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Message NEWSBULLETINMARCH 2025thamesgatewaytsh.org.uk

CONTENTS3 Welcome5 Appropriate Body6 Early Career Framework7 NPQs8 Partners9 KMT10 LAT Apprenticeships11 Upcoming Opportunities12 Maths Hub13 English Hub16 MFL Network17 Primary Science Hub18 Music Forum22 Contact

WELCOMEIt has been a busy start to 2025, we were delighted to welcome over 300 year one ECTs to our all day conference at Detling Showground at thebeginning of February. It was a real treat to host so many skilled teachers at the start of their career, ready, willing and able to make a hugedifference in the young people’s lives. In the spirit of reflection and evaluation, we review our own progress on a annual basis, and we are proud to provide you with an overview of ourongoing work across the region in our February 2025 summary. Most notably the number of organisations choosing to work with us has increased by 118 schools from across Kent and beyond, and we now workwith 84% of schools within our designated region of Medway, Gravesham and Dartford. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of ourdelegates, facilitators, partner schools and trusts for helping us to continue to provide such a valuable service across all strands of the GoldenThread, and for providing us with invaluable feedback to ensure we can continue to grow and serve your needs. We are excited to announce a further development to our relationship with ‘The Education People’, and will be joining forces to ensure thatprovision for our ECTs across the county continues to grow and support new teachers in our schools. We look forward to strengthening thisrelationship and ensuring that all ECTs have access to a high quality, effective and engaging ECF curriculum. We are always looking for ways to respond to market demand and support teachers and schools, and to this end we are currently working withexperts across Kent to produce ‘Success Pathways’ a bespoke years worth of professional development aimed at teachers starting their third year inthe profession, you can find out more on page 7. We always welcome your feedback or requests for support, please complete this Google form to tell us your view/suggestions. Many thanks for your continued support. Best Wishes, Faye and the TGTSH Team

Thank you!Thank you for all that you have been doing to supportyour ECTs. With over 900 ECTs having accessed our appropriatebody services this year we know how much hard workthis means for you in schools. Your energy, support and guidance is appreciated byyour ECTs and we thank you also for your dedicationand diligence to their induction process. RegistrationPlease ensure that youregister ECTs that havestarted with you sincehalf term on ECT Managerand the DfE portal. Appropriate BodyECT ReportsThe assessment window for most ECTs is nowopen. The deadline for report submission is 21stMarch. Support materials have been sent out toInduction Tutors but please contactcatherine.root@tgtsh.org.uk if you have anyqueries.

Early Career FrameworkECF Lead Provider Update We were delighted to hear that Education DevelopmentTrust was once again successful in its bid to retain itsLead Provider status and is able to continue deliveringthe ECF from Sept 2025. This is well deserved andensures continuity of experience for our schools.The DfE also announced that Best Practice Network(BPN) will no longer be acting as a Lead Provider for newECTs/ Mentors from September 2025 onwards. Tosupport schools who are currently working with BPN, wehave strengthened our partnership with The EducationPeople to ensure these schools have a pathway tocontinue to work with our colleagues at The EducationPeople to also ensure continuity of experience. If youwould like to discuss this further please emailjodie.byham@tgtsh.org.ukCPD pathway for teachers entering third year ofteachingWe are excited to announce that TGTSH has developeda bespoke professional development offer for teachersmoving into their third year of teaching aftersuccessful completion of ECT induction. Sessions include:Enhanced Behaviour for Learning ToolkitEnhanced SEND ToolkitBuilding your own mental resilienceSubject/ Phase Focus GroupIntroduction to Middle LeadershipIf you would like to know more about this offer, pleasecomplete this expression of interest form.

National Professional QualificationsThe application window for the April 2025cohort of NPQs opened on Monday 10thFebruary, the DfE has confirmed that fundingwill remain the same as the October 2024cohort. You can find out more here. In realitythe number of funded spaces has beendramatically reduced, so we encourage earlyapplications and consideration of alternativepathways to access the NPQs. NPQ costs startat £890 +VAT for specialist NPQ and from£1130+ VAT for the Leadership courses. We have been working hard tosupplement our current NPQ offer bycombining them with Apprenticeshipqualifications. Following the success ofour October cohort of Level 7 SeniorLeadership combined with the NPQSLwe will be offering this route to accessthe NPQSL and fund it using theApprenticeship levy. You can find outmore here. Click here to watch a video.We are introducing a similarpairing with the Team LeaderApprenticeship Level 5 runningalongside the NPQLBC or NPQLT,again this can be funded using theschool’s apprenticeship levy. Findout more here.Applications for the whole suite ofNPQs, including the Apprenticeshiproute, can be made here. If you have any questions pleasecontact faye.mcgill@tgtsh.org.uk

PartnersWe are pleased to sharethe professionaldevelopment offerprovided by a number ofour strategic partners.

As part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill teachers will need to hold or be working towardsQualified Teacher Status from September 2026. The KMT Assessment Only Programme provides a fast-track pathway for experienced, unqualifiedteachers to gain QTS without the need for lengthy training courses. This streamlined approachallows teachers to continue their valuable contributions to your school while fulfilling the upcomingrequirements of the Bill.Are your unqualified teachers eligible for AO?Our AO Programme is designed for unqualified teachers who:Hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent.Have achieved GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in English, mathematics, and science (for 5-11candidates). We offer in-house equivalencies for these.Have at least two years of full-time teaching experienceHave taught two consecutive key stages in their chosen age range and subject (we offerpathways for 3-7, 5-11, 11-16, or 11-19).Have taught in at least two schools (including international schools or alternative settings).Consistently demonstrate a high level of performance against the Teachers' Standards.Why choose our AO Programme?Efficiency: Gain QTS quickly and efficiently while minimising disruption to teaching schedules.Cost-effective: Highly competitive pricing with preferential rates for partnership schools.Prioritised Support: Partnership schools receive priority scheduling for assessments.Next StepsTo learn more about our AO Programme and discuss how it can benefit your school, please contactthe recruitment team on recruitment.team@kmtraining.org.uk Applications for this academic year will need to be submitted prior to the Easter break. Anyapplications received between April and July will be eligible to start the 12 week programme inSeptember.

If you would like to register for our upcoming CPD courseor are interested in hiring an apprentice, please contactrecruitment@latapprenticeships.org.ukLAT Apprenticeships recentlycelebrated National ApprenticeshipWeek, recognising the achievementsof our Level 3 Teaching Assistant andBusiness Administration apprenticeswho have completed theirprogramme and secured roles inschools. Our next TA inductioncohort starts on the 10th April andwe are also offering a CPD course onBehaviour Management andLegislation on Thursday, 27th March.

Upcoming OpportunitiesPlease email sarah.smith@theleighinstitute.org.uk for further informationILM Level 5 Coaching & MentoringThis programme is designed for schoolleaders who want to integrate effectivecoaching and mentoring into their dailyleadership practice. It provides a highlypractical, research-informed approachto coaching, offering opportunities todevelop, refine, and embed coachingand mentoring skills in a supportive,collaborative environment. The programme will run in partnershipwith LLSE and consist of 10 face to facesessions and offers a formal qualification- more information to follow. Dates : TBC April to November 2025£1,650 per delegate Click here to register your interest. Line ManagerProfessional Development PathwaysAt ConnectED Hub, we offer a comprehensivepathway of professionaldevelopment opportunities, upskilling educationalleaders at all levels with thepractical and theoretical skills needed tosuccessfully lead and manage theirteams, maximising the impact on the learners theyserve.Pleae complete this google form to register yourinterest.Teach with IntentTeach with Intent is a unique and dynamicface-to-face programme designed to honeclassroom practice using Rosenshine’sPrinciples and the most pertinent educationalresearch as its foundation.Date : 13 June 2025£200 per delegate Click here to register. Previous delegates have said : The delivery and structure of the coursewas fantastic.This was a brilliant course and I found Icame away with a lot of ideas to include inmy practice. It was a great and engaging course, thefacilitator was fantastic leading us throughthe information.A very well-led course, sharing fantasticapproaches to improving teaching andlearning.

Kent and Medway Maths Hub are busy celebrating 10 Years of the Maths Hub Programme, but are also lookingahead to to some brilliant opportunities for 25/26.We're thrilled to be recruiting for the following NCETM training programmes to develop teachers as experts inteaching for mastery and join our team of wonderful Local Leaders of Maths Education. Visit the NCETM websiteor get in touch with KMMH to find out more.Primary Mastery SpecialistSecondary Mastery SpecialistFurther Education Mastery Specialist Professional Development Lead School Development Lead.Maths Hub

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 information

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 be strategiesto support retrieval.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.

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! Funded Opportunities and SurveyAs hub lead organisation we fund schools to support their extracurricular music offer. To be eligible for funding in 25/26 academic year you will need to completethe Funded Opportunities application form and Survey when they open between Tuesday 22nd April and Friday 16th May 2025.For more information head to our website or contact your Area Manager. 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

Who is rolling out the programme?Sam, clinical lead for CYP asthma, works for the Medway and Swale Health and care partnership, and a paediatric nurse by background.Why become a asthma friendly school?We are trying to raise awareness and change the way asthma care is both received and delivered in Medway and Swale. Just to put it in perspective, nationally Kent and Medway areoutliers for children and young people’s asthma outcomes. Tragically we have had 4 children pass away due to asthma over the last few years. This is 4 too many.Through talking to both professionals and families, it is evident that the perception of asthma is that it “is just a cough” and there is a lack of understanding of what good asthma controlconsists of, how, when and why to use the blue (salbutamol) inhaler. These are all things that I believe everyone should know about, regardless of if you have asthma or not. If asthma is notwell-controlled it can impact every aspect of a child's life, including their ability to concentrate at school, to take part in sports, to enjoy time with friends and to sleep well at night. Sadly,in some cases asthma can kill. Here are some situations when staff working with children and young people in schools may be called upon to support good asthma care:In an emergency when the child or young person is showing signs of an asthma attackSupporting with asthma medication that may be needed during sporting activitiesRecognising poor asthma control and taking steps to address it in an appropriate way What is needed to become an asthma friendly school? The frame work is comprised of key standards, such as, Record keeping, Training and education. If all met, will equate to the school being accredited as an asthma friendly school!!Asthma specific PolicyAsthma registerAsthma leads/championsEmergency proceduresTrainingWith Anaphylaxis and air quality underpinning the entire programme.All templates and resources will be provided to you free of charge to support you in meeting the criteria within each key element. You can rebrand and change the templates to meet theneeds of the school. Equally if you have something in place that meets the key element then you can use this As part of the programme offer, schools can also sign up to parent education sessions where Sam will come in and talk to your parents about safe asthma care and management. Schoolassemblies are also available for same to come and talk to your students about asthma and how they can keep them selves safe.How is the school marked against the key standards?The school asthma lead will complete a self-evaluation form for the school and send it to medch.cypasthma.nhs.uk. It will then be checked by our team and then the school be awarded theasthma friendly school status and receive a certificate!!How much does this programme cost?It is completely FREE!!! There is no hidden cost, all of the templates, support from Sam, the parent education session and school visits from sam are included and FREE of any cost! How to sign up and find out more. Please email Sam on medch.cypasthma@nhs.net and request for an initial asthma friendly school meeting. This will be held via teams at a time and date that suits you. During this meeting information on how to become an Asthma friendly school will be shared and resources provided that can be adapted and rebrand as your own to support your journey on becoming an AFS. This will also be a chance to develop a Medway and Swale support network amongst schools so that together, we change the outcomes for our CYP and making a child dying from asthma is a thing of the past.Become an Asthma Friendly School

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.ukinfo@latapprenticeships.org.uk latapprenticeships.cominfo@kandmmathshub.org.ukwww.kandmmathshub.org

Thank you for taking thetime to read our NewsBulletin.If you require any furtherinformation, please emailenquiries@tgtsh.org.uk