As part of the National Year of Reading 2026 free professional development offer for primary schools, this webinar is designed specifically for leaders and those driving reading for pleasure in their settings.

Whether you are a headteacher, English lead, literacy coordinator, phase leader or reading champion, this session will support you to lead change with clarity, confidence and impact.

For more information about this webinar visit this webpage.

Restorative practices are increasingly being recognised as effective tools for repairing relationships that have been damaged through conflict and harm. Effective training in restorative facilitation is crucial to ensuring restorative processes delivered in any setting are safe, positive experiences for all involved. 

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has developed a unique Level 5 training programme, credit rated by the University of Greenwich, and RJC approved at Intermediate/Advanced level. The course combines three crucial elements of theory, practice and implementation to ensure the development of effective RA facilitators. 

The Level 5 programme consists of two 30 credit modules and Module 2 is focused on Practice and Reflection. This module will support practitioners to:

• Develop effective facilitation skills in restorative practice, which meet nationally recognised best practice standards

• Cultivate skills in reflective practice and understand the importance of being a reflective restorative practitioner.

This is a NINE session course.

Dates for all sessions are:

Session 1: 29th April 2026 (9:30am - 4:30pm)
Session 2: 18th May 2026 (9:30am - 11:00am)
Session 3: 23rd June 2026 (1:00pm - 2:30pm)
Session 4: 2nd July 2026 (3:30pm - 5:00pm)
Session 5: 14th July 2026 (9:30am - 11:00am)
Session 6: 8th September 2026 (9:30am - 11:00am)
Session 7: 23rd September 2026 (3:30pm - 5:00pm)
Session 8: 6th October 2026 (9:30am - 11:00am)
Session 9: 20th October 2026 (9:30am - 11:00am)

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

Overview

Strategies for successful transition from primary to secondary phase of education.

Delivered by Rachel Wilkes, CEO of Humber Education Trust, this session will cover approaches to and strategies for successful transition between primary and secondary phases.

Colleagues from both primary and secondary schools are welcome to attend

To find out more and reserve a place visit this website.

The Royal Greenwich Music Service are looking to appoint additional Lead Schools for Music for the academic year 2026-27. Lead schools for music are appointed in each Local Authority area, in line with DfE and Arts Council England requirements.

Lead Schools help strengthen the focus on high-quality music education by contributing to specific aspects of the Royal Greenwich Music Services work, providing guidance, and sharing effective practices.

Please see this supporting document with all the information you need. Applications to become a Lead School for Music 2026-27 can be made here Deadline for applications is Friday 8th May 2026, 5pm. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Laura Baugh Head of Royal Greenwich Music Service

laura.baugh@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

500 Word Short Story competition

In line with World Book Day on Thursday 5th March, we have launched a 500 word short story competition for all children and young people in Greenwich schools. We are inviting them to write a story of 500 words or less inspired by the theme THE UNEXPECTED.

A winner and runner-up will be chosen for each category:

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 5

A poster can be found here.

Each school can add the name of their designated lead and a contact for where the story entries can be sent. They can then email all entries to Lizzie Church on elizabeth.church@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. Please make sure each entry includes the student’s initials, year group and school name.

Keeping Children Safe in Education and Government guidance requires Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) to complete refresher training every two years. 

This course will revisit the roles and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), new safeguarding guidance, initiatives, reflections and challenges of the role. It will provide participants with the opportunity to share safeguarding experiences with their DSL colleagues.

The course will also provide updates on safeguarding legislation and guidance - the current Keeping Children Safe in Education, and Working Together to Safeguard Children, that affect Safeguarding and Child Protection.

To find out more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

Training will include:

• Looking at expectations of appropriate behaviour

• Self-help skills

• Strategies to support appropriate behaviour

• Speech and language difficulties that children with DS may have

• How to support and develop functional communication skills and strategies to support speech and language development

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

During these sessions members of staff responsible for inclusion, EDI and safeguarding can come together and discuss what approaches and challenges they are facing at their school to address the needs of their community.

These meetings are particularly useful for colleagues with responsibility for inclusion, or for those who would like the opportunity to network with other colleagues about developing approaches to inclusion, EDI and safeguarding. 

We hope by working collaboratively in this way, we will most effectively support Greenwich pupils and ensure that we are providing equitable, safe and inclusive schools for them.

For more information, and to book, visit this link.

This unique, innovative and practical workshop considers issues around setting up and maintaining the data on the schools’ SCR in the context of the regulations, guidance and best practice.

Course objectives include:

• To understand both the regulatory framework and best practice underpinning the format and content of the SCR

• To consider the categories of staff/workers that should be recorded on the SCR

• To explore options around format and content of the SCR

• To equip participants with a practical understanding of all pre-employment checks for school-based staff, volunteers, contractors and agency workers

• To help participants review their own school SCR and the related pre-employment checking processes

The SCR forms part of the regular Ofsted inspection.

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage

We are pleased to invite colleagues to this virtual apprenticeship briefing (TEAMS link below) designed specifically for headteachers, executive headteachers and MAT Leaders within the GLP.

The session will provide an invaluable opportunity to explore the apprenticeship offerings from Shooters Hill Sixth Form College and the Greenwich Learning Partnership’s teacher apprenticeship route. You can find out what is being offered as we begin to plan our budgets for next academic year’s staffing.

Why Attend?

Apprenticeships represent a vital pathway for developing skilled professionals within our schools. They not only enhance the knowledge and capabilities of our workforce but also contribute significantly to the overall effectiveness of our educational environments. By investing in apprenticeships, we can:

• Build a Diverse Workforce: Apprenticeships attract a variety of candidates, bringing fresh perspectives and experiences to our schools.

• Foster Talent Development: They allow for tailored training that meets the specific needs of our schools, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to support our children.

• Enhance Retention Rates: Schools that invest in training and development see improved staff retention, reducing turnover costs and maintaining continuity for our children.

• Support our Local Communities: Engaging with apprenticeships strengthens our ties to the community, creating a positive cycle of learning and growth.

We encourage leaders to join us at this briefing to gain insights into how apprenticeships can benefit schools and help shape the future of education in Royal Greenwich. 

PLEASE NOTE: This session is not designed for candidates who are looking to become apprentices.

LINK to meeting

This 5-day course includes the following:

Week 1 (17th April 9:30 - 12:30)

• What is Autism?  The diagnosis and our experiences.

Week 2 (24th April 9:30 - 12:30)

• Sensory processing and strategies to support.

Week 3 (1st May 9:30 - 12:30)

• Communication and strategies to support.

Week 4 (8th May 9:30 - 12:30)

• Accessing the curriculum - strategies

Week 5 (15th May 9:30 - 12:30)

• Managing behaviour, emotion and anxiety difficulties

To book for the whole course (5 sessions) visit this webpage.

This course is comprised of a suite of pre-recorded presentations and a follow up webinar. Registered participants will be able to download a suite of pre-recorded presentations early in the 2026 Spring Term. It is recommended that schools then ensure senior leaders and all relevant members of staff have access to these presentations to ensure the school adopts a robust strategic approach to KS1 and KS2 statutory assessment and reporting processes. The suite of presentations will include the following:  

• Statutory Assessment overview 

• Assessment administration and maladministration 

• Teacher assessment and moderation, including pre key stage standards

• Data submission 

• EYFS 

• Statutory assessment overview for governors

The webinar will provide participants with:  

• Statutory assessment updates since the publication of the suite of presentations

• A brief refresher on the key aspects schools should be considering prior to test administration and data submission 

• A question and answer session

For more information, and to book, visit this link.

A practical/hands-on workshop to explore a range of evidence-based interventions.  SENCOs will develop confidence in selecting appropriate literacy interventions to address specific areas of need to help students make progress in reading, writing, spelling, reading comprehension, and handwriting.

These will include computer-based and non-computer based interventions.

For more information, and to book, visit this page.

The course will support Governors to understand their role in managing all complaints and concerns raised about their school. An effective complaints policy that is understood by the school community will help to ensure that any concerns or issues are dealt with effectively and a quick and positive outcome is secured.

This session will include:

• An overview of policies and guidance

• Application of the policy across the school community

• Mechanisms to ensure all staff understand their role within the policy

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

This course is aimed at individuals that organise school trips. It provides a practical overview of what needs to be considered when planning and delivering school trips, both in the UK and abroad.

The training course covers aspects of the law relating to educational visits, risk assessments of visits and administrative requirements associated with off-site activities.

As part of their obligations, schools must have an Educational Visits Co-ordinator (EVC) in post and ensure that they have been suitably trained.

The Department for Education has published updated guidance to help schools understand their obligations when undertaking educational off-site activities and excursions. Please follow the link below to access the guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-and-safety-on-educational-visits

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

The Engagement Model is a statutory assessment tool designed for pupils working below national curriculum standards and not engaged in subject-specific study, replacing the former P scales 1 to 4.

This session, aimed at SENCOs, teachers, and teaching assistants, provides a comprehensive overview of the model, explaining its rationale, and outlining schools' statutory responsibilities.

Participants will explore how the five areas - exploration, realisation, anticipation, persistence, and initiation - can be used to create outstanding SEND provision

To find out more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

We would like to invite primary and secondary RE Subject Leaders to attend a series of 3 network meetings that will take place over the course of the academic year. The meetings will be a fantastic opportunity to meet colleagues from different schools, share good practice and discuss current research and initiatives.

The sessions will be run by Rahima Choudhury, curriculum leader at Thomas Tallis Secondary Schools, as part of the work with RBG EYFS/Primary Strategy Group. Rahima has experience of teaching and leading RE and is passionate about developing an engaging rich RE curriculum. Rahima is also part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Standard Advisory Committee for RE (SACRE).

Dates are:

Autumn Term: Wednesday October 22nd 12-3pm Thomas Tallis School

Spring Term:  Wednesday 25th March 2026 12.30-3pm East London Mosque

Summer Term: Wednesday 10th June 2026 Venue TBA

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

This one-day course will cover the role and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), help participants understand safeguarding thresholds to help make the right decisions about what steps to take when concerns about a child have been raised. How to recognise, respond to, refer and record concerns about a child. 

The course will assist you to understand statutory safeguarding legislation and guidance that forms your organisation’s processes and procedures to safeguard and protect children. This will include the current Keeping Children Safe in Education - Working Together to Safeguard Children, and The role of the DSL at a Child Protection Case Conference. 

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

This course provides an introduction to Intensive Interaction techniques and the rationale for using these with autistic pupils.  Practical application in a school setting is provided.

The course also covers the core ideas and strategies behind the More Than Words approach for early communication.

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

This session will focus on particular criteria within the greater depth standard and provides an opportunity for participants to: 

• Strengthen their understanding of the KS2 writing national standards 

• Moderate a range of writing from their Year 6 pupils with other schools 

Delegates will be required to bring along a selection of Year 6 writing evidence from their school to moderate with other schools against the standard statements. 

A recorded presentation detailing the requirements and arrangements for statutory moderation in 2026 will also be made available for participants to download and share with other relevant members of staff in their school.

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

We are pleased to invite colleagues to this virtual apprenticeship briefing (TEAMS link below) designed specifically for headteachers, executive headteachers and MAT Leaders within the GLP.

The session will provide an invaluable opportunity to explore the apprenticeship offerings from Shooters Hill Sixth Form College and the Greenwich Learning Partnership’s teacher apprenticeship route. You can find out what is being offered as we begin to plan our budgets for next academic year’s staffing.

Why Attend?

Apprenticeships represent a vital pathway for developing skilled professionals within our schools. They not only enhance the knowledge and capabilities of our workforce but also contribute significantly to the overall effectiveness of our educational environments. By investing in apprenticeships, we can:

• Build a Diverse Workforce: Apprenticeships attract a variety of candidates, bringing fresh perspectives and experiences to our schools.

• Foster Talent Development: They allow for tailored training that meets the specific needs of our schools, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to support our children.

• Enhance Retention Rates: Schools that invest in training and development see improved staff retention, reducing turnover costs and maintaining continuity for our children.

• Support our Local Communities: Engaging with apprenticeships strengthens our ties to the community, creating a positive cycle of learning and growth.

We encourage leaders to join us at this briefing to gain insights into how apprenticeships can benefit schools and help shape the future of education in Royal Greenwich. 

PLEASE NOTE: This session is not designed for candidates who are looking to become apprentices.

LINK to meeting

This 2-day course will enable all practitioners to deliver a structured, multisensory and cumulative phonics literacy programme.

Training will include reading and spelling theory, principles of effective teaching within the programme, and will also cover the reassessment process.

STEPS will observe the staff member teaching the programme if requested by the school.

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

This session will be an opportunity for year 5 teachers to work with colleagues from other Royal Greenwich schools and consider the end of year 5 National Curriculum expectations for writing and mathematics.

During the session, participants will:

• consider the end of year 5 National Curriculum expectations for writing and mathematics through professional dialogue

• benchmark their pupils' work

• be able to identify any gaps in pupils' attainment or curriculum provision

• share examples and good practice with colleagues

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

Restorative practices are increasingly being recognised as effective tools for repairing relationships that have been damaged through conflict and harm. Effective training in restorative facilitation is crucial to ensuring restorative processes delivered in any setting are safe, positive experiences for all involved. 

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has developed a unique Level 5 training programme designed for theoretical and practical excellence in restorative practice.  This course is credit rated by the University of Greenwich, and approved by the Restorative Justice Council (RJC), combining three crucial elements of theory, practice, and implementation to ensure the development of effective RA facilitators.

The Level 5 programme consists of two 30 credit modules and Module 1 is focused on Theory and Implementation. This module will support practitioners to: 

• Develop a sound theoretical knowledge and understanding of restorative approaches

• Consider successful strategies for implementing and sustaining restorative practice in their work settings/roles

There are seven sessions all delivered virtually.

17th March 2026 (9:30am - 12:30pm)
24th March 2026 (9:30am - 12:30pm)
16th April 2026 (9:30am - 11:00am)
9th June 2026 (9:30am - 11:00am)
7th July 2026 (9:30am - 11:00am)
10th September 2026 (9:30am - 11:00am)
8th October 2026 (9:30am - 11:00am)

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

For more information, email rbansil@inspirepartnership.co.uk

This workshop is the Safer Recruitment Consortium accredited, updated version of the Safer Recruitment training for Headteachers, school Governors and other staff who are likely to sit on interview panels or appoint staff.

It is still a requirement for every school appointments panel to include at least one member who has completed the Safer Recruitment training.

Course content provides clear explanations of government guidance regarding the safer recruitment process. It also includes an update of the most recent legislation changes (Keeping Children Safe in Education) and the pre-employment checking process that impacts on Safeguarding and Child Protection. 

It is recommended that you refresh your training every 5 years.   

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

This session will equip participants with the skills needed to provide appropriate support and challenge to leaders in their school. It is aimed at governors who have served at least one full term of office (4 years) and will provide:

• An overview of most recent statutory responsibilities

• An overview of how to ensure that the school leadership, including governance, is fit for purpose and meets expectations from LA, DfE and stakeholders

• An opportunity to revisit the basics of the role and responsibilities of governance

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.

We're pleased to invite all school business managers in the borough to the next SBM Forum, taking place on Thursday 12 November 2025 at The Woolwich Centre (The Gallery), 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ.

• Doors open at 9:30am for networking, with the main agenda starting at 10:00am.

• Free to attend for all schools.

You can view the latest Terms of Reference here.
 
To join the SBM Forum mailing list and receive calendar invites and future updates, please submit your contact details here.
 

Future forum dates for 2026:

• Tuesday 23 June 2026 - from 9:30am

For any queries, please contact: school-place-planning@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.  

Ayodeji Olaniyi, Elias James and Leah Minto
Place Planning & Capital Projects Service
school-place-planning@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

A 1-day course covering the following topics:

• Understanding the autism diagnosis

• Sensory processing and strategies to support

• Communication and strategies to support

• Ways to help access the curriculum

• Understanding and managing behaviours, emotion and anxiety

For more information, and to book, visit this webpage.