5 October 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:

Primary teachers can sign up to attend the AfA Developing Confident Writers programme here 

By 08/10/26 

Primaries can attend the Marketing Session for Sustainable Wraparound Childcare at St Bernadettes Catholic Primary School. Register here 

On 14/10/26 at 9.30 am 

Secondaries can sign up to attend the Secondary Belongings Workshop – Fill in form at the Civic Centre 

On 15/10/26 at 1.30 pm 

Community maintained headteachers should sign up to attend Health & Safety Responsibilities for Headteachers at the Civic Centre if they have not already 

On 16/10/26 at 9.30 am 

SENCos can sign up to attend the DLD Day at the Civic Centre DLD Day 2026 here 

On 16/10/26 

Maintained schools should share their BCPs by emailing to education@hillingdon.gov.uk 

By 31/10/26 

London RISE Open Education Fortnight, further information and booking here    

On 2-9/11/26 

Headteachers or deputies should attend the in-person Head Teachers’ Termly meeting at the Civic Centre. Agenda will be shared nearer the time 

On 10/11/26 at 9 am 

 

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:

SEND Reform Working Groups & Next Steps

Thank you to everyone who expressed an interest in supporting Hillingdon's SEND Reform Programme through the SEND Reform Working Group and Capital Working Group. 

We have now identified representatives for both groups and are pleased to confirm that there has been strong interest from across our school communities, including mainstream, special, primary, secondary and trust representatives. We will be sharing the membership lists and next steps shortly. 

Thank you once again for your commitment to strengthening SEND provision across Hillingdon. 

 

DfE Families First Partnership (FFP) Reforms Webinar 

On 13 October, 4 - 5 pm, DfE will be hosting a webinar for education safeguarding leaders on the Families First Partnership reforms, focusing on the relevant measure in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, and the strengthened role of education and childcare in Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements. 

The webinar is being targeted at senior safeguarding leaders including trust safeguarding leaders. 

Sign up here to secure your place and share with appropriate colleagues. 

If you have any queries please contact FamiliesFirst.PARTNERSHIP@education.gov.uk 

 

Hillingdon Safeguarding Partnership Newsletter 

Please have a look at the September Newsletter which includes information on: 

  • Hillingdon Children and Young People Directory 

  • Key Principles of Prevent 

  • Safeguarding Partnership Webinars 

  • World Suicide prevention Day 

  • Domestic Abuse Practice Briefing 

  • Senior Leaders Save the Date: Hillingdon Online Harm Live Event 

  • Havens Child Sexual Abuse and Haven Pathways Awareness Raising Sessions 

  • ICON week, NSPCC PANTS week, Professional Curiosity and Cultural Competency event 

 

DSL Cluster/Networking Meeting 

The next DSL Cluster/Networking meeting is being held online on Wednesday 27 January 2027 at 1 – 3 pm. You must register to receive the MS Teams link here. 

 

RISE Attendance & Behaviour Hubs 

The London RISE team are pleased to share that registrations are now open for the January 2027 cohort of the RISE Attendance & Behaviour Hubs programme. This programme brings schools together to tackle shared attendance and behaviour challenges, providing practical, school-led support and opportunities to learn from peers achieving strong outcomes. 

Partner schools will benefit from: 

  • High-impact online CPD delivered by experts (92% rated useful in last year’s cohort) 

  • Exclusive in-person open day visits to lead schools 

  • Honest, solution-focused collaboration with other schools in the region 

The programme is run by schools, for schools, creating opportunities to share effective practice, learn from one another and drive sustainable improvement. Feedback from previous participants has been extremely positive, with schools describing the open days as "inspirational" and "the most useful training" they have received. 

If you are interested in joining the January 2027 cohort, please register through this Expression of Interest Form by 6 November 2026. A member of the RISE team will be in touch with next steps. 

If you have any questions, please email london.abhmailbox@education.gov.uk 

 

LA Governance Service Training 

Understanding Governor Responsibilities for SEND and Inclusion Provision Within Schools on Tuesday 20 October 2026 | 6.00pm | Online 

Governors play a crucial role in ensuring that children and young people with SEND receive the support they need to succeed. This practical and engaging session will help governors understand their strategic responsibilities and strengthen their ability to support and challenge school leaders effectively. 

The session will cover: 

  • The governor's role in overseeing SEND and inclusion 

  • Current local and national SEND priorities and challenges 

  • The SEND reforms and what this means for schools 

  • Key questions governors should ask when monitoring SEND provision 

  • What effective inclusive practice looks like during school visits 

Whether you are a SEND Link Governor or new to governance, this session will provide valuable insights to help you become a more confident and informed advocate for inclusion. 

Book now to strengthen your understanding of SEND and help ensure the best possible outcomes for every learner. 

Click this link to register: Understanding the governor responsibilities for SEND & Inclusion provision within schools   

 

Supporting Service Children 

Please see the October newsletter from the Stronger Schools Officers for Service Children. The newsletter includes information about their new Service Children LEAP page, which provides easy access to all resources in one place, as well as Remembrance resources and information about the Carers Trust. 

 

Guidance for OAA Schools Consultation 2028-29 

This is a reminder that all schools considering consultation of their admissions arrangements for 2028-29 need to do so for at least 6 weeks between 1 October 2026 and 31 January 2027. 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. 

Please see our updated guide for consultation arrangements. Please ensure that if you are consulting on your arrangements that you send details of your consultation to us at 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. 

 

Free Employability & Financial Education Resources for Schools with NatWest Thrive 

NatWest Thrive, a free education programme designed to support schools across England with engaging, curriculum-aligned learning resources around employability, financial capability and skills development. 

The programme provides free classroom materials and interactive learning experiences focused on financial education, entrepreneurship, employability and future skills. Through real-world learning opportunities, pupils can build confidence in areas such as money management, problem-solving, career readiness and enterprise, helping them develop the skills needed for life beyond the classroom. 

The resources are designed to be easy for teachers to use and flexible across different settings, aligned with National Curriculum priorities, particularly around developing skills for learning, life and work, improving financial wellbeing, and preparing young people for their future pathways. 

 

Primary Schools:

Entrepreneurship Challenge: Dragon SEND for Primary Schools (Years 5 & 6) 2026 

We're looking for teams of Year 5 and 6 SEND pupils to take part in the exciting Dragon SEND Entrepreneurship Challenge. This unique opportunity will help pupils develop valuable employability, enterprise and teamwork skills as they research, design and present an innovative idea to support passengers with hidden disabilities when travelling through the airport. 

Taking part will enable pupils to: 

  • Build confidence and communication skills 

  • Develop creativity and problem-solving abilities 

  • Learn about entrepreneurship and the world of work 

  • Work collaboratively as part of a team 

  • Create solutions that could make a real difference for travellers with hidden disabilities 

If your school is interested in taking part, please complete the registration form by 17 October 2026 to express your initial interest. 

Register your interest here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4snHeV5Dmt?origin=lprLink and further details about the challenge, timelines and event arrangements will be shared with you. 

We look forward to seeing the creative ideas developed by Hillingdon's young entrepreneurs! 

 

Family Hub Network Training 

The Family Hub Network is an opportunity for school staff to connect with partners, share innovative practice and help drive positive change for children, young people, and families across our communities.  

Here is the training available for the rest of the year. The 2027 timetable is in the works, with courses available for booking from next month.   

Early Years - Supporting Successful show arounds - 5 October, 10:30am to 11:30am - Online 

Five to Thrive - why people need people - 14 October, 1:30pm to 4pm - Civic Centre 

Early Years - Marketing your Business - 16 October, 10:30am to 11:30am - Online  

Early Years - Business budgeting - 22 October, 10:30am to 11:30am - Online 

Home-Start Hillingdon - 3 November, 11:30am to 12:30pm - online 

Introduction to the Family hub network - 4 November, 9am to 10:30am - online 

The Importance of Reading - The why and how to make story time engaging - 6 November, 12:30 to 2pm - online 

Creating Exciting environments for young children - 12 November, 9:30am to 11:30am - online 

FIS - FIN funding - 26 November, 10am to 11am - online  

 

Picture News Black History Month Live Assembly 

Thursday 8 October, 9.15-9.45 am 

Join very special guest Swarzy for a special live Black History Month assembly celebrating the people, stories and achievements that strengthen and inspire our communities. Together we’ll explore the importance of honouring those who came before us, recognising those making a difference today, and considering how we can all help build a brighter future. Suitable for: Primary children, aged 4-11.

Register here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training-register/black-history-month---honouring-our-communities- 

 

Secondary Schools / Post 16: 

Dragon SEND 2026: Entrepreneurship Challenge for Secondary Schools & Colleges 

Could your SEND learners develop the next big idea to improve accessibility at Heathrow Airport? 

We are delighted to invite secondary schools and colleges across Hillingdon to take part in Dragon SEND 2026, an exciting entrepreneurship challenge designed specifically for young people with SEND. 

Working in teams, students will explore the experiences of passengers with hidden disabilities and develop an innovative solution to make airport travel more accessible and inclusive. Throughout the challenge, participants will build valuable skills in research, problem-solving, teamwork, communication and enterprise, while engaging with a real-world brief from a major local employer. 

Why take part? 

  • Develop employability, enterprise and teamwork skills 

  • Enhance careers education and support the Gatsby Benchmarks 

  • Provide a meaningful real-world learning experience 

  • Showcase the creativity, talents and aspirations of your SEND learners 

  • Engage with local employers and industry professionals 

Schools and colleges interested in taking part should register their initial interest by 17 October 2026 using this form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4snHeV5Dmt and further details will be shared with you. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire young people, build confidence and develop future-ready skills. We encourage schools to register early and be part of this exciting challenge. 

 

Kind regards,

Abi Preston

Director of Education & SEND

Children, Families & Education

Hillingdon Council, Civic Centre, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW