November 2021 Headteacher Briefings

I am delighted to inform you that we will be holding our first set of post-lockdown, in person, real-life, face-to-face, Headteacher Briefings in November 2021 (it really is a joy to be able to say that). We hope to include an update from Ofsted at each one, with a focus on inspections in Kent in term 1 and any learning points from them, but are still awaiting confirmation of their attendance at all four briefings; we will definitely have a presentation from Christine McInnes on SEND inclusion and support for schools; and a discussion around the proposed post-16 reforms, which secondary headteachers in particular should find both helpful and informative.

The agenda will include:

• Welcome back
• SEND
  • Introducing new staff - who is who
  • Update on the inclusion fund spend and support for schools
  • Planning together for change
• Ofsted
  • Local update from inspections
• KCC preparing for post 16 policy

As this week’s briefing for new headteachers showed, being together in person results in a really productive session, bringing a sense of excitement about making new connections, or re-establishing existing connections that might not have been as strong during the height (or lows) of the pandemic, bringing together the extensive expertise and experience across Kent to tackle the challenges we face, and celebrating the successes achieved during what has been a very unusual 19 months.

The dates, times and locations for the briefings are as follows:

• Monday 1 November - 1pm for 1:30pm start to 4pm - Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, Ashford Road, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RE
• Wednesday 3 November - 1pm for 1:30pm start to 4pm - Ashford International Hotel, Simone Weil Avenue, Ashford, Kent TN24 8UX
• Monday 8 November - 1pm for a 1:30pm start to 4pm - The Spitfire Ground (Canterbury Cricket Ground, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3NZ
• Tuesday 9 November - 1pm for 1:30pm start to 4pm - Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch, Dartford, DA3 8PE

To book a place, please email cypesupportteam@kent.gov.uk confirming your name, school and the session you are able to join.

I hope to see as many of you there as possible.