21 September 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. 

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 Health Care Needs Assessment Panel sign up can be found here 
• 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
• Schools' Forum meeting papers can be accessed here. If anyone would like to attend meetings, they are welcome to do so.  

All Schools & Settings:

Schools Forum Consultation on Schools Block Transfer & General Education Duties 

Please see link to the consultation on the funding arrangements for the Schools Block Transfer and General Education Duties: 

Schools Block Transfer & General Education Duties (Maintained) Consultation 2027-28 

Schools who state they are maintained will have access to part 2 which is the General Education duties consultation which Academies do not need to complete. 

Question for Schools Block Transfer consultation:  Do you support the transfer of 0.5% of Schools Block to the High Needs Block? 

Question for the General Education Duties request consultation: Do you agree to de-delegate £208k from schools' block to fund the statutory general education duties for maintained schools? This equates to roughly £12.36 per pupil.

Schools Block Transfer Sept 2026

General Education Duties De-delegation 2027-28

FSM Auto Enrolment

As a result of the increase in the number of eligible children and young people identified through the Summer 2026 Census, the schools they attend will receive an additional £1million in combined Pupil Premium funding this year, helping to further improve educational outcomes across the borough.

Autumn 2026 School Census  

The Autumn 2026 School Census takes place on Thursday 1 October 2026. The DfE return date is Wednesday 28 October 2026. COLLECT is now open for familiarisation, and schools are encouraged to generate a test return, review their data and resolve validation issues before census day. 

Please submit the completed return through COLLECT, as early as possible to allow sufficient time to investigate and resolve any errors or queries before the return date. 

For 2026/27, schools should review the new and amended data requirements, including changes relating to free school meals, kinship care, breakfast club attendance, managed moves and exclusions. 

DfE links: School Census guidance | Changes for 2026 to 2027 | Generate and submit your return  

Access and support: DfE Sign-in and COLLECT | DfE Data Collections Service request form 

Business Continuity Planning for Schools 

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the webinar delivered by the LA's Business Continuity Officers. 

Please find the resources below: 

• Webinar Recording 

• Webinar presentation slides  

• Webinar summary and actions

• BCP Checklist  

As discussed at the end of the webinar, all maintained schools are requested to share their Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) with the LA for review. Please send your BCP to education@hillingdon.gov.uk by 31 October 2026. 

A standard BCP template is currently being developed to ensure consistency across the borough. This will be shared with all schools once ready. 

A follow-up Business Continuity Planning session will take place at the Headteachers' Termly Meeting on 10 November 2026 at the Civic Centre. 

Please see LEAP for information. 

Free Safeguarding Training 

Did you know that the Hillingdon Safeguarding Portal offers a range of free, accredited safeguarding training courses for school staff? 

Please see the list of courses available for 2026/27: ISS-Training-Table---26-27.pdf .  

Training can be accessed using your school's ISS Portal login. Each school is provided with one login, which can be shared with colleagues to enable staff access to the available courses. 

If your school has not yet set up its ISS Portal login, please contact Amandeep Tamber at educationalwellbeing@hillingdon.gov.uk  

We encourage schools to make full use of these training opportunities to support staff knowledge and strengthen safeguarding practice across the school community. 

LA Governance Training 

Understanding Governor Responsibilities to Handling Complaints – 5 October 2026 at 6pm 

This online training session will provide governors with a practical overview of how governing boards can effectively manage complaints. The session will explore the responsibilities of governors, outlining the key knowledge, skills and best practice approaches needed to support fair, consistent and effective complaint handling. 

Register here: Understanding Governor Responsibilities to handling complaints 

AXIS Newsletter 

Please see latest edition here. 

London RISE Open Education Fortnight: Encore 

Following the success of the inaugural London RISE Open Education Fortnight in March 2026, more than 80 schools across London will once again open their doors to colleagues as part of London RISE Open Education Fortnight: Encore.  

We are delighted that 3 Hillingdon schools will be hosting events as part of this exciting initiative, sharing their expertise and contributing to the wider improvement of education across London.  

Taking place during the weeks beginning 2 November and 9 November 2026, this free London-wide professional development programme offers school staff the opportunity to visit host schools, observe effective practice and engage in professional learning with colleagues from across the capital.  

The programme is aligned to four key priorities: Attendance, Mainstream Inclusion, Reception Quality and Attainment. Visitors can expect a range of school visits, open classrooms and workshops led by host schools, showcasing practical strategies and successful approaches that can be applied in their own settings.  

The fortnight also provides valuable opportunities to collaborate with peers, build professional networks and learn from innovative practice taking place across the region. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.  

For further information and to book: Register here  

Alternatively, contact london.riseregionalmailbox@education.gov.uk. 

Launch of the LIIA London Schools Inclusion Network 

The London Inclusion and Innovation Alliance (LIIA) are delighted to announce the launch of the LIIA London Schools Inclusion Network, a new pan-London forum created in response to feedback from delegates at July’s LIIA SEND Inclusion and Learning Conference. 

This exciting network will provide school leaders with a regular opportunity to connect, learn and collaborate as the national SEND and inclusion landscape continues to evolve. It is designed to support schools in preparing for key developments, including SEND reform and the implementation of the Schools White Paper, while strengthening inclusive practice across London. 

The LIIA London Schools Inclusion Network will: 

• Support schools in preparing for the implementation of the Schools White Paper and SEND reforms. 

• Develop a consistent understanding of emerging National Inclusion Standards and universal provision. 

• Share practical examples of effective inclusive practice. 

• Help leaders evaluate impact through the effective use of data. 

• Strengthen collaboration between schools, local authorities and wider system partners. 

• Create a trusted professional learning community where challenges and successes can be discussed openly. 

The network forms part of LIIA’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people through school-led improvement, workforce development, collaboration and the sharing of effective practice. 

School leaders and colleagues with responsibility for inclusion are encouraged to express their interest in joining the network by completing a registration of interest form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/zZaAeVCKAe 

The first network meeting is planned for mid-October, so early expressions of interest are encouraged. 

For further information, please contact Matt Rees at matthew.rees@londoncouncils.gov.uk 

We encourage headteachers to share this opportunity with relevant colleagues who may benefit from being part of this growing London-wide inclusion community. 

liia-london-schools-inclusion-network-rationale-and-tor

New EHCNA Application Form 
 
The new Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) application form is now in place with immediate effect. Requests should no longer be submitted through the Stronger Families Hub and must now be completed via the Early Help Portal. 
 
Before submitting an application, schools must evidence that they have consistently supported the child or young person through ordinarily available provision and have monitored their progress over time. 
 
Schools must complete the EHC Assessment Application on the Early Help Portal. A new consent form must also be completed and included with every EHCNA request. This change is intended to streamline the referral process and ensure that all required information, including parental consent, is provided at the point of submission. 
 
The EHC Assessment Application can be accessed here:Early Help Portal 

DLD Day 2026 

We are pleased to share details of our DLD Day 2026 – Together for DLD event, taking place on Friday 16 October 2026 in the Civic Centre. 

The morning will bring together a range of perspectives on Developmental Language Disorder, with guest speakers including Marie Newton from Speech and Language UK, Milly Clarke from Language Link, Speech and Language Therapy colleagues, and Abraz Hussein sharing lived experience. 

We’ll have a soft start from 8:45 am, with the main event beginning at 9:10 am. The speaker programme will finish at approximately 1 pm, followed by an optional opportunity to network until 1:30pm. 

Book your place here: 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dld-day-2026-working-together-london-borough-of-hillingdon-tickets-2001063321261?aff=oddtdtcreator 

As part of the morning, Milly Clarke from Language Link will be joining us for a live Q&A. If you have any questions you would like Milly to respond to around DLD, identification, support or Language Link, please send these in advance to hcasey@hillingdon.gov.uk. 

Please do feel free to share the Eventbrite link with colleagues and professionals working with children and young people who may be interested in attending.  

We hope you can join us for what should be a useful morning of learning, reflection and collaboration.

Service Children's Workshop Day at The Battle of Britain Bunker  

On: Wednesday 4 November 2026, 10 am – 2 pm 

We are delighted to invite service children from Hillingdon schools in Year 5 and above to attend a FREE workshop day taking place on Wednesday 4 November at the Battle of Britain Bunker. Featuring creative workshops led by Never Such Innocence, this unique event offers service children the chance to connect with peers from across the borough while exploring the theme of remembrance. See this poster for further details. 

Schools are encouraged to sign up early by 30 September, as places will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.  

Service Children's Workshop Day – Fill in form 

SBM/Administrators Network Meeting 

The next session is being held on Thursday 15 October at 1.30 - 3.30 pm in Committee Room 6 at the Civic Centre. Please email joannapalmer44@hotmail.com if you would like to attend. 

Could You Foster? 

Many school staff already have the skills children in care need most: patience, understanding and a commitment to helping young people succeed. If you've ever thought about fostering, find out more through Foster with West London. Training, support, and financial allowances are available. 

Please help by displaying this poster in your staff room and sharing this opportunity with your colleagues.

Flu Vaccination Programme 

Please see presentation from the NHS commissioned provider for school vaccinations, Vaccination UK, regarding the upcoming flu vaccination programme. Please confirm your school visit dates and use your communication channels to parents to complete the online consent form.  

Please see the letter outlining the legal basis for sharing class lists with Vaccination Uk: Data sharing 

By facilitating and promoting vaccination programmes, schools play a vital role in reducing health inequity and protecting children and young people from preventable diseases. 

Vaccination is the safest way to protect children and young people from diseases like measles, flu and some types of meningitis which can be very serious. They could also miss out on learning due to time spent unwell. 

Upcoming webinar: Chaired by the Department for Education’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Michael Thomas, you are invited to attend this jointly hosted webinar. You’ll hear from health experts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the NHS about the role education settings play in supporting vaccination programmes, and the significant impact this can have on children’s health now, and in later life. Book here: Vaccinations in Schools: Support for Educators | NHS England Events 

Big Ideas Events for Schools 

Black History Month 

On 7 and 8 October, the Black Heroes of Mathematics Youth Festival returns with two days of maths enrichment. Meet inspiring role models and mark Black History Month - with FREE events for primary and secondary classes. Sign up here: https://www.big-ideas.org/black-heroes-of-mathematics-youth-festival-2026/ 

STEM with Wings: Sky to Sea 

How can engineering from flight be applied under the water? Meet inspiring role model Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee and take a deep dive into the world of underwater engineering! Sign up here https://www.big-ideas.org/stem-with-wings-sky-to-sea/ 

Primary Schools:

Picture News Live Assembly: How Can We Make Our School Allergy-Aware? 
On Monday 28 September, 2.15-2.45 pm join Clare Bristow, from the Sadie Bristow Foundation, for a special 30-minute live assembly exploring allergies and how we can help everyone feel safe and included at school. Clare will explain what an allergy is, introduce the new allergy-safety requirements known as Benedict’s Law and share simple actions children can take, including listening to others and telling an adult if someone feels unwell.  
This sensitive, age-appropriate assembly will help pupils understand why allergy awareness matters and how the whole school community can work together to care for and include children with allergies. 

Suitable for: KS1, KS2 and all school staff. All schools will receive a certificate for attending. 

Join here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training-register/picture-news-live-assembly-how-can-we-make-our-school-allergy-aware 

Secondary Schools / Post 16:

Join the Hillingdon Secondary Adaptive Teaching Framework Task & Finish Group 

We are seeking secondary colleagues to help develop the Hillingdon Adaptive Teaching Framework. The initial phase will focus on Communication and Language (English, MFL and Media Studies) and STEM subjects (Mathematics, Science, Computing and Design & Technology). 

We welcome expressions of interest from: 

• Headteachers 

• Senior Leaders 

• SENCos 

• Heads of Department 

• Other staff with an interest in inclusive practice and adaptive teaching. 

The group will share effective practice, review draft materials and help shape a borough-wide resource for secondary schools. 

If you would like to join the group, please complete the sign-up form by 24 September 2026: Hillingdon Adaptive Teaching Framework for Secondary Schools - Sign Up – Fill in form 

PGCE Student Placement Required 

Brunel University are currently looking for English, Maths and Science placement opportunities for their Secondary PGCE students from 24 September - 22 January 2027 (dates are flexible). Schools will receive £600 for each student hosted.  

If you can support, please contact Lauren Thorpe, Academic Placements and Partnerships Manager at Lauren.thorpe@brunel.ac.uk 

Kind regards,

Abi Preston

Director of Education & SEND

Children, Families & Education

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