Beacons of hope

It hardly seems possible that we are approaching the end of 2023, and the end of the Autumn term. Christmas is in the air, and it feels like barely a moment since the start of term, blue skies, and ‘shirt-sleeve order’ in unseasonal heat. Yet school seasons come and go, and the only thing that changes is their increasing pace. Our staff and young people have had an excellent autumn term, fully engaging in a whole host of activities and learning across our trust. At Learning Partners, we believe in learning that inspires and being brave innovators. I have been particularly proud of the range of environments and communities to which our learning has taken our young people: musical tours, sporting fixtures, geographical investigations, farmyard management, theatrical experiences, or art gallery viewings. The range and quality of our learning options for young people across the trust has been awe- inspiring. I must thank our staff for the time and energy it takes to provide such experiences for our children, I know our students relish these opportunities as they build lifelong school memories.

Over the last few weeks of this term, it has been my pleasure to conduct several CEO visits to schools and speak to children and staff about their experiences of Learning Partners’ Schools. I am pleased to report that the stories I hear are ones of endeavour, discovery and ambition. These are the three gifts in our Christmas story. If we can embolden our young people to take the opportunities life has to offer, equip them with the educational skills to fulfil their potential and develop a sense of guardianship for their future, its people and planet, we truly are fulfilling our vision of becoming ‘leading schools where children thrive’. We know we are not perfect and my team of headteachers and leaders work tirelessly to improve our offer to children and provide the best. We are all aware of the backdrop of challenge facing us currently: teacher recruitment, funding challenges, increased anxiety and limited support services all provide a challenging backdrop to our work. However, it is here and now, precisely in these tiring circumstances that the impact of schools is greatest.

Our schools really are beacons of hope in the wintertime; shining out like seasonal stars. guiding the way and leading us home. The source of this light? Our children, with all their energy, enthusiasm and curiosity. I have been delighted to witness how as individual schools, and as a collective trust, we nurture, develop and enhance this light. Ensuring they understand that they are the hope for our future and that we believe in them. Let’s all believe this Christmas.

Have a restful and peaceful holiday.

Jack Mayhew

Chief Executive Officer

Governor Training

Bitesize Learning Series

Continuing with the theme of MS Word, this weeks selection looks at inserting a table of contents, which is particularly useful for large scale documents, and using the Find & Replace function.

Keeping large documents in their electronic version definitely helps to contribute to our sustainability approach, and correctly setting up a table of contents allows for efficient reference and use of the information enclosed.

Don’t forget, if you have any suggestions of things you would like covering, please do email Jodie Farrell-Gray.

Useful Information for Governors

Every one of our governors has access to Governor Hub and the National Governance Association. These are both valuable sources of information, guidance and ideas.

This week we wanted to share with you 2 useful articles; Safer Recruitment from Governor Hub and Preparing for LGB Meetings from the NGA.

Please click on the links below to read more; we hope you will find these articles enjoyable and informative.

Christmas Card Competition Winners!

Jack was delighted to visit 4 of our schools this week and present our very worthy winners with their prizes. HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to all of our talented artists!

GEMs Team Update

At the end of a very busy term, we’re all ready for some well-earned ‘down time’ and fun with friends and family. Here are some of our favourite ideas for fun activities during the holidays:

• Winter Sports: organise a friendly snowball fight or build a snowman.
  
• Holiday Movie Marathon: gather friends or family for a movie night with classic holiday films and create a cozy blanket fort for the ultimate movie-watching experience.
  
• Baking and Cooking: experiment with holiday recipes or bake and decorate cookies.
  
• Winter Wonderland Walk: take a stroll through a local park or nature reserve to enjoy the winter scenery, or go on a hunt for holiday lights or decorations in your neighbourhood.
  
• Board Games and Puzzles: spend quality time indoors with friends and family - and snacks! Invite friends over for a game night featuring winter-themed games.
  
• Holiday Crafts: get creative with DIY holiday crafts, such as making ornaments or homemade holiday cards. You could even try your hand at creating festive decorations for your home.
  
• Hot Cocoa and Treats: set up a hot cocoa station with various toppings and treats. Enjoy cozy evenings with a warm drink by the fireplace.
  
• Indoor Trampoline Park or Bowling: visit an indoor trampoline park for some active fun, or go bowling with friends or family for a relaxed yet enjoyable time.
  
• Escape Room Adventure: challenge yourself with an escape room experience, either in-person or virtually. Work together to solve puzzles and unlock clues.
  

Remember, the most important thing is to spend time with loved ones, create cherished memories, and embrace the joy of the season.

caution to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

To find the answers to our crossword puzzle, please head to the last page!

We wish you a happy & healthy break over the festive season.

The Estates & Governance Team

time to take a breath & enjoy some well deserved down time.

seasons greetings to all

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT continued

With a little festive magic

Autumn Term

Becomes Spring Term

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

For more information and to book your initial appointment, click here

Click here for further information on Discounts for Teachers

Click here for further information on Ode Cashback Card

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

Click here to sign up for discounted membership

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 for further information

Click here to sign up for discounted membership

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

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

Horizon Guildford

Surrey Sports Park

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

07547 103933

Surrey Sports Park, continued

Octopus Referral Scheme

• 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.
  

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).

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 to find out how

an EV salary sacrifice

can affect your pension

01483 682662

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

Click here for further information

Boxgrove

Guildford Grove

Classroom Teacher

No current vacancies

Learning Support Assistant (Deafness)

Loseley Fields

Northmead

EYFS Class Teacher

No current vacancies

Pirbright

Sandfield

Learning Support Assistant

No current vacancies

Extended Schools Assistant - Club Class After School Club

Shalford Infant & Nursery School

Part time Teaching Assistant

School Business Manager

Caretaker

Fullbrook

George Abbot

Teacher of Science

No current vacancies

Guildford County

Kings College

No current vacancies

No current vacancies

Glebelands School

Moss Lane Infant School

Learning Support Assistant

No current vacancies

Tillingbourne Junior School

Burpham Primary School

No current vacancies

Clerk to Local Governing Body

Learning Partners Academy Trust

Surrey Maths School

Compliance Administrator

No current vacancies