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Cambridgeshire Schools Newsletter

News

News from Wheatfields - English Challenge 2026

At the English Challenge heat there were six teams, including ourselves. There were three rounds: Book Characters, Spelling and Grammar, Basic Skills, as well as 'Extra Thinks' for bonus points! We worked well as a team, all playing to our strengths and checking our answers with each other. We really enjoyed the Book Character round. During the quiz, everyone had a break where the children had squash and biscuits, and the adults had some tea. At the end of the quiz we came second, and Thorndown came first. We wish that we could do this every year! Thank you to everyone who organised the event, and to our teachers and parents for supporting us.

Abigail, Philip, Chloe and Evie.

Reminder to complete DfE survey about the staffing and delivery of primary school breakfast clubs

The Open Innovation Team, based in government, is inviting primary school staff to complete an online survey on primary school breakfast clubs. This is a chance for school staff to share views on staffing for breakfast clubs, and to feed into policy design. All responses are anonymous, and no individual school will be identified. 

The survey is open to all primary school staff, whether you are involved in running a breakfast club or not. You can also sign up for focus groups and 1-1 interviews, but this is completely optional. 

The Open Innovation Team understands that January is a busy time, and is grateful for any feedback that you have time to give.  

They are particularly keen to hear from teaching assistants and other school support staff, so please share this with any team members who would be interested in sharing their views. Deadline for completion is 30 January 2026.  

FREE Young Driver Road Safety Workshops for sixth form students

The Vision Zero partners are working with PC AJ Boddington (Casualty Reduction Officer) to deliver free young driver workshops (16-18y) in Cambridgeshire secondary schools and colleges. 

These bespoke workshops introduce key safety messages to learner or new drivers licence holders, as well as supplement safer travel and school travel initiatives. 

The sessions are delivered in the form of a 1-hour in person talk, adapted to the cohort. To book a school visit and talk this term, contact PC AJ Boddington directly at adrian.Boddington@cambs.police.uk

County wide survey of PE and school sport provision (primary schools)

We are conducting an extensive 'state of the county' survey of Primary School PE. The findings will help inform the support that we have in place for schools going forward. There a lot of changes imminent nationally, and this can help us ensure that schools are ‘future proof’.

The survey is here - Please complete your response by March 1 2026 

Primary Physical Education Survey  – Fill in form

As a thankyou for completing this survey, schools will be given a complementary copy of either:

'Making Cross Country Running Fun' 

or
'A Practical Guide to keeping children safe around water' 

If you have any questions or need information about all things PE, please contact me:  

Ian Roberts – pe.adviser@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Parent guide to school complaints

Joint guidance, for parents, published by the DfE, Parentkind and Ofsted introduces five steps to making a complaint, warning the use of artificial intelligence or social media can “make matters worse”. This guide, available below, is designed to help parents to achieve resolution, whilst avoiding conflict:

Parent guide to school complaints

This may be a document to consider publishing on your website, alongside your school’s own complaints policy. 

Coming soon: Round 5 of Early Years Pseudo Dynamic Purchasing System (PDPS)

The PDPS is a register of Council-approved early years/childcare providers who are interested in operating from Council-owned premises. Anyone can apply to join. It is used to advertise opportunities where the contract is due to expire, or where a new setting is being established. Those who have not joined at the time opportunities are advertised are unable to apply.

Applications to join can be submitted between Monday 9th February – Friday 13th March 2026. For details about the process, and dates of virtual events which explain the process in more detail, visit Pseudo Dynamic Purchasing System (PDPS) - Learn Together (cambslearntogether.co.uk)

Early Support cut-off date for Reception children

If you have a child in Reception (who will be moving into Year 1 in September) that you would like to refer into Early Support, please note the cut-off date for submitting Early Support pathway requests is Friday 1 May 2026. 

In order to meet this cut-off date, the Early Help Assessment (EHA) needs to be triaged and authorised by the Early Help Hub before an Early Support pathway request can be submitted.  We would encourage you do this as soon as possible.

If you would like support with any aspect of completing an EHA please contact the Early Help Support Officers EarlyHelpSupportOfficer@Cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

If you are unable to meet the 1 May cut-off date or you have any queries about Early Support, please contact us in the first instance at early.support@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

Praise for Grafham Water Centre from Fen Drayton Primary School following fantastic team building day

“Our team building day at Grafham Water was fantastic. We were a small group with a real mix of ages and abilities, and the activities brought everyone together brilliantly. 

The climbing wall really showed how much we trusted and supported each other, with plenty of encouragement all round. That was followed by a fun and engaging ‘Murder Mystery’ archery game, which had everyone laughing, problem-solving, and getting involved. A great day- would highly recommend!”

Nina McQueen, Headteacher, Fen Drayton Primary School

Find out more about what Grafham Water Centre has to offer

Safer Corridors Action Toolkit 2026

Cambridgeshire PSHE Service have been funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner to update the Safer Corridors Action Toolkit (2021). In the review process, over 100 young people from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough schools have shared their views about sexism, sexual harassment and sexual assault in school. These views have guided the content and activity plans, which may be used in KS3/4/5 lessons or as part of whole school actions to prevent and address these topics.

The pack will be launched 18th March 2026 3.45-5pm By Teams

Do you have a TA/HLTA who is suitable to train to teach?

Unlock the potential of your existing staff with the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship, enabling them to gain QTS while continuing to work in your school. As an established ITT and Registered Apprenticeship Training Provider, The Cambridge Partnership offers a high‑quality, supportive route for TAs and HLTAs ready to progress into teaching.

Apprentices gradually increase classroom responsibility with structured mentoring, weekly training, Intensive Training and Practice weeks, and a six‑week contrasting placement. The programme runs July 2026–July 2027. Tuition fees for local authority maintained schools are fully funded through the CCC Apprenticeship Levy, with apprentices employed on UQT1 throughout. 

Contact TCP for more details: info@campartneship.org 01223 491630 www.campartnership.org

Free opportunities for sixth form students

MPCT Military Academies: Awards Ceremony and Open Day

An opportunity to meet the centre manager and hear from learners themselves about this opportunity for young people post GCSE and beyond.

Thursday 26 February, Cambridge ACF, Waterbeach, Cambridge

For more information contact Scott McLaren

Pathways to Property Insight Day (in conjunction with Henley Business School)

Free opportunity for year 12 students to attend insight day in Cambridge, hosted by Carter Jonas. Travel costs and lunch also covered. 

17 March 2026

Apply for a place here

Headteacher praises Life Education Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

A headteacher from a Cambridgeshire school had the following praise for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Life Education Centre's work on drug and health education:

‘The impact it has for our children is immense. For our children, it is like going on an educational visit every two years where they build on their learning from their previous visit. Our children from preschool through to year 6 are all captivated during their sessions and the learning that takes place is well worth the cost.’

The service's support is available to deliver and enhance your PSHE and science curriculum, with programmes from nursery to year 6 and sessions for parents/carers and governors.

For further information on Life Education Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, please contact Louise Augarde

Right to withdraw from Religious Education survey

There has been an increase in parents requesting their pupils to be withdrawn from all or part of Religious Education. Amanda Fitton, the RE Adviser for Cambridgeshire, is trying to ascertain how this is affecting Cambridgeshire schools and is asking all schools across Cambridgeshire to fill out a simple survey on this matter.

Please follow the link below to complete the survey:

Cambridgeshire Right to withdraw survey – Fill in form

If your school needs any advice on this matter, please contact Amanda Fitton

Free `Right to withdraw from Religious Education webinar'

Wednesday 4 March 2026, 4pm to 4.30pm, via Teams 

Free to all schools. This short webinar will look at the what the right to withdraw means and how to guide parents through withdrawing their children.

Booking and reservations for Religious Education Service

Free workshop: Lead Inclusion School for PE across Cambridgeshire

Martin Bacon Academy has been designated by the Youth Sport Trust (YST) as the lead School for inclusive PE across Cambridgeshire.

They will work to lead efforts to make PE and sport accessible for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by offering local events, training (CPD), and best practice guidance to other schools. This will be in collaboration with local partners such as the PE adviser and SGOs.

There is a Free workshop ‘Inclusive PE - Making PE accessible for all’

on 5 March 2026

Full details: Inclusive Physical Education

Ian Roberts - pe.adviser@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Evidence Bites #10 `All of Us, Every Day, Enacting the Pupil Premium Strategy'

All of Us, Every Day: Enacting the Pupil Premium Strategy', with Marc Rowland, national expert on improving outcomes for disadvantaged learners

Target Audience: Primary and Secondary Teachers, Headteachers, Senior Leadership, School Governors, anyone with an interest in schools/education.

Venue: Witchford Village College, Manor Road, Witchford, CB6 2JA

Tuesday 17 March 2026, 4.30 to 6.30pm

The East Cambs & Fenland Evidence Network invite you to join us for Evidence Bites #10 - an informal, professionally energising CPD event to gain valuable insights and discover practical strategies to apply in your school settings.

Meet local colleagues, enjoy a bite to eat and hear from an inspiring speaker.

 £16 a ticket or use the code MULTI for discount on extra tickets.

For more information, please contact: blayfield@robertarkenstall.co.uk

Pinpoint - Cambridgeshire's parent carers forum

Pinpoint is the local Parent Carer Forum and hub for information, signposting and events for all things SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). Navigating the landscape of SEND can be daunting for parents and carers - which is why making sure they have the right support is key to helping their child or young person thrive. 

Pinpoint is passionate about making sure parents feel informed, supported, and connected. The Pinpoint Tii Hubs offer monthly, online peer support - a space to meet other parents who truly understand the journey. Weekly, in-person Parent Connect sessions are also run across Cambridgeshire, giving families a warm welcome, a cuppa, and a chance to chat. And when it comes to expert knowledge, Pinpoint's information sessions offer trusted guidance from professionals who know what matters most. Together, it all adds up to support that’s consistent, compassionate, and completely free. 

For more information and how to book: Pinpoint Events

Small Pool Operators courses

Please find details of Swimming Pool Carer courses planned for Spring / Summer 2026

Two Day Small Pool Operators Course - 16th & 17th March at Grove Primary School, Cambridge

Two Day Small Pool Operators Course - 21st & 22nd April at Upwood Primary Academy, Nr Huntingdon

Small Pool Operators Update Seminar - 18th March at Grove Primary School, Cambridge

Small Pool Operators Update Seminar - 23rd April at Upwood Primary Academy, Nr Huntingdon

There is a mandatory  expectation for all schools that have their own swimming pool, there should be a nominated person who acts as pool operator/manager.

All Courses will be capped at 12 places - early booking is encouraged: book here

Ian Roberts – pe.adviser@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Ramadan advice

Ramadan this year begins on or around the 17 February 2026 and ends on or around 19 March 2026. Advice for schools is available on the Learn Together RE page or the SACRE website. For further advice please contact the RE adviser Amanda Fitton at amanda.fitton@cambridgshire.gov.uk. 

Pinpoint Annual Conference - Thursday 10 March 2026

The Pinpoint Annual Conference is a free, informative and supportive event bringing families and professionals together to share knowledge, insight and good practice. The conference is for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND, alongside the professionals who support them.

Thursday 10 March 2026 9.30am - 2.15pm at The Burgess Hall, Westwood Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 6WU 

Free to attend - booking required. 

The conference will feature expert speakers, practical information, and opportunities to connect with others who understand the SEND journey. 

Secure your spot here: Pinpoint Annual Conference – Pinpoint

Training and events

Training provider: CCC

SIS - Developing Practice in Maths for ECTs – Maths tab
For Early Career Teachers – Session 4: Effective marking and feedback. Thursday 12 February 2026 3.30pm until 5.30pm – Online. £55 per person for LA schools and £65 per person for Cambridgeshire academies or out of county schools or independent schools.

SIS - End of KS2 Writing Assessment – English Tab
For Year 6 teachers and English Subject Leaders – Wednesday 25 OR Thursday 26 February 2026. 1.30pm until 4.30pm – Over Community Centre. £85 per person for LA schools and £95 per person for Cambridgeshire academies or out of county schools or independent schools.

How to put on a production

10 March 2026 – 9.30am – 3.30pm
Venue: Papworth Village Hall, Papworth Everard. Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire Maintained Schools - £95
Academies, Out-of-County & Non -Maintained schools £110

Training for New or Inexperienced Physical Education Subject Leaders in Primary Schools
24 February 2026 - 1.30 - 3.15pm
Venue: Online (virtual course)
£49 for Cambridgeshire maintained schools
£54 for Cambridgeshire Academies and all Non-Cambs Schools

Supporting Physical Education for TAs & Adults Supporting Learning
26th February 2026 – 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Venue: Online (virtual course)
£49 for Cambridgeshire maintained schools
£54 for Cambridgeshire Academies and all Non-Cambs Schools

Inclusive PE - Making PE accessible for all children and young people
26th February 2026 – 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Venue: Martin Bacon Academy, Northstowe
Free for all schools and settings

Outdoor Adventurous Activities - Bringing Adventure to PE
12th March 2026 – 9.30pm - 4pm
Venue: Grafham Water Centre
Cambridgeshire Maintained Schools £140
Academies & Non-Cambridgeshire Maintained Schools £162

Critical Incidents and Martyn's Law (Book under Developing Leadership Courses Tab)
Audience: Headteachers, Senior Leaders, Business Managers
Friday 6 March 09.30-11.30
In person, Sunley House, Papworth, £70

Dealing with Challenging Parents (Book under Developing Leadership Courses Tab)
Audience: Headteachers and Senior Leaders who will receive a toolkit of resources and templates as part of the training.
Monday 16 March 13.00-14.30
Virtual course, £55

Critical Incidents and Martyn's Law (Book under Developing Leadership Courses Tab)
Audience: Headteachers, Senior Leaders, Business Managers
Wednesday 18 March 13.30-14.30 – a reduced version of the in person training
Virtual course, £35

RE and assessment
Tuesday 10 March 2026, 3.30- 5.00pm, online via Teams. £29 for LA schools and £39 for Academies. This course will look at what assessment and progression looks like in RE across a primary school.

Working as a Sustainable lead and embedding a climate action plan

For Early years, leaders, teachers and practitioners. Wednesday 24th February 2026, 13.30 – 14.30. Online. Members £7.20, Non-Members £12.

Supervisions in the EYFS

For those responsible for the supervision of practitioners in EYFS provision

Wednesday 25th February 2026, 16.00 – 18.00. Online. Members £14.40, Non-Members £24.

Early Years Briefing for Schools

For Early years foundation stage (EYFS) teachers, leaders, and senior leaders. Wednesday 11th March 2026, 15.30 – 17.15, Online or Thursday 12th March 2026, 13.30 – 16.00, Sunley House, Papworth Everard. Silver membership qualifies for one free place per term. Gold, and Platinum memberships qualify for two free places per term. Non-Members £45 (face to face) or £21 (online).

Reception SEND Surgeries
For Primary SENCos or EY teachers. An opportunity to discuss how to support emerging needs and get advice on next steps for children not yet on the Early Support Pathway. Various dates throughout the term. Via telephone. 30-minute slots. Free.

Resolving Conflicts at Playtimes for Midday Supervisors
11th February 2026, 11am-12pm. Online
Cambridgeshire Schools can attend for free. Schools from Peterborough and other counties may also attend. Cost £40 for Licence holders of the Primary Personal Development Programme, £55 for non-licence holders
Audience: Midday supervisors and any staff supporting children at lunchtimes

Drug & Alcohol Education in Primary & Special Schools
11th February 2026, 3.30pm-5.30pm
Cost £40 for Licence holders of the Primary Personal Development Programme, £55 for non-licence holders
Audience: PSHE teachers

Anti-bullying Briefing: Preventing and Responding to Bullying in Primary/Special Schools
25th February 2026, 3.45pm-5.15pm. Online
Cambridgeshire Schools (maintained & academy) can attend for free.
Schools from Peterborough and other counties may also attend. Cost: £40 for licence holders of the Primary Personal Development Programme, £55 for non-licence holders
Audience: Primary & Special School Leaders, PSHE Leaders, classroom teachers, support staff or governors

Secondary PSHE Leaders’ Network Meetings
16th March 2026, 3.45pm-4.45pm
Cambridgeshire Schools can attend for free. Schools from Peterborough and other counties may also attend. Cost £40 for Licence holders of the Primary Personal Development Programme, £55 for non-licence holders
Audience: Special & Secondary PSHE Leaders and other school leaders responsible for Personal Development, Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing and other such areas

Training provider: Cambridgeshire Music

Primary Network Meeting
For all staff delivering music to share ideas and meet fellow music leaders. Monday 9th March. 16:00-17:00 on Teams (Webinar). Free for survey participants.

Music Technology in the Primary Classroom Webinar
For all staff wanting to deliver music technology in the classroom. Thursday 19th March 16:00-17:00 on Teams (Webinar). £40 (£20 for survey participants)

Getting the Most Out of Your Instrument Trolley Webinar
For all staff delivering music and using instruments. Tuesday 19th May 2026. 16:00-17:00. £40 (or £20 when survey completed.)

Training provider: The ICT Service

Data Breaches: Mistakes and how to avoid them

Thursday 26 February 2026, 10.30 to 11.00am

Training provider: Diamond Education and Professional Learning

Maths Subject Lead Day
Primary Maths Subject Leads, 25th March 2026, 9:30 – 15:00
Face to Face Wintringham Primary, St Neots - £95

Moderating Y2 Teacher Assessment
Year 2 Teachers, 15th April 2026, 14:00 – 16:30
Face to Face Winhills Primary, St Neots - £60

Moderating Y6 Writing
Year 6 Teachers, 16th April 2026, 14:00 – 16:30
Face to Face Winhills Primary, St Neots - £60

Training provider: Science Learning East

Engaging science in year 3
For Primary Teachers. Wednesday 11th February, 15.30 – 17.00. Online webinar. £25

Cambridgeshire primary science leader network
Spring term meeting: Wednesday 11th February, 3.30 – 5.00. Online webinar. Summer term meeting: Tuesday 09th June, 1.30 – 3.30. @ Cambridge Science Centre. £50 to join the both meetings.

Quick links

SEND Information Hub (Local Offer)

SEND OAP toolkits - Learn Together

Cambridgeshire Learn Together

Cambridgeshire County Council

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Teaching School Hub

Early Years, Childcare, and School Readiness Service

Knowledge Hub

Cambridgeshire Schools Newsletter – Learn Together

Keeping in touch...

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