Director's Message - 16th November 2020

Dear Colleagues,

Hillingdon Covid Community Hub reporting process reminder

Schools are reminded to follow the process below when reporting school Covid cases to the Council. One central point of contact is in place therefore schools do not need to email the Education or Public Health departments separately.

Who to contact if schools have confirmed cases of Covid-19

Schools can contact the DfE Helpline on 0800 046 8687 and select option 1 for advice on the action to take in response to a positive case. (Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm). Contacting the DfE helpline is no longer mandatory as reporting confirmed cases can be done using the attendance form. If contacted, the DfE will triage and transfer cases to the Local Health Protection Team (London Coronavirus Regional Cell - LCRC) who will provide schools with specific actions on a case by case basis. Depending on the medical assessment, the outcomes and school actions could be different for all schools. Comparing cases between schools should be avoided.
Schools should report all confirmed cases to the Council as follows: Hillingdon's Covid Community Hub - Tel. 0203 949 5786 to report locally (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm - voicemail option only for out of hours urgent support (your contact details will be shared with the local Public Health Team who will call urgent cases back)

Funded DfE Recovery Support

The DfE is offering time-limited school-to-school recovery support to schools and trusts, provided by an experienced system leader. This support can help schools to overcome the challenges faced or exacerbated as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. This support is fully funded and schools are eligible if they have educational or safeguarding issues relating to Covid-19 and would benefit from additional leadership capacity. Support offered includes help with remote learning provision and catch up funding. If schools would like support, please email education@hillingdon.gov.uk and we will arrange for support through the DfE. Further information is available through this guidance.

Please continue to access our full update on Covid-19 guidance, including how schools should continue to ensure protective measures via our FAQs on LEAP.

Ofsted Autumn Term Visits

Four Hillingdon schools have been visited by Ofsted this term, to date. Dan Cowling, Headteacher of Oak Wood School has shared this list of questions [118KB] to support schools that may receive an Ofsted visit.

Covid-19 Temporary Timetable Adjustments

Hillingdon schools are reminded that when considering any adjustment to their timetable due to Covid-19, this must be done in consultation with stakeholders. Schools are expected to communicate any proposals made to their Governing Body with the Local Authority for consultation. The RSC has asked the Local Authority to note any local academy school adjustments.

Training Opportunities

- Chris Quigley - Deep Diving into Foundation Subjects- a Subject Leader's perspective, 20th November 9.30am - 3pm

This one-day course delivered by Chris Quigley will give your subject leaders, both new and experienced practical guidance to support them in their role. Subject leadership involves having a deep understanding of the decisions you have taken around the intent and implementation of your curriculum and to understand the impact those decisions are having. For more information and to book your place please use the following LEAP link.

- Harmful Sexual Behaviours- 9^th December 10am - 1.30pm Free of Charge

Supports professionals working with children and young people by helping them to identify and respond appropriately to sexual behaviours. The tool uses a traffic light system to categorise the sexual behaviours of young people and is designed to help professionals:

make decisions about safeguarding children and young people
assess and respond appropriately to sexual behaviour in children and young people
understand healthy sexual development and distinguish it from harmful behaviour

If colleagues would like to attend and need an account set up on Learning Zone, please email learninganddevelopment@hillingdon.gov.uk.

If schools require any support, please continue to email the Education Team via education@hillingdon.gov.uk.

Regards,

Dan