Free Governor Training Sessions – Update

Dear Colleagues,

Please see the attached document which contains the dates for the online Governor training, Autumn 2020 and the links to the Eventbrite registration pages.

Governor training programme Autumn 2020

You are required to register via Eventbrite (links attached) as we use the contact list for communicating updates and documentation. If you do not register on

Eventbrite you may miss out on important information, such as cancellations, updates or documentation.

It is advisable to register at least 72 hours before the start of the course; a course may be cancelled if there are low numbers and, again, you may miss out on

vital information.

The next session is PREVENT on Tuesday 6th October at 6.30pm.

Also attached are instructions for using MS Teams. For any session it is recommended you join the meeting 10-15 minutes beforehand, in case you encounter

any problems and need to message schoolgovernance@buckinghamshire.gov.uk for assistance.

Teams Instructions For Particpants

I apologise for any confusion that may have arisen regarding registering for these training sessions, if you would like any further information please contact me.

 

Kind regards,

 

Hazel David

School Improvement Team

Children’s Services

 

Buckinghamshire Council

4th Floor, County Hall

Walton Street

Aylesbury,

HP20 1UZ

Cyber Security Alert from the National Cyber Security Centre(NCSC) concerning a National rise in Ransomware attacks on UK Schools, Colleges and Universities

Sent on behalf of Simon James, Service Director, Education

Dear Colleagues,

The NCSC has today posted on their web site an Alert concerning a National rise of Ransomware attacks of UK Schools, Colleges and Universities.

This is accessible via this link or you can read the item as below https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/alert-issued-following-rising-attacks-on-uk-academia

“17th September 2020. Cyber security alert issued following rising attacks on UK academia

The NCSC has issued an alert to the academic sector following a spate of online attacks against UK schools, colleges and universities.

  • The National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ, is supporting establishments to keep criminals out of their networks after a spike in ransomware attacks.
  • The rise in attacks was recorded in August as cyber criminals turn their attention to a sector focused on the return of students.
  • The advice has been created with the input of the sector, and is the latest in a series of support packages for academia.

Cyber security experts have today (Thursday) stepped up support for UK schools, colleges, and universities following a spate of online attacks with the potential to de-rail their preparations for the new term.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issued an alert to the sector containing a number of steps they can take to keep cyber criminals out of their networks, following a recent spike in ransomware attacks.

The NCSC dealt with several ransomware attacks against education establishments in August, which caused varying levels of disruption, depending on the level of security establishments had in place.

Ransomware attacks typically involve the encryption of an organisation’s data by cyber criminals, who then demand money in exchange for its recovery.

With institutions either welcoming pupils and students back for a new term, or preparing to do so, the NCSC’s alert urges them to take immediate steps such as ensuring data is backed up and also stored on copies offline.

They are also urged to read the NCSC’s newly-updated guidance on mitigating malware and ransomware attacks, and to develop an incident response plan which they regularly test.

Paul Chichester, Director of Operations at the NCSC, said:

“This criminal targeting of the education sector, particularly at such a challenging time, is utterly reprehensible.

“While these have been isolated incidents, I would strongly urge all academic institutions to take heed of our alert and put in place the steps we suggest, to help ensure young people are able to return to education undisrupted.

“We are absolutely committed to ensuring UK academia is as safe as possible from cyber threats, and will not hesitate to act when that threat evolves.”

The new alert, Targeted ransomware attacks on the UK education sector by cyber criminals, supplements existing support that the NCSC, which is a part of GCHQ, provides academic institutions across the UK.

Examples of this include advice on the questions governing bodies and trustees should ask school leaders to improve a school’s understanding of cyber security risks, and the distribution of information cards which help staff understand how they can raise their school’s resilience to attack.

David Corke, Director of Education and Skills Policy at the Association of Colleges, said:

“As the last six months have shown us, it has never been more important for colleges to have the right digital infrastructure in order to be able to protect their systems and keep learning happening, whatever the circumstance.

“This needs a whole college approach and for a focus wider than just systems, it needs to include supporting leaders, teachers and students to recognise threats, mitigate against them, and act decisively when something goes wrong.

“This guidance will prove incredibly useful for colleges to ensure that they can do just that.”

Steve Kennett, Executive Director of e-infrastructure at the higher education support body Jisc, said:

“Jisc welcome the NCSC support in dealing with the current spate of ransomware impacting the UK Education and Research community.

“We encourage everyone to review the latest guidance from the NCSC and take the time to assess the risks to their organisation.”

Institutions that have been infected with ransomware have seen their ability to operate effectively and deliver services significantly obstructed and, depending on an organisation’s level of resilience, it can take weeks – and in some cases months – for services to return to normal.

Often the aim of cyber criminals deploying ransomware is to encrypt data that will have the most impact on an organisation’s services. This can affect access to computer networks as well as services including telephone systems and websites.

The NCSC has recently updated its ransomware and malware guidance, which is generally applicable to organisations in all industries in the UK. Additions to this include updated information on attackers’ modus operandi and advice on preparing for an incident.

Further information:

  • Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents you from accessing your computer (or the data that is stored on it). The computer itself may become locked, or the data on it might be stolen, deleted, or encrypted.
  • Exercising is one of the most effective ways an organisation can test how it responds to cyber incidents and identify areas for improvement. Exercise in a Box is a free online tool from the NCSCwhich helps organisations test and practise their response to a cyber-attack, including ransomware attacks”

The NCSC are dealing directly with the relevant academic sectors, establishments and the above item contains the appropriate guidance and mitigation. This link is direct to their comprehensive guidance.https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/alert-targeted-ransomware-attacks-on-uk-education-sector

If there are any questions concerning this, please make contact direct with the NCSC via their contact process: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/contact-us

As a reminder, Cyber Attacks are to be reported to Action Fraud and not the local Police Force: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Regards,

Simon James

Service Director: Education

 

Children’s Services

Buckinghamshire Council

County Hall, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UZ

Simon.james@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Executive Assistant – Helen Carnie

Helen.Carnie@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Tel: 01296 382184.

Governor Training Sessions Autumn 2020 – New dates

Governor training programme for the Autumn 2020 term 2

Teams Instructions For Particpants

Dear Colleagues,

The training sessions for governors in the second half of the Autumn term have been added to Eventbrite and you may now book your place.  All sessions are being conducted via MS Teams and I have also attached instructions.

Please see the attached document which contains all the links to the sessions with dates and times.

If you have any queries please contact me.

Kind regards,

Hazel David

School Improvement Team

Children’s Services

Buckinghamshire Council

4th Floor, County Hall

Walton Street

Aylesbury,

HP20 1UZ

 07824 482570

Hazel.David@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

BASG Letter and Autumn Agenda Template

Dear Colleagues,

Please find attached a letter from myself, on behalf of the Buckinghamshire Association of School Governors.  This clarifies the situation regarding the suggested Autumn agenda that was circulated by Buckinghamshire Council last week.

I have also attached an amended Autumn agenda template, which is an example for you to consider when planning your meetings this term.

If you have any queries regarding this documentation please contact me directly pauljrandall@btinternet.com

Apologies for any confusion caused.

Regards,

Paul Randall

Chair of Buckinghamshire Association of School Governors

pauljrandall@btinternet.com

07818453741

BASG Autumn Term 2020 Agenda and Information

FVBASG Letter 14th September 2020

NGA Annual School Subscription for 2020/21 – Learning Link

Dear Colleagues,

As you are aware, Buckinghamshire Council have renewed the NGA membership, for Buckinghamshire maintained schools 2020-2021. The package for 2020-2021 covers the Standard membership and Learning Link for all Governors and Clerks in maintained schools.

Maintained schools that wish to upgrade to the Gold package will be charged the difference of £158.

Academies

Buckinghamshire Council offer membership at the discounted rate of £87 for the Standard package.  The NGA do recommend that academies take the Gold package, which is discounted at £245.  If you are unsure which package you have opted for please contact me at schoolgovernance@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

If you wish to purchase Learning Link the cost is £59 per school.  Further information is located on the NGA website:  https://www.nga.org.uk/Membership.aspx

To confirm purchase of your annual membership and the package required, please contact Hazel David by Friday 11th September 2020 at schoolgovernance@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Regards,

Hazel David

Education Team

Children’s Services

Buckinghamshire Council

4th Floor, County Hall

Walton Street

Aylesbury,

HP20 1UZ

 Have any questions about coronavirus? Visit our frequently updated FAQs page for schools:https://schoolsweb.buckscc.gov.uk/covid-19-corona-virus-latest-advice/

Support for families: https://www.bucksfamilyinfo.org/coronavirus

 

Face Coverings BC Guidance

face coverings 1-9-20

Sent on behalf of Gareth Drawmer, Head of Achievement and Learning

Dear Colleagues,

In order to further support opening the council has developed the following guidance regarding the wearing of face coverings in schools. Although much of the guidance is aimed at secondary schools, it may also prove useful in primary schools where parents are requesting that their child is allowed to wear a mask.

Warm regards,

Gareth

Gareth Drawmer

Head of Service

Achievement & Learning

Children’s Services

Buckinghamshire Council

Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UZ

Office – 01296 382384

Mobile – 07850 539148

gareth.drawmer@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Message from the Secretary of State

7 September 2020

Dear colleagues,

Now that the new academic year has begun I wanted to write and congratulate you and let you know how very grateful both I and the Prime Minister are for your efforts in getting us to this point.

I know that welcoming all our pupils back has meant significant adjustments for you and your teams and I am filled with admiration for the magnificent way you have responded.

Since I last wrote to you, most of our schools and colleges have now returned and I am sure pupils and all staff will have had a wonderful first few days catching up with each other, and I do hope that you enjoyed it too. I have been absolutely delighted to see on social media some of the reunions that have been taking place.

We know from reports we have had from our local teams that children are returning as planned, while the National Association of Headteachers released data from its members on Friday that showed nearly all schools had reopened.

As the Prime Minister has made clear, getting children back into school has been a national priority. I don’t need to spell out to you how important it is for a child’s educational development and long-term prospects. However, I realise that there is still some nervousness, both among parents and possibly some staff too, about the full reopening of our schools.

Welcoming back all children and young people full-time

The medical advice supporting this has been unanimous. The Chief Medical Officers of all the home nations recently set out the evidence of risks and benefits to health from schools opening, which led them to conclude that a pupil risked more by not being in school than they did by attending.

Public Health England (PHE) has also just published its own study on Covid-19 transmission in staff and students attending pre-schools and primary schools during a four-week period in the summer term. PHE found no evidence that pupils or staff in these schools were at greater risk of Covid-19 than the general population.

To reduce risk, we published guidance on 2 July which set out the PHE-endorsed ‘system of controls’ that schools should put in place. I have seen for myself some of the innovative ways you have been responding to this and am deeply grateful for all the work you have been doing to implement these protective measures.

The safety and wellbeing of you, your staff and your pupils has always been my priority. I want to reassure you again that all your staff and pupils have access to testing if one of them should develop Covid-19 symptoms. We have provided a small supply of home test kits if anyone develops symptoms while at school or college and who may otherwise be unable to access a test. Every school or college that has been attended by someone who tests positive will receive direct support and advice from their local PHE health protection team.

We all know that the disruption caused to schools and colleges by the pandemic has led to the loss of crucial classroom-based learning. For some pupils this will be more acute than others, which is why the £1 billion Covid Catch Up Fund will enable you to provide extra tuition and support for those who need it most in a way that will suit them best.

I will continue doing everything in my power to make sure that children can catch up on lost learning, continue their education and make the most of their potential as we strive to level up opportunity across the country.

And on behalf of the Prime Minister and all my colleagues across Government, I would like to say thank you again for all of your efforts, your resilience and your service to our country’s children and young people.

Governor Training Programme Autumn 2020 – update

Dear Colleagues,

 

Due to GDPR protocol we are unable to ask participants to sign in online, so I have created Eventbrite sessions for each date. Please register if you wish to attend.

 

Topic Date Time Day Eventbrite Link
Welcome to Buckinghamshire 16th Sept 18.30 – 19.30 Wed Welcome to Buckinghamshire

 

The Primary Governor’s Role in School Improvement 22nd Sept 18.30 – 19.30 Tue The Primary Governor’s Role in School Improvement

 

The Secondary Governor’s Role in School Improvement 1st Oct 18.30 – 19.30 Thu The Secondary Governor’s Role in School Improvement

 

Prevent Duty – Guidance for Governors 6th Oct 18.30 – 19.30 Tue PREVENT Duty – Guidance for Governors

 

The Role of the Governing Board 7th Oct 18.30 – 19.30 Wed The Role of the Governing Board

 

Developing Relationships with the Senior Leadership Team 14th Oct 18.30 – 19.30 Wed Developing Relationships with the Senior Leadership Team

 

Public Health Guidance and COVID-19 Updates for Governors 20th Oct 18.30 – 19.30 Tue Public Health Guidelines and COVID-19 Updates for Governors

 

 

I shall send out the Teams links again, closer to the dates.

 

Governor training programme for the Autumn 2020 term

 

Teams Instructions For Particpants

 

If you have any queries regarding the training sessions please contact schoolgovernance@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

 

Regards,

Hazel

 

Hazel David

School Improvement Team

Children’s Services

 

Buckinghamshire Council

4th Floor, County Hall

Walton Street

Aylesbury,

HP20 1UZ

Executive Director Briefings Autumn 2020 — updated

Dear Colleagues,

 

Due to GDPR protocol we are unable to ask participants to sign in online, so I have created Eventbrite sessions for each date. Please register if you wish to attend.

 

These briefings are for Headteachers, Chairs of Governors and Governor Clerks and will contain items from the Buckinghamshire Council, Children’s Services, Senior Management Team.

 

Tuesday 29th September, 18.30

Executive Director Briefing

 

Friday 2nd October 09.30

Executive Director Briefing

 

I shall send out the links to the Teams meetings closer to the events.  If you need further information please contact schoolgovernance@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

 

Regards,

Hazel

 

 

Hazel David

School Improvement Team

Children’s Services

 

Buckinghamshire Council

4th Floor, County Hall

Walton Street

Aylesbury,

HP20 1UZ

Governor Training Programme Autumn 2020

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the School Improvement Team have compiled a training programme for Governors for the Autumn term.  This is free to all Buckinghamshire school governors.  Further details, including links to the online sessions, are attached.

Governor training programme for the Autumn 2020 term

Teams Instructions For Particpants

As the meetings are online there is no need to book, however, if you require notes or documentation from the meeting you will be asked to sign in, providing your name, school, role and email address.

The meetings will be conducted using MS Teams and instructions for participants are attached.

If you have any queries regarding the briefings please contact schoolgovernance@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Regards,

Hazel

 

Hazel David

School Improvement Team

Children’s Services

 

Buckinghamshire Council

4th Floor, County Hall

Walton Street

Aylesbury,

HP20 1UZ