January 2001

DfEE is now sending fewer publications to schools automatically. Please read this list to identify any other material that you would like to receive. Please pass this on to teachers in your school.

Copies of publications are available from DfEE Publications unless otherwise indicated.

CONTENTS :     HIGHLIGHTS

                           Mobile Phones, Base Stations and Schools

                           Financial Support for Higher Education Students in 2001/2002

                       Bringing human rights to life in the classroom

                           Jubilee Bank Holiday in 2002 -  Correction

                           Regional Classroom Of The Future events for School Governors                        

                           Governors' Annual Report and School Prospectuses   

                                                

                           CONSULTATIONS

                           Protection of School Playing Fields and Land Required for City Academies

                           School Sixth Form Funding: Technical Consultation Paper - December 2000

 GUIDANCE  & Information

·      Curriculum & Standards

·      Teachers & Staffing

·      Management & Finance

·      Pupil Support & Access

·      Examination & Assessment

·      School Governance

  A-Z of School Leadership and Management -  New additions                                                      

                            PRICED PUBLICATIONS

                            PROLOG ORDER FORM

 
 

HIGHLIGHTS

 
     
 

Mobile Phones, Base Stations and Schools

www.dfee.gov.uk/a-z/mobilephones.html

 
 

The Government issued two public health leaflets in December

    -     Mobile phones and health, includes advice from the UK Chief Medical Officer on the use of mobile               

           phones by children and young people under 16.

-        Mobile phone Base Stations and Health gives general information about radio waves from base

Stations, on or near schools.

        

 These are available from Department of Health Publications, PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH.  Tel: 0800 555 777.  Fax: 01623 724524. E-mail doh@prolog.uk.com  And on the Department of Health website - Mobile Phones and Health www.doh.gov.uk/mobilephones/mobilephones.htm and Mobile Phone Base Stations and Health www.doh.gov.uk/mobilephones/basestations.htm

General information for local education authorities and schools is also available on the DfEE website www.dfee.gov.uk/a-z/mobilephones.html

 
     
 

Financial Support for Higher Education Students in 2001/2002

www.dfee.gov.uk/studentsupport

 
 

For students planning to go into higher education later this year, there is information on financial help in Financial Support for Higher Education Students in 2001/2002. For the first time LEAs are using the same application form. 

The DfEE website, www.dfee.gov.uk/studentsupport contains information, including that in the above booklet, about financial help for students in higher education. Students can complete the standard application form on-line from this site.

The booklet and the student support application forms are available either from the student support office of your LEA or from the DfEE's student support information line on 0800 731 9133.

 
     
 

The European convention of Human Rights – starting points for teachers.

 
 

The Council of Europe teaching pack for 14 –18 year olds contains:

five basic information sheets on the Convention and the human rights work of the Council of Europe, and

ten sheets with suggestions for  classroom activities on human rights education,  which place emphasis on relating human rights standards to school students' everyday lives.

It is available in English, French, German and Italian.  Other language versions will also be available shortly..You can get copies free from;

Point I,  "ECHR Starting Points",  Council of Europe,  F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex, 

Tel:  +33(0)3 88 41 20 33    Fax: +33(0)3 88 41 27 45       E-mail: point_i@coe.int

 
     
 

Jubilee Bank Holiday in 2002 -  Correction

 
 

The additional  holiday on Tuesday 4 June 2002 is to celebrate the Queen`s 50th anniversary of her ascension to the throne, and not her 50th wedding anniversary as incorrectly stated in the December issue of Spectrum. We apologise for this mistake.

 
     
 

Regional Classroom Of The Future events for School Governors

 
 

The Classroom of the Future is a series of evening regional events for school governors to stimulate discussion on what the classroom of the future will look like and how teachers and pupils will benefit from the application of Information and communications technology (ICT) in the classroom. Michael Wills, Minister for Learning and Technology will be speaking at the events and is keen to hear views on opportunities that ICT in the classroom offers to support our agenda of raising educational standards.

Four events are planned for the new year, details are as follows:

29 January 2001               Manchester          Trinity Highgate School

01 February 2001              Bristol                   Monks Park School

12 February 2001              Solihull                  Lyndon School

14 February 2001              Darlington             Eastbourne School

 

Expressions of interest should be directed to Bracken Presentations Ltd, fax 0115 947 5333, e-mail cotf@brackenevents.co.uk  .  You may also book a place by telephoning the conference helpline 0115 947 5666

 
     
 

Governors' Annual Report and School Prospectuses                                                    

 
 

Schools may now, if they wish, combine their Governors' Annual Report and their School Prospectus into one document.  The single document must contain the legally required information ( see  guidance circulars 7/98 and 8/98 (Prospectuses - primary & secondary respectively) 7/99 and 8/99  (Governors' Annual reports - primary and secondary) ).  This will relieve schools of the burden of having to produce both a Governors' Annual Report and a School Prospectus with overlapping content

We will soon consult a sample of schools and others about merging the two documents and making some of the existing contents discretionary.

 
     
 

CONSULTATIONS

 
     
 

Protection of School Playing Fields and Land Required for City Academies

www.dfee.gov.uk

 
 

A consultation on draft revised guidance on the ‘Protection of School Playing Fields and Land Required for City Academies’.  The guidance describes arrangements for local authorities and certain schools to obtain the consent of the Secretary of State before disposing, or changing the use, of school playing fields. The guidance also describes the legal framework to protect land and buildings which may be needed to establish City Academies.

Schools that own their own playing fields may wish to comment on our proposed guidance.  The document is on the DfEE website at  www.dfee.gov.uk   or available from 01325 391168.  Responses should be with the Department by 19 February 2001.

 
     
 

School Sixth Form Funding: Technical Consultation Paper - December 2000

www.dfee.uk.gov/post-16

 
 

This is the latest in a series of post-16 Learning and Skills funding papers. From April 2002 Local Education Authorities (LEAs) will receive school sixth form funds via the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) rather than through the local government finance system. Individual schools will continue to receive funds for their sixth forms from their LEA. This paper sets out a range of issues on which we seek the widest possible consideration amongst schools, LEAs and others with an interest.

The version on the website rectifies an incorrect cross-reference in paragraph 6.15 of the published document. The reference to paragraph 6.14 should be to paragraph 6.13.

Copies of the published document are available from DfEE, Sixth Form Funding Team. Telephone 020 7925 7472.

 
     
 

Post 16 Funding system

www.dfee.gov.uk./post16/publications/cpreport.shtml

 
 

Following consultation in the summer, a progress report was recently posted on the DfEE website. A joint letter from John Harwood, the LSC Chief Executive, and Nick Stuart the DfEE Director General announces decisions on the overall shape of the funding system, give full feedback from the consultation, and explains the implementation arrangements for the phased introduction of the system including a three year timetable.

This will be of interest to all school sixth forms.

 
     
 

GUIDANCE & INFORMATION

 
 

Curriculum & Standards

 
 

Key Stage 3 strategy

www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/keystage3

This letter has been sent to Headteachers of secondary and middle schools in England. It details the Key dates and activities of the first phase of national implementation of the key stage 3 strategy and how it may be managed by schools

 
 

How is your child doing at school?                                                                                    DfEE 0004/2001

www.parents.dfee.gov.uk                                                                                              ISBN  1 84185 417 4

 
 

This booklet for parents has been revised for 2001 to give updated information about the National Curriculum assessments. It explains the purpose of assessments, how they are carried out, and what the results will tell parents. It is also available in Bengali, Gujerati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu

 
     
 

National Curriculum on-line.

www.nc.uk.net

From January 22, the National Curriculum website is being transformed by adding an advanced key word search to make direct links between phrases in the National Curriculum programmes of study and relevant resources at the right key stage. Teachers will give resources a star rating to help other teachers find the best resources quickly. New resources will be added frequently, including detailed exemplifications of standards and examples of pupils` work. 

 
     
 

Teachers & Staffing

 
     
 

The Teachers’ Pensions (Sharing of Pensions on Divorce of Annulment) Regulations 2000                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                     SI 2000/3028

www.teacherspensions.co.uk     www.hmso.gov.uk

 
 

From 1 December a teacher`s pension benefits may be split between the teacher and their former spouse as part of a divorce settlement. This is an alternative to the existing `Earmarking` facility, which remains an option. Details of the pension sharing arrangements and information about the Teachers` pension Scheme is on the Teachers pension website www.teacherspensions.co.uk  The regulations are on www.hmso.gov.uk  

 
     
 

Management & Finance

 
     
 

Making a Difference – Reducing School Paperwork                                                         DfEE 0015/2001

www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/regulation/PublicSector/Index.htm

 
 

This sets out the first results of a joint project, carried out by the DfEE and the Cabinet Office, aimed at reducing unnecessary paperwork in schools. It lists action to save 200 hours of administrative work every year in a typical school.

 
     
     
 

Examination & Assessment

 
     
 

Progress File newsletter OnFile                                                                                                       PFNL 5

www.dfee.gov.uk/progfile/index

 
 

Issue 5 available at the end of January 2001. This includes a report by demonstration project members on their experiences using Progress File and a report from HMI on their early evaluation findings.

 
     
 

Pupil Support & Access

 
     
 

SEN Update – Special Edition                                                                                            DfEE 0346/2000

www.dfee.gov.uk/sen

 
 

A special edition of the newsletter SEN Update covering the SEN and Disability Bill and responses to consultation on a revised SEN Code of Practice.

 
     
 

The National Literacy Strategy, Model lessons for year 6 (CD ROM)

www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/literacy

 
 

This is a set of 25 model lessons for use with Year6 booster classes in English. These have been developed as part of a new Year 5/6 intervention programme that is currently being piloted in five LEAs. The lessons are available on the Standards site at www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/literacy  .

A CD-ROM version of the lessons will be available in early February from the publications centre quoting reference DfEE 0017/2001.

 
     
 

Connexions Card

www.connexionscard.gov.uk

 
 

The Connexions Card will be launched in England, in Autumn 2001. Its aim - to enable and encourage young people between 16 to 19, to stay on in learning by reducing some of the financial barriers to learning, through discounts. e.g. on transport, books and equipment, rewarding their participation and achievements through the provision of further discounts in leisure facilities and on the High Street.

The card will have several functions:  attendance monitoring; rewards and loyalty; EMA allowance eligibility/entitlement; Internet careers package; auto enrolment; E–purse.  For further information, you can e-mail us on Connexions.Card@dfee.gov.uk or visit our website.

 
     
 

Nutritional Standards for School Lunches

www.dfee.gov.uk/schoollunches

 
 

From April 2001 There will be compulsory nutritional standards for school lunches. Schools and LEAs will have to provide a paid meals service where parents want one. Local Education Authorities, and schools with delegated budgets for providing school meals, must see the nutritional standards are met. The new standards are minimum food based standards based on the “Balance of Good Health”.

The new standards are summarised in the Autumn edition of “SNAG News”, published by the Health Education Trust, which was sent to all schools.  Guidance to school caterers, which includes the compulsory requirements of the standards, and tips on healthy cooking practices, are on the DfEE website.

 
     
 

Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families

www.doh.gov.uk/qualityprotects/info/publications/index.htm

 
 

The Department of Health, DfEE and Home Office have issued joint guidance on assessing children in need and their families.  The guidance relates specifically to the roles and responsibilities of education staff.

Copies can be obtained from The Stationery Office or see the website above.

 
     
     
     
 

NHS Direct

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

 
 

NHS Direct is the 24 hour nurse-led, confidential helpline providing information on:

*           what to do if you're feeling ill

*           health concerns for you and your family

*           local health services

*           self-help and support organisations

For those whose preferred language is not English, there is the choice of a confidential translation service. Telephone 0845 4647 - calls charged at local rate.  For patients' safety, all calls are recorded. Or visit our website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

 
     
 

SCHOOL GOVERNANCE

 
     
 

Guide to the Law for School Governors Updates to issue in January 2001                  DfEE 0274/2000

www.dfee.gov.uk/governor/govguide.htm

 
 

During January DfEE will send Governors updates for the mainstream versions of the Guide to the Law:  replacement chapters to Governing Bodies, their powers, duties and relationship with the head teacher; the Curriculum and Organisational Changes to the School.  New annexes will reproduce the School Government Amendment Regulations; Terms of Reference Regulations; and, Part IX of the School Teachers’ and Conditions Document.

As before there will be 21 sets for secondary schools and 14 sets for primary schools.  Please note that these updates will be sent to the school, rather than home addresses of Chairs of Governors – extra copies will be available on request as required. 

 
     
 

A-Z of School Leadership and Management

www.dfee.gov.uk/a-z/intro.html

 
 

New Additions:

Boarding schools                                                                    Individual education plans

Catering services                                                                    National curriculum assessment arrangements

Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)            Occupational health guidance

Former grant-maintained schools

Updates:

Accidents                                                                                 Education action zones

Bullying                                                                                    Exclusions

Careers education and guidance                                             First aid

Change of category                                                                 Medical treatment

Child protection

For a demonstration of the A to Z on CD-ROM you can obtain a CD-ROM, quoting reference DfEE 0283/2000.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

PRICED PUBLICATIONS

The Stationery Office publications are priced and available from The Stationery Office, 51 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW8 5DR;  Tel: 0870 242 2345    email: Customer.Service@ukstate.com      www.tsonline .co.uk

 
     
 

A-Z of Harassment Booklets – ‘Let`s keep it safe’ and ‘Let`s report it’

These pocket-size booklets are a resource to combat bullying and harassment, with information in an accessible format with simple text and photographs. ‘Lets keep safe’ provides ideas about how to keep safe and ‘Lets report it’ helps people report harassment once it has occurred.

The two books cost £6.50 (plus £1.50 p&p) and can be ordered from Values Into Action, tel 020 7729 5436 Fax 0207729 7797, e-mail: publications@viauk.org  

 
     
 

The Teachers’ Pensions (Sharing of Pensions on Divorce of Annulment) Regulations 2000                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                     SI 2000/3028

Stationery Office: December 2000                                                                       ISBN 0 11 018912 4 : £2.00   

 
     
 

The Education (Inspectors of Schools in England) Order 2000                                            SI 2000/3058

Stationery Office: December 2000                                                                        ISBN 0 11 018798 9 : £1.50

 
     
 

The Designation of Schools Having a Religious Character (England) Order 2000             SI 2000/3080

Stationery Office: December 2000                                                                ISBN 0 11 018808 X : Order only

 
     
 

The Education (School Teachers' Pay and Conditions)(No. 4) Order 2000                         SI 2000/3106

Stationery Office: December 2000                                                                        ISBN 0 11 018913 2 : £3.00

 
     
 

The Education (Grants) (Purcell School) Regulations 2000                                                  SI 2000/3160

Stationery Office: December 2000                                                                        ISBN 0 11 018867 5 : £1.50

 
     
 

The Education (Inner London Education Authority) (Property Transfer) (Modification) Order 2000

                                                                                                                                                     SI 2000/3161

Stationery Office: December 2000                                                                        ISBN 0 11 018868 3 : £1.75

 

 

 

General addresses

Basic Skills Agency Association for Science Education
(ASE)
British Educational Communications and Technology agency
(BECTa [formerly NCET])
British Educational Suppliers Association
(BESA)
The Centre for Educational Management
(CEM)

Department for Education and Employment
(DfEE)
Standards and Effectiveness Unit
SEU [for access to schemes of work]
DfEE - SEN division

DfEE - Schedule 2(a)

Adult Learners

DfEE - Qualifications

Department for Education, Northern Ireland
(DENI)
Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI)
Electronic Training Village
hosted by CEDEFOP
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board
(ECITB)
Further Education Development Agency
(FEDA)
Further Education Funding Council
(FEFC)
Government Information Service
(GIS)
Higher Education Funding Council for England
(HEFCE)
National Foundation for Educational Research
(NFER)
SchoolNet The Stationery Office
Training Standards Council
(TSC)
 
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
(UCAS)
 

 

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