27 January 2023 weekly update

Dear Colleagues,

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, a day when we take a pause to remember all those who died in the Holocaust and under Nazi persecution, and who died in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. The theme for this year is Ordinary People, considering both perpetrators and victims. To learn more about HMD and this year's theme, or to access free resources, visit the Holocaust Memorial Day website. As the number of survivors diminishes, how we remember the Holocaust becomes more important as discussed in this article

On Monday my team met with the DfE’s Regional team for a catchup and to get more of an understanding of the policy context now that the Schools Bill has been withdrawn. I am really pleased to let you know that the Regional Director, Kate Dethridge, has agreed that DfE representatives will attend our forthcoming headteacher briefing meetings to update you directly. Neerasha Singh, Chair of the High Needs Funding sub-group of the Schools Funding Forum and headteacher of Northfleet Nursery School is also on the agenda, talking about the work of the group and the next steps.

• Tuesday 28 February 2023 (PM) - North Kent - Gravesham - Eastgate Centre, Auditorium
• Wednesday 1 March 2023 (PM) - South Kent - Ashford - Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
• Tuesday 7 March 2023 (PM) - West Kent - Tunbridge Wells - Mercure, Parkside
• Friday 10 March 2023 (AM) - East Kent - Swale - Holiday Inn, The Coniston

Book your place at the next round of Headteacher Briefings

The third meeting of the Pathways for All 16 to 19 Board took place this week, with each of the eight subgroups (one for each recommendation) reporting back. We were determined that this board would not be a talking shop and at inception challenged each board member to be ready to take responsibility for action. I have to say I was so impressed at how work on each recommendation is developing driving forward. Congratulations to Michelle Stanley, School Improvement lead and her team for their work and to Dr Tony Breslin the Chair, as well as the eight chairs of the subgroups who are doing a fantastic job.

I was delighted to visit two primary schools which are federated yesterday, St Pauls Swanley and St Edmunds West Kingsdown both led by Executive Headteacher Ben Hulme. We were accompanied by James Johnstone, Deputy head in the tour of St Paul’s and school business manager Mrs Simmons at St Edmunds. Two distinctive schools, catering to very different communities. It was fascinating to see the how leaders had successfully embedded common values, expectations and ways of working across the two schools. As you know I have a particular interest in SEND inclusion and wanted to find out more about their approach of full integration, which is informed by evidence and consideration of all areas of school life. The starting point is that what is good for SEND children is good for all children means they are not having to make adjustments to the school day except in exceptional circumstances. We also discussed the benefits of federation, particularly with regard to the budget and staff retention by expanding opportunities for career development in situ. A very big thank you to Ben, James, and Mrs Simmons, the absolutely delightful pupils and the staff for the lovely welcome.

Best wishes

Christine McInnes
Director of Education