29th 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:
Primaries can sign up to attend the AfA Developing Confident Writers: A Whole-School Strategy programme HERE	by 01/10/25
Primaries can sign up to the AfA Primary Event at Ruislip Gardens Primary School HERE	on 14/10/25
Governors can sign up to annual Safeguarding Training here	on 15/10/25
Useful Links:
Hillingdon LEAP can be accessed for information and guidance for all settings
Critical Incident Notification can be found here
Emergency closures of all schools must be reported to education@hillingdon.gov.uk
Education Services Contacts can be found here
Education & SEND Policies can be found here
EYES information can be found here. Support guidance and training videos have now been added for schools & settings.
Governors can access LA training here
Hillingdon Learning Partnership
Schools' Forum meeting papers can be accessed here. If anyone would like to attend meetings, they are welcome to do so.

For All Schools & Settings:
EYES/Education Portal ADVANCE NOTICE OF DOWNTIME: Please note, our Education Portals will be offline on Thursday 2 October between 08:30am - 11:00am.
Effective Health & Safety Management in Schools Audits undertaken by the Council have revealed that standards for effective health and safety management are not consistent across our schools. For those schools where Hillingdon Council is the employer liability for any health and safety failures ultimately rests with the Council. In recognition of the need to maintain appropriate standards of health and safety to protect our staff and pupils etc., the Council have commissioned the production of a school-based health and safety management system which all community schools will be required to implement during 2026. The system will also be made available to all other schools should they wish to adopt it. Further details will be provided during the autumn Head Teachers' Termly meeting.
**Reminder- 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.
Supporting Schools with Falling Rolls The Local Authority has a statutory duty to ensure the sufficiency of school places across Hillingdon. We understand that some schools may be experiencing falling rolls and we are keen to offer support during this time. If your school would benefit from a conversation around current pupil numbers, future projections, and strategic planning, we encourage you to get in touch with us at admissions@hillingdon.gov.uk. Our aim is to work collaboratively to explore potential solutions and ensure the long-term sustainability of school provision in the borough.
Guidance for OAA Schools Consultation 2027-28 This is a reminder that all schools considering consultation of their admissions arrangements for 2027-28 need to do so for at least 6 weeks between 1 October 2025 and 31 January 2026. This applies to 'own admission authority' schools which are academies, voluntary aided schools, free schools, foundation schools, UTCs and studio schools. For community schools, the local authority is responsible for consultation. All 'own admission authorities' are required to consult at least every 7 years even if they do not plan any changes to their admissions policies. Attached is an updated guide for consultation arrangements. Please ensure that if you are consulting on your arrangements that you send details of your consultation to the local authority (you can do this by contacting us on admissions@hillingdon.gov.uk). All admission authorities (including the local authority) MUST determine their admission arrangements annually by 28 February. This will include publishing your arrangements on your website and sending a copy to the local authority. This must be done even if you choose not to consult. If you have any queries regarding the consultation process, please contact admissions@hillingdon.gov.uk. Guidance for OAA schools Consultation 2027-28 (PDF, 276 KB)
Peer-to-Peer Network for SEN Units & Resourced Provisions The DfE is pleased to be launching national peer-to-peer SEN unit & resourced provision networks, starting with a primary school network and a secondary school network for SEN units & resourced provisions with an autism specialism. These networks will be coordinated by DfE and form part of the department's RISE universal service offer on inclusive mainstream, along with the recently-published signposting webpage on inclusive mainstream. These networks will be led by sector experts. The aim of the networks is to provide a forum for peer learning and support through half-termly meetings in which schools share challenges and best practice in order to drive high-quality provision across the country. The networks are open to all schools with a SEN unit/resourced provision or with their own provision (i.e. not LA commissioned) with an autism specialism. They are also open to schools interested in setting one up, or in the process of setting one up, so that they can learn from the experience of others. The networks are specifically aimed at provision leads who are responsible for the day-to-day running of the provision. Benefits of signing up include: Collaborative problem-solving and action learning with experienced peers Access to high-quality resources and sessions led by sector experts Focused discussions on a range of relevant topics, shaped by your priorities and key areas of interest Opportunity to connect with peers and build lasting professional relationships Sign up here: HERE. If you have any questions, please contact Support.SURPNETWORK@education.gov.uk
DfE London Prevent - Induction / Refresher A session for those either new to Prevent or wishing to refresh their knowledge. Register here.
DfE Energy for Schools Webinar The DfE is hosting a webinar from 11:00 to 11:30am on 29 September on buying energy for schools or trusts. DfE may be able to support schools to get a good deal on gas and electricity supply. Find out more about: How the service simplifies buying both gas and electricity How DfE secure competitive rates through bulk purchasing to deliver value for money DfE oversight and support The simple steps to join the service

For All Schools & Settings:

EYES/Education Portal

ADVANCE NOTICE OF DOWNTIME: Please note, our Education Portals will be offline on Thursday 2 October between 08:30am - 11:00am.

Effective Health & Safety Management in Schools

Audits undertaken by the Council have revealed that standards for effective health and safety management are not consistent across our schools. For those schools where Hillingdon Council is the employer liability for any health and safety failures ultimately rests with the Council.

In recognition of the need to maintain appropriate standards of health and safety to protect our staff and pupils etc., the Council have commissioned the production of a school-based health and safety management system which all community schools will be required to implement during 2026. The system will also be made available to all other schools should they wish to adopt it.

Further details will be provided during the autumn Head Teachers' Termly meeting.

Reminder- 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.

Supporting Schools with Falling Rolls

The Local Authority has a statutory duty to ensure the sufficiency of school places across Hillingdon. We understand that some schools may be experiencing falling rolls and we are keen to offer support during this time. If your school would benefit from a conversation around current pupil numbers, future projections, and strategic planning, we encourage you to get in touch with us at admissions@hillingdon.gov.uk.

Our aim is to work collaboratively to explore potential solutions and ensure the long-term sustainability of school provision in the borough.

Guidance for OAA Schools Consultation 2027-28

This is a reminder that all schools considering consultation of their admissions arrangements for 2027-28 need to do so for at least 6 weeks between 1 October 2025 and 31 January 2026. This applies to 'own admission authority' schools which are academies, voluntary aided schools, free schools, foundation schools, UTCs and studio schools.

For community schools, the local authority is responsible for consultation.

All 'own admission authorities' are required to consult at least every 7 years even if they do not plan any changes to their admissions policies.

Attached is an updated guide for consultation arrangements. Please ensure that if you are consulting on your arrangements that you send details of your consultation to the local authority (you can do this by contacting us on admissions@hillingdon.gov.uk).

All admission authorities (including the local authority) MUST determine their admission arrangements annually by 28 February. This will include publishing your arrangements on your website and sending a copy to the local authority. This must be done even if you choose not to consult.

If you have any queries regarding the consultation process, please contact admissions@hillingdon.gov.uk.

Guidance for OAA schools Consultation 2027-28 (PDF, 276 KB)

Peer-to-Peer Network for SEN Units & Resourced Provisions

The DfE is pleased to be launching national peer-to-peer SEN unit & resourced provision networks, starting with a primary school network and a secondary school network for SEN units & resourced provisions with an autism specialism. These networks will be coordinated by DfE and form part of the department's RISE universal service offer on inclusive mainstream, along with the recently-published signposting webpage on inclusive mainstream.

These networks will be led by sector experts. The aim of the networks is to provide a forum for peer learning and support through half-termly meetings in which schools share challenges and best practice in order to drive high-quality provision across the country. The networks are open to all schools with a SEN unit/resourced provision or with their own provision (i.e. not LA commissioned) with an autism specialism. They are also open to schools interested in setting one up, or in the process of setting one up, so that they can learn from the experience of others. The networks are specifically aimed at provision leads who are responsible for the day-to-day running of the provision.

Benefits of signing up include:

Collaborative problem-solving and action learning with experienced peers
Access to high-quality resources and sessions led by sector experts
Focused discussions on a range of relevant topics, shaped by your priorities and key areas of interest
Opportunity to connect with peers and build lasting professional relationships

If you have any questions, please contact Support.SURPNETWORK@education.gov.uk

DfE London Prevent - Induction / Refresher

A session for those either new to Prevent or wishing to refresh their knowledge. Register here.

DfE Energy for Schools Webinar

The DfE is hosting a webinar from 11:00 to 11:30am on 29 September on buying energy for schools or trusts.

DfE may be able to support schools to get a good deal on gas and electricity supply. Find out more about:

How the service simplifies buying both gas and electricity
How DfE secure competitive rates through bulk purchasing to deliver value for money
DfE oversight and support
The simple steps to join the service

For Primary Schools:
*Please share with parents / carers* Meet the Author Events at Hillingdon Libraries this Autumn Come and meet two best-selling authors at our workshops at Botwell Green, Ruislip Manor and Uxbridge libraries: Children's Writing Workshops - Mythical Beasts and Festivals and Celebrations - Reluctant writers and keen scribblers will love these fun, relaxed workshops with children's writer and poet Gita Ralleigh - author of The Destiny of Minou Moonshine and The Voyage of Sam Singh. Open to 7 to 11-year-olds. Library Writing Workshops with Gita Ralleigh (PDF, 7 MB) Storytelling and Activity with Laura Henry-Allain MBE - Join international award-winning writer, producer and storyteller Laura Henry-Allain, the creator of the well-loved JoJo and Gran Gran series of books and CBeebies animation for this exciting workshop. Storytelling Fun LHA (PDF, 1 MB)
Black History Month - Live Assembly by Picture News On Friday 3 October, 9.15-9.45am join Katie and special guest, BBC presenter Swarzy,to explore this year's theme, 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride'. This event is suitable for children in KS1 and KS2 and is free for all schools. Register here!

For Primary Schools:

Please share with parents / carers

Meet the Author Events at Hillingdon Libraries this Autumn

Come and meet two best-selling authors at our workshops at Botwell Green, Ruislip Manor and Uxbridge libraries:

Children's Writing Workshops - Mythical Beasts and Festivals and Celebrations - Reluctant writers and keen scribblers will love these fun, relaxed workshops with children's writer and poet Gita Ralleigh - author of The Destiny of Minou Moonshine and The Voyage of Sam Singh. Open to 7 to 11-year-olds.

Library Writing Workshops with Gita Ralleigh (PDF, 7 MB)

Storytelling and Activity with Laura Henry-Allain MBE - Join international award-winning writer, producer and storyteller Laura Henry-Allain, the creator of the well-loved JoJo and Gran Gran series of books and CBeebies animation for this exciting workshop.

Storytelling Fun LHA (PDF, 1 MB)

Black History Month - Live Assembly by Picture News

On Friday 3 October, 9.15-9.45am join Katie and special guest, BBC presenter Swarzy,to explore this year's theme, 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride'.

This event is suitable for children in KS1 and KS2 and is free for all schools. Register here!

Warm regards,

Abi Preston

Director of Education & SEND

Children, Families & Education

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