LA Education Weekly Update
20 October 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.
We would like to thank you for your support over the past half term and wish you a restful break when it comes.
Reminders: |
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Governors can sign up to attend face to face training in Suspensions & Exclusions at the Civic Centre HERE | on 03/11/25 |
Year 6 teachers should sign up to attend New to Year 6 Moderation Briefing Session | on 06/11/25 |
Governors should sign up for Ofsted training HERE | on 18/11/25 |
Headteachers or deputies should attend the virtual Autumn Head Teachers' Termly meeting. Agenda and link to join will be shared soon. | on 18/11/25 |
All Primary Academies should complete Moderation Partner Agreement 2025-26 | by 09/01/26
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Useful Links: | |
Please contact education@hillingdon.gov.uk with any queries | |
Hillingdon LEAP can be accessed for information and guidance for all settings |
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Critical Incident Notification can be found here |
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Emergency closures of all schools must be reported to education@hillingdon.gov.uk |
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Education Services Contacts can be found here |
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Education & SEND Policies can be found here |
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EYES information can be found here. Support guidance and training videos have now been added for schools & settings. |
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Governors can access LA training here |
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Schools' Forum meeting papers can be accessed here. If anyone would like to attend meetings, they are welcome to do so.
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For All Schools & Settings: |
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Recommendations from the Schools Strategic Partnership Board Following the autumn term meeting last week, SSPB members recommend:
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Governors Newsletter Half Termly School Governors Update Autumn Issue 4
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Closing Date for Starting Secondary School Applications This is a reminder that the deadline for parents/carers to submit their starting secondary school application is midnight on 31 October 2025. The School Placement and Admissions team will continue to share lists with schools, identifying those who have yet to apply. We kindly ask that you follow up with parents of your Year 6 pupils who haven't submitted their application, reminding them to do so before the deadline. Please send as many reminders as possible before the half-term break. If any pupils on the spreadsheet you receive from the Admissions team have left your school, please inform us so we can update our records. Likewise, if any new starters are missing from the list, let us know so we can ensure they apply on time. For any questions, please contact the School Placement and Admissions team at admissions@hillingdon.gov.uk
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Professional Curiosity The Safeguarding Partnership are delighted to invite you to take part in Professional Curiosity Week, a dedicated opportunity to reflect on and strengthen safeguarding practice through curiosity, respectful challenge, and collaborative learning. They are hosting three session designed to support professional development and multi-agency working: Session 1: An Introduction to Professional Curiosity Webinar on 3 November at 11:30 -12:30 - Registration Session 2: Professional Curiosity and Domestic Abuse Webinar on 6 November at 11:30 -12:30 - Registration Session 3: Professional Curiosity and Safeguarding Webinar on 7 November at 11:30 -12:30 - Registration
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Inclusion Network for Education (INfE) Headteachers and SENCos are invited to this event. On:11 November 2025 Time: Soft start from 9:30am, with a prompt start at 10:00am. Finish: 2:00pm, with optional networking until 2:30pm At: Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Uxbridge Please confirm your attendance if not done so already by registering HERE
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Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) Training 6 November 2025 1 - 4pm at the Civic Centre 5 March 2026 9 - 11.30 am at the Civic Centre 20 May 2026 9 - 11.30 am at the Civic Centre This OAP (Ordinarily Available Provision) workshop is designed to help learners develop a clear understanding of what OAP means and how it can be effectively implemented in educational settings. Through practical examples and interactive discussions, participants will explore how to identify and apply ordinarily available support to meet the diverse needs of all learners. The session aims to build confidence and consistency in delivering inclusive, high-quality provision as part of everyday classroom practice. Book via the Hillingdon Learning Zone - Ordinary Available Provision (OAP) Workshop
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Whole School SEND Whole School SEND have just published their latest regional newsletter for London and it is full of practical resources, policy updates, and ideas for strengthening inclusive practice. Whole School SEND - October 2025 (PDF, 401 KB) They have asked us to highlight a fantastic professional development opportunity: Autism Awareness and Inclusion Training. This session is designed to equip staff with actionable strategies for supporting autistic pupils effectively. They have funding to deliver this training to up to five groups across the region this term. This is a limited opportunity, so if this is something your schools would be interested in accessing for their staff, please contact Matt McArthur at mattm@wholeschoolsend.org.uk. Linked below is an updated version of the Enhanced Provision Standards Framework. This has two new sections, on safeguarding and the classroom environment. It has also evolved into a progression document, aimed at supporting schools to navigate towards stronger and more successful internal provisions. Enhanced Provision Standards Framework October 2025 (PDF, 4 MB)
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Help DfE Understand your Role in Supporting School Improvement The DfE's Schools Digital team is researching how schools and governing bodies identify and evaluate support and strategies that drive school improvement. This research will inform the development of DfE's 'Regional Improvement in Standards and Excellence' (RISE) universal support offer for all schools. DfE would like to hear from anyone working in a school, trust, council or diocese involved in school improvement. Please complete the short sign-up form to take part. If you have any questions, please contact stephanie.maskery@education.gov.uk
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Please share with parents/carers Raising the Issue of Weight - Free online Workshop Are you a parent who wants to feel more confident talking to your child about health, food, and weight in a kind and supportive way? Join us for a free online workshop especially for parents and carers in Hillingdon. This session will help you explore how to have compassionate, practical conversations about health and weight with your child without shame, pressure, or confusion. On: Wednesday 19 November 2025 Reserve your spot now: 10am Free Healthy Weight Masterclass - Hillingdon - Beezee by Maximus 7pm Free Healthy Weight Masterclass - Hillingdon - Beezee by Maximus What you'll gain:
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Nominate Your Community Hero - 2025 Health Equity Awards Do you know someone making a real difference in reducing health inequalities in North West London? Now's your chance to shine a spotlight on the individuals and organisations who are empowering our communities! The North West London Integrated Care System (ICS) is proud to announce the 2025 Health Equity Awards. We're seeking nominations for people or organisations who have contributed to reducing health inequalities in their community. Award Category: Recognising North West London heroes who are empowering communities. Key Dates: Nomination deadline - 12 noon, Friday 31 October 2025. Winners announcedat the ICS Health Equity Summit on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 (venue TBC) How to Nominate: To give your hero the best chance of being recognised, please complete the nomination form in full. We hope to recognise new individuals and organisations who have not won previously, but past winners can still be nominated again. Why Nominate? This is your opportunity to celebrate those who are:
Let's come together to celebrate the changemakers helping North West London become a healthier, fairer place for everyone. Nominate your community hero today! Sign up now! - Health Equity Summit: 25 November 2025 This year's Summit will focus on Delivering health equity through the lens of neighbourhood health. It will inspire and encourage collective action to achieve equitable health outcomes for our Core20Plus5 communities across NW London, using the neighbourhood health approach. Register here for a ticket! North West London ICS Communications Team
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Free Digital Commemoration Event for the Battle of the Atlantic On 6 November, Stories Behind the Poppy commemorates 80 years since the Battle of the Atlantic with a series of free, digital events for schools across the UK and Canada. Students will learn about the history of the Battle of the Atlantic and part in creative commemoration activities. Open to upper primary and lower secondary classes the event will combine history with commemoration activities. Please see sign up details in this flyer: Stories Behind the Poppy - The Battle of the Atlantic - Flyer for UK Schools (PDF, 3 MB)
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For Primary Schools: |
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Early Years Transition We are looking to strengthen our transition processes for children moving from a nursery setting or childminder into a school-based Nursery or Reception class. To support this, we are keen to hear from schools about what is currently working well and where there may be gaps in the information shared prior to children starting school. We would be very grateful if you could take five minutes to complete this form and share your current experiences. We also welcome any additional feedback on what you feel would help support a smoother transition into Reception for children. Please complete this by Friday 7 November 2025. Thank you for your cooperation.
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For Secondary Schools / FE: |
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Hillingdon Post 16 Prospectus 2025/26 Our Post 16 Prospectus will help young people make decisions about their next step - whether they are thinking about carrying on with studying or enrolling on a traineeship or apprenticeship. Please share this link with all year 11s and their parents/carers in your comms:
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Support for Safer & Sustainable Travel - Secondary School Survey The STARS Team offers training, education, and promotional support to help schools champion sustainable travel and road safety. We'd like to hear from you on how we can better support secondary schools in embedding these themes into the curriculum, student initiatives, and wider community engagement. By working with us and maintaining a School Travel Plan, your school can access sustainable travel funding for items such as scooter pods and cycle storage. Selected students can also become TfL Pioneer Ambassadors, leading campaigns to promote road safety and sustainable travel — with funding available for their projects. In addition, your school will be prioritised for any potential road safety engineering improvements in the surrounding area. Please take a few minutes to complete this short form by 7 November 2025. Your feedback will help us tailor our resources, training, and publicity materials to better meet your needs — supporting safer, greener, and healthier travel for your school community.
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Universal Team - Hillingdon Youth Offer - New Saturday Session Hillingdon Youth Offer's Southeast Team has launched a new session for children and young people in the community. This is an amazing opportunity for children and young people in school years 7 -9 to learn new skills, make friends and have fun! Please share this text with your children, parents & carers: Calling all school years 7-9 - There is a new Inters Youth Club! This is a drop-in, so no need to book, just complete a membership form. Time and place? Saturdays 1:30 - 4 pm at Harlington Young People's Centre, Pinkwell Lane, Hayes, UB3 1PB. What's on offer? Art and Crafts, Sports, Cooking, Gaming, Board Games, Music, Support Services and more. Our friendly team is here to help. Help us create the Youth Club YOU WANT - suggestions always welcome. Who can join? All children and young people in school years 7 - 9 who live or learn in Hillingdon. How to get involved? Drop-in during the session, visit our website for more information at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/youth-offer or email youthoffer@hillingdon.gov.uk.
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London Transport Museum Schools Poster Competition 2025 The London Transport Museum have an exciting opportunity for secondary schools to take part in the Schools Poster Competition 2025, celebrating 25 years of Transport for London (TfL). The competition invites pupils aged 11-18 to design a poster responding to a real TfL brief - exploring how young Londoners can help shape the future of travel by influencing positive travel behaviours today. Students can submit entered under one of the categories:
Deadline: Friday 7 November 2025 Prizes: Winning designs featured in a public exhibition at Battersea Power Station, on the TfL network, and at the Museum — plus certificates and exclusive goodies Further details and downloadable resources, including lesson plans and case studies, are available via the London Transport Museum website.
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Warm regards,
Abi Preston
Director of Education & SEND
Children, Families & Education
London Borough of Hillingdon, Civic Centre, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW
