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Cambridgeshire Schools Newsletter

Summer HAF Programme - starting soon

A final reminder that the Summer HAF Programme runs from 24 July to 29 August. Please promote with families in receipt of benefits-related FSM. 64 hours of fully funded enriching experiences are on offer across the county which include a daily meal and snacks. A letter for parents/carers was emailed to headteachers and school offices on 3.6.25. Additional eligibility criteria can be found here, please click here to request a booking code.

Further details: HAF@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Important letter from Integrated Vaccine Lead for NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are asking for your support in communicating information to parents and carers about the importance of childhood vaccination this summer. Read the letter to headteachers in full below; it includes suggested text that you could use in your communications with parents. NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough wants to encourage parents whose children are eligible, but have not had the vaccines, to have them over the summer holidays before the start of the new academic year.

MMR letter to headteachers/principals from the Integrated Vaccine Lead for NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

CCC Procedure for sharps and needle stick injuries

Please follow the guidance below surrounding the safe use and disposal of sharps (such as EpiPens). The guidance covers safe retrieval and disposal of syringes or sharp objects if they are found, and what to do in the event of a needle stick or sharps injury.

Sharps and needle stick injuries guidance for schools

Water Safety

Did you know that one school in Cambridgeshire has over 40 high risk access points to water within 1 mile of the school gate?

Following the offer to deliver assemblies in primary schools as part of our water safety tour of Cambridgeshire, 31 schools have been visited in 3 weeks, with 38 assemblies to 6190 children.

one headteacher introduced me as 'Ian is here to present the most important assembly you will ever hear!!'. As the PE adviser, it has been a wonderful opportunity to visit some great schools and meet some fabulous children.

REMEMBER – STAY AWAY FROM THE EDGE!!

If schools wish to have a copy of a presentation to share with families, please contact pe.adviser@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Year 5 Maths Challenge Final 2025

Ten teams from across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough battled it out across 4 highly competitive team rounds answering questions on all areas of mathematics on one of the hottest afternoons of the year. After a highly competitive battle where the leading schools chopped and changed throughout the afternoon, the top three schools were… In third place Hampton Hargate school from Peterborough, in second place were The Vine Inter-Church Primary and the winners were Histon and Impington Park Primary. Congratulations to Histon and Impington Park and to all the teams who took part.

We hope to see even more schools participate next year. Please find below Arbury Primary School’s thoughts about participating in the heats and in the final of the Year 5 Maths Challenge.

Team Arbury at the Maths Challenge Final

We had an absolute blast attending the Year 5 Maths Challenge. Both the heat and the final were very challenging (obviously!) and it covered many different maths topics. We particularly enjoyed the relay round (in the final) as it made us think about having to take a gamble and choose a new set of questions. The memory round in both the heat and the final were also a particular highlight as we found it fun.

If you’re thinking about attending the competition, stop thinking and sign-up as soon as possible!

From Team Arbury

Manea and Life Education

We have had the Life Education Centre as part of teaching and learning of PSHE for many years. The impact it has for our children is immense. The children hold onto the memories of their sessions for years, with many linking their learning to their previous visit two years earlier. Having an experienced specialist teaching our children about their bodies, drugs and medicines and how to look after themselves enables the start of discussions that continue into the classroom.

The resources available to teach the children, this critical part of the curriculum, are bespoke and support the retrieval of information for years. 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. If you would like more information please contact Louise Augarde

The #GetActivated campaign can have your family moving this summer

#GetActivated is launching again for the third year in a row!

Watch out for the #GetActivated campaign this summer, sharing details of hundreds of free or low-cost activities for children, young people, and families. From sports, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures, to wellbeing sessions and community events - there’s something for everyone.

The campaign is about helping Cambridgeshire stay active, connected, and supported during the summer holidays.

Find out more at Get Activated campaign 2025 | Cambridgeshire County Council. Follow our hashtag #GetActivated on Facebook and LinkedIn pages for regular updates.

#GetActivated banner image

Free resources for secondary Religious Education

The Board of Deputies of British Jews have resources a very good website on Judaism for all secondary schools. Please use the link below to access the resource:

Board of Deputies of British Jews - Jewish Living Online

Rose Fair and summer activities in Wisbech

Staff from Wisbech Adventure Playground had a lovely day at the Wisbech Rose Fair on Saturday 28 June, running a stall in St Peters gardens. On the stall we had had a tombola, sold cakes and also glitter tattoos. We met up with lots of our children/YP from the park which was really nice.

Over the Summer/Autumn we will be at Peckover House, Wisbech delivering our sessions for Stay and Play on Wednesday mornings, 10am to 12pm 16 July also Friday Funtime from 18 July until Wisbech Adventure playground reopens.

Annual Activity Survey flyer to Year 11 parents/carers

Please see the above image of a flyer which can be sent out to parents and carers of Year 11 pupils regarding Cambridgeshire's processes for the Annual Activity Survey. It explains that staff in Cambridgeshire could be contacting people over the summer about plans for September, and contacting in Autumn to find out what they are doing. This is part of Cambridgeshire’s statutory duties.

The poster can be downloaded below:

Year 12 students/ Year 11 leavers and their parents - future plans poster 2025

Any queries can be directed to Mark Cowdell or Cathy Taylorson

2025 Summer Reading Challenge - Story Garden has launched

Your children can now sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge in their local library. Their first special Story Garden sticker will be available from Saturday 19th July when staff/young volunteers will be happy to hear about the books they have been reading. If they read at least six books, and collect the six stickers, they will be awarded a certificate and medal. If you could arrange a special assembly in the autumn or offer a reward for all your children who complete that would be a brilliant incentive for them to finish. Summer Reading Challenge | Cambridgeshire County Council

County restructure for support to Year 11 at risk of NEET pupils

We’re refreshing how we support young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET - to provide support across the county, to ensure that we are working with young people so that we can make the impact required at the right time.

Keep an eye out for more details soon. We are refreshing our website with some information and will keep updating this page as processes develop. Targeted Support Service | Cambridgeshire County Council

For more details contact Mark Cowdell

Religious Education Survey

The Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) would like to invite all schools across Cambridgeshire to take part in a survey regarding Religious Education across the county. This survey will also give important information on what is being taught and perceptions of the current Agreed Syllabus as they begin to look forward to the next Agreed Syllabus for Cambridgeshire. Please follow the link below to access the survey.

Questionnaire on the Cambridgeshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education

National Numeracy - Funded numeracy programme for primary schools

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.     

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 has funding to support primary schools across the UK to join the programme from either January, April or September 2026 for one year.

For more information please contact Beth Barnes, Schools and Families Programme Manager, National Numeracy

Pinpoint Cambridgeshire's Parent Carer Forum

Pinpoint, 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.

At Pinpoint, we’re passionate about making sure parents feel informed, supported, and connected. Our Tii Hubs offer monthly, online peer support - a space to meet other parents who truly understand the journey. We also run weekly, in-person Parent Connect sessions across Cambridgeshire, giving families a warm welcome, a cuppa, and a chance to chat. And when it comes to expert knowledge, our 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

Cambridgeshire Music Continuing Professional Development booklet for schools

Cambridgeshire Music has published its CPD programme for teachers and school staff across the county. You can download the booklet below:

Cambridgeshire Music CPD Booklet 2025/2026

Training and Events

Early support pathway and early years SEND information for schools

For School SENCo’s, early years leaders, and headteachers. Tuesday, 23 September 2025, 09:30 – 10:30. Online via Microsoft Teams. Early Years Members £7.20, Non Members £12.

Preparing for Literacy-A focus on phonological awareness and school readiness

For teachers, teaching assistants and early years practitioners working in preschool, nursery or reception classes. Tuesday, 30 September 2025, 3:30-5:00pm. Online via Microsoft Teams. Early Years Members £10.80, Non Members £18.

Anti-Bullying Briefing: Preventing Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic (HBT) Bullying

23rd September for Primary/Special Schools, 25th September for Secondary/Special Schools. Online. 3.45pm-4.45pm. These courses and briefings are funded by Public Health and are free to all Cambridgeshire schools. Multiple people from each school may attend. Colleagues may sign up to attend ‘live’ or to receive the recordings

Audience: Primary, Special and Secondary leaders, PSHE leaders, classroom teachers, support staff or governors

Building the Mental Health and Relationships Programme in your school

7th October – 1.30pm-4.30pm. Sunley House, Papworth Everard. Cambridgeshire Schools (maintained & academy) can attend for free.

This course will outline the two key resources ‘Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation’ and ‘Promoting Healthy Friendships’. These resources are avaible free to all Cambs primary schools.

Audience: PSHE leads, Wellbeing Leads, Mental Health Leads, senior leaders

RSE Briefings – Gathering Pupil & Parent Views in Primary/Special Schools – Online

14th October 3.45pm-4.45pm

To build resilience in schools to manage developments in RSE and confidently move forward in providing high quality provision in key topics.

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

What Does Outstanding PE Look Like in Primary Schools

21st October 2025, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Online. £49 for Cambs maintained schools, £54 for Cambs Academies and all non-Cambs schools

Audience: Any teacher, coach or assistant in the primary phase.

What Ofsted Expects of PE? What Physical Education can expect of Ofsted?

6th November 2025, 1.30pm-4.30pm. Sunley House, Summers Hill Drive, Papworth Everard. £93 for Cambridgeshire Maintained Schools. £111 for Academies & Non-Cambridgeshire Schools

Audience: PE teachers, subject leaders, SLT for all schools and settings

PE for Primary ECTs & Inexperienced Teachers

13th November 2025, 9.30am-4pm. Papworth Village Hall, Papworth Everard. Cambridgeshire maintained school £140, all academies and non-cambridgeshire maintained schools £162.

Audience: ECTs and those teachers returning to the profession in the primary phase who want to develop their understanding of the national curriculum of PE, health and safety implication and how to deliver high quality PE, EYFS, KS1 & KS2

Nene Park Trust Level 3 Certificate - Leading Forest School

New course starting on Thursday 11 September (now with 20% off)