Author: site-admin

A new series of in-school training sessions has been announced by FFT Education.  

Ideal for inset or training days, an expert FFT associate can present practical and in-depth modules focused on any Key Stage(s) performance data.  The new sessions include: 

• Enhancing leadership with FFT Aspire (KS1, KS2, KS4 or KS5)
• An introduction to FFT Aspire  (available for KS1, KS2, KS4 or KS5)
• Step-by-step Aspire dashboard analysis with an FFT expert (available for KS1, KS2, KS4 or KS5)
• Life beyond levels: Welcome to scaled scores (Available for KS2)
• Unpacking Progress 8: Getting to grips with your 2016 results (available for KS4)
• The Complete Guide to School Performance Data (Including sources such as FFT Aspire, RAISEonline, Ofsted Inspection Dashboard and the DfE school performance tables – available for KS1, KS2, KS4 or KS5)

The new series of training sessions are designed to help you understand how FFT Aspire can help schools to raise pupils’ achievement, support schools’ self-evaluation and target setting.  In addition to exploring FFT Aspire, these sessions will also focus on the importance of developing teachers’ data literacy throughout schools.

Bespoke training is also offered. To receive a copy of our new booklet explaining the options available or to discuss event requirements for FFT’s in-school training, please email events@fft.org.uk.

We would like to bring to your attention recent school incidents in England related to the improper storage of A-level chemistry substance 2,4-DNP (called 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine) where bomb disposal teams have been called in and consequently carried out controlled explosions.

• The product has been identified as being used in some A-level chemistry lessons.
• The problem result from allowing the product to dry out and therefore making it dangerous.

Haringey Council and the Department for Education would like to remind all schools and post-16 institutions of the importance of ensuring all chemicals used for practical science activities are stored safely.

CLEAPSS, is the recommended competent advisory service and you are advised to follow their recommendations regarding the named chemical – 2,4-DNP (2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine).

• For advice on safe storage of chemicals, institutions should check the CLEAPSS website (external link). If you have further questions please contact the CLEAPSS helpline on 01895 251496.
• Specific advice on 2,4-DNP can be found on the CLEAPSS website (external link).

Recommended Action:

1. Circulate this Alert Note to your relevant school staff i.e. science technician, science teacher, site managers.
2. Assess your chemical storage and determine if this issue is relevant to your setting.
3. Follow CLEAPSS advice (see attachment) and seek further advice from them if unsure.