide advice, share good practice and offer evidence-based professional development for early years practitioners. The REACHout Early Years Stronger Practice Hub covers Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Peterborough, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.
We work in partnership with the DfE, The National Children’s Bureau, The Education Endowment Foundation and other Stronger Practice Hubs to improve outcomes for children across the EY sector.
For details of our other events, visit our website here.
Maths Champions - free Early Years Maths training
Join the Maths Champions programme - a fully funded, evidence-based professional development package designed by the National Day Nurseries Association.
Maths Champions is a 12-month online professional development programme with nine flexible steps, helping practitioners build confidence in and skills to support early maths in fun, meaningful ways. Cohorts start delivery in March, April, May and June 2026.
Click on the image for full details of the programme and express your interest here.
As part of a regional partnership in the East of England, Saffron Teaching School Hub is proud to be supporting The MTPT Project’s Cradle to Classroomprogramme of parental transition support throughout the academic year 2025-26.
The programme allows teachers, leaders and support staff working in state schools to access fully-funded group coaching and workshop support from the start of their parental leave all the way up to when their youngest child is 5 years old.
Register your interest for Autumn 2026
%201).jpeg)
.png)
.png)
The East of England RISE Network for Disadvantage is hosting 
Essex Research School
Greater Essex Music Hub
Saffron Music Live!
New Vision English Hub
New Vision English Hub is based at Elmhurst Primary School in Newham. We are one of 34 English Hubs nationwide, funded by the Department for Education to support schools in achieving excellence in teaching reading and early language development.
Matrix Maths Hub
Venn Essex Maths Hub
REACHout Early Years Stronger Practice Hub
The MaternityTeacher PaternityTeacher Project
As part of a regional partnership in the East of England, Saffron Teaching School Hub is proud to be supporting 