CONSULTATIONS

Quality standards in education for children and young people with visual impairment     

www.dfee.gov.uk/consultations                                                                                               DfEE 0072/2001

Consultation document from the Visual Impairment Working Group setting out recommended standards for support services in relation to: assessment; early years; school years; beyond school; management issues and monitoring and evaluation. The proposed standards are intended to act as markers against which services can review their provision.

The consultation period runs to 21 May 2001.  Audio cassette or braille versions are available on application to SEN Division, DfEE

GUIDANCE & INFORMATION

Curriculum & Standards

Target setting at Key Stage 3 and proposed additional INSET day  for 2001/2002 for Key Stage 3

                                                                                                                                                DfEE 0066/2001

The letter and guidance explains the requirement for maintained schools, including special schools, to set targets for their 14 year old pupils. The first Key Stage 3 targets, for the tests taken in 2002, should be set by the end of June 2001. In subsequent years schools will set Key Stage 3 targets at the same time as other targets in December. Governing Bodies will need to publish their targets alongside performance information in their annual report to parents.    

The Secretary of State hopes to introduce an additional INSET day in the 2001/2002 school year for all maintained schools with Key Stage 3 pupils, subject to regulations being made. The proposed extra day is to support schools in implementing the Key Stage 3 strategy being introduced nationally from September and the associated training. This would mean all schools with Key Stage 3 pupils would be able to use six instead of five days for the purpose of INSET next school year. DfEE will confirm the extra day once the regulations have been made.

Target setting for pupils with special educational needs                                                DfEE 0088/2001

Following the consultation on statutory target setting for pupils with special educational needs schools which previously set zero-rated targets are now required to set measurable performance targets at Key Stages 2, 3 and 4 using the P scales or other appropriate performance criteria. Schools must set targets by the end of December 2001. Governing Bodies will have to publish the targets in their annual report to parents. A summary of Supporting the Target Setting Process :Guidance for effective target setting for children with special educational needs is being sent to special schools and mainstream schools with SEN units with the related QCA publication Planning, teaching and assessing the curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties later this month.

The full text booklet Supporting the Target Setting Process:  Guidance for effective target setting for pupils with special educational needs (DfEE 0065/2001) is also available.

Curriculum Guidelines for Pupils with Learning Difficulties

www.nc.uk.net/   

New guidelines from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to support schools in planning, developing and implementing the revised National Curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties.  The guidelines and the supporting subject materials will on the Internet from early April.

Science Year

www.scienceyear.com

Science Year begins in September and aims to make science more fun and relevant for 10-19 year olds.  From 5 March 2001, advertising will appear on national TV and in teenage magazines.  The ads encourage students to phone 0800 660 800 for a free 'Science Pack' of seven interactive cards (eg. Scratch-and-sniff, heat sensitive). 

Teachers can also get the cards plus a related teacher's booklet (with discussion points and further information) by phoning 0800 660 800 (during March or early April).  The  booklet  and a schedule of the ads that could be can be used for class discussion are on the website.

Poetryclass

Poetryclass, a teacher-training programme with a difference went nationwide in October last year. A team of 40 poets can help teachers overcome their fears and concerns about teaching poetry. Helping teachers at the very start of their career is the latest development of this innovative scheme. Poet Ann Sansom will present a one day course for PGCE students and the teachers they are working with as part of their teaching practice at Exeter University on 19 March. The day will provide ideas and methods of approaching poetry in the classroom for students and teachers to try out in their teaching practice. A second meeting six weeks later with Ann Sansom will evaluate the success of their work. To find out more about poetryclass INSET training please contact Jean Sprackland at 020 7420 9889.

EiC Schools: Excellence in Cities Newsletter Issue 6                                                       DfEE 0050/2001

www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/excellence

The EAZ Newsletter is a termly publication aimed primarily at teachers and Headteachers in EAZ schools. Contributions are sought from zones across the country with aim of allowing them to share their experiences and pass on examples of developing best practice.

Collection and Publication of 2001 KS1 National Curriculum Results for Independent Schools  

                                                                                                                                               DFEE 0077-2001   

Details of the National arrangements for the collection and publication of the 2001 Key Stage 1 assessment results as they affect Independent Schools only.  These are separate to the Key Stage 2 and 3 results which are governed by national data collection arrangements managed on behalf of the Department by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

Learning Journey: parents' guides to the curriculum

Schools will recall that in the September edition of Spectrum they were informed about the Learning Journey parents' guides to the curriculum. These guides are designed to make the school curriculum accessible to the widest possible range of parents. The guides give a brief summary of teaching and targets, and explain all the important educational milestones, such as foundation stage, key stages and tests. A jargon-buster section at the back clears up all the buzzwords that bother parents. And in each subject, lively, easy tips are given to help parents who want to support your teaching at home.

Schools will wish to be aware that the Learning Journey parents guides to the curriculum will be advertised in the national press and on commercial radio between the end of February and the end of March. Schools may continue to order copies for distribution to parents on the following number: 08000 96 66 26.

DfEE 0122/2000 - Learning Journey parents' guide to the curriculum - age 3-7

DfEE 0123/2000 - Learning Journey parents' guide to the curriculum - age 7-11

DfEE 0124/2000 - Learning Journey parents' guide to the curriculum - age 11-16

The guides are also available in large print, audio cassette and braille. A quick summary is available in English, Bengali, Chinese, Greek, Gujerati, Hindi, Punjabi, Somali, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese. All are available from the orderline.

Child Safety Week 18-24 June 2001

www.childsafetyweek.org.uk/

Accidents just happen?  They don't have to.  That's the message from Child Accident Prevention Trust, organisers of Child Safety Week.  Child Safety Week is the annual awareness-raising campaign for preventing children's accidents.

For information on Child Safety Week and Safety Action Zones send an A4 SAE (33p) to CAPT, 18-20 Farringdon Lane, London, EC1R 3HA.

Road Safety Week 2001

Brake, the not-for-profit road safety organisation, is running the UK's fourth Road Safety Week from 31 March to 6 April 2001. Brake has produced free "action packs" for teachers, explaining how to involve your school in road safety initiatives during Road Safety Week and throughout the year.

To order your "action pack" -  tel: 01484 559909,  fax: 01484 559983 or  mailto:brake@brake.org.uk

Post 16 Citizenship: Announcing the Development Phase                                              DfEE 0081/2001

www.dfee.gov.uk

Details of how the development phase for Post 16 Citizenship is to be set up including a list of potential consortia leaders and inviting interested organisations to contact their local potential consortium lead organisation.

The Environment In Your Pocket

www.environment.detr.gov.uk/des/index.htm

This updated booklet is an accessible, pocket-sized distillation of many of the key statistics and trends for the UK environment, most presented geographically. More detailed statistics can be found in the Digest of Environmental Statistics on the DETR website at www.environment.detr.gov.uk/des/index.htm  

To order  please contact the DETR Free Literature Centre, tel: 0870 1226 236 or fax: 0870 1226 237, quoting ref: 00EP1271.

Newscheck                                                                                                                           ISSN: 0307-8477  

www.dfee.gov.uk/cid/pages/public/coicat/newsck.htm

Newscheck is a journal for careers advisers, PSHE teachers and careers co-ordinators, including those specialising in work with young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. It keeps practitioners up to date with developments and raise awareness of good practice.  It reviews new information sources, and highlights key events in the delivery of careers education and guidance. 

Newscheck is published 9 times a year during school terms, and is available free from COIC, PO BOX 298A, Thames Ditton, Surrey,  KT7 0ZS, tel: 020 8957 5030,  fax: 020 8957 5012  or

mailto:COIC@dataforce.co.uk

Teachers & Staffing

Continuing Professional Development                                                                                               www.dfee.gov.uk/teachers/cpd      www.dfee.gov.uk/teachers/cpd

On 1 March 2001 the Government launched its new strategy designed to place professional development at the heart of school improvement. It is the Government's response to the consultation Professional Development: Support for teaching and learning, held in Spring 2000 and is an integral part of its new Green Paper schools - Building on Success. The strategy - Learning and Teaching - will create more opportunities for teachers to undertake relevant professional development, and more opportunities to learn from good practice in other schools.   It was developed with advice from the General Teaching Council and is backed by the main teaching unions.  DfEE funded opportunities include two week study visits abroad through Teachers' International Professional Development; £500/£700 professional bursaries and up to £3000 for a Best Practice Research Scholarship.  The Continuing Professional Development website gives details of all the opportunities on offer.

Learning and Teaching - a strategy for professional development                                 DfEE 0071/2001

Learning and Teaching sets out a strategy for professional development and action in six key areas, to give teachers increased opportunities for relevant, focused, effective professional development .  Professional development is at the heart of school improvement.

Information for teachers - a summary of the strategy for professional development   DfEE 0069/2001

A summary of the Department's strategy for continuing professional development is also available. The CPD website is a key part of the strategy's focus on identifying and spreading good practice in professional development.

Good Value CPD: A Code of Practice for Providers of Professional Development for Teachers                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                DfEE 0059/2001

Good Value CPD is a Code of Practice, which gives schools a clear picture of what they are entitled to expect from organisations offering professional development and how to secure it.  It supports improved professional development.

Are you aiming for Headship?  

www.ncslonline.gov.uk/programmes/npqh/18.asp

The next application round for the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) opens on Monday 23 April, closing on 4 June 2001.  Run by the National College for School Leadership, the NPQH is the benchmark qualification for aspiring headteachers, offering a programme of training and development in preparation for their future role. 

Phone the Headship Information Line for further information and to register for an application pack.  Tel:   0845 716 5136 or e-mail publications@ewa-group.co.uk     Applications are particularly welcomed from teachers at Primary or Special schools.

If you would like a poster to display in your school, phone the Headship Information Line.

Teachers' pay calculator - April 2001                                                                                 DfEE 0035/2001

www.dfee.gov.uk/teachingreforms/rewards/teacherspay

The calculator comprises two floppy discs and replaces the assimilation software sent to schools last Summer. It enables schools to calculate teachers' pay, taking account of any safeguarding, and produce a salary statement. The new version now covers the leadership group, ASTs and part-timers.

Occupational Health guidance for teaching

www.dfee.gov.uk      www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk

DfEE, with the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, has produced guidance on occupational health for teaching:

Obtaining Occupational Health Advice on Fitness To Teach (ISBN 011 271088 3) -  a guide for teacher employers and managers;      and

Fitness to Teach; Occupational Health Guidance for the Training and Employment of Teachers (ISBN 011 271091 3) - a longer version containing detailed medical advice, for use by occupational health professionals. 

The new guidance will help to reduce the numbers of days lost through illness, and help prevent experienced teachers being lost through ill-health retirement.  It will also help schools manage staff absence more effectively and determine the problems behind absence and under performance. 

Both booklets are being sent to Education authorities and providers of Initial Teacher Training. More  copies can be bought from The Stationery Office (0870 600 5522) (http://www.thestationeryoffice.com/).  They are also on the DfEE and Wired for Health websites:  www.dfee.gov.uk   www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk

Management & Finance

Independent/State School Partnerships Grant Scheme 2001-2002

www.dfee.gov.uk/indstatepartner   

Funding of £850,000 is available in 2001-2002 for general partnership projects and, for the first time, for themed projects.  Full details of the funding available for each theme and the application process, including forms, can be obtained from our website or by contacting us.    If you are on the independent/state school partnerships mailing list,  information has already been sent to you.   Closing date for applications is 27 April 2001.

Contact Karl Bowes on 01325 391181 or karl.bowes@dfee.gov.uk

The Common Transfer Form                                                                                               DFEE 0070/2001

Guidance explains that new common transfer forms must be used from 1 May 2001. The preferred method of transferring information about pupils between schools  is electronic, but paper forms can still be used where needed. Schools do not need to duplicate on paper forms information which has already been sent electronically.

Admissions to Infant classes from September 2001                                                         DfEE 0343/2000

www.dfee.gov.uk/governor www.dfee.gov.uk/appeals

Those concerned with infant admissions and infant admission appeals including LEAs and governing bodies of VA and Foundation Schools with infant classes are reminded to refer to Guidance issued by the DfEE in December 2000 on admissions to infant classes,  and to the Statutory Code of Practice on School Admission Appeals.  These are both on the DfEE website.

Code of Practice on Local Education Authority-School Relations                                  DfEE 0027/2001 

www.dfee.gov.uk/lea/index.htm

The revised Code gives statutory guidance on effective relationships between Local Education Authorities and maintained schools in England. It covers roles and responsibilities, resources, school improvement and information for schools. 

Annexes giving more detailed guidance on specific issues are published as a separate booklet (DfEE 0036/2001). 

Comparative Financial Information for Schools- updated

www.schools.audit-commission.gov.uk

The Audit Commission website provides any school with comparative information on the spending patterns of similar schools has now been updated with 1999/2000 out-turn data. 

Can You See What They See?                                                                                             DfEE 0045/2001

www.dfee.gov.uk/schoolsecurity

This is a video, to be launched by Jacqui Smith on Wednesday 14 March, that has been designed to enable schools to look at security through fresh eyes in order to help improve the security and safety of pupils and staff and reduce the incidence of theft, vandalism and fire setting. It contains practical, realistic, down-to-earth advice about looking at security in and around schools. It is ideal for all who work in schools, including governors.  

Electronic Management Information Systems for Schools                                           DfEE 0031/2001

www.dfee.gov.uk/ims

Following publication on 12 February, several examples of best practice have been posted to the website Further detailed advice is being developed and will be made available shortly.

School lunches

www.dfee.gov.uk/schoollunches

Just a reminder that LEAs and schools with delegated budgets for the provision of school meals are  responsible for ensuring that nutritional standards for school lunches are met, and that paid meals are available where parents request them. These new provisions come into effect on 1 April. Guidance on the new nutritional standards is available on the DfEE website at www.dfee.gov.uk/schoollunches .

Parent governor representatives on local authority committees concerned with education                    DfEE 0087/2001

www.dfee.gov.uk/parep/

This document gives guidance to local authorities on the legal position on appointing parent governor representatives to overview and scrutiny committees and sub-committees which deal with education.  The representatives are elected by parent governors and have voting rights on to any education functions that are the responsibility of LEA's executive.  Transitional arrangements cover the position of parent governor representatives elected under the previous regulations; and exceptional provisions for those elected in the City of London and the Isles of Scilly.

Pupil Support & Access

Special Educational Needs Update 6                                                                                  DfEE 0085/2001

SEN Update 6 will be issued to all schools, LEAs Social Services Departments, Health Authorities and NHS Trusts in England on 12 March 2001.  It reports on latest developments in special educational needs since the DfEE published Meeting Special Educational Needs: A programme of action in November 1998.  Further copies are available from DfEE Publications.

Curriculum Guidelines for Pupils with Learning Difficulties

www.nc.uk.net

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority are to publish new guidelines in March to support schools in the planning, development and implementation of the revised National Curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties.  The guidelines and the supporting subject materials will be available on the Internet from early April at www.nc.uk.net

"Get Involved... to make a difference"                                                                         Ref. code - CXGET1

A new Connexions information leaflet "Get Involved... to make a difference" explains how the new service will work and provides an insight into how Connexions has already made a difference to the lives of young people in pilot areas.

Summer Activities for 16 Year Olds,  2001

www.dfee.gov.uk/a-z/SUMMER%5FACTIVITIES.html

There will be 47 pilot programmes under the Summer Activities for 16 Year Olds Scheme this summer. These aim to help young people transfer from secondary school to adult life, by providing a structured programme of challenging activity and high quality advice and guidance that ensure that participants remain in education, training or employment. There will be a broad range of activities available through the summer, with an emphasis on adventure. The pilot programmes will be run by local partnerships, typically involving local authorities, voluntary sector organisations and the commercial sector. Schools may be approached before Easter to help identify year 11 pupils who might benefit from the scheme. More information is on the DfEE's website.

Can I afford NOT to go to University?                                                                                 DfEE 0104/2001

www.UCAS.com

This poster is part of a wider media campaign running this March. The campaign aims to encourage young people to apply for Higher Education, to dispel some of the myths about the cost of Higher Education and provide information about the help available.

European Choice:  A guide to opportunities for higher education in Europe 2001-2002           EC/2001

www.dfee.gov.uk/echoice/index.htm

The booklet is designed to encourage UK students to study in another European country, as part of their first-degree course, particularly under the Erasmus scheme. It provides information on student support and opportunities for periods of study, of up to one year, at institutions elsewhere in the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Central and Eastern European countries, Cyprus and Malta.   It highlights the tuition fees concession and other financial support available to students participating in the Erasmus scheme. 

Examination & Assessment

School and College Performance Tables: Consultation

www.dfee.gov.uk/perform.shtml

Consultation on the publication of the school and college performance tables in 2001 will begin shortly.  Views on the proposals will be sought from LEAs and other interested organisations.  The text will be on the DfEE website at www.dfee.gov.uk/perform.shtml    Schools can put forward views by completing the questionnaire on-line or by posting .

Home & Community

Information for Parents' Package                                                                                      DfEE 0082/2001                                               

www.parents.dfee.gov.uk  

Parents + Schools is a termly magazine that keeps parents up to date with their child's education. It is jargon-free, easy to read and packed with hints and tips for parents of primary and secondary school children. Issue 2 is available now from Free phone 0800 389 3899.

School Governance

Corrections to Updates 2 - Guide to the law for school governors - Chapter 7, Issued January 2001

Paragraph 7

Key stage 1

Key stage 2

Key stage 3

Key stage 4

Age

5-7

7-11

11-14

14-16

Year groups

1-2

3-6

7-9

10-11

Design and  Technology

·

·

·

·

Design and Technology is compulsory at all Key Stages. 

Paragraph 12

 All subjects now have levels 1 to 8.  Art and Design, music and PE are no longer exceptions to this.

Paragraph 16

• replace '1999' with '2001'.
• The Law - National Curriculum Assessment Orders.  (page 10)
• The first two assessment orders should be replaced with:
• The Education (National Curriculum) (Key Stage 1 Assessment Arrangements) (England) Order 1999 No 1236, as amended 1999 No 2187
• The Education (National Curriculum) (Key Stage 2 Assessment Arrangements) (England) Order 1999 No 2188

All of the above amendments have been made to the website versions of the guides except PDF versions.  Click on www.dfee.gov.uk/governor/whatsnew 

A-Z of School Leadership and Management

From management and finance to curriculum and standards, the A to Z of School Leadership and Management (www.dfee.gov.uk/a-z) is all you need to be kept up to date with school management issues.

New topics include:

Children's fund                                                         Overseas pupils

Connexions service                                                  Overseas visits

Data protection                                                         Parent governors

Design and technology in schools                            Pupil supervision: out of school

Educational psychologists                                        School age parents

Ethnic monitoring                                                      Standards for school premises

Excellence in cities                                                   Summer literacy and numeracy schools

Foundation schools                                                  Surplus school places

Information for parents                                             Teacher recruitment

LEA intervention                                                       Teaching assistants

LEA-school relations                                                Youth offending teams

Medical policy: AIDS/HIV

Updated topics include:

Advanced skills teachers                                           Induction of NQTs

Age diversity                                                              Information management strategy

Attendance and absence                                           Lifelong learning
Beacon schools                                                         Local education authorities
Building regulations                                                   Music and ballet scheme
Child protection                                                          Occupational health guidance
Continuing professional development                        Pensions
Exclusions                                                                  Performance tables
Health and safety                                                       School accounts

ICT and the curriculum                                               Standards fund

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

Opportunity For All In A World of Change - A White Paper on Enterprise, Skills and  Innovation

www.dfee.gov.uk/whitepaper/opportunity    www.dti.gov.uk/opportunityforall 

Stationery Office, priced £12.60

The text is on the websites above.

 A summary is available free from DTI publications, tel: 0870 1502 500 9  quote ref: URN 01/541).

The Education (Induction Arrangements for School Teachers) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2001                                                                                                                                                SI2001/103

Stationery Office : February 2001                                                                        ISBN 0 11 019145 5 :  £1.50

The Education (Designated Institutions) Order 2001                                                                SI2001/209

Stationery Office : February 2001                                                                         ISBN 0 11 019161 7 : £1.50

The Education Standards Fund 2000 (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2001                 SI2001/210

Stationery Office : February 2001                                                                         ISBN 0 11 019162 5 : £1.50

The Education (London Residuary Body) (Property Transfer) (Revocation) Order 2001      SI2001/308

Stationery Office : February 2001                                                                         ISBN 0 11 028695 2 : £1.50