News BulletinJune 2025 Message
CONTENTSWelcomeAppropriate BodyEarly Career FrameworkNPQsPartnersThe Leigh InstituteConnectED HubUpcoming OpportunitiesApprenticeshipsKMTMaths HubEnglish HubMFL NetworkPrimary Science HubMusic ForumK&BSPHLLSEContact
As we approach the end of this academic year we are thrilled to be able to share and celebrate the launch of our Gold PartnerScheme - this aims to reward schools that have worked with Thames Gateway TSH and our three sister organisations that all situnder The Leigh Institute - Kent and Medway Training, Kent and Medway Maths Hub and ConnectED Apprenticeships (formallyLAT apprenticeships). Whilst this is a relatively small list to start with we are hoping that the 531 schools who currently workwith Thames Gateway TSH will be tempted to explore our wider offer. Click here to find out more about how to get involvedand ‘Go for Gold’.We are still looking to gather your views on our services, if you haven’t already, can you please complete our annual DfE survey.As you will be aware next year the DfE have made changes to the services we provide. As always we are committed to workingwith you, and making sure that you are given clear, accurate and timely communications so that you have the information andactions steps you need to take at your finger tips. This bulletin outlines the current changes to NPQ funding and the newapproach to Early Career Teachers and their mentors. If you have any questions or concerns then please do not hesitate tocontact us so that we can guide you through the impact these changes may have on your organisation.We always welcome your feedback or requests for support, please complete this Google form to tell us your view/suggestions. Thank you for your continued support, we wish you a successful last term, and a fabulous Summer break.Best Wishes, Faye Deputy Director, The Leigh InstituteWELCOME
Thank you!What a year! Over 900 ECTs have accessed our AB services thisacademic year and we would like to offer a huge thankyou to everyone in schools who makes this possible. Time and time again we hear of how well supportedECTs feel and they talk of the generosity and energythat the staff working with them give. Thank you! Theyand we, could not do it without you! Registrations For ECTs Joining inSeptemberPlease ensure you register any ECT whojoined you at the May half term in theusual way. However, please do notregister ECTs joining you in Septemberuntil you receive instructions to do so. Appropriate BodyAssessmentsThe next report window is now open with a submission deadline for most of the 8th July. Please notethat for most ECTs this will be either an end of year 1 or final assessment. However, there may be someECTs who are at a different point in their induction journey and for whom it will therefore be aprogress review. Please look out for communications and support materials with regard to completingthese and do contact TGTSH if you require further assistance.
Early Career FrameworkEarly Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) – updated guidanceFollowing the announcement made by the DfE in January 2025 regarding the package of updates to the training andsupport for early career teachers (ECTs), they have now released detailed guidance of the changes which can be foundusing the link below:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/induction-training-and-support-for-early-career-teachers-ectsThe changes for early career teacher (ECT) and mentor training from September 2025 are as follows:the updated framework includes updates to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), high-quality orallanguage (oracy), early cognitive development and evidence literacythe term early career teacher entitlement (ECTE) replaces early career framework (ECF)-based training and inductionECT training programmes will be based on the initial teacher training and early career framework – an updatedframework based on a combination of initial teacher training (ITT), core content framework (CCF) and the ECFThe following applies to schools on the fully funded provider-led training programme:training providers will provide ‘diagnostic tools’ to help mentors tailor content for their ECTstraining providers will provide session materials for mentorsmentor training has been reduced to one year (for new mentors)new mentors can reduce their training hours if they’ve had previous mentor training from ITT programmestraining programmes will include more content on adaptive teaching and supporting pupils with SENDtraining programme materials will include examples for different phases, settings and subjectsTGTSH will be running a webinar to talk through these changes and how the Education Development Trust /TGTSH ECTEprogramme will change from September 2025 on:Wednesday 18th June; 3.40- 4.40pmIf you would like to join please sign up or request a recording via this link.
Final opportunity to secure your full funding for academic year 2024-25A reminder that schools with mentors who do not evidence sustainedengagement in year 2, will not receive their year 2 funding for time off timetablefor mentor training.It's crucial that any mentors in the second year of their programme are up to datewith their online learning and attend their final online mentor event (1hr). You cantrack your mentors progress to see who is up to date via your ECPDP platformlogin. A guide for how to do this can be found here.Please email sophie.jarrett@tgtsh.org.uk if you require any support.Early Career Framework
Early Career FrameworkAnnual ECT Conferences 2024/25We want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you toyou all for enabling ECTs and Mentors to attend all trainingevents this year. We know the burden this places on schoolsand we will continue to work with you to make this as feasibleas possible. Below is a video summary of our ECT annualconferences this year. Please take a look to see the fabulouswork that takes place on these days.ECT Conferences 2024/25TGSTH is proud to have achieved over 96% in our overallsatisfaction score across all events this academic year to date.Meaning that nearly all participants 'Strongly agree or agree’that our sessions are expertly facilitated and well organised.'Success Pathway' for teachers in their thirdyear of teaching Using ECT programme completion data,sector feedback and national agendas wehave created a bespoke CPD pathway forteachers entering the third year of theirteaching career. Please view this flyer tofind out more.CPD Sessions include:Enhanced behaviour for learning toolkitEnhanced SEND toolkitBuilding your mental resilience - HealthyHappy TeacherSubject/Phased focus groupsIntroduction to middle leadershipSessions are offered outside of the schoolday and with both online and in personsession options.If you would like to register your staff forthese CPD sessions please complete thisgoogle form.
National Professional QualificationsDespite the changes to DfE funding we areproud to have had over 340 delegates joinour NPQ programmes and we arecommitted to offering the full suite ofNPQs as we move in to next academic year. The DfE has confirmed there will only beone window for the NPQs next year - mostlikely to be for a November 2025 start.An exciting new offer for 25/26 is the NPQH‘Enhanced preparation for Headship’ at no extracost this will see full days of face to facedelivery with a range of additional support,including talks from current Head teachers,tours of schools, exploration of Special School,and All through schools and additional input onfinance and HR. You can apply for this in thenormal way through the LLSE website andselecting Thames Gateway as your deliverypartner.You can apply for a school funded place hereVisit the LLSE website toapply for your NPQ programme
National Professional QualificationsWhen the DfE announcethe funding we will look toreimburse those whohave already applied andmeet the funding criteria. The DfE has not confirmed funding for next year’s cohort,so any registration for places at this point will be on aschool funded basis only, prices for NPQ courses arebelow - Visit the LLSE website toapply for your NPQ programme
PartnersWe are pleased to sharethe professionaldevelopment offerprovided by a number ofour strategic partners.
We are delighted to celebrate schools who are working with The Leigh Institutue in all four ofour organisations - KMT, Thames Gateway TSH, Kent & Medway Maths Hub and ConnectEDApprenticeships. To celebrate this partnership all Gold Partners received a gold box filled with :Gold Partner CertificateInformation flyers & discount offers for ConnectED HubPodcast recording voucherInformation flyers from all TLI organisationsTLI Pin BadgesTGTSH, KMT & KMMH promotional stationerySweet treats for the staff roomGold PartnersContact us via enquiries@theleighinstitute.org.ukif you are interested in becoming a Gold Partner.Leigh Academy DartfordThe Hundred of Hoo Academy Oaklands School St John’s Catholic Primary School St Mary’s Island CofE Primary SchoolWentworth Primary School The Brent Primary School Rainham Mark Grammar School
We are delighted to share news of The Leigh Institute’snew professional development website and learningplatform - ConnectED Hub. This is a ‘one stop shop’ that works with all elements ofTLI to provide research based professional developmentopportunities to staff at all levels of your organisation.You can use the website to view our offer, and with signup to our essential package from as little as £10 permember of staff you will be able to access onlinelearning modules and associated tracking of courses inthe area listed. To find out more and get your staff signed up please email info@connectedhub.co.uk
LAT Apprenticeships has moved forward under a newname: ConnectED Apprenticeships. This marks animportant step in our journey, reflecting ourcommitment to connecting our high-qualityapprenticeship delivery to our broader and expandingprofessional development offerings. With ourparticular expertise in providing apprenticeships tosupport the education sector, this transition allows usto create even more comprehensive and impactfullearning journeys for both apprentices and theiremployers.This new phase will see us introducing a wealth of newopportunities to enhance our existing programmesand expand our offer. Our vision is to ensure that allstaff, both support and teaching staff, can benefitfrom a wider range of evidence-based professionaldevelopment pathways, seamlessly integrated withtheir apprenticeship experience.Please read our most recent BulletinFinal spaces are available on our Autumncohorts for both Teaching Assistants(Level 3) and Business Administrators(Level 3). To discuss how we can support trainingfor new staff, or upskill existing staff,please contactrecruitment@connectedhub.co.uk
Please continue to share with us ideas for where our journey might take us next. Administration and Management Based Routes: Our Level 3 Business Administrator programme, values both withthe education sector and with our wider programmes, now forms the first step on a wider leadership pathway. OurLevel 3 Team Leader and Level 5 Operations Manager programmes both start in the coming weeks and providefurther and deeper learning for those who are supporting the journey of others. It may be that some of our currentemployers and line managers would find this a useful opportunity. We are so excited by the professional learning pathways being developed across our provision. Classroom Based Routes: Our flagship Level 3 Teaching Assistant programme, will soon be enhanced by a new Level5 Specialist Teaching Assistant programme, specialising in SEND. This will enable focused study into some of themost important aspects of teaching and learning, working together to maximise progress for every child. We arealso looking forward to share with you wider pathways into qualified teacher status for those with this ambition. New Programmes and Pathways
Kent and Medway Maths Hub are excited to share theirProfessional Development offer for 2025/26, we arenow recruiting to all Work Groups, further informationcan be found via our website.
We wanted to share with you an exciting opportunityfor any non-specialist teachers you may have teachingyear 8 maths in the next academic year. Our SKTM (Specialist Knowledge for TeachingMathematics) for Secondary Non-Specialists has beenvery popular in recent years. It is a fantasticprogramme that enables non-specialist teachers todevelop their subject knowledge and pedagogicalunderstanding.During 2025/26, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is conducting an independentevaluation of this project. Please click here for detailedinformation about this exciting opportunity to have ateacher participate in this project next year as part ofthe EEF trial.We are asking for expressions of interest from schoolsby completing this form, at this stage you do not sharethe name of the participating teacher.Maths Hub
As the teacher resignation deadline is approaching,you may have some vacancies to fill for September.Trainees on employment based training routes canoffer a practical solution for your recruitment needs,and for some subjects you will receive up to £29,000to go towards salary costs. We offer School Direct Salaried and Post GraduateTeacher Apprenticeships covering all subjects andphases. Please contact the KMT recruitment team if you’d likeany places listed or would like to see the applicationswe have already received. Email:recruitment.team@kmtraining.org.uk
ALL Dartford & Medway is an MFL network forsecondary schools in Kent. The next meetingis on Tuesday, 24th June at 4pm. This will beboth an online and in person event.Online - please join the meeting at 4pm usingthis linkIn person - please come to Strood Academy,ME2 2SX, from 3:30pm for refreshmentsbefore the meeting starts at 4pm.Contact:jane.cameron@hundredofhooacademy.org.ukfor more informationAlice Harrison, subject lead for MFLat the Oak National Academy, willbe talking about the resourcesavailable to MFL teachers.
Primary Schools are invited to join thisPrimary Science Hub Meeting. Would you like to meet teachers fromyour local area and discuss scienceteaching?The focus of the session will bedeveloping science capital throughenrichment.This will be an opportunity for primaryscience teachers across Medway andbeyond to engage in professional dialoguewith colleagues, sharing good practice andpractical ideas to support teaching andlearning. We hope you can join us. Wednesday 25 June 2025, 4.00 - 6.00 pmBrompton Westbrook Primary School, Gillingham, ME7 5DQ/ Free
With members of theCity of RochesterSymphony OrchestraWednesday 2nd July 202510.30am - 11.30amCentral Theatre170 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4ASRegister via Richard Lock rlock@thewestbrooktrust.org(Seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis)Primar ySchoolOrchestralConcer t
Kent Music is the Hub Lead Organisation for the Kent & Medway Music Hub. We provide support and services to schools to strengthen music provision for childrenand young people across Kent & Medway. Music Development PlansDid you know every school should have published their Music Development Plan on their school website. If you haven’t managed to do this year, Don’t panic, weare here to help! Check out our free CPD events and training opportunities to learn more about creating your school’s Music Development Plan. Alternatively, youcan email schools@kent-music.com for more information. For more information on Music Development Plans head to our website. For students we have a range of opportunities both in and out of school for them to learn with Kent Music, please pass on the information below to those who maybe interested! Music Lessons with Kent MusicAt Kent Music, we offer high-quality music lessons with a passion for fostering musical talent in students of all ages. Our experienced teachers and staff arededicated to providing engaging and effective music education for every learner. Discover our available lessons and apply today to start your musical journey.Follow the instructions to find out if we teach in your area and choose the lesson type that suits you best. Wider OfferKent Music’s Music Centres are vibrant, supportive hubs across Kent, offering a warm welcome to music lovers of all ages. Whether you’re a beginner or anadvanced musician, our centres provide fantastic opportunities to learn, play, and connect with others in the community.Our centres offer a range of instrumental and vocal lessons, diverse and exciting music groups, and talented, supportive local teachers. We are committed toproviding accessible and affordable music opportunities, encouraging exploration, collaboration, and performance. Join like-minded people of all backgrounds inour creative musical and social spaces.Take a look at all the opportunities in our centres here. Who to contact?If need any further help or guidance the Kent Music Team is here to help. Get in touch via schools@kent-music.comMusic Forum
The Stronger Practice Hub programme has been extended until April 2026.Our hub has a new Lead setting, Northfleet Nursery School, we have thesame passion and dedication to make a difference to young children byproviding free support for the Early Years sector.Understanding and Supporting Attachmentand Emotion Regulation Difficulties with Dr Ahmar Ferguson17 June 7pm webinar 1 will focus on what wemean by the psychological term attachment,what the various types are, how to recogniseattachment difficulties and what we can doas adults to support. Click here to register. 1 July 7pm webinar 2 will focus morespecifically on how behaviours (childrenwith insecure attachment) might manifest,explores the cycle of dysregulation andoffers strategies on how to support. Clickhere to register. 15 July 7pm reflection and Q&A session Click here to register. Kate Moxley repeats her successfulwebinars on supporting Mental Health andWellbeing in Early Years 7 July 4pm 1 hour webinar for Leaders. Weare all aware of the importance of staffWellbeing in Early Years and Kate gives usthe skills to provide the support our teamneeds. Click here to register. 10 July 7pm 1 hour webinar for people whowork in early years. Kate helps us tounderstand the importance of our ownWellbeing and what we can do to helpourselves. Click here to register. We have a limited number of Kate’s books‘Mental Health and Wellbeing in Early Years’that we will send to people who attend thewebinars.We are keen to hear from you, pleasecomplete this 3 minute survey – tell uswhat you want to learn more aboutthat will make a difference to yourpractice. We want to hear from you, whetheryou want to share ideas, askquestions, request a recordedwebinar, join our mailing list, join anetwork….Email :KBEYSPH@northfleet-nur.kent.sch.uk Phone : 01474 533950
Contact DetailsFaye McGill, DirectorJodie Byham, Deputy DirectorSarah Smith, Head of Administration & Communicationsenquiries@tgtsh.org.ukAddress : TGTSH, c/o Strood Academy, Carnation Road, Strood, Kent ME2 2SXTel : 01634 412265Website : thamesgatewaytsh.org.uk/
recruitment.team@kmtraining.org.uk kmtraining.org.ukrecruitment@connectedhub.co.uk https://www.connectedhub.co.ukinfo@kandmmathshub.org.ukwww.kandmmathshub.org
Thank you for taking thetime to read our NewsBulletin.If you require any furtherinformation, please emailenquiries@tgtsh.org.uk