LA Education Weekly Update

1 June 2026

Dear Colleagues,

This bulletin is intended for all educational settings supporting children in Hillingdon, including maintained schools, academies and independents. 

We would be grateful if you could share this briefing with relevant leads within your setting or with team members who may have an interest in the content, so they can follow up on the opportunities outlined.  

We hope you had a restful half-term break and enjoyed the sunshine! 

Reminders:

Useful Links:

• Hillingdon LEAP can be accessed for information and guidance for all settings 
• Please contact education@hillingdon.gov.uk with any queries 
• 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/Establishment Portal information can be found here
• 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.  

All Schools/Settings:

Upcoming Workshop on Forecasting and Budget Pressures Sessions 

Polite reminder that we are pleased to invite all Headteachers and School Business Managers to attend an online workshop focused on: 

• Forecasting pupil numbers as shared in the School Organisation Plan

• Understanding the financial implications of declining rolls

• Effective multi-year financial planning

• Deficit recovery plans 

If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to send a colleague to participate, ensuring that the information is shared within your school. 

Workshop Dates (you should only attend one session): 

• Wednesday 24 June 2026 at 10 - 11:30 am     or 

• Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 1 - 2.30 pm  

These sessions will provide practical guidance, useful analytical tools and real-world examples to help schools plan strategically in response to changing pupil demographics and financial challenges. To secure your place, please complete this registration form for each attendee. A MS Teams link will be shared once you have registered. 

LA Governors Newsletter 

Please see Summer_2026_Issue. This may be useful to Headteachers also. 

Urgent Reminder - S157/175 Safeguarding Audit 

All education settings received the S157/175 safeguarding audit in March. The submission deadline is today, 1 June 2026. 

If you have not yet completed and submitted your audit, please do so as a matter of urgency. This audit is an essential tool to provide clear evidence of the progress your setting is making in relation to safeguarding. 

Key requirements: 

• Complete the updated S157/175 audit tool or use your own established version if preferred. 

• If using your own audit tool, this does not need to be shared with LBH; however, you must submit an action plan outlining your evaluated safeguarding processes. 

• Review the key updates from KCSIE 2025 included in the audit document to inform your planning. 

• Submit either a completed audit (Excel) or an updated action plan for 2025-2026 to: educationalwellbeing@hillingdon.gov.uk as soon as possible. 

Responsibilities:  The Headteacher/Principal holds overall responsibility for the audit. It is recommended this is completed collaboratively with the DSL and Safeguarding Governor, with input from other relevant staff (e.g. site managers and safeguarding professionals). 

For any queries regarding the audit, please contact educationalwellbeing@hillingdon.gov.uk 

DSL Cluster/Networking Session 

The next session is being held on Thursday 25 June 2026 at 10 am - 12 pm online.  Please note change of time. Please register to attend here. The MS Teams link will be shared with you. 

Transitional Safeguarding Week 

We're really pleased to share that Transitional Safeguarding Week is coming in June. This is a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding and reflect on practice, with a range of insightful webinars available throughout the week. We would strongly encourage you to look at the sessions below and sign up. It is a great chance to learn, connect and build on your knowledge in this important area of safeguarding.  

Please do take a few moments to register for any sessions that are of interest to you: 

15 June 12-1 pm - Introduction to Transitional Safeguarding - Book Here 

15 June 2-3 pm - Drug and Alcohol Service and Transitions - Book Here 

16 June 2-3 pm - Transitions and The Local offer for EHCP and SEND - Book Here 

17 June 1.30-2.30 pm - Education Transitions and Safeguarding- Book Here 

18 June 11:30-12:30 pm - Transitions from CAMHS to AMHS - Book Here 

18 June - 1-2 pm - Care Leavers and Transitions into Adulthood- Book Here 

19 June 12-1 pm - Transitions from YJS to Probation- Book Here 

Hillingdon Safeguarding Partnership Newsletter May 2026 

May's issue of the Safeguarding Partnership Newsletter covers a range of topics relevant to safeguarding adults and children:

• Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews. 

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 - what's new? 

• What's new in Hillingdon 

• What's coming up 

The purpose of the newsletter is to ensure that practitioners across the Safeguarding Partnership are kept informed and up to date with the work of the adult and child safeguarding boards, and to promote best practice. This issue and previous can also be accessed online. 

We welcome your feedback about the content of the newsletter, and any suggestions about areas of practice that could be featured in the future.  You can provide feedback, or suggestions, by emailing safeguardingpartnership@hillingdon.gov.uk. Please share widely across your agencies and organisations. 

Free Training: Managing the Single Central Record (SCR) 

The Single Central Record (SCR) is a statutory safeguarding requirement for all schools and colleges and serves as a vital tool to ensure safer recruitment practices. During an Ofsted inspection, inspectors will request to review your SCR. 

In line with the DfE's statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education, all schools must maintain an accurate and up-to-date record of recruitment and vetting checks for staff, supply/temporary staff, contractors and volunteers. 

Is your SCR administrator confident in meeting these requirements and evidencing safer recruitment processes? 

Free training is available via the ISS Portal, designed to support those responsible for managing the SCR. The course covers: 

• Safer Recruitment 

• Evolution and purpose of the SCR 

• The 'What, Why and Who' of the SCR 

• Relevant legislation, including: 

• School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009 

• Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 

• Keeping Children Safe in Education 

• Statutory and non-statutory requirements 

• Managing staff data 

• Recording trainee teachers, supply staff, contractors and volunteers 

• Retention of documents 

All Hillingdon schools have access to the ISS Portal, which also provides a wide range of safeguarding courses and resources to support DSLs. If you do not yet have login access, please contact Amandeep Tamber at:educationalwellbeing@hillingdon.gov.uk 

Educate Against Hate Website - Free Resources & Practical Advice 

Schools are often required to navigate difficult conversations with children every day. These discussions can cover a wide range of sensitive topics. Have you ever needed to talk to pupils about issues such as misogyny, extremism, online safety, prejudice, race, or religion? 

We know that these conversations are essential. They provide children and young people with a safe space to share their thoughts, ask questions, and develop their understanding of the world around them. However, it's also important to consider how confident we feel in leading and managing these discussions effectively. 

Support is available. Educate Against Hate website offers government-endorsed advice and trusted resources to help schools address these challenging topics. It is designed to support staff in building confidence, promoting open dialogue, and strengthening resilience in young people. Resources are available for Primary, Secondary, Post 16, School leaders and Parents. 

Explore the resources here: Educate Against Hate 

Free Training to Support Service Children  

Register to attend two free bitesize online CPD sessions, run by Dr Lucy Robinson, by completing this form: Dr Lucy Robinson CPD Registration 

The sessions will last 30-40 minutes, with the opportunity to ask questions afterwards.   

• Session 1 - Tuesday 23 June at 1:30 pm - Service Children an Introduction (about service children's key experiences of mobility and separation, diversity of the cohort such as young carers and EAL and their educational experiences) 

• Session 2 - Wednesday 1 July at 1:30 pm - Service Pupil Premium (All about SPP, its purpose, eligibility, best practice examples, communicating with parents and further resources) 

First Aid Courses at Your School 

Make use of your upcoming inset days by training your staff in first aid. Contact Hillingdon Council to arrange a first aid course to be run at your school exclusively for your staff. We offer a range of courses at competitive prices; details can be found on the Council's web pages.  

Enquire via firstaidtraining@Hillingdon.gov.uk 

School Business Managers / Finance Officers Network Meeting 

On Thursday 18 June 2026 9 - 11 am in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre. Please note change of time and contact joannapalmer44@hotmail.com if you would like to attend. 

DfE Webinars - Maximising Value for Pupils 

The DfE is hosting a collection of free webinars and senior leadership power hours designed to support school business managers, leaders and finance managers to get more from every pound spent and includes a session on the new FSM guidance. 

Registration: Maximising Value for Pupils: Free webinars 2026 | Eventbrite 

New EEF Research on Improving School Attendance 

Attendance remains one of the most pressing and complex challenges facing schools — and new research suggests there are no simple, one-size-fits-all solutions. 
 
Working in partnership with the Youth Endowment Fund, the EEF has published four new reports exploring what works to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence. The findings and wider evidence base highlight the importance of approaches that are responsive to individual pupils, grounded in strong relationships, and focused on understanding and addressing specific barriers to attendance. 

Four new evaluations of programmes and approaches designed to... | EEF 

Take Part in Research about How Schools Manage SEND Information 

The DfE is carrying out research about how primary and secondary schools record, monitor and share information about children with SEND.  It is recruiting participants whose role within a mainstream setting includes: 

• coordinating and reviewing SEND support 

• creating and updating SEND support plans 

• using SEND information to support day-to-day teaching 

• receiving and sharing SEND information with other settings, organisations, or professionals 

This may include, but is not limited to special educational needs coordinators, teaching staff and support staff. This research will involve a one-hour virtual call and participants will receive a £50 voucher for taking part.  If you are interested, complete this expression of interest form. DfE will then get in touch with more details. 

Gypsy, Roma & Traveller History Month (GRTHM) 2026  

June marks GRTHM, celebrating the rich cultures and contributions of GRT communities while promoting inclusion and awareness of ongoing challenges. This year's theme, "Onwards with Hope" (set by the national charity Friends, Families and Travellers), focuses on future aspirations and positive change across GRT communities. 

Schools and young people are encouraged to take part creatively by designing collages that explore what hope means to them and the future they want to build. This is a fantastic opportunity to spark meaningful conversations, celebrate diversity and inspire positive change. 

Resources and information can be found here on LEAP: Gypsy, Roma & Traveller (GRT) Education - Leap 

Supporting Immunisation Programmes for Children & Young People Guidance Updated 

Vaccines help to protect children and young people from serious illnesses that can cause harm and impact attendance, and schools play a critical role in enabling their delivery. 

The UK Health Security Agency updated its guidance on supporting immunisation programmes for children and young people, in May 2026, This includes:  

• clearer advice on the consent process and data sharing, outlining the legal basis on which personal data can be shared 

• clarity on School Aged Immunisation Services (SAIS) providers' and schools' roles and responsibilities 

• an updated resources section 

School leaders should: 

• read the updated guidance 

• understand the roles of your setting and SAIS providers 

• identify your vaccination lead(s) 

• book their autumn seasonal flu vaccination session before the summer holidays, when contacted by your SAIS team 

In Hillingdon, the SAIS is provided by Vaccination UK. 

Big Ideas Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Youth Festival - 30 June 2026 

Join Big Ideas for an enjoyable and inspiring, FREE, 50-minute online workshop to discover and celebrate the world's leading award for engineers. Come and explore the theme of machine learning with expert guests Yewande Akinola and Ben Money-Coomes.  

For upper primary and lower secondary (ages 8-14) classes UK-wide, your students will take part in interactive activities, meet inspiring role models and have opportunities to ask their questions. 

Sign up now https://www.big-ideas.org/queen-elizabeth-prize-for-engineering-youth-festival/ 

Primary Schools:

Wraparound Drop-In Network Meeting & Top Tips for Marketing 

Join us for an informal online Wraparound Drop-In Network Meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas and hear updates with primary colleagues across the network. This session offers a relaxed space to ask questions, exchange experiences, and strengthen local connections.  

Date: Tuesday 8 July 2026 
Time: 2 - 3 pm - drop in anytime during the session 

Please use this link to join - Wraparound Drop-in Network meeting  

Check out our Top Tips for Marketing your wraparound provision to help boost engagement and reach more families: Marketing check list for Wraparound (PDF, 131 KB)

£1000 Grants for Primaries - Year 6 Financial Education Programme 

The charity City Pay it Forward, in partnership with City A.M., has raised over £175,000 from leading City organisations to support financial literacy in London's primary schools. Through this initiative, Hillingdon primary schools can access £1,000 grants linked to an award-winning Year 6 financial education programme. The programme is fully funded and includes: 

• A three-lesson curriculum 

• Teacher training 

• All supporting resources 

Register your school here:  https://campaign.citypayitforward.com/  

Find out more:  www.yearsixdividend.com 

With more than 1,800 eligible primary schools across London and funding available for 175 grants, demand is expected to be high. Schools are encouraged to apply early, ahead of the July 2026 deadline.

Year Six Curriulum (PDF, 6 MB)

Healthy Lifestyle Offer 

Public Health has commissioned GLL, the Council's contracted leisure provider who provide a weight management programme in Hillingdon, to deliver a healthy lifestyle offer to schools. 

These are designed to support children as they transition to Year 7 and support the Education Strategy priority, 'Preparation for Adulthood'. Sessions use interactive activities, discussions, quizzes and real-life scenarios, to help children build confidence, develop healthy habits, and gain the knowledge and skills to stay healthy, happy and ready for secondary school. 

Topics explored are healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, screen time and positive decision-making. 4 x 60 minutes sessions are delivered during term time and within school hours. There is no cost to schools. 

To book or for more information please email healthwise.hillingdon@gll.org 

Summer Reading Challenge 2026 

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge 2026 'Read to the Beat' in libraries this summer. 

Please see: 

- Letter_to_teachers (Word doc, 91 KB)

- SRC_Information_Pack_for_schools (PDF, 12 MB)

- SRC Parent Carer Flyer (PDF, 2 MB)

- Summer Reading Challenge 2026 Launch Events (PDF, 1 MB)

Book your free spaces now! 

Warm regards, 

Abi Preston 

Director of Education & SEND 

Children's Services, London Borough of Hillingdon, Civic Centre, Uxbridge UB8 1UW