Introduction from Claire Burton

As you will know, we recently welcomed a new ministerial team to the Department for Education. We are looking forward to working with the new Secretary of State and ministers.

I also started this academic year with a new advisory board for the London region. The advisory board plays a crucial role as it is responsible for advising and challenging me on academy-related decisions. The London board is made up of eight members:

• Penny Barratt OBE, The Bridge MAT Ltd
• Emma Bradshaw, Alternative Learning Trust
• Cassie Buchanan, The Charter Schools Educational Trust
• Susan Douglas CBE, The Eden Academy Trust
• Lee Mason-Ellis, The Pioneer Academy
• Rama Venchard, STEP Academy Trust
• Gill Bal, Wembley Multi Academy Trust
• Dr Vanessa Ogden, Mulberry Schools Trust

There are 11 advisory board meetings scheduled for this academic year. You can view the schedule of meetings as well as agendas and meeting minutes.

As mentioned in my message before the summer break, as part of an internal reorganisation in DfE over the summer, we have made some changes to our functions to ensure we have the structures in place to deliver our strategic priorities, keeping regional issues at the heart of our work. You can read about my key responsibilities as Regional Director for London. I and my team are excited at the opportunities this new way of working brings, especially as we align our engagement through the lens of children and the places where they live.

I very much look forward to working with you on our shared ambition to improve outcomes for children and their families. I’ll continue to keep you informed in writing and I will also be holding roundtables which will be an opportunity to speak to more of you and hear your feedback directly.

As always, I and my team look forward to working with you. If there is anything you would like to discuss, please get in touch by emailing my office at RG.LONDON@education.gov.uk.

Best wishes,

Claire Burton

London Regional Director

National news

Post-16 capacity fund open for bids

Providers can bid for a share of £140m to deliver projects creating additional capacity, ensuring there are enough places in their local area to manage the projected demographic increase in 16-19 learners.

Further information about the fund and how to apply can be found on GOV.UK.  Applications close 11 November 2022. We encourage you to register on the application portal as soon as possible. The portal will be regularly updated with responses to frequently asked questions.

Trust CEO and chair induction programme

Sessions available include:

• the accountability framework for trusts, inspection and the role of Ofsted
• understanding and monitoring educational performance and school improvement
• the trust context and the role of the chair; the role of Regions Group and Advisory Board

The events are led by DfE and supported by experts from the sector. They will run between 14 November and 7 December.

Register your interest in attending and we will send details of the events including dates, times and the MS Teams link for each session relevant to your role. The programme is free to attend.

Analyse school performance (ASP)

If you would like to help us shape the service to suit your needs, give us a better understanding of how the system is currently used, and identify any areas that can be improved, then we want to talk with you in a user research capacity. Please contact Christopher Wood to arrange a confidential research session.

Cost of school uniforms

If your school is not yet compliant, check the requirements for schools section for actions you need to take now.

If you need to run a competitive process to set up a new contract, you should have the contract in place by December 2022, working with suppliers to agree a sensible transition period. This will mean that new uniforms can be available for summer 2023.

All schools should be fully compliant with the guidance by summer 2023. Some schools might be tied into existing contracts with suppliers and may not be able to meet some elements of the guidance until their contract is due for renewal, which may be later.

Significant changes to funding agreements

Please see the guidance on making significant changes for further information.

Changes can include:

• expansion
• merging with another academy
• changing the school’s age range
• changing the school’s faith

Introduction to Whole School SEND

Leaders, teachers and classroom staff are encouraged to log in to the Whole School SEND website, to access evidence-informed resources for schools, academies and Trusts including the following:

• The SEND review guide suite – a series of self-evaluation tools to support school leaders in understanding and improving inclusive culture. This self-review can be further supported by commissioning an Expert SEND Review
• In partnership with the Sea View Trust, WSS has created SEND career pathways for the school workforce – a curated directory of free training and resource materials to support continuous professional development for school staff. This is a tool that can be used as part of the appraisal/ performance review cycle
• The Teacher Handbook: SEND – a useful resource for teachers to embed inclusive practice in their classrooms, written for school leaders and all levels of a class-based staff across the mainstream and specialist sectors.

Schools Commercial Team – autumn term webinar schedule now open for bookings

See the full schedule and register to attend.

Teaching and leadership support from DfE funded hubs

The diagram gives you an overview of the support available and contains links to find out how to access support from each hub.

Find out how school leaders can get support from other schools to improve a specific area of teaching or leadership.

Trust and school improvement offer (TSI) 2022 to 2023

In exceptional circumstances, support can be given through the TSI offer to schools or trusts that feel they would benefit but do not meet the eligibility criteria. Please contact us if your school or trust does not meet the criteria but you feel you would benefit from the offer.

New and improved agency supply framework

If you need support with hiring supply teachers and temporary staffing, contact Crown Commercial Services.

Music hub investment programme

As part of the NPME, Arts Council England will run an investment process inviting applications for the role of music hub lead organisation. These organisations will receive government funding to co-ordinate music hub partnerships ensuring there are fantastic, accessible music education experiences for children and young people.

We are encouraging multi-academy trusts to consider applying for these roles. To register your interest and for more information, please visit the Arts Council England’s webpage.

Schools and Academies Show 2022

• the journey to 2030
•  what the white paper targets will mean for schools
• how the SEND review will change practice in schools

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