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Newsletter – Summer Term 2026
Welcome to the Summer Term edition of the Saffron Teaching School Hub newsletter.
Early Years is central to this edition of our newsletter. I’m delighted that the REACHout Early Years Stronger Practice Hub has contributed an article rich in guidance, training videos and webinars, as well as networking opportunities.
You can also find out how to register colleagues for our next cohort of NPQ programmes starting in Autumn 2026. NPQ Senior Leadership and NPQ Early Years Leadership are now fully funded in addition to the NPQ Headship and NPQ SENCO programmes.
As you would expect at this time of year, this edition provides guidance on how to register ECTs starting in September 2026 – on the DfE 'Register Early Career Teachers' service, for an Early Career Training Programme, and with an Appropriate Body. These are separate steps, so please read this information carefully.
I hope you have a lovely summer break when it arrives.
Doug Brechin, Director, Saffron Teaching School Hub
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The REACHout Early Years Stronger Practice Hub
The REACHout Early Years Stronger Practice Hub (based at The Barn Nursery School in Greenstead Green) supports early years educators to improve outcomes for children aged 0–5 across the EYFS.
Funded by the Department for Education as part of the Best Start in Life Strategy, Stronger Practice Hubs focus on key areas including personal, social and emotional development, communication and language, and maths. There are 18 Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs – by September 2026, this will increase to 36 hubs across the UK.
REACHout offers a wide range of fully funded support, including support for Leaders, Managers, SEND, Baby Room and Childminder Networks.
 Educators can also access a comprehensive catalogue of training videos on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@REACHoutSPH
Our friendly, experienced team – who themselves work in early years settings – also provide bespoke advice, alongside face-to-face conferences and events, helping practitioners deliver high-quality early education and care.
Jess Allen, Strategic Lead of the REACHout Hub, says: "We feel so privileged to lead our hub. Building collaborative networks for Early Years Educators is so important, and we are passionate about sharing good practice and being a port of call for advice, support and CPD."
One setting who has engaged with us said: "The REACHout Hub has provided phenomenal support and the highest quality of training, CPD and connection since opening. To be honest, I can’t envisage a world where we don’t have that now. I have learnt so much, above and beyond the basic courses available online and locally, and have improved my practice because of this. I received an Outstanding Ofsted grading in August and my inspector was blown away by what the hub had offered us – woodworking, process art, ACEs training, etc. I now have such a strong network of other providers in my phone who have come together via the hub.”
Upcoming events include:
- A series of Leadership webinars in June and July with Jenny Wediner which will cover having difficult conversations and taking staff with you on the journey in early years settings
- Our next Behaviour webinar on 16 June at 7pm on PDA (Pervasive Desire for Autonomy – previously known as Pathological Demand Avoidance) with our Neurodivergence expert Becky Frewin
- Our next SEND Network meeting on 29 June at 4:30pm
For details of all the training and support we offer:
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National Professional Qualifications
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 Register NOW for NPQ programmes starting in Autumn 2026
Registration is now open for NPQ programmes with Saffron Teaching School Hub starting in Autumn 2026 (Cohort 6).
👉 To register for your NPQ, please complete this form:
Saffron NPQ Registration Form – Autumn 2026
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.
** Funding for NPQs – Autumn 2026 **
The Department for Education has confirmed funding for NPQ programmes starting in Autumn 2026 (Cohort 6):
GOV.UK | Funding for National Professional Qualifications
The following four NPQ programmes will be fully funded for all eligible schools and settings:
Read more about NPQ funding for Autumn 2026 here:
Leadership Growth for All: NPQ Cohort 6 Funding Announcement
Talk to us about your professional development plans – contact Kerrie McGivern kerriemcgivern@saffron.academy or Erica Carver ecarver@saffron.academy.
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Registering ECTs for September 2026
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DfE Register Early Career Teachers
Registration for ECTs starting in September 2026 will soon be open on the DfE Register Early Career Teachers portal. DfE will contact schools about ECT registration from 15 June onwards.
Guidance on how to register ECTs is available on the DfE Register Early Career Teachers portal.
Appropriate Body and Early Career Training Programme
As well as registering with the DfE, schools must also register their ECTs with an Appropriate Body and for an Early Career Training Programme.
To register ECTs with Saffron Appropriate Body and on Saffron Teaching School Hub's Early Career Training Programme:
If you have any questions, please contact a member of our ECTE team:
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Get involved in ITT – Host a Trainee Teacher (2026/27)
The DfE is asking schools to register their interest in hosting trainee teacher placements via the Find Placement Schools service. It takes just a few minutes:
- Sign in using your DfE Sign-In credentials
- Record your interest
- Add brief details (e.g. phase/subject)
Early responses help training providers plan placements effectively. This is not a commitment – just a way to signal interest.
👉 Please register as soon as possible and support the next generation of teachers. For support, email find.placementschools@education.gov.uk.
ITT into ECT Conference 2026
 On Tuesday 19 May 2026, the Eastern Region Teaching School Hubs hosted their annual online ITT into ECT conference for primary and secondary trainee teachers moving into their ECT year in September 2026.
Read about the conference and access the conference slides:
Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) in Action
Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) is a central component of the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) framework. It is designed to bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice by focusing on specific aspects of teaching through structured observation, expert input, reflection and deliberate practice. Grounded in the ITT Core Content Framework (CCF), ITaPs enable trainee teachers to develop high-impact, evidence-informed techniques.
This year, RA Butler Infant & Junior Schools have hosted two ITaP days as part of the CTSN SCITT programme, focusing on Questioning and Use of Scaffolds.
Read more here:
For Initial Teacher Training enquiries, contact Kerrie McGivern kerriemcgivern@saffron.academy
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 | 16 Jun 2026 There's something genuinely exciting about a funding offer that doesn't just open doors – it flings them wide open. That's exactly what the DfE has done with the National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) for Cohort 6, starting in November 2026. There is real depth in thi... |
.jpeg) | 16 Jun 2026 This term has seen another highly successful series of Early Career Training Programme events across the region, bringing together ECTs and mentors for high-quality professional development that continues to make a real difference in classrooms. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with the va... |
.png) | 15 Jun 2026 Latest updates from the Essex Research School – including Not Just the Answer: Why Mathematical Talk Matters, Meet the Team, and More Than a Score – Rethinking Assessment in Primary Maths. |
.png) | 12 Jun 2026 Tony Towler is an established Induction Tutor and Lead on Teaching & Learning and Assessment. Here, Tony shares his experience as an Induction Tutor and the key aspects to ensuring a successful induction for ECTs that is embedded within the school culture. |
 | 11 Jun 2026 Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) is a central component of the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) framework. It is designed to bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice by focusing on specific aspects of teaching through structured observation, expert input, reflection and deliberate pr... |
.png) | 10 Jun 2026 Saffron Teaching School Hub was proud to be part of this year’s Stepping Up: ITT into ECT annual conference in May, delivered as part of the Eastern Region Teaching School Hubs' programme for Initial Teacher Training.Bringing together over 100 participants from across the region... |
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05 Jun 2026
Time and resources for teacher professional development are limited, yet we all know that the impact of effective professional learning can be highly significant. A range of approaches have been championed – but how do schools select the right one?
To help schools answer that question...
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01 Jun 2026
Starting school is a significant milestone for children and families. The quality of transition arrangements shapes children’s early experiences of education and can impact their perceptions of school for years to come. The Department for Education's document Getting children ready fo...
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15 May 2026
The government recently unveiled its vision for the next decade of education in the white paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving. For those of us working in schools, it signals a shift from a “narrow” to a “broad” vision of childhood, aiming to ensure...
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07 May 2026
Some years ago, metacognition was not something we explicitly talked about as a staff. It was not a shared language, a pedagogical focus or a feature of professional development. Since then, we have followed a careful implementation process to support a shift in how we...
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27 Apr 2026
Managing children’s access to screens is an area that many parents and carers find challenging. New advice on screen time for young children published in March 2026 provides accessible guidance which has been developed with input from parents and a panel of paediatric experts to supp...
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Wider Professional Development
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 REACHout Early Years Stronger Practice Hub
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.
SEND Network meeting – Monday 29 June 2026
Join our monthly online network for all Early Years educators responsible for SEND – a safe, supportive space to share challenges, explore evidence-informed approaches, and connect with others across the East of England.
Next meeting: Monday 29 June 4:30-5:00pm
Register here: SEND Network Meeting | Stronger Practice Hubs
Summer term webinars & events
- A series of Leadership webinars in June and July with Jenny Wediner which will cover having difficult conversations and taking staff with you on the journey in early years settings
- Behaviour webinar on 16 June at 7pm on PDA (Pervasive Desire for Autonomy – previously known as Pathological Demand Avoidance) with our Neurodivergence expert Becky Frewin
- A full list of summer term webinars and events can be found here
Best Start in Life Conference – Saturday 27 June 2026
A one-day conference with inspiring keynote speakers and workshops, on themes including:
- Quality interactions
- Writing in continuous provision
- Outdoor environments
- Parental engagement
Venue: Southend Civic Centre, SS2 6ER
Sign up: Southend Conference – Best Start in Life | Stronger Practice Hubs
Website: https://www.strongerpracticehubs.org.uk/hubs/ee/reachout-eysph-ee
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 Early Years and SEND PD resources
Visit the Saffron Teaching School Hub website for details of Early Years and SEND professional development resources:
SEND PD resources
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 RISE: East of England
The RISE Universal Offer provides CPD opportunities to schools across the East of England.
View the DfE RISE East of England page and see all offers here: RISE school improvement resources: East of England
East of England RISE Networks
Three Universal RISE networks are taking place across the East of England:
These networks provide CPD opportunities which are DfE-funded, so there is no charge to schools.
Reception Year Showcases for Primary Schools
The East of England RISE Disadvantage Network hosted a number of events in the spring term to showcase effective practice in Reception Year. These showcase events were free to attend and took place across the East of England region. Each showcase covered 2-3 areas of practice.
👉 If your school is interested in either hosting or attending a future showcase event, please register your interest using the links below:
If you have any questions, contact Mark Lambell: mlambell@meridiantrust.co.uk.
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RISE Reception Quality Webinar Series
The national RISE Reception Webinar programme for summer 2026 will focus on EYFS profile assessment, transitions into Reception, and preparing high quality Reception provision, offering practical, evidence-based support aligned with recent guidance.
There are two upcoming webinars in June:
- Setting up for Reception success ahead of September – 17 June at 4pm
- Supporting smooth transitions into Reception – 24 June at 4pm
There will be an opportunity to share your feedback at the end of each session, as well as to provide suggestions on future webinar topics you would like to see.
👉 Register for these webinars here: RISE Reception Quality Webinar Series
Previous webinars from the autumn term can be accessed here.
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DfE-approved CPD and support
Visit the Saffron Teaching School Hub website for details of CPD programmes, resources and support from, or endorsed by, the Department for Education (DfE):
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 Essex Research School
Free PD Event: More Than a Score – Rethinking Assessment in Primary Maths
📅 Monday 6 July 2026
🕓 4:00–5:00 PM
💻 Online
How can we move beyond marking answers as simply right or wrong?
This free session led by Elizabeth Millane, NCETM Primary Maths Mastery Specialist and Accredited PD Lead, explores how observation and listening can transform assessment in KS1 Maths.
Building on our Clips from the Classroom resource Beyond Right and Wrong, the session focuses on how understanding pupils’ thinking, not just their answers, can shape more responsive teaching.
You’ll explore how teachers can:
✅ Use assessment to uncover what pupils know, don’t yet know, and why
✅ Adapt teaching in real time
✅ Address misconceptions earlier and more effectively
✅ Strengthen planning, modelling and task design
This session is ideal for primary teachers and leaders looking to refine assessment practice and deepen mathematical understanding.
👉 Find out more and book your place here
Are you subscribed?
Sign up for Essex Research School’s half-termly newsletter here. This will let you know of any new blog updates as well as upcoming events and resources published by the EEF and wider Research School Network.
Website: https://researchschool.org.uk/essex
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 Greater Essex Music Hub
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
2026-27 Schools Offer
The Greater Essex Music Hub Schools Offer 2026-2027 is now live for booking. Schools can book instrumental, vocal, curriculum music and live events. They can also explore provision that is available and suitable for their key stage and pupils’ needs. There are also case study videos showing how schools are implementing and benefiting from high-quality music.
Schools’ Music Curriculum Conference – 9 July 2026
Essex, Southend and Thurrock schools are invited to the Greater Essex Music Hub Conference on Thursday 9 July at Hylands House. Meet Music Hub partners, explore practical music ideas, and attend targeted SEND, primary and secondary sessions. Delegates can choose from workshops on composing, singing and music technology, with plenty of opportunities to network with colleagues across the county.
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 New Vision English Hub
Key Stage Three Reading Support to schools in North East London and Essex
 New Vision English Hub is one of 34 English Hubs nationwide funded by the Department for Education to support schools to improve reading outcomes for their pupils.
New Vision English Hub will work with secondary schools to strengthen their KS3 reading provision. The focus will be upon pupils in need of support to read accurately and fluently across all subjects.
Schools will receive:
- An in-school audit of their reading provision
- An opportunity to receive up to 6 days of bespoke Literacy Specialist support
 DfE funding for training and resources- Access to free training and CPD
Please see this flyer with further details about how to self-refer.
👉 We will also be running a series of short remote briefings in June and July to give more information about our secondary school support offer – please see this flyer for dates and times.
2026-27 Training
New Vision English Hub is thrilled to announce a range of fully funded training opportunities launching next year for schools in North East London and Essex. Designed to empower educators and inspire learners, our upcoming packages include:
- Reading for Pleasure: Transforming Your School's Reading Culture (TSRC): evidence-based leadership CPD for primary English Leads.
- Supporting Early Language Development: building strong communication foundations.
- Reading Leader Workshops: the fundamentals of running and teaching a phonic programme effectively.
- Reading Ambition for All: teaching phonics to children who need the most support, including those with SEND.
- Teacher Reading Group: Reading for Pleasure – pedagogy and practice.
Places on these courses are limited – express your interest to secure your spot.
Website: https://newvisionenglishhub.co.uk/
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 Matrix Maths Hub
Professional Development Opportunities for 2026/27
The Matrix Maths Hub offers Subject Knowledge courses for maths teachers and teaching assistants in Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Post-16 phases, including fully funded training specifically for Early Career Teachers.
 If you're looking to enrol in one of our courses for 2026-27, please visit our website, browse our Work Group pages and scroll to the bottom to fill out an Expression of Interest form for the ones you might like to join. We will then notify you when bookings are open.
Please do take a look as we have an exciting range of Work Groups in the pipeline for next year with something for everyone, whether you're a maths specialist or non-specialist. Also watch this space for our new 2026/27 catalogue (coming soon!).
Summer Term highlights – don't miss out!
Primary Teaching for Mastery 'Introductory' Work Group: bookings are now open for this fabulous two-year programme for Primary schools that wish to develop a Teaching for Mastery approach in Maths. For more information and to apply please visit our web page HERE.
Online Support Briefings for Secondary SLTs – FINAL SESSIONS FRIDAY 19 JUNE: we have just two 20-minute sessions remaining on 19 June for Secondary Maths SLTs. Please join us at 11am or 2:15pm to find out how the Matrix Maths Hub can support you with current school priorities and national expectations. To find out more and book your place, please CLICK HERE.
 NEW Level 3 Leadership Community – FIRST MEETING TUESDAY 23 JUNE, 4-5pm: we warmly invite Secondary Heads of Department and KS5 Coordinators to join this exciting new forum for sharing strategic approaches, strengthening curriculum planning and supporting sustainable development of Level 3 provision. Please see our flyer for more details and SIGN UP HERE to attend our first meeting on Tuesday 23 June.
Post-16 GCSE / FSQ Mastery Specialist Programme – APPLICATION DEADLINE THURSDAY 25 JUNE: if you teach GCSE Maths resit and/or Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQs) you are ideally placed to apply for this two-year professional development programme. For further details and an application form, please visit the NCETM web page HERE.
Website: https://matrixmathshub.co.uk/
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 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!
Book your conference tickets HERE.
Click on the image below to download the conference flyer.
For our full range of opportunities, visit https://vennessexmathshub.co.uk/
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 Saffron Music Live!
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.
- Near You: performances in local arts venues.
- In School: the opportunity for schools to have artists visiting their school to give interactive performances in the school building.
Aurora Orchestra – Symphonic Sounds (for KS3, 4 & 5)
Thursday 2 July 2026, Saffron Hall (CB11 4ER)
Experience an orchestra from the inside in a special performance by one of the world’s most exciting orchestras.
Aurora Orchestra’s Symphonic Sounds concert places students at the centre of the action. With musicians performing from memory and positioned all around the space, Mozart’s powerful Jupiter Symphony is brought to life in an immersive, high-impact way.
Through live performance and moments of audience participation, students sharpen their listening skills and gain a deeper understanding of how orchestral music works — thrilling, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Find out more and book your school into this free concert here.
In-School Concerts – 2026-27
Saffron Music Live will bring an exciting range of diverse musicians to primary schools across Essex throughout the 26/27 year.
These interactive performances last 45-60 minutes, with offers for both Key Stages 1 and 2. Performances are designed to take place in your school hall or equivalent and will accommodate whole year groups or key stages as your space allows.
For more details see here: https://www.saffronhall.com/take-part/in-school
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 The MaternityTeacher PaternityTeacher Project
Cradle to Classroom programme 2025-26
 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 Classroom programme 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.
Upcoming Cradle to Classroom programme events:
Cradle to Classroom information event for leaders working in schools – 23 June 2026
Join the MTPT Project on Tuesday 23 June 09:00-09:30 to learn more about the Cradle to Classroom programme of parental transition support for next academic year. We will share:
- An outline of the programmes available
- The impact of the programmes so far
- How these programmes align with the focus on retention in the DfE's recent White Paper
- Information about funded and paid access
- How colleagues can sign up to the programmes
- Dates and times of all programmes
Sign up to receive joining details (or a recording of the session if you cannot make it live) here.
Website: https://www.mtpt.org.uk/
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Find out more about Saffron Teaching School Hub
Visit our website www.saffronteachingschoolhub.net
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Contact us
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