Bulletin
Week Commencing
17 June 2024
The spirit of the Olympics
As we approach the end of another school term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the dedication and hard work each of you has demonstrated throughout the year. Your commitment to educating and inspiring our students is truly the foundation of their success.
This year, as we prepare for the summer and look forward to the Olympic Games, I am reminded of the many parallels between the work we do and the spirit of the Olympics.
Striving for Excellence
Just as Olympians dedicate years developing their skills and striving for excellence, you have continually sought to provide the best education possible. Your innovative lessons, creative approaches, and unwavering support have helped our students reach new heights.
Teamwork and Collaboration
The Olympics showcase the power of teamwork, whether in relay races or synchronised events. Similarly, our achievements this year have been a collective effort. By working together, sharing resources, and supporting one another, we have created a nurturing environment where both students and our colleagues can thrive.
Perseverance and Resilience
Every athlete faces challenges and setbacks on their journey to the Olympics, and I am sure that at various points during the year events have tested our resilience. Despite these challenges, you have shown remarkable perseverance, adapting to new teaching methods and overcoming obstacles to ensure our students continue to learn and grow.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Olympians inspire us with their stories of determination and triumph. As educators, you inspire our students every day, helping them discover their potential and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Your influence extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the future leaders, thinkers, and innovators of our world.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to the summer break and the upcoming Olympics, let us carry forward the values of excellence, teamwork, and resilience. Take pride in the positive impact you have made this term. Your hard work, dedication, and passion are what make our school a place where students can achieve their best.
Thank you for all that you do. Enjoy a well-deserved break when it arrives, and let’s return refreshed and ready to continue our important work, inspired by the Olympic spirit.
25 Years Service Cream Tea
27 June
Governance Conference
27 June
Trust Action Committee
04 July
Education Committee
15 July
Trustee Board Meeting
16 July
HT Meeting
16 July
SBM meeting
17 July
End of Summer term
22 July
Notable dates and meetings
Andrew Roach,Director of Education Learning Partners Academy Trust
leading schools where children thrive
HEADS, GOVERNANCE & STAFF INFORMATION
Supporting schools: how government can do a better job
Institute for Fiscal Studies:
The state of education:what awaits the next government?
United Learning has just published a think piece from Sir Jon Coles. A wide ranging paper which draws upon Sir Jon’s experience of his senior role in the civil service and as CEO of United Learning. It explores three key principles for government
Key findings:
Special Education Needs in England
Data was published on 20 June showing the number of pupils with special education needs in England.
Highlights:
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OPERATIONS
Bromcom coming soon!
This training is broken down into short, easy to digest training videos, often just a few minutes long. They also provide additional webinars around key dates in the school calendar. For example, at census time Bromcom put on additional webinars to help staff manage the census process. An excellent plus is that training is at no additional charge, so everyone can attend as and when they need or want to.
The Learning Partners MIS Project Team have spent the last 6 months performing an in-depth review for the right Management Information System for our schools. This team was made up of 21 staff from across our schools, all bringing to the process their knowledge and expertise.
The procurement process begun by reviewing 7 potential MIS systems. We analysed them from both Primary and Secondary perspectives, and from a wide range of roles within our schools.
After a thorough review, MIS Panel agreed that Bromcom is the best product for our schools due to its “One-Stop-Shop” capability and features. Bromcom reduces the amount of third party systems we use, works on any device with staff/student & parent apps, enhances communications with parents by using parent app notifications or SMS, Homework Management, Behaviour Workflows and more.
IT Helpdesk Update
In the last month the Network Team have received 1027 new tickets to our helpdesk with a total of 888 tickets being closed so far. With the summer break fast approaching the team are currently planning out their project work for each school including but not limited to upgrading classroom audio/visual equipment, computer & server audits around the schools, CCTV and Wi-Fi upgrades. Please remember if there is any work you would like done over summer, request it via our helpdesk and we will do our best to schedule this in for you.
The following ticket categories were the most submitted to the helpdesk:
We thank you for your support and as always, we please ask that you log any issues or queries on the helpdesk by emailing: networkhelpdesk@learningpartners.org
Regards
Ben Sayers
Learning Partners IT Director
Click here to watch a quick overview of Bromcom
As you can see the list of features is extensive, and the project team will be having a “Kick-Off” meeting with every school’s SLT to define roles, timescales, training and support. This will commence with our two pilot schools next week.
One of the main areas we felt that Bromcom was the right system for the schools within our trust was the excellent training they provide. They offer an extensive training website, where staff can learn how to use the different aspects of Bromcom or brush-up at any time.
leading schools where children thrive
School lmprovement
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
Surrey Maths School Events
Women in Stem - Summer School
8 or 10 July, 09:30 - 15:30
University of Surrey
Meet the Headteachers
25 June, 17:00 - 17:45
Online
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. But be quick - spaces are filling fast!
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 here to download the flyer and for further information
on the day
The Royal Institution at Guildford Grove!
Guildford Grove welcomed The Royal Institution (www.rigb.org) into school to provide two science shows to the children, a staff CPD session and a community science show. The whole school was wowed by ignited gummy bears, the size of the small intestine, and how flour can be set alight.
Over 70 families attended the community show to share in the wonders of rocket science, including setting bubbles of gas on fire and propelling rockets across the hall. It was an inspirational day for everyone and demonstrates the school’s ongoing commitment to providing STEM enrichment opportunities for all pupils.
A wonderful way to increase the science capital at your school. Please contact Elaine Thompson at Guildford Grove for further information on how to coordinate such a day. Elainethompson@guildfordgrove.surrey.sch.uk
leading schools where children thrive
VACANCIES
We are looking for a motivated, positive and enthusiastic Receptionist to join the office team in our vibrant and ambitious school.
We need a multi-tasker who can greet all our visitors with a smile while answering the phone and juggling various administrative tasks.
Your responsibilities will be varied, and you will find that no two days are quite the same. What you need more than anything else is excellent interpersonal skills, a positive can-do attitude and a willingness to learn something new every day.
You will be part of a forward-thinking team who will support you to be the very best in your role as the face of the school.
leading schools where children thrive
CEO’s meetings and central team contact list
1:1 Director of Education (AKR)
Governance conference update
Head of Finance interviews
1:1 Sara McClure DfE
Staffing Review
Head of HR
1:1 KCG Principal
Saint Cecilias Leadership Away Day
Reference Group - EHCP Timeliness
Matilda at Kings College
1:1 Headteacher at Pond Meadow
KCG review feedback
LPCAT
25 Years Service Cream Tea
Governance Conference
Termly visit to Shalford
1:1 Director of Education (AKR)
School visit to Tillingbourne
School visit to Burpham
2:1 COO and Director of Education (KK)
MIS system and standardisation
Southborough HT and governors
Schools Forum
IIWG Subgroup leads meeting
1:1 COO
Exit interview
Onslow Infant School
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09:00 - 10:00
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08:00 - 12:30
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17:00 - 21:00
08:30 - 10:00
11:30 - 12:00
12:00 - 14:30
15:00 - 17:00
18:00 - 21:00
10:00 - 12:00
09:00 - 10:00
12:00 - 13:00
14:00 - 15:30
09:00 - 10:00
10:00 - 11:00
11:00 - 13:00
13:00 - 16:00
08:30 - 09:30
10:00 - 11:00
15:30 -16:30
12:30 - 13:30
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
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 CE
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
rhughlock@learningpartners.org
owernick@learningpartners.org
bsayers@learningpartners.org
nriley@learningpartners.org
sallen@learningpartners.org
abenson@learningpartners.org
sbusby@learningpartners.org
ddalgleish@learningpartners.org
scave@learningpartners.org
jmason@learningpartners.org
gsutton@learningpartners.org
tmarchetti@learningpartners.org
jfarrellgray@learningpartners.org
sfishburn@learningpartners.org
dmorris@learningpartners.org
hdonnithornedoughty@learningpartners.org
01483 977230
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leading schools where children thrive
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
LEARNING PARTNERS Staff Benefits
Cycle To Work Scheme
This operates as a “salary sacrifice” employee benefit, in this instance the benefit is a bike and/or accessories). The salary sacrifice is taken from your gross salary, therefore you will make savings on income tax and national insurance. The bike can also be used for general use, so you don’t actually have to use it to cycle to work!
Click here for further information and to sign up
Access to Wisdom a health and mental wellbeing app
This app is linked to our employee assistance programme,Health Assured, and gives you access to a dedicated wellbeing counsellor using live messaging and vido calls. The health hub can track your mood, help you set health plans, give mini health checks and support with breathing techniques.
Click here for further information and our unique code to sign up
Nuffield Health Discounted Membership
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.
Click here for further information
Octopus Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
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.
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.
Click here for further information
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
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.
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
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
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:
This membership type also includes the following perks, at no extra cost!
10% discount on your first treatment and a free 10 minute consutation with one of the specialists.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Click here for further information
Octopus EV
Salary sacrifice and pension impact
01483 682662
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).
sales@surreysportspark.co.uk
www.surreysportspark.co.uk
Sports Massage and Injury Rehabilitation at Kings
Click here to find out how
an EV salary sacrifice
can affect your pension
A sports therapist who rents a room at Kings College is offering all Learning Partners staff a discount for various services including:
leading schools where children thrive