Bulletin
Week Commencing
15 April 2024
Dream the impossible
I very much hope that every reader's summer term has begun with vigour and a quiet enjoyment in being back in the world of education. Working in an environment of learning makes every day an important one and often a challenging one.
For many years, a postcard has accompanied me in my place of work - initially in my music classrooms and eventually in my various offices. It reads:
J'aime celui qui rêve l'impossible
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is this text's author. Goethe lived between 1749 and 1832. He trained as a lawyer, but his legacy is as a poet, playwright, novelist, scientist, statesman, theatre director, critic, and amateur artist. He was evidently a man who fascinated; to quote Britannica's musings on the man, 'the attractive power of his writing, which has not diminished with time, perhaps lies in the extraordinary strength of personality that it radiates'.
He is a man who spoke with certainty and I think, with wisdom too. Dreaming of the impossible is most certainly the work of all of us in education. It is the hope and energy that we offer, every day, that makes the impossible a definite possible and indeed, a magical reality. The confidence of our walk, our words, our smile, our belief are fundamental in our work with young people. To quote Goethe once more:
'The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become.'
Teaching, inspiring, supporting children to thrive is noble work. I am certain that Goethe would have agreed.
Kate Carriett
Headteacher, George Abbot School
Notable dates and meetings
Governor Training
22 April
Education Committee
23 April
Trust Premises Staff
23 April
Trust Action Committee
25th April
SBM Meeting
01 May
Resources Committee
08 May
Trustee School Visit
Glebelands
14 May
Trustee School Visit
Pond Meadow
15 May
Governance Leaders Group
20 May
Headteachers Meeting
20 May
Central Team Meeting
04 June
Deputy/Assistant Heads
06 June
leading schools where children thrive
HEADS, GOVERNANCE & STAFF INFORMATION
Governor training - Health and Safety
NGA Governance Leadership Forum
22 April, 19:00 - 20:30
George Abbot School
02 May, 16:30 - 18:00
Via Zoom
This session will provide an overview of the Local Governing Body’s role in helping ensure effective health and safety management systems are in place and that the trust’s policies are being effectively implemented. The session will be led by Sally Cave, Trust Estates Manager with responsibility for Health and Safety.
This meeting is for chairs and vice-chairs of MATs and LGBs to discuss how their roles are pivotal in driving a culture that supports and promotes pupil mental health and wellbeing.
Experts from across the sector will discuss:
- The national picture: what’s the latest data telling us?
- Pupil voice: Harnessing the power of listening
- Taking action: The hallmarks of an effective governing board strategy
Please click below to sign up
Please click below to sign up
Governor training - Pupil Premium
15 May, 19:00 - 20:30
George Abbot School
This session will provide an overview for governors on how to support pupil premium within schools. Further details will follow regarding session lead and content.
SEND webinar
02 May, 10:00 - 11:00
Via Zoom
The School Support Service team at Winckworth Sherwood are hosting a free webinar on 2 May 2024 for SENDCOs, senior leaders and governors. The webinar will focus on:
- How to use the annual review process effectively
- Responding effectively to local authority consultations
- What to do when a placement isn’t working
Please click below to sign up
Please click below to sign up
CASS REVIEW
The final report of the Cass review with recommendations to the NHS regarding gender identity services has been published.
Click here to read
leading schools where children thrive
Operations
New faces to the operations team
The central operations team has gone through some significant changes during this academic year with a view to offering further support and value to our schools, particularly in the area of policies, governance, compliance, estates and health & safety.
We are delighted to introduce you to some of our new team members who you may already have had the pleasure of meeting. They are very much looking forward to working with and supporting our school communities, ensuring that we are providing the best opportunities and environments for our children.
Dominique Morris
Compliance Manager
Dominique is a qualified solicitor, previously working in family law and is therefore very familiar with fighting for the best outcomes for children.
Before joining the trust, Dominique was the manager of a busy horse-riding stables, ensuring compliance with all legislation and regulations as well as coaching and encouraging education within the sport.
Sally Cave
Estates
Manager
(Health and Safety)
Holly Donnithorne-Doughty
Compliance
Administrator
Sally comes to us from George Abbot, where she held the position of premises manager since 2018. Sally brings with her a wealth of experience in Health and Safety compliance. She holds a NEBOSH qualification in Health and Safety and is a member of the Insitute of Occupational Safety and Health.
Previously she has worked for PPP Healthcare and DHL, within Premises, Project Management and Training roles. Before joining George Abbot, she ran the retail side of her family's business.
Prior to joining the team, Holly was the Office Manager and PA in her family-run construction company.
She has a strong background in retail management and alongside her role as compliance administrator, Holly is studying for a diploma in Governance, Risk Management and Compliance.
Holly herself attended two of the trust schools and the ethos and values of those schools have stayed with her into adult life. She strongly believes and supports the trust mission.
To contact any of our new team members, please see their email addresses below:
scave@learningpartners.org
dmorris@learningpartners.org
hdonnithornedoughty@learningpartners.org
leading schools where children thrive
School lmprovement
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
Surrey Maths School Events
Bitesize Learning Series
Meet the Headteachers
Outlook(continued)
25 June, 17:00 - 17:45
Online
We’re continuing with training on Outlook this week, as the list of things you can do to automate, reduce workload and further organise yourself using this software is extensive.
This week’s videos are ‘slightly longer’ than bitesize, however, there is an information box below each videos which will give you a chapter breakdown of each tool (with hyperlinks), meaning you pick and choose which part of the training video you want to access. Click on “...more” in the light grey box under the video to see the list of options
Just looking at the video breakdowns will give you an idea of the sorts of things you can be using Outlook for - we highly recommend you take a look to see how else you might be using it.
Surrey Maths School are turning their attention to recruitment for September 2025 and will be holding an online event for Year 10 pupils and their parents to meet the co-headteachers and to learn more about life at SuMS. Please promote this event to your keen mathematicians in Year 10.
Please click here to download the flyer and get the Teams link
Please click below to view the tutorials
Women in Stem - Summer School
8,9, or 10 July, 09:30 - 15:30
University of Surrey
This one day event will be led by the co-headteachers of Surrey Maths School. It is for female students in Year 10 who have an interest in the STEM subjects, particularly maths and physics. Lunch will be included and the event is free. Please do inform your keen female scientists and mathematicians.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on all the CPD opportunities available within the trust.
Please click below to view the latest version of our brochure
Please click here to download the flyer and for further information
on the day
leading schools where children thrive
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
Heads of Science Conference
Strode College, Egham
18 June, 2024
Teacher release is available for state funded schools please enter TRP2224 when booking, you will be reimbursed 70% towards cover and travel meaning the conference costs £54
leading schools where children thrive
VACANCIES
Teaching Assistant
Kings College
Click here to apply
The post would suit applicants with flexibility, enthusiasm and sensitivity. A desire to learn and to develop an excellent understanding of SEND and other learning difficulties is essential. The candidate must be able to demonstrate a willingness to be a team player alongside our committed support team. SEND related training and the ability to run small group interventions would be advantageous.
Part-time - 39 weeks per year (term time only), 30 hours per week.
Pay scale - LPT-4, salary range £16,684 - £17,959 pro rata (FTE £23,072 - £24,836 per annum)
To view all vacancies across the trust click here
leading schools where children thrive
CEO’s upcoming meetings and central team contact list
1:1 Director of Education (AKR)
1:1 Chair of board of trustees
Governance conference planning
Chair of Pond Meadow
Enlighten Learning Trust meeting
Reference Group - EHCP Timeliness
Fullbrook VHT Interviews
Hearing Debrief
1:1 Pirbright HT
COO Mid-year review
Southborough Boys Governors
Trust Action Committee
Hearing
Draft budget review and reserves paper
Termly visit to Guildford Grove
1:1 Director of Education (KK)
LPCAT Afternoon
22.04.24
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11.30 - 12.30
13.00 - 15.30
16.00 - 17.00
08:30 - 13:00
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08:30 - 09:30
10:00 - 11:00
14:00 - 17:00
08:30 - 12:30
13:00 - 15:00
15:30 - 17:30
09:00 - 11.00
12:00 - 13:00
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Follow us
Jack Mayhew
Patrick Overy
Andrew Roach
Jo Jones
Michele Miller
Kathryn Krynicki
Rachel Hughlock
Olivia Wernick
Ben Sayers
Nicola Riley
Sarah Allen
Anne Benson
Sally Busby
Douglas Dalgleish
Sally Cave
Julia Mason
Gaby Sutton
Shelly Masso
Tanya Marchetti
Jodie Farrell-Gray
Shaun Fishburn
Dominique Morris
Holly Donnithorne-Doughty
CEO
COO
Director of Education
Director of ITT
Director of Education Secondary
Director of Education Primary
Primary Senior Leader
Trust Inclusion Lead
IT Director & Deputy DPO
Head of HR
Head of Finance
Head of Operations
Head of Projects & Operational Strategy
Capital Projects Lead
Estates Manager
Clerk to the Board of Trustees
Senior Administrator & PA to CEO
PA to CEO
School Improvement Coordinator
Operations Coordinator
Data Officer
Compliance Manager
Compliance Administrator
jmayhew@learningpartners.org
povery@learningpartners.org
aroach@learningpartners.org
jjones@georgeabbot.surrey.sch.uk
mmiller@learningpartners.org
kkrynicki@learningpartners.org
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owernick@learningpartners.org
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dmorris@learningpartners.org
hdonnithornedoughty@learningpartners.org
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leading schools where children thrive
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
LEARNING PARTNERS Staff Benefits
Discounts for Teachers
& Ode Cashback Card
Free Will Writing Service
Learning Partners Academy Trust and Estate Planning and Will Writing specialists Dunham McCarthy are able to offer you a free will writing service to help you plan for your future, protecting your family and loved ones. The free service is provided remotely, either by telephone or video call, at a time to suit you. You will have an adviser to help you complete each step from start to finish.
All Learning Partners staff, in any role (not just teachers), can access exclusive discounts, cashback and vouchers when they join the scheme. There are over 1200 of the biggest brands on their website and thousands of deals. Save on holidays, fashion, homeware, days out, mobiles, finance, insurance, TV and broadband and more. It’s free to join and free to use, it only takes a couple of minutes to register, and you can start saving on your purchases right away.
Click here to watch a short webinar with advice on what can be included in a will
Click here to sign up now
Click here for further information on Discounts for Teachers
Click here for further information on Ode Cashback Card
For more information and to book your initial appointment, click here
Freedom leisure - discounted membership
Freedom Leisure and Learning Partners Academy Trust can offer you discounted membership at Freedom Leisure sites in and around Surrey. There are three different packages to choose from offering various entitlements.
- Classic Corporate Plus (Peak) - £46 per month on direct debit or £460 annually (discount of 2 months free)
- Classic Corporate (Off Peak) - £37 per month on direct debit or £407 annually (discount of 1 month free)
- Connected Corporate - £51 per month or £510 annually (discount of 2 months free)
Employee Assistance Programme
The EAP is a confidential employee benefit designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health and general wellbeing. The helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Click here for further information
Kings Community Sports Hub Gym
Learning Partners staff can access the new Kings Community Sports Hub Gym (at Kings College Guildford) at a discounted rate of £14.99 per month (direct debit). Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 5.00pm to 10.00pm Weekends 9.00am to 5.00pm
Click here to sign up for discounted membership
Click here to sign up for discounted membership
Click here for further information
leading schools where children thrive
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
LEARNING PARTNERS Staff Benefits
Octopus Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Nuffield Health Discounted Membership
Learning Partners Academy Trust and Nuffield Health have teamed up to offer a 30% discount to all Learning Partner employees at Guildford Nuffield.
There are two membership options available with the 30% discount. The pricing for these options is as follows:
1. A monthly rolling membership of £61 per month (instead of £87) and can be cancelled with a calendar months’ notice at any time during the membership.
2. A 12-month direct debit membership of £50 per month (instead of £72) and can be cancelled within the 12-month commitment period (with a calendar months’ notice) if there is a change in circumstances that falls within the terms and conditions. This includes a health issue or injury, redundancy, pregnancy, relocation, etc.
Additionally, there is a 20% partner discount available for anyone who joins alongside Learning Partners members providing they link their membership payments together.
Supporting the UK government’s push towards an electric vehicle revolution, we are operating the Learning Partners Academy Trust Electric Car Scheme, in partnership with Octopus Electric Vehicles (OEV).
You can drive a brand-new electric car* using part of your gross salary, making savings on income tax and national insurance. You will pay some company car tax (Benefit in Kind) but the rates for electric cars are extremely low until 2025.
*Subject to eligibility and you signing the Learning Partners Academy Trust Driver Handbook.
You can save up to 40% on driving a brand-new electric car with maintenance, tyres and more included, plus insurance. There are some added extras too, including a home charger, funded with a standard installation, and 4,000 miles of free home charge or 4,000 miles public charge on the Electroverse + £50 home credit, if you switch to Octopus Energy at home. T&Cs can be found here.
Click here for further information
All employees have access to the Learning Partners Sharepoint folder "Learning Partners Benefits" where all the information regarding the benefits above is filed.
Click here to access the folder
Click here for further information
leading schools where children thrive
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
LEARNING PARTNERS STAFF BENEFITS
Horizon Guildford
Surrey Sports Park
Learning Partners Academy Trust have teamed up with Surrey Sports Park to offer staff a Full Access Concession Membership Costing £47 per month (normally £60 per month) or £507.60 if paid upfront annually, a saving of £56.40.
This membership includes access to:
- Gym
- Exercise Technique Workshops
- Fitness Induction and Personalised Exercise Program
- Group Fitness & Wellbeing Classes
- Aqua Fitness Classes
- Olympic Sized Swimming Pool, Steam and Sauna
- Squash Court Bookings
- Bouldering at the Surrey Summit Climbing Centre
- Tennis Court Bookings
- Off-Peak Badminton Court Bookings
This membership type also includes the following perks, at no extra cost!
- The Treatment Room
10% discount on your first treatment and a free 10 minute consutation with one of the specialists.
- Free Weights Induction
This session is aimed at improving confidence within the free weights area. One of the fitness team will go through different equipment, demonstrating and guiding you on how to use it.
- Barbell Club
A technical session aimed at improving confidence in performing the 3 key compound movements: bench press, squat and deadlift. The session is 30 minutes long and is delivered with a maximum of 3 members to ensure that each participant gets plenty of hands-on time to go through each lift with the observation of the fitness team.
Horizon Guildford (in Merrow), part of Horizon Leisure, is a newly refurbished state-of-the-art not-for-profit charitable trust with over 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. With established locations in Havant and Waterlooville, Horizon Guildford marks the exciting expansion into the Guildford community. The mission is simple: to inspire more people to live healthier, happier lives. Alongside the gym, swimming facilities and classes, Horizon are passionate about promoting overall health and wellness. By becoming a corporate member, you will gain access to exceptional facilities, including a gym equipped with high-specification equipment, public swimming, sauna and steam room and over 100 weekly classes, including Les Mills experiences.
Find out more here
Horizon Guildford are delighted to offer all Learning Partners staff a discounted rate of £35 per month (usually £42 per month) for a 12-month membership commitment, along with a £10 administration fee.
If you would like to join Horizon, please contact Anita Kidgell.
akidgell@horizonic.com
leading schools where children thrive
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
LEARNING PARTNERS STAFF BENEFITS
Surrey Sports Park, continued
Octopus Referral Scheme
Octopus have also just launched a referral scheme where staff who sign up for an electric vehicle receive a referral code which they can pass on to any colleague(s) ordering car. When the car arrives both parties receive £50 credit to their account. There is no limit to how many times someone can share their code.
Click here for further information
Octopus EV
Salary sacrifice and pension impact
While salary sacrifice schemes can be really beneficial and help you save money, it's important to understand the potential impact they can have on your pension, especially if you’re part of a defined benefit pension scheme like the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) or Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Click here to find out how
an EV salary sacrifice
can affect your pension
- Member Journey
- An initial appointment to find out about your goals and what you're looking to achieve
- The fitness team will then provide you with a 3-day programme and go through this with you
- Your next meeting they will go through day 2 of the programme
- After 4 weeks, you will be booked in again to find out how you're finding your membership and make any adjustments to your programme
- This is repeated once more after
- They will then check in with you after 4, 8 and 12 weeks to see how you're progressing and here you'll be offered programme reviews.
If you are interested in this membership option or are just looking to have a tour around the amazing facilities, then please visit the sales team between 10am and 5pm Monday – Friday. You just need to provide proof of your workplace.
01483 682662
Please make the most of these fabulous benefits!
sales@surreysportspark.co.uk
www.surreysportspark.co.uk
Sports Massage and Injury Rehabilitation at Kings
A sports therapist who rents a room at Kings College is offering all Learning Partners staff a discount for various services including:
- Sports massage
- Injury assessment and rehab
- Postural correction
- Corrective exercise
leading schools where children thrive