8th September 2025

Dear Colleagues,

This bulletin is for all settings that educate Hillingdon children, maintained, academies and independent.

Please forward this email to the leads in your settings or team members who might be interested in the content, so they can follow up the relevant offers. Thank you in advance.

Reminders:
Hillingdon LEAP can be accessed for information and guidance for all settings	Ongoing
Critical Incident Notification can be found here	Ongoing
Emergency closures of all schools must be reported to education@hillingdon.gov.uk	Ongoing
Education Services Contacts can be found here	Ongoing
Education & SEND Policies can be found here	Ongoing
EYES information can be found here. Support guidance and training videos have now been added for schools & settings.	Ongoing
Governors can access LA training here	Ongoing
Hillingdon Learning Partnership	Ongoing
Schools' Forum meeting papers can be accessed here. If anyone would like to attend meetings, they are welcome to do so.	Ongoing

For All Schools & Settings:
Children's Social Care Transformation As you may be aware, Hillingdon Children's Services is currently undergoing a significant transformation across many of its statutory social care services. These changes are in response to the Family First Partnership reforms introduced by central Government, and we are working closely with strategic leads across agencies to shape this work collaboratively. The transformation will take place in two phases: Phase One - Launch of the Family Help Service (from 27 August) Partner agencies should continue to refer into Children's Services via the established Stronger Families Portal. Referrals will be reviewed by the Stronger Families Hub and actioned accordingly, including advice, signposting, or onward referrals. Where a Family Help Assessment is appropriate, the case will be allocated to the relevant locality team for assessment by a key worker or social worker. The new Family Help Service brings together: Alternatively qualified key workers (formerly Stronger Families key workers), Social workers from the assessment team (previously Referral & Assessment / First Response), Social workers from the Children's Social Work Service. These teams will support families at the point of need—whether through early intervention, Child in Need, or Child Protection pathways. The service is structured into three localities to foster stronger relationships with schools and local services. Child and Family Assessments will be replaced by Family Help Assessments, focusing on support and intervention. Each family will work with a lead practitioner (key worker or social worker) on a Stronger Families Plan. To ensure continuity, key workers and social workers will continue supporting the children they are currently working with, bringing their caseloads into their new teams. Other Service Updates: A new Short Breaks Team will support children with complex disabilities outside of safeguarding pathways. The Corporate Parenting Team will now be known as the Cared for Children Team. Personal Advisors will support care-experienced young people through a new Transitions to Adulthood Service, reflecting a more compassionate, child-friendly approach. We encourage all professionals to adopt the term "cared for children" instead of "Looked After Children (LAC)" or "Children in Care (CIC)," in response to feedback from children and young people. Phase Two - Forthcoming Developments Work is underway to develop the front door and establish multi-agency child protection teams. Further updates will follow. We will also be launching a New Beginnings Service to support vulnerable expectant or potential parents. More details will be shared in due course. Please be reassured that our commitment to providing a robust and responsive service for children and young people remains unchanged. Their wellbeing continues to be our highest priority—and safeguarding is, as always, everyone's responsibility. Referral Process Reminder: All child protection referrals should be made by calling: 01895 556006 The safeguarding concern must be confirmed in writing the same day via the Early Help Assessment on the portal: Concerned about a child's safety? - Hillingdon Council We will continue to share updates as our transformation progresses. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. External Childrens Social Care Transformation presentation (PDF, 549 KB)
Hillingdon Council Children's Services Visiting Schools & Settings Letter-of-Assurance-for-Schools -Sept-2025
Fully Funded Training & Policy Resource for All Hillingdon Schools We're excited to announce that we are providing access to a fully funded training and policy resource for all Hillingdon Schools, designed to support safeguarding practice. This resource is completely free—generously funded by ACS International School— with the aim to save your school time, money and support all staff with up-to-date knowledge and practice in safeguarding. What is it: Our team has worked in partnership with ISS (Independent Safeguarding Service) who provide a platform to ensure that all policies and procedures are in line with our expectations, and that safeguarding policies are reviewed by HCR Law for legal compliance. ISS have created a Hillingdon specific online portal for schools to access free resources including: Hillingdon-specific safeguarding policies— (Create at the click of a button and edit as needed) Live, expert-led training sessions throughout the year, available to all staff (mandatory and thematic) Induction e-learning for onboarding staff Currently, the free training available includes (but is not limited to): SRC Accredited Safer Recruitment training (delivered by Safer Recruitment Consortium accredited trainers) Online Safety Training (delivered by SWGfL) Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) (delivered by Kooth) Contextual Safeguarding (including Child Criminal Exploitation) (delivered by St. Giles Trust) Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (delivered by the National FGM Centre) Supporting Young People with Disordered Eating (delivered by Kooth) Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation (delivered by ELOP) Supporting Young People who Self-Harm (delivered by Kooth) Trauma Informed Practice (delivered by Trauma Informed Schools) Harmful Sexual Behaviour (delivered by the CSACentre) Honour Based Abuse (delivered by Karma Nirvana) Managing Allegations Training (delivered by an experienced LADO) Safeguarding in Therapeutic Practice (for school counsellors) Managing the Single Central Record Policy templates include: Safeguarding Behaviour Managing Allegations Complaints Next steps: We'll soon send your DSL a login link to set up your school's dashboard for the 2025-26 academic year. If you have a new DSL this term, please email their details to Lclarke@hillingdon.gov.uk ASAP. Please note only one account can be provided per school—but please feel free to share login details within your setting if multiple staff managing training and/or policies. If you are not the DSL - please check your DSL has received the email. Once logged in, your school can access training and templates straight away. Please also take the time to attend our upcoming meeting for a walkthrough and Q&A led by ISS and Nicole Diamond. Details of this to follow, session will also be recorded and shared. We encourage all Hillingdon schools to take full advantage of this exceptional, free resource to strengthen safeguarding practice.
Reporting and Investigating Incidents Correctly For those working in Community Schools where LBH is the employer all incidents MUST be recorded on Assure - the Council's online health & safety management system. All incidents regarded as work-related must be investigated within 10 days of the event's occurrence and completed correctly - identifying the causes and any recommendations to prevent a recurrence. Analysis shows most incidents are not being reported/investigated as required. This could leave both the school and LBH exposed for not complying with relevant legislation relating to incident reporting/investigation. All community school staff involved with investigating incidents/approving investigations should attend the half-day course on using Assure to do so (business/office managers, headteachers etc). Statistics show that currently only 9% of schools staff who have such responsibilities have completed the training. Places for the Assure / SHE (Health and Safety software) - System users course can be reserved via your Learning Zone.
Head Teachers' Termly Meetings Please add these dates to your diaries: Autumn 2025 - 18 November 9:30 - 11:30 am online Spring 2026 - 10 March 9:00 - 11:00 am online Summer 2026 - 9 June 9:30 - 11:30 am online Agenda with link to join will be shared nearer the time. Headteachers or deputies of all schools should attend.
Achievement for All Conference - Every Child Present: Addressing Attendance Gaps in Key Groups Date: 24^th September 2025 \| Time: 9 - 3.30 pm \| Location: Oak Wood School This attendance conference will look at improving the attendance of young people vulnerable to educational underachievement, particularly disadvantaged students eligible for Pupil Premium and those on the SEND register or with EHCPs. We will be exploring different ways of improving attendance and sharing resources that can support leaders. Keynote speaker, Dr Keven Bartle, senior education lead for the SSAT, will lead the day with presentations from local schools on how they have improved attendance. Progamme for the day (exact timings may be subject to change): 9.00 am - Welcome & refreshments 9.30 am - Intro & context 9.45 am - Building a culture of belonging & family engagement 10.45 am - School showcase 11.40 am - Tabletop exercise & reflections 12.15 pm - Lunch 1.00 pm - How to monitor & evaluate data to target interventions on identified groups 1.45 pm - School showcase 2.30 pm - Tabletop exercise & reflections 3.10 pm - Closing remarks & next steps 3.30 pm - Finish We hope to see you there! Please sign up here: Registration Form by 12th September 2025. If you have already signed up, you do not need to again. We will be in contact soon with final agenda and timings for the day.
New Headteacher Mentoring Opportunity We have several new headteachers who have joined our schools this term. There is a mixture of new and experienced headteachers, some that have worked in Hillingdon and some that are completely new to the Borough. As last year, we are looking for existing Hillingdon heads to volunteer to support our new headteachers during their first year of appointment as mentors. It is expected that the mentor and mentee will have weekly mentoring sessions for the first 2 months, moving to monthly thereafter. Mentoring discussions points, location (virtual/ face to face), timings and frequency can be agreed directly between the mentor and mentee and should be flexible and needs led. If you would like to be listed as a Hillingdon mentor, or have any questions, then please email: education@hillingdon.gov.uk with 'New HT Mentor' in the title as soon as possible. Please indicate if you have a preference for the type of new headteacher you would like to mentor. For us to target the right support for our new headteachers, please could you share the key areas that you would have liked to be supported on when you became a new headteacher - who did you need to meet first, what areas were most difficult in your first year, what was your most valuable learning points, etc. We look forward to hearing from you!
Ofsted Inspection Framework Engagement Programme Ofsted has announced sector engagement programme to ready education providers for the November start to inspections. Details of the programme and how to sign up is available at: Education inspection framework: engagement programme.
LA Governor Training for Autumn Term 2025 Introduction to Understanding Governor Responsibilities in Suspensions and Exclusions: Thursday 18 September at 6pm in the Civic Centre. Suspensions & Exclusions Registration Form School Food Matters - How Governors can support the Healthy Schools Initiative: Tuesday 30 September at 6pm. Supporting Healthy Schools Initiative Registration Form Safeguarding Training for Governors 2025/2026: Mandatory training for all governors on Wednesday 15 October at 6pm. Safeguarding Training forGovernors 2025/2026 Registration Form Understanding the Ofsted Inspection Updates for School Governors: Tuesday 18 November at 6pm. Understanding Ofsted Inspection Updates for SchoolGovernors Registration Form An Overview of Schools Finance for Governors - Knowing your Responsibilities: Monday 1st December at 6pm. An Overview of Schools Finance for Governors Registration Form Managing Allegations Against Staff and Volunteers Training (various dates available): An in-person training delivered by the LADO for those involved in managing allegations against staff and volunteers. Managing allegations against staff and volunteersRegistration Form Videos and slides used in previous training sessions can be found here: LA Training for School Governors
The HEART (Hillingdon's Empathy, Attachment, Relationships and Trauma-Responsiveness) Award Hillingdon Virtual School is excited to announce the launch of the HEART Award, open to all schools across the borough. This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to further their journey toward becoming attachment-aware and trauma-informed. The award includes: Training opportunities delivered by Hillingdon Virtual School staff Dedicated support from a HEART Award Ambassador Access to the Attachment Research Community's Audit and School Development Plan tools Information events about the HEART Award will be held via Microsoft Teams on the dates listed below. You only need to attend one session, and we kindly request that a representative from your Senior Leadership Team joins on behalf of your school. Please use the links below to join your chosen session. - Tuesday 7th October 9am-10am - Wednesday 8th October 12pm-1pm - Thursday 9th October 2pm-3pm - Friday 10th October 3.30pm-4.30pm If you have any questions ahead of these dates, please contact Chloe Rock at crock@hillingdon.gov.uk.
Vulnerable Learners Support Clinics Updated Form Please find below the updated link to the referral form for the Vulnerable Learners Support Team (VLST) support clinics. These virtual meetings provide an opportunity for education settings to discuss pupils they are finding difficult to support or manage. The clinics are intended to offer guidance, early intervention strategies, and collaborative problem-solving to better meet the needs of vulnerable learners. Vulnerable Learners' Support Clinic's (VLSC)
Educational Neglect Policy We are pleased to share that the Educational Neglect Policy has been finalised and is now live. A huge thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the consultation period in the summer term. Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the policy Educational Neglect Policy.pdf You are also invited to attend one of the upcoming Information Sessions, where you'll have the opportunity to learn more and ask any questions. You only need to join one session. Please use the links below to join: - 1st October 12pm-1pm - 3rd October 12pm-1pm If you have any questions ahead of these dates, please contact Chloe Rock at crock@hillingdon.gov.uk.
SEND Reviews The SEND Advisory Service (SAS) is offering a free SEND Review to schools to support them to reflect on their current provision and identify ways to achieve improvement priorities. The SEND review uses self-evaluative, evidence-based tools and considers the OFSTED framework, Quality First Teaching and the use of Ordinarily Available Provision. "Our SEND Review was a very collaborative experience. It helped to focus the key strengths and areas to develop in the school. I would certainly recommend it to any SENDCo.'' Primary School SENDCo. More information about the SEND Review process can be found here: SEND Review Flyer (PDF, 1 MB) Please contact Hannah Sheridan (Senior SEND Advisor) at hsheridan@hillingdon.gov.uk to sign up for a SEND Review or to discuss further.
LA SEND & Inclusion Newsletter Please see the latest SEND & Inclusion Newsletter - Leap
*Please share with your parents/carers* Parent Training Brochure 2025-2026 This brochure outlines a comprehensive range of virtual and in-person training sessions, workshops, and support programmes offered by the SEND Advisory Service and Family Hubs in Hillingdon. These sessions are designed to empower parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), covering topics such as autism, vision and hearing impairments, early development, transitions, and more. The brochure includes booking details, course descriptions, and contact information, aiming to support families with practical strategies, peer connections, and professional guidance. Parent training brochure 2025-2026 (PDF, 578 KB)
NASEN Webinar NASEN are holding a 30-minute webinar showcasing their free CPD course launching this September: "Raising Aspirations: Engaging Parents to Empower SEND Futures". Click here for more info.
*Please share with your parents/carers* NHS Parent Flu Webinars Please see details below of parent flu webinars led by Vaccination UK, that you can cascade to your parents/carers: · 17th September, 8:00-9:00 PM FREE PARENT WEBINAR: The flu vaccine in children and young people \| Vukschools · 18th September, 6:00-7:00 PM FREE PARENT WEBINAR: The flu vaccine in children and young people \| Vukschools During the webinars, the nurse will also be raising awareness around natural immunity & helping to address common concerns and misconceptions.
#AskAboutAsthma Campaign Did you know there is an increase in acute admissions during the Autumn for asthma? For 2025, the #AskAboutAsthma campaign will run from 8 - 14 September. The #AskAboutAsthma campaign encourages children and young people, their families, and those involved in their care, to ensure four simple and effective measures to help them control their asthma: 1. Get an asthma action plan in place 2. Understand how to use inhalers correctly 3. Schedule an asthma review - every year and after every attack 4. Consider air pollution and its impact on lung health This is a great opportunity to promote your school walking maps as part of your continued active travel promotion. Please also promote the free asthma workshops to your families: Free asthma workshops for parents (PDF, 196 KB). These are being delivered by health partners and will provide an opportunity for questions and answers, plus focus on What to do if a child is having an Asthma attack Inhaler Techniques Myth Busting Common Triggers Asthma plans It is great that so many schools in Hillingdon have asthma friendly school status. For support on becoming and maintaining this status, please contact the NHS Children's Asthma Team at thh-tr.PaedAsthma@nhs.net or telephone: 01895 279721.
Is Your School Registered for The Daily Mile? Daily Mile schools are invited to join The Daily Mile wave for FREE at the Vitality Westminster Mile, the only mile event in London to finish outside Buckingham Palace! Plus have access to the Free Festival Area in Green Park where you can celebrate with family and friends! You can read more about the event here: Vitality Westminster Mile \| London Marathon Events When: Saturday 27 September 2025 Start Line: The Mall Start time 09.45am Finish Line: Next to Buckingham Palace What do you get: FREE Daily Mile t-shirt Timed results BUXTON® Natural Mineral Water Finisher's medal (optional) How to register for the event: Unlike the TCS Mini London Marathon - this event is open for families/parents/carers to enter directly to take the admin away from schools/teachers. To take part in the event you can signpost your families/children to register via this unique link: https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/checkout/ticket?eventId=234419&reservationCode=re_ekxy4ukgabco&utm_organiser_id=29443&utm_source=reserved_entry. You might want think about targeting or sharing the link with specific families/children who are from underserved areas or communities. Families will need to select and complete the registration process for each individual via one of the following ticket types: Adult / 11-17 years / Under 11 years. For example, if you are a family of four with two adults and children who are twelve and eight you will need to select x2 adults, plus x1 11-17 and x1 under 11. Alternatively, if you 'd prefer to enter as a school/on behalf of your pupils, they are able to do so - however you will be required to complete details of all participating pupils (unlike the Mini London Marathon where we only ask for numbers of pupils). Be quick, as entries are likely to fill very soon!!! There will be more information on implementing and sustaining The Daily Mile in Hillingdon in the Education Weekly Update in the coming weeks.

For All Schools & Settings:

Children's Social Care Transformation

As you may be aware, Hillingdon Children's Services is currently undergoing a significant transformation across many of its statutory social care services. These changes are in response to the Family First Partnership reforms introduced by central Government, and we are working closely with strategic leads across agencies to shape this work collaboratively.

The transformation will take place in two phases:

Phase One - Launch of the Family Help Service (from 27 August)

Partner agencies should continue to refer into Children's Services via the established Stronger Families Portal.
Referrals will be reviewed by the Stronger Families Hub and actioned accordingly, including advice, signposting, or onward referrals.
Where a Family Help Assessment is appropriate, the case will be allocated to the relevant locality team for assessment by a key worker or social worker.
The new Family Help Service brings together:
- Alternatively qualified key workers (formerly Stronger Families key workers),
- Social workers from the assessment team (previously Referral & Assessment / First Response),
- Social workers from the Children's Social Work Service.

These teams will support families at the point of need—whether through early intervention, Child in Need, or Child Protection pathways. The service is structured into three localities to foster stronger relationships with schools and local services.

Child and Family Assessments will be replaced by Family Help Assessments, focusing on support and intervention. Each family will work with a lead practitioner (key worker or social worker) on a Stronger Families Plan.
To ensure continuity, key workers and social workers will continue supporting the children they are currently working with, bringing their caseloads into their new teams.

Other Service Updates:

A new Short Breaks Team will support children with complex disabilities outside of safeguarding pathways.
The Corporate Parenting Team will now be known as the Cared for Children Team. Personal Advisors will support care-experienced young people through a new Transitions to Adulthood Service, reflecting a more compassionate, child-friendly approach.
We encourage all professionals to adopt the term "cared for children" instead of "Looked After Children (LAC)" or "Children in Care (CIC)," in response to feedback from children and young people.

Phase Two - Forthcoming Developments

Work is underway to develop the front door and establish multi-agency child protection teams. Further updates will follow.
We will also be launching a New Beginnings Service to support vulnerable expectant or potential parents. More details will be shared in due course.

Please be reassured that our commitment to providing a robust and responsive service for children and young people remains unchanged. Their wellbeing continues to be our highest priority—and safeguarding is, as always, everyone's responsibility.

Referral Process Reminder:

All child protection referrals should be made by calling: 01895 556006
The safeguarding concern must be confirmed in writing the same day via the Early Help Assessment on the portal: Concerned about a child's safety? - Hillingdon Council

We will continue to share updates as our transformation progresses. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

External Childrens Social Care Transformation presentation (PDF, 549 KB)

Hillingdon Council Children's Services Visiting Schools & Settings

Letter-of-Assurance-for-Schools -Sept-2025

Fully Funded Training & Policy Resource for All Hillingdon Schools

We're excited to announce that we are providing access to a fully funded training and policy resource for all Hillingdon Schools, designed to support safeguarding practice. This resource is completely free—generously funded by ACS International School— with the aim to save your school time, money and support all staff with up-to-date knowledge and practice in safeguarding.

What is it: Our team has worked in partnership with ISS (Independent Safeguarding Service) who provide a platform to ensure that all policies and procedures are in line with our expectations, and that safeguarding policies are reviewed by HCR Law for legal compliance. ISS have created a Hillingdon specific online portal for schools to access free resources including:

Hillingdon-specific safeguarding policies— (Create at the click of a button and edit as needed)
Live, expert-led training sessions throughout the year, available to all staff (mandatory and thematic)
Induction e-learning for onboarding staff

Currently, the free training available includes (but is not limited to):

SRC Accredited Safer Recruitment training (delivered by Safer Recruitment Consortium accredited trainers)
Online Safety Training (delivered by SWGfL)
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) (delivered by Kooth)
Contextual Safeguarding (including Child Criminal Exploitation) (delivered by St. Giles Trust)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (delivered by the National FGM Centre)
Supporting Young People with Disordered Eating (delivered by Kooth)
Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation (delivered by ELOP)
Supporting Young People who Self-Harm (delivered by Kooth)
Trauma Informed Practice (delivered by Trauma Informed Schools)
Harmful Sexual Behaviour (delivered by the CSACentre)
Honour Based Abuse (delivered by Karma Nirvana)
Managing Allegations Training (delivered by an experienced LADO)
Safeguarding in Therapeutic Practice (for school counsellors)
Managing the Single Central Record

Policy templates include:

Safeguarding
Behaviour
Managing Allegations
Complaints

Next steps: We'll soon send your DSL a login link to set up your school's dashboard for the 2025-26 academic year. If you have a new DSL this term, please email their details to Lclarke@hillingdon.gov.uk ASAP. Please note only one account can be provided per school—but please feel free to share login details within your setting if multiple staff managing training and/or policies. If you are not the DSL - please check your DSL has received the email.

Once logged in, your school can access training and templates straight away. Please also take the time to attend our upcoming meeting for a walkthrough and Q&A led by ISS and Nicole Diamond. Details of this to follow, session will also be recorded and shared.

We encourage all Hillingdon schools to take full advantage of this exceptional, free resource to strengthen safeguarding practice.

Reporting and Investigating Incidents Correctly

For those working in Community Schools where LBH is the employer all incidents MUST be recorded on Assure - the Council's online health & safety management system.

All incidents regarded as work-related must be investigated within 10 days of the event's occurrence and completed correctly - identifying the causes and any recommendations to prevent a recurrence.

Analysis shows most incidents are not being reported/investigated as required. This could leave both the school and LBH exposed for not complying with relevant legislation relating to incident reporting/investigation.

All community school staff involved with investigating incidents/approving investigations should attend the half-day course on using Assure to do so (business/office managers, headteachers etc). Statistics show that currently only 9% of schools staff who have such responsibilities have completed the training.

Places for the Assure / SHE (Health and Safety software) - System users course can be reserved via your Learning Zone.

Head Teachers' Termly Meetings

Please add these dates to your diaries:

Autumn 2025 - 18 November 9:30 - 11:30 am online

Spring 2026 - 10 March 9:00 - 11:00 am online

Summer 2026 - 9 June 9:30 - 11:30 am online

Agenda with link to join will be shared nearer the time. Headteachers or deputies of all schools should attend.

Achievement for All Conference - Every Child Present: Addressing Attendance Gaps in Key Groups

Date: 24^th September 2025 | Time: 9 - 3.30 pm | Location: Oak Wood School

This attendance conference will look at improving the attendance of young people vulnerable to educational underachievement, particularly disadvantaged students eligible for Pupil Premium and those on the SEND register or with EHCPs. We will be exploring different ways of improving attendance and sharing resources that can support leaders.

Keynote speaker, Dr Keven Bartle, senior education lead for the SSAT, will lead the day with presentations from local schools on how they have improved attendance.

Progamme for the day (exact timings may be subject to change):

9.00 am - Welcome & refreshments
9.30 am - Intro & context
9.45 am - Building a culture of belonging & family engagement
10.45 am - School showcase
11.40 am - Tabletop exercise & reflections
12.15 pm - Lunch
1.00 pm - How to monitor & evaluate data to target interventions on identified groups
1.45 pm - School showcase
2.30 pm - Tabletop exercise & reflections
3.10 pm - Closing remarks & next steps
3.30 pm - Finish

We hope to see you there!

Please sign up here: Registration Form by 12th September 2025.

If you have already signed up, you do not need to again. We will be in contact soon with final agenda and timings for the day.

New Headteacher Mentoring Opportunity

We have several new headteachers who have joined our schools this term. There is a mixture of new and experienced headteachers, some that have worked in Hillingdon and some that are completely new to the Borough.

As last year, we are looking for existing Hillingdon heads to volunteer to support our new headteachers during their first year of appointment as mentors. It is expected that the mentor and mentee will have weekly mentoring sessions for the first 2 months, moving to monthly thereafter. Mentoring discussions points, location (virtual/ face to face), timings and frequency can be agreed directly between the mentor and mentee and should be flexible and needs led.

If you would like to be listed as a Hillingdon mentor, or have any questions, then please email: education@hillingdon.gov.uk with 'New HT Mentor' in the title as soon as possible. Please indicate if you have a preference for the type of new headteacher you would like to mentor. For us to target the right support for our new headteachers, please could you share the key areas that you would have liked to be supported on when you became a new headteacher - who did you need to meet first, what areas were most difficult in your first year, what was your most valuable learning points, etc.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Ofsted Inspection Framework Engagement Programme

Ofsted has announced sector engagement programme to ready education providers for the November start to inspections. Details of the programme and how to sign up is available at: Education inspection framework: engagement programme.

LA Governor Training for Autumn Term 2025

Introduction to Understanding Governor Responsibilities in Suspensions and Exclusions: Thursday 18 September at 6pm in the Civic Centre. Suspensions & Exclusions Registration Form

School Food Matters - How Governors can support the Healthy Schools Initiative: Tuesday 30 September at 6pm. Supporting Healthy Schools Initiative Registration Form

Safeguarding Training for Governors 2025/2026: Mandatory training for all governors on Wednesday 15 October at 6pm. Safeguarding Training forGovernors 2025/2026 Registration Form

Understanding the Ofsted Inspection Updates for School Governors: Tuesday 18 November at 6pm. Understanding Ofsted Inspection Updates for SchoolGovernors Registration Form

An Overview of Schools Finance for Governors - Knowing your Responsibilities: Monday 1st December at 6pm. An Overview of Schools Finance for Governors Registration Form

Managing Allegations Against Staff and Volunteers Training (various dates available): An in-person training delivered by the LADO for those involved in managing allegations against staff and volunteers. Managing allegations against staff and volunteersRegistration Form

Videos and slides used in previous training sessions can be found here: LA Training for School Governors

The HEART (Hillingdon's Empathy, Attachment, Relationships and Trauma-Responsiveness) Award

Hillingdon Virtual School is excited to announce the launch of the HEART Award, open to all schools across the borough.

This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to further their journey toward becoming attachment-aware and trauma-informed. The award includes:

Training opportunities delivered by Hillingdon Virtual School staff
Dedicated support from a HEART Award Ambassador
Access to the Attachment Research Community's Audit and School Development Plan tools

Information events about the HEART Award will be held via Microsoft Teams on the dates listed below. You only need to attend one session, and we kindly request that a representative from your Senior Leadership Team joins on behalf of your school.

Please use the links below to join your chosen session.

- Tuesday 7th October 9am-10am

- Wednesday 8th October 12pm-1pm

- Thursday 9th October 2pm-3pm

- Friday 10th October 3.30pm-4.30pm

If you have any questions ahead of these dates, please contact Chloe Rock at crock@hillingdon.gov.uk.

Vulnerable Learners Support Clinics Updated Form

Please find below the updated link to the referral form for the Vulnerable Learners Support Team (VLST) support clinics. These virtual meetings provide an opportunity for education settings to discuss pupils they are finding difficult to support or manage. The clinics are intended to offer guidance, early intervention strategies, and collaborative problem-solving to better meet the needs of vulnerable learners.

Vulnerable Learners' Support Clinic's (VLSC)

Educational Neglect Policy

We are pleased to share that the Educational Neglect Policy has been finalised and is now live. A huge thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the consultation period in the summer term.

Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the policy Educational Neglect Policy.pdf

You are also invited to attend one of the upcoming Information Sessions, where you'll have the opportunity to learn more and ask any questions.

You only need to join one session. Please use the links below to join:

- 1st October 12pm-1pm

- 3rd October 12pm-1pm

If you have any questions ahead of these dates, please contact Chloe Rock at crock@hillingdon.gov.uk.

SEND Reviews

The SEND Advisory Service (SAS) is offering a free SEND Review to schools to support them to reflect on their current provision and identify ways to achieve improvement priorities.

The SEND review uses self-evaluative, evidence-based tools and considers the OFSTED framework, Quality First Teaching and the use of Ordinarily Available Provision.

"Our SEND Review was a very collaborative experience. It helped to focus the key strengths and areas to develop in the school. I would certainly recommend it to any SENDCo.'' Primary School SENDCo.

More information about the SEND Review process can be found here: SEND Review Flyer (PDF, 1 MB)

Please contact Hannah Sheridan (Senior SEND Advisor) at hsheridan@hillingdon.gov.uk to sign up for a SEND Review or to discuss further.

LA SEND & Inclusion Newsletter

Please see the latest SEND & Inclusion Newsletter - Leap

Please share with your parents/carers

Parent Training Brochure 2025-2026

This brochure outlines a comprehensive range of virtual and in-person training sessions, workshops, and support programmes offered by the SEND Advisory Service and Family Hubs in Hillingdon. These sessions are designed to empower parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), covering topics such as autism, vision and hearing impairments, early development, transitions, and more. The brochure includes booking details, course descriptions, and contact information, aiming to support families with practical strategies, peer connections, and professional guidance.

Parent training brochure 2025-2026 (PDF, 578 KB)

NASEN Webinar

NASEN are holding a 30-minute webinar showcasing their free CPD course launching this September: "Raising Aspirations: Engaging Parents to Empower SEND Futures". Click here for more info.

Please share with your parents/carers

NHS Parent Flu Webinars

Please see details below of parent flu webinars led by Vaccination UK, that you can cascade to your parents/carers:

· 17th September, 8:00-9:00 PM FREE PARENT WEBINAR: The flu vaccine in children and young people | Vukschools

· 18th September, 6:00-7:00 PM FREE PARENT WEBINAR: The flu vaccine in children and young people | Vukschools

During the webinars, the nurse will also be raising awareness around natural immunity & helping to address common concerns and misconceptions.

#AskAboutAsthma Campaign

Did you know there is an increase in acute admissions during the Autumn for asthma?

For 2025, the #AskAboutAsthma campaign will run from 8 - 14 September.

The #AskAboutAsthma campaign encourages children and young people, their families, and those involved in their care, to ensure four simple and effective measures to help them control their asthma:

1. Get an asthma action plan in place

2. Understand how to use inhalers correctly

3. Schedule an asthma review - every year and after every attack

4. Consider air pollution and its impact on lung health

This is a great opportunity to promote your school walking maps as part of your continued active travel promotion. Please also promote the free asthma workshops to your families: Free asthma workshops for parents (PDF, 196 KB).

These are being delivered by health partners and will provide an opportunity for questions and answers, plus focus on

What to do if a child is having an Asthma attack
Inhaler Techniques
Myth Busting
Common Triggers
Asthma plans

It is great that so many schools in Hillingdon have asthma friendly school status. For support on becoming and maintaining this status, please contact the NHS Children's Asthma Team at thh-tr.PaedAsthma@nhs.net or telephone: 01895 279721.

Is Your School Registered for The Daily Mile?

Daily Mile schools are invited to join The Daily Mile wave for FREE at the Vitality Westminster Mile, the only mile event in London to finish outside Buckingham Palace! Plus have access to the Free Festival Area in Green Park where you can celebrate with family and friends!

You can read more about the event here: Vitality Westminster Mile | London Marathon Events

When: Saturday 27 September 2025

Start Line: The Mall
Start time 09.45am
Finish Line: Next to Buckingham Palace

What do you get:

FREE Daily Mile t-shirt
Timed results
BUXTON® Natural Mineral Water
Finisher's medal (optional)

How to register for the event: Unlike the TCS Mini London Marathon - this event is open for families/parents/carers to enter directly to take the admin away from schools/teachers. To take part in the event you can signpost your families/children to register via this unique link: https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/checkout/ticket?eventId=234419&reservationCode=re_ekxy4ukgabco&utm_organiser_id=29443&utm_source=reserved_entry.

You might want think about targeting or sharing the link with specific families/children who are from underserved areas or communities.

Families will need to select and complete the registration process for each individual via one of the following ticket types: Adult / 11-17 years / Under 11 years. For example, if you are a family of four with two adults and children who are twelve and eight you will need to select x2 adults, plus x1 11-17 and x1 under 11.

Alternatively, if you 'd prefer to enter as a school/on behalf of your pupils, they are able to do so - however you will be required to complete details of all participating pupils (unlike the Mini London Marathon where we only ask for numbers of pupils).

Be quick, as entries are likely to fill very soon!!!

There will be more information on implementing and sustaining The Daily Mile in Hillingdon in the Education Weekly Update in the coming weeks.

For Primary Schools:
AfA - Dialogic Book Talk with Dr Wayne Tennent After the successful taster session in July, we are delighted to confirm the Dialogic Book Talk Sessions with Dr Wayne Tennent, as part of the Achievement for All programme. All sessions will be held at Cherry Lane Primary School on: Autumn Term 2025 Thursday 2nd October (1pm-4pm) Thursday 23rd October (1pm-4pm) Friday 21st November (1pm-4pm) Spring Term 2026 Thursday 15th January (1pm-4pm) Thursday 12th February (1pm-4pm) Thursday 26th March (1pm-4pm) Please sign up HERE by 25th September 2025.

For Primary Schools:

AfA - Dialogic Book Talk with Dr Wayne Tennent

After the successful taster session in July, we are delighted to confirm the Dialogic Book Talk Sessions with Dr Wayne Tennent, as part of the Achievement for All programme.

All sessions will be held at Cherry Lane Primary School on:

Autumn Term 2025
Thursday 2nd October (1pm-4pm)
Thursday 23rd October (1pm-4pm)
Friday 21st November (1pm-4pm)

Spring Term 2026
Thursday 15th January (1pm-4pm)
Thursday 12th February (1pm-4pm)
Thursday 26th March (1pm-4pm)

Please sign up HERE by 25th September 2025.

For Secondary Schools/FE:
Post 16 Conference - Navigating the Challenges of the Post 16 Landscape On: Friday 17th October 2025 \| Time: 9 - 3 pm Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Uxbridge UB8 1UW Suitable for: Heads of Sixth Form, Careers Leaders, Assistant Headteachers, Deputy Headteachers, New/Aspiring Middle Leaders and Senior Leaders We will be joined by Suki Gill, 16-19 Curriculum and Funding Adviser at HfL Education, who will be guiding leaders on a range of key post-16 issues such as Curriculum, Funding, Accountability, and Inspection. This event is intentionally designed and thoughtfully executed and will include a detailed review of all the key curriculum and funding updates from the 16-19 curriculum reform process, including lots of opportunities to answer questions and to consider the impact of the reform process to current and future post-16 students. The event will also cover the implications of the revised careers guidance for 2025/26 and will have a focus on how schools can raise achievement and increase the progression opportunities for all students, with an emphasis on students from disadvantaged backgrounds and learners with SEND needs. In addition to networking with other attendees, the event will support delegates to clarify their thinking on what future high-quality post-16 provision might look like in their own school. Costs: Hillingdon Schools/Professionals - £50 (exc VAT) Non Hillingdon Schools - £65 (exc VAT) Stall Holder - £50 (exc VAT) Please complete this form to register your interest by 23 September: Registration Form Thanks to Harefield School, West Thames, Green Corridor and William Byrd* who have signed up so far. *Due to a recent Primary School careers pilot. If you have any queries, please contact Mike Pearson at MPearson@hillingdon.gov.uk
Young Peoples Voice Survey We want to use young people's views to help inform future planning. Their views will help with discussions and provide data to show what we have done as a result of using young people's voices. There is also a chance to win a prize in the summer term of 2026. Please share this poster with your students: Young Peoples Voice 2025 (PDF, 5 MB)
Dragons SEND - Entrepreneurship Challenge Do you have what it takes to face the Dragons??? Can you create a team that will learn about the skills to be an entrepreneur through designing a consumable product to support passengers with hidden disabilities travel through the airport (could be ear defenders, fidget toy, communication aid or even comfy wearables such as socks). If up for the challenge, please sign up by 12th September 2025 HERE Dragon Send (PDF, 145 KB)

For Secondary Schools/FE:

Post 16 Conference - Navigating the Challenges of the Post 16 Landscape

On: Friday 17th October 2025 | Time: 9 - 3 pm

Location: Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Uxbridge UB8 1UW

Suitable for: Heads of Sixth Form, Careers Leaders, Assistant Headteachers, Deputy Headteachers, New/Aspiring Middle Leaders and Senior Leaders

We will be joined by Suki Gill, 16-19 Curriculum and Funding Adviser at HfL Education, who will be guiding leaders on a range of key post-16 issues such as Curriculum, Funding, Accountability, and Inspection.

This event is intentionally designed and thoughtfully executed and will include a detailed review of all the key curriculum and funding updates from the 16-19 curriculum reform process, including lots of opportunities to answer questions and to consider the impact of the reform process to current and future post-16 students.

The event will also cover the implications of the revised careers guidance for 2025/26 and will have a focus on how schools can raise achievement and increase the progression opportunities for all students, with an emphasis on students from disadvantaged backgrounds and learners with SEND needs. In addition to networking with other attendees, the event will support delegates to clarify their thinking on what future high-quality post-16 provision might look like in their own school.

Costs:

Hillingdon Schools/Professionals - £50 (exc VAT)

Non Hillingdon Schools - £65 (exc VAT)

Stall Holder - £50 (exc VAT)

Please complete this form to register your interest by 23 September: Registration Form

Thanks to Harefield School, West Thames, Green Corridor and William Byrd* who have signed up so far.

*Due to a recent Primary School careers pilot.

If you have any queries, please contact Mike Pearson at MPearson@hillingdon.gov.uk

Young Peoples Voice Survey

We want to use young people's views to help inform future planning. Their views will help with discussions and provide data to show what we have done as a result of using young people's voices. There is also a chance to win a prize in the summer term of 2026.

Please share this poster with your students: Young Peoples Voice 2025 (PDF, 5 MB)

Dragons SEND - Entrepreneurship Challenge

Do you have what it takes to face the Dragons??? Can you create a team that will learn about the skills to be an entrepreneur through designing a consumable product to support passengers with hidden disabilities travel through the airport (could be ear defenders, fidget toy, communication aid or even comfy wearables such as socks).

If up for the challenge, please sign up by 12th September 2025 HERE

Dragon Send (PDF, 145 KB)

Warm regards,

Abi Preston

Director of Education & SEND

Children, Families & Education

London Borough of Hillingdon, Civic Centre, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW