Bulletin
Week Commencing
01 July 2024
Change for the better
“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” Abraham Maslow
The air in schools during the summer term is one filled with excitement and apprehension around transitions and change. All stakeholders in our schools will be preparing for things coming to a close and making plans for new beginnings.
Here at Moss Lane Infant School we are facing a transition of our own; becoming a fully-fledged member of Learning Partners. Planning and preparation for this has been going on behind the scenes for some time and like many children who are transitioning to new things, we are filled with excitement but also a little apprehension of what’s to come.
At Moss Lane we view every child’s journey as being unique and we are here to guide them every step of the way. This couldn’t be truer at times of transitions. Staff here are forward thinking; discreetly preparing their current classes for moving on within, and beyond Moss Lane. Effective communication between teachers and schools is an essential element in ensuring new beginnings work well. Conversations around the social emotional welfare, as well as academic success of children are frequent at this time of year. Our school vision of ‘Safe, happy, aiming high’ is the driver for these conversations.
New beginnings provide an abundance of fresh opportunities. For many, this is exciting and something to look forward to. For some, times of change can be daunting and overwhelming.
Putting the right support in place for our most vulnerable pupils during transitions can ensure the continuity of learning, and development remains. The top of our transitions ‘job to do list’ is keeping well-being high, through effective emotional support. This will allow relationships old and new, to build and strengthen.
We know children, and their families thrive when they feel safe, secure and have a strong sense of belonging. Fostering open and effective relationships from the start allows us to build the foundations of our community.
We are always sad when children and families move on as they have been part of our Moss Lane family, and we have spent years building and developing these relationships. However, we are always able to ‘hand children over’ with a sense of pride knowing they will be ready for the next part in their learning journey.
When children, and adults, experience success through transition they will inevitably grow in confidence and handle changes in life well. Getting this right for our community has an ever lasting impact on their life’s trajectories.
As our academic year ends with a sense of achievement and closure, we take with us into the summer a sense of anticipation and excitement of all that the new academic year will have to offer. We would like to wish our Learning Partners schools all the best as they transition over the summer period and look forward to starting our new and exciting start journey in becoming part of the trust.
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
Victoria Abbott, Headteacher, Moss Lane Infants
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School lmprovement
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
George Abbot SCITT partners with South Farnham
It is often said that the only constant in education is change and that is certainly true for the SCITT team at the end of this term. Based at George Abbot, our SCITT has been training teachers for over 20 years. During this time we have trained almost 1000 teachers. Countless Mentors and Professional Tutors will have supported these trainees developing their own professional skills alongside those of the trainees they nurture. Many of these trainees have gone on to have successful careers in our trust schools and beyond, making the SCITT a key strategic partner for local teacher recruitment. We are outward facing working with schools beyond our trust in Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire. We were one of the first providers to offer initiatives such as ‘Researchers in Schools’ in partnership with The Brilliant Club and our team have presented at national conferences on ITT. We have been an ‘outstanding’ provider of ITT for many years.
However, this summer we face some strategic changes. Being outward facing, we saw the recent ITT Market Review as an opportunity to build capacity within our organisation and continue to provide well-trained teachers for our trust schools. This led us to forging a partnership with South Farnham SCITT who specialise in Primary, while we continue to focus on Secondary. With South Farnham now having some secondary schools in their trust, they were keen to learn from us and collectively shape this offer. So, from September the SCITT team will be moving across to South Farnham so we can be one big team developing and delivering ITT from early years through to post-16 on a large scale.
Recruitment to our Secondary programme for September has been buoyant despite the national picture being poor. We have a record number of trainees and for the first time will be hosting two cohorts, one in Guildford and one in Basingstoke.
So, whilst we won’t officially be working ‘FOR’ Learning Partners from September, we are still very committed to working ‘WITH’ your schools. We have worked hard to forge partnerships over a long period of time, and this will continue into the future. Emails will start to come from an ‘SFET’ email but it will still be Richard and Jo on the end of the emails and us who will be visiting your schools.
The programme we deliver will be our programme and many study sessions will be run by colleagues from LPAT. Our hope is that next year will feel no different for schools or trainees.
However, we do need your help. Our research tells us that most candidates choose our provision through word of mouth. If friends, family, colleagues or neighbours are interested in training to teach in future, the message is that training in LPAT schools is still possible, future candidates can access local training and join our well-respected programme. We are still very much here.
Last week we signed off the ‘Class of 2024’ and the overwhelming feedback is that this ‘has been an amazing course’. This cohort were supportive of each other and forged wonderful friendships alongside training. As we pack up our office, we have been reading the messages we have received over the years and reflected on where trainees are now. We know that many are now mentoring and engaged in supporting trainees which is wonderful to see. We look back with pride, confident in the knowledge that the SCITT has made a difference to schools and the pupils within them. We are proud of all we have achieved and of what is still to come.
Thank you for your support over the last 22 years! The education landscape was very different back then and whilst we have embraced change as a profession the core purpose of our jobs remains forever the same; to make a difference. We can all head to the summer knowing we have done just that and look forward to the changes that we will embrace in the Autumn term. We look forward to visiting your schools soon.
Signing off, Jo and Richard
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School lmprovement
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
George Abbot SCITT over the years
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HEADS, GOVERNANCE & STAFF INFORMATION
Governance Conference
Thank you very much to everyone who participated in and attended our annual governance conference on 27 June. Thank you to those who facilitated a session, we appreciate that you were allocated to an area that was not your expertise and this was to enable all participants to do the talking and to stimulate discussion.
Our intended outcome from the conference was to inspire conversations within LGBs around what governor roles should look like and to question how our wider governance framework can be improved. Clearly, this is very much an early stage of this review process and you will hear more about our proposals in the new academic year.
Thank you very much to those who have completed the survey. We are still collating the feedback and would appreciate your response if you have not yet done so. This will allow us to gain further input to our governance review and better prepare and formulate next year’s conference and training programme.
The feedback received so far has been very informative and is very much appreciated, some good, some less so and both understandable. We will share the good stuff and work to improve on the bad!
If you have not yet managed to complete the survey, please click here
Good way to review the SoD - wonder if there are opportunities to do something like this again in a different area of the SoD.
It was really useful to have an interactive session and we had a fantastic facilitator.
Engaging, helpful and I learned a lot. Good to do small group discussions with governors and heads from different school. Well run.
Sarah Fothergill was excellent.
Jack's introduction was very helpful and useful.
Good to feel part of the whole LP team and share ideas with others.
Q and A at end was valuable.
It was great to see my LGB, meet a few new faces and think about our own LGB
Thank you for organising - these events are a very valuable opportunity to help Govs to feel involved and to develop understanding of trust.
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HEADS, GOVERNANCE & STAFF INFORMATION
25 Year Service Celebration
Last week members of staff who have worked within Surrey schools for 25 years came together on Thursday June 28 to celebrate this fabulous milestone.
They met at Harbour Hotel in Guildford and were treated to afternoon tea in the company of Jack, our CEO and Andrew Isherwood, Chair of Trustees. Jack and Andrew thoroughly enjoyed their company and listening to the many stories and experiences that have been met along the way during their 25 year careers.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate those members of staff who attended on this amazing achievement. We are sure you have witnessed many changes in education along the way and there are not enough words to express our thanks for your commitment, resilience and humour - essential characteristics for the world of education. Thank you for everything that you have done, and continue to do, for the young people of Surrey. You are absolutely amazing!
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OPERATIONS
HR Update
We are pleased to share with you that the popular mental health app “headspace” is offering a free subscription to those who work in education.
There has been a lot going on in HR at the moment. The last few weeks have seen some new policies introduced regarding flexible working and probations periods and our former Trust Capability and Disciplinary policy has been split into two separate policies to enable clearer guidelines when dealing with cases of capability versus conduct.
Of course, more changes could be afoot – if Labour win the General Election (and you will know one way or the other when you read this!) there could be more employment law changes as the party intend to pave the way for their Make Work Pay plan and have promised new legislation within their first 100 days of government. Watch this space!
Please click here to view all published policies
Please click here for more information about the app.
Click here to sign up for the free subscription
Please note you will need to upload proof that you work in education for your application to be approved; more infomation is available on the site.
For staff members who pay into the LGPS, we have had notification from the Surrey Pensions team that the 2024 Annual Benefit Statement will be available to view on the ‘My Pension’ portal by 31st August 2024, for staff who were active members by 31st March 2024. To view the statement, you will need to log on using the link below. Once logged on, you will be able to select “Annual Benefit Statements” from the dashboard. The statement can then be printed or downloaded and saved.
Interesting Reading
Pearson School Report 2024
Pearson commissioned a nationally representative external survey of primary and secondary educators between 20/03/24 and 13/04/24 to capture their views. Between, 6,932 and 10,015 responded to the questions. Responses were collected by the polling organisation Teacher Tapp and weighted to reflect national teacher and school demographics. Click below to read.
leading schools where children thrive
VACANCIES
Pastoral Assistant
Fullbrook School
Click here to apply
Do you have an interest in supporting young people? We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Pastoral Assistant to assist our Heads of Learning. You will be part of an amazing team, promoting an inclusive and nurturing ethos where all students feel supported and valued.
You will act as primary contact for students and parents throughout the school day for one year group, completing all administrative tasks as required.
Location - Near West Byfleet, Surrey (excellent transport links)
Contract type – 37.5 hours per week, term-time plus one (40 weeks)
Hours – 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday
Contract term – Permanent to start September 2024
Salary - Payscale LPT6, FTE £28,470 - £30,665 (pro rata £26,396-£28,431)
leading schools where children thrive
CEO’s meetings and central team contact list
Tiffin School Education Committee
School visit to Glebelands
Fergal Roche
1:1 Chair of trustees
Lunch with Kings catering apprentice
Tiffin School FGB
CEO Network meeting
School visit to Moss Lane
LPCAT Board Meeting
MAT conference: culture and belonging
Termly visit to Loseley Fields
1:1 Director of Education (KK)
LPCAT afternoon
Matilda at Guildford Grove
Education Committee
South Farnham SCITT and SFET strategic board mtg
ECT celebration event
Trust board meeting
End of year celebration event with headteachers
1:1 COO
Executive team meeting
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Jack Mayhew
Patrick Overy
Andrew Roach
Jo Jones
Michele Miller
Kathryn Krynicki
Rachel Hughlock
Olivia Wernick
Ben Sayers
Nicola Riley
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Anne Benson
Sally Busby
Douglas Dalgleish
Sally Cave
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CEO
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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
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sfishburn@learningpartners.org
dmorris@learningpartners.org
hdonnithornedoughty@learningpartners.org
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SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
LEARNING PARTNERS Staff Benefits
Cycle To Work Scheme
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.
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
Click here for further information
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.
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.
Click here for further information and our unique code to sign up
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.
Click here for further information
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SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued
LEARNING PARTNERS Staff Benefits
Free Will Writing Service
Discounts for Teachers
& Ode Cashback Card
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
Headspace for Educators
Click here to sign up for discounted membership
Headspace offers free access to its service to anyone who works in education, all teachers and support staff.
Click here to sign up
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:
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