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Cambridgeshire Schools Newsletter

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

Cambridgeshire Primary Physical Education Hub

If you’re a PE teacher and want to connect with others in the county in order to raise the profile of PE, the Cambridgeshire PE Hub is for you!

We intend getting PE teachers from different settings, different phases, different trusts / LA together, sharing knowledge and experience, on a regular basis. This free to attend meeting is open to teachers from any school / setting in Cambridgeshire.

The inaugural Cambridgeshire PE Hub will be held online Tuesday 24 March 2026, 1.30 – 3.15pm

This hub’s focus is: Influencing Key Stakeholders - What are the metrics that evidence a high value PE offer? With the national shift to attainment, how do we show that PE is more than this to SLT/Exec Teams?

Booking is to be made here: PE Workshops and courses bookings

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

Newly refreshed service - Healthy Schools fully funded sessions come to your school

Over time, Healthy Schools has continued to grow and develop. What began as work mainly focused on supporting mainstream schools has evolved into a broader offer that aims to reach children and young people in all kinds of settings. The service has been redesigned to empower young people with the knowledge, confidence and support they need to make safe, informed choices around their health. To align with this, the brand has been refreshed to make it more inclusive and reflective of the wider work.

Healthy Schools – Supporting health and wellbeing, everywhere children and young people learn

Here are some exciting developments within the refreshed service:

Catch Your Breath expansion:

Now available in all schools including alternative provisions, with 1:1 and small group sessions helping young people cut down or quit smoking and vaping, one of the most common concerns raised by schools.

The team of educators can visit your school and work with your students to highlight the risk of vaping and smoking in the programme's Free Primary workshop. Sessions and resources for Secondary schools are also available.

New sexual health strand:

Including access to the C-Card scheme and the Young and Free website designed to make contraception and sexual health support more accessible to young people, workshops also available to all schools to compliment the PSHE curriculum.

If you would like our team to visit please contact:healthyschools@everyonehealth.co.uk

Easter HAF Programme: Bookings open!

The Easter HAF Programme is operating 30 March to 10 April. Eligible pupils in receipt of benefits-related FSM can attend a registered holiday scheme for up to 16 hours, fully funded. A daily meal and enriching experiences are available. Eligibility vouchers were issued to parents/carers by email or text on 2.3.26. Click here request a booking code for the additional eligibility criteria.

Please use this poster to publicise in your school.

Questions? Please email: HAF@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 and 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

Water safety assemblies - Primary schools

Cambridgeshire has more inland, open water than any other county in the country. Furthermore, several of our schools have between 10 and 20 points within a mile of the school gate where children could access dangerous, deep water. In the last 18 months, we have lost 2 young people in this area to drowning, and across the UK in 2025, 41 children perished in open water (to add perspective, that is close to a class and a half of children).

In June 2025, I delivered whole school assemblies to over 7000 children reminding them about the water safety code, and the key messages about staying safe in and near water.

If you would like me to visit your school to deliver an interactive, engaging water safety assembly just before Easter, or in the Summer Term, please email me with some suggested dates and times. There is no cost!

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

Annual activity survey and Year 11 Destinations booklet update

Between September and December, the local authority completes the Annual Activity Survey and records the destination activity of all year 11 leavers as well as year 12 leavers.

The annual Destinations report for Year 11 leavers has been completed and is being shared with schools together with individual school reports. Some of the highlight figures are that the number of young people moving into full time education is 92.69% which is up from last year. Also the number who are Not in education, employment or training (NEET) has reduced to 2.29%.

For queries, please contact mark.cowdell@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

What Matters to Us: Gathering stories and ideas with children about their own health and wellbeing

This free resource for schools is now available on the Healthy Schools Website. It sets out a fun and creative whole school approach, and enables schools to gather vital information for their own mental health and wellbeing strategy and the wider planning of services.

Commissioned by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s NHS team for East Cambs as part of the commitment for local services to be more holistic and integrated, the guide was created by Fullscope with the Council’s PHSE team. Soham children from the project spoke at Westminster in November 2025 as part of a round table of experts discussing how health can be delivered at a local level.

Find out more at the following link: Healthy Schools Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Pinpoint Annual Conference - Tuesday 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.

Tuesday 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

Loughborough University study of eating disorder support in secondary schools - please take the survey to help to further understanding

Please take the 10-15 minute survey to play your part in this research, which is especially around eating at school and PE. Completed responses will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win one of five £20 Amazon vouchers.

If you have questions or would like further information please email Dr Hannah White

Is your school minibus summer term ready?

With the summer term approaching, schools will be preparing for sporting fixtures, trips and other important events. A school minibus is an invaluable way to help fulfil all the logistical challenges of an external visit. Make sure your school is clear who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle. The driver should always complete pre-departure checks for things such as tire pressure and depth, bodywork, screen wash and fuel.

For more information about readying your school minibus for use or about minibus driver training, email road.safety@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Get the whole school smiling with free Awesome Smiles activities (available now)

Be the reason someone smiles today. Find out more about the Awesome Oral Health initiative in primary schools from the poster below, or by going to:

Awesome Oral Health

Awesome Smiles Activity Stations poster

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

Functional Skills English Level 1/2 (for adults)

For adults needing Level 1 or Level 2 English for work, study or everyday life. Tuesday 14 April 2026, 1 – 3pm, and every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter until Thursday 9 July 2026. Online. £0–£468.

Course Details | ontrack: Learner Hub to book or call 01353 613013 or email cambsals@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

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. Book at the link below:

Reception SEND Surgeries

Small pool operators courses - mandatory training for all schools with their own swimming pools

There is a mandatory expectation for all schools that have their own swimming pool: there should be a nominated person who is trained and accredited to act as pool operator/manager.

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

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

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

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

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

We will not be organising any others

All Courses will be capped at 12 places - early booking is encouraged. Book at the following link: PE course bookings

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

Training and events

Training provider: CCC

SIS – Unpicking the end of KS2 TAF for Writing – English tab
For Year 6 teachers – The focus of this session will be dialogue. Tuesday 17 March 2026 3.45pm until 5.15pm – Online. £65 per person for LA schools and £75 per person for Cambridgeshire academies, out of county schools or independent schools.

SIS - Preparing for Assessment – Core Offer tab
For Headteachers, Deputy Headteachers and Assessment Leads – A focus for this training will be the IDSR. Monday 23 March 2026 9.30am until 12pm – Over Community Centre OR Tuesday 24 March 2026 9.30am until 12pm – Online. £75 per person for LA schools and £85 per person for Cambridgeshire academies, out of county schools or independent schools.

SIS – Unpicking the end of KS2 TAF for Writing – English tab
For Year 6 teachers – The focus of this session will be register. Tuesday 24 March 2026 3.45pm until 5.15pm – Online. £65 per person for LA schools and £75 per person for Cambridgeshire academies, out of county schools or independent schools.

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

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. EY silver membership qualifies for one free place per term. EY Gold, and Platinum memberships qualify for two free places per term. Non-Members £45 (face to face) or £21 (online).

Supporting Children with English as an Additional Language in the EYFS

For Reception class staff in schools. Wednesday 13th May 2026, 13.30-15.30, Online. Members £14.40 and Non-Members £24.

Developing an enabling environment in the outside area

For Early years leaders, teachers, teaching assistants, and PVI staff. Wednesday 15th April 2026, 13.30 – 16.30, Sunley House, Papworth Everard. Members £32.50. Non-members £54

Introduction to Forest Schools
For Early years foundation stage (EYFS) teachers, leaders, and senior leaders. Monday 16th March 2026, 09.30 – 16.00, Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon or Tuesday 23rd June 2026, 09.30 – 16.00, Milton Country Park, Cambridge. Members £70.20 Non-Members £117

Forest School Development Day
For Level 2 Forest School Assistants, Level 3 Forest School Leaders or current trainees. Tuesday 9th June 2026, 09.30-16.00, Pocket Park, St Neots.
Members £70.20 Non-Members £117

Forest Schools Peer Support Network
For Early years foundation stage (EYFS) teachers, FS leaders or assistants, and senior leaders. Monday 6th July 2026, 16.00-17.30, Priory Park Infant School, St Neots. Members £16.20 Non-Members £27

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

Music Technology in the Primary Classroom Webinar (Cambridgeshire Music)
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 (Cambridgeshire Music)
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

Handling Data: Subject access requests and consent

Tuesday 12 May 2026, 10.30 to 11am

The Fundamentals: Data protection awareness and skills

Wednesday 3 June 2026, 4 - 4.30pm

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

Working scientifically in primary science
For Primary Teachers. Wednesday 11th March, 13.00 – 16.00. Venue: Histon & Impington Brook Primary School. £75

Teaching evolution in primary science
For Primary Teachers. Wednesday 18th March, 13.00 – 16.00. Venue: Histon & Impington Brook Primary School. £75

Science Technician Conference
For Secondary science technicians. Thursday 21st May, 09.30 – 14.30. Venue: Sawtry Village Academy. £10