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Cambridgeshire Schools Newsletter

New Education Case Management System update

Our collaboration with Ventured Solutions has been progressing smoothly, and we are close to establishing Group Call connections with the majority of schools, with just a few remaining. Your cooperation has been invaluable in reaching this milestone, and we thank you for your support.

Additionally, we have been diligently working on data cleansing tasks to ensure the integrity and accuracy of our data. This effort is crucial in maintaining the quality of our operations.

A new resource to support regular School and Early Years Education Attendance

Regular attendance at an early years setting or at school is fundamental to children's learning, development, and long-term life chances. Every day children spend in an educational environment provides vital opportunities to build relationships, develop routines, and engage in meaningful learning experiences. When children attend consistently, they are more likely to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. 

With the focus now more than ever on the importance of regular attendance at school or early years provision, we have worked with partners to produce this short film which shares key messages about the benefits of regular attendance from the perspectives of professionals, parents/ carers and children alike. The film can be used to support your attendance strategy, to share key attendance messages with families and can be incorporated into your transition plans. For any enquiries about this film please contact Sarah Storey

CambsEYC Attendance film

Developing YOUR school leadership

‘Can you support a new middle leader…?’

‘Do you work with DHTs who would benefit from a coaching/mentoring type of support?’

‘What does CCC provide to support and develop leaders?’

If you have any of these questions as a Headteacher or as a Cluster, either at the start of the year or as the year progresses, please do get in touch for a quick conversation.

Juliet Adloune

Reception SEND Surgeries

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.

The Writing Framework and Cambridgeshire's Routes to Writing

Two of the key messages that permeate the writing framework are the importance of teaching grammar in context and the need for a well sequenced curriculum across the primary stage. To help schools to deliver this, the Cambs English Team have produced a new resource, ‘Routes to Writing’ which is a comprehensive English planning tool. 

Each unit of work is built around carefully selected, high-quality texts that provide a rich foundation for reading and writing. Three exemplar unit plans which support teachers to develop their own later planning are provided for each year group, along with yearly overviews and long-term plans. More information can be found on the Learn Together website here: English Planning Resource

Flex forward: Empowering schools to work smarter, not harder

Flex Forward: Empowering Schools to Work Smarter, Not Harder

Thomas Gainsborough School is launching the next cohort of schools exploring flexible working, supported by the DfE as the East of England Ambassador School. Here’s what’s on offer:

The event launches on Wednesday 15 October at 4pm - email flexibleworking@tgschool.net to join in online.

Farmington Scholarship Applications

The application process for Farmington Scholarships has opened for 2026-27. For any RE teachers who may be interested in applying for a Farmington Scholarship, please use the following website: Farmington Institute Scholarship Any other subject teacher may apply for a Temple Grove Farmington Scholarship , where there is further information and an application form on the website. 

Farmington Headteachers Institute, which is based in Jesus College, Cambridge, will be offering Headteacher Scholarships for 2026-27. Any headteachers who might wish to apply for a scholarship can find more details here: Farmington Institute headteachers scholarship

Free numeracy programme to boost parental engagement and attainment for primary schools in Cambridgeshire

National Numeracy, the UK’s only independent charity focused on improving everyday maths skills, is offering primary schools the opportunity to participate in the Schools & Families Programme. This fully funded initiative aims to tackle low numeracy confidence among pupils, parents/carers, and school staff, with free training and resources.  

The Schools & Families Programme aims to:

Boost pupils’ confidence with numbers, foster positive attitudes towards maths, and highlight its importance beyond the classroom.

Empower parents, carers, and school staff with the skills and confidence to support children’s learning in maths.

Create sustainable strategies and approaches that will continue to benefit schools and families long after the programme ends. 

National Numeracy is now recruiting primary schools from across the UK to join this initiative, which runs from November 2025 to December 2026. With over 180 places available, including opportunities for primary schools in Cambridgeshire, schools are encouraged to apply by as soon as possible.

Interested in learning more? A webinar was held on Wednesday 16th September on Zoom for interested schools to find out more information. You can access the recording here.

You can apply here or reach out to schoolsandfamilies@nationalnumeracy.org.uk with any questions. FAQs on the programme can be found here.

Local History Hub - Free online information sessions (Autumn Term)

Local History Hub is a teacher-led initiative connecting schools, communities, and heritage organisations through the history of place. Hubs are already running in several UK areas and we’re exploring interest for a September 2026 launch locally.

These short online sessions introduce the model, show how hubs support curriculum enrichment and cultural capital, and explain the steps to getting involved.

Use the following link to register: https://forms.office.com/e/NjM6T0QBuu

More information: www.localhistoryhub.org.uk

Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid

NEW for this academic year is the addition of Youth MHFA to the Adult MHFA training offer. Youth MHFA is not the same as being the Senior Mental Health Lead – it is complementary:

These flagship MHFA courses (with added benefits of ongoing support and App) teach:

• An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
• Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
• Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening
• Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support - whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, the NHS, or a mix.

I am a fully qualified MHFA and SFA Instructor so if you have any queries before booking at School Improvement Service online calendar, do get in touch.

Juliet Adloune

Evidence Bites #9 - Formative assessment strategies for every classroom

Evidence Bites #9  Formative Assessment Strategies for Every Classroom with Kate Jones, exploring five core formative assessment strategies that are applicable across all subjects, ages and key stages

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

Venue: Neale Wade Academy, Wimblington Road, March, PE15 9PX

Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025

Time: 4.30 – 6.30pm

The East Cambs & Fenland Evidence Network invite you to join us for Evidence Bites #9 - 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

Curriculum-linked workshops at Cambridge Science Centre this Autumn

Cambridge Science Centre (on Cambridge Science Park) offers curriculum-linked workshops and interactive exhibits, supporting learning from KS1 to KS3. Immersive sessions are led by Science Communicators and are designed to build curiosity, confidence and core scientific skills through practical investigation.

A standard 2-hour visit includes a workshop covering open-ended challenges linked to the science and maths curriculum, plus self-led exploration of hands-on exhibits, with options for a bespoke timetable to suit you. Dates fill quickly, booking now for late Autumn/early Spring.

To discuss learning outcomes, availability and pricing contact schools@cambridgesciencecentre.org

The PE adviser - More than just the earrings man

We are becoming increasingly aware that there are a widening range of external companies offering all sorts of products and packages to help primary schools spend their PE Premium this year.

Can we remind schools that we should be the first port of call for all things PE.

We can provide bespoke CPD, consultancy and even pupil assemblies.

Furthermore, please share copies of your annual PE equipment inspection reports with us, so that we can provide insightful advice about the recommendations and costs. We can probably save you money! As an example, we are supporting a school with the refurbishment of all of their hockey sticks ... It's what we do, and it's all in a day’s work (and it’s more interesting than earrings!!!).

Primary School Swimming Survey

Thankyou to all schools who responded to the primary school swimming survey in July. Over 180 schools contributed to the survey

A fuller ‘report’ is available here: 2025 Swimming attainment

Training and Events

Training provider: CCC

For English subject leaders - Tuesday 14 October 2025, 9.30am to 12pm. Over Community Centre or Thursday 16 October 9.30am to 12pm. Online. No charge for schools who have purchased Element 2 of the Primary Offer or £75 per person for LA maintained schools and £85 per person for Cambridgeshire academy schools or out of county schools or independent schools.

Leading Maths - core training offer tab

For maths subject leaders - Tuesday 14 October 2025, 1.30 to 4pm. Over Community Centre or Thursday 16 October 1.30 to 4pm. Online. No charge for schools who have purchased Element 2 of the Primary Offer or £75 per person for LA maintained schools and £85 per person for Cambridgeshire academy schools or out of county schools or independent schools.

English Conference - From the ground up: building firm foundations in primary English - English tab

For KS1 and KS2 teachers, English subject leaders and senior leaders, Thursday 19 November 2025, 9am to 4pm, Delta Hotels, Huntingdon. £130 per person for Cambridgeshire LA maintained schools, £150 per person for out of county, Cambridgeshire academy and independent schools.

Early Years briefings for schools

For Early Years teachers, leaders and senior leaders. Wednesday 12 or Thursday 13 November 2025, 3.30 to 5.15pm. Online. Members £12.60 or non-members £21.

Early Years Foundation Stage leadership

For Early Years leaders in schools. Wednesday 26 November 2025, 3.30 to 5pm. Online. Members £10.80 or non-members £18.

Early Years and Year One mixed age teaching

For teachers who have a mixed age Reception and Year One class. Tuesday 2 December 2025, 1.15 to 4.15pm, Sunley House, Papworth Everard. £32.40 and non-members £54.

New to leading Religious Education

Thursday 6 November 2025, via Teams, 3.30 to 5pm. Cost £29 for LA schools, £39 for academy schools. This course is for both new and current RE coordinators who need support and advice on how to lead RE.

RE for ECTs and non-specialists

Tuesday 14 October 2025, via Teams, 3.30 to 5pm. Cost £29 for LA schools, £39 for academy schools. This session will consider how RE should be taught and what RE looks like in the primary classroom.

Network meetings for RE

Wednesday 12 November 2025, Jeavons Wood Primary School in Cambourne, 4 - 5.15pm

Thursday 13 November 2025, Ely Cathedral Centre, Palace Green, Ely, CB7 4EW. These meetings allow RE teachers to meet and discuss relevant issues at present, along with a short CPD presentation. FREE.

RSE Briefings - Gathering pupil and parent views in primary/special school settings

Tuesday 14 October 3.40 - 4.45pm, online. Cambs 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. For primary and special school leaders, PSHE leaders, classroom teachers, support staff or governors. 

Delivering statutory safeguarding requirements in the PSHE curriculum in primary and secondary schools

Wednesday 15 October 2025, 1.30 to 3pm, online. Cost: £40 for subscribing schools, £55 for non-subscribing schools. For PSHE leads, designated safeguarding leads.

RSE briefings - gathering pupil and parent views in secondary/special schools

Thursday 16 October 2025, 3.45 - 4.45pm, online. Cambs 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. For secondary and special school leaders, PSHE leaders, classroom teachers, support staff or governors.

Thursday 23 October 2025 and/or 18 March 2026, 1.30 - 3.30pm, online. £49 for Cambs maintained schools, £54 for Cambs academy schools and all non-Cambs schools. For primary phase PE coordinators. It is recommended that leads attend both meetings as topics will be different.

What Ofsted expects of PE. What PE can expect of Ofsted

Thursday 6 November, 1.30 to 4.30pm, Sunley House, Papworth Everard. Cambridgeshire LA maintained schools £93, all academy schools and non-Cambridgeshire schools £111. For PE teachers, subject leaders, SLT for all schools and settings.

Monday 10 November 2025, 1.30 to 3.30pm, Papworth Village Hall, Papworth Everard. £49 for Cambs LA maintained schools, £54 for Cambs academy schools and all non-Cambridgeshire schools. For any teacher, coach or assistant in the primary phase.

Training provider: Cambridgeshire Music

Becoming a Music Coordinator

For all music leaders. Wednesday 15 October, 4 to 5.30pm. On Teams. £180 for 3 sessions (£90 if survey completed).

Primary network meeting

For all staff involved in music delivery. Monday 10 November, 4 to 5pm. On Teams. Free when survey completed.

Training provider: Grafham Water Centre

ITC Level 2 Award in Food Hygiene in the Outdoors (RFQ)

For those wishing to become competent in teaching and facilitating food preparation and cooking within the outdoor environment. Tuesday 18 November, 9am to 5pm at Grafham Water Centre.

Training provider: The ICT Service (CCC)

Thursday 23 October 2025, 4 - 4.30pm

Record management and data retention: good housekeeping strategies to minimise risk

Tuesday 11 November 2025, 10.30 - 11am

Handling data: subject access requests and consent

Thursday 9 October 2025, 4 - 4.30pm

Training provider: Science Learning East

Purposeful practical work - for ECTs and non-specialist science teachers

For secondary teachers. Thursday 23 October 2025, 4 - 5.30pm. Online webinar. £25.

Engaging science in year 1/2

For primary teachers. Wednesday 12 November, 3.30 to 5pm. Online webinar. £25.

KS3 Chemistry - acids, alkalis and bases

For secondary teachers. Wednesday 12 November, 4 to 5.30pm. Online webinar. £25.

Training provider: Diamond Education and Professional Learning

English subject lead day

Primary English subject leads, 20 October 2025, 9.30 to 3pm. Face to face at Winhills Primary School, St Neots. £95.

Maths subject lead day

Primary Maths subject leads, 5 November 2025, 9.30 to 3pm. Face to face at Winhills Primary School, St Neots. £95.

Preparing for Year 2 teacher assessment

Primary Y2 leads, 15 January 2026, 2 - 4.30pm. Face to face at Winhills Primary, St Neots. £60.

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

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