Welcome

Hello! And welcome to this shamelessly NPQ-focused newsletter. Applications via Ambition Institute's website are now open, and registration via DfE opens on 23 June. Remember that you need to complete both steps in order to be accepted onto the course. There is a cap on the number of funded places for NPQs, so we recommend applying early.

In not-NPQ news, we recently enjoyed this important blog from Norfolk Research School: Reimagining Online STEM: Why Identity, Culture and Access Matter; and this one: The Importance of a Pre-Mortem and the Power of a Team. When you've finished perusing this newsletter, why not give them a read?

And finally...

Register for September in six simple steps:

1. Let your ECT induction programme provider know that you wish to register with them. If that's us, get in touch.
2. Choose your Appropriate Body (AB) and let them know that you wish to register with them. If that's us, email us to request a service level agreement.
3. Identify your induction tutor and/or the person who will be registering your participants, and make sure they have access to Register Early Career Teachers (RECT) via DfE sign-in. Your school or trust will have a designated person who can approve access to RECT.
4. Register your ECT(s) and their mentor(s) on RECT. 
5. When your chosen AB confirms you can do so, register your ECT(s) on ECT Manager. Induction cannot begin until you have done this, and your AB has authorised the registration.
6. Your chosen ECT induction programme provider will receive the information that you have entered on RECT and will send you an email with next steps.

Keep in touch

You can follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn, sign up to receive this newsletter – or just drop us an email.

Happy Pride month!

Spotlight on... Specialist NPQs

The Julian TSH is accepting applications for the following specialist NPQs:

• NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC)
• NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
• NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD)

The NPQLBC is ideal for anybody in, or aspiring to be in, a role supporting behaviour and pupil wellbeing, such as Head of Year, Head of House, or pastoral staff. You don't need QTS to study this qualification, but you will need a TRN which you can request here. This course will help you support the development of a positive, predictable and safe environment for pupils.

The NPQLL is aimed at anyone who is, or wants to be, in charge of literacy at a subject, department, or whole-school level – in any subject. You will learn how to support staff, of all subject specialisms, to develop pupils’ language and literacy skills. 

The NPQLTD is for anyone leading, or looking to lead, teaching and learning in their school, or for anyone who is, or wants to be, a mentor for trainee or early career teachers. You will learn to gain an understanding of what teachers have learned by reviewing patterns of performance over a number of assessments.

The specialist NPQs are partially funded. If your school is in the top 50% of publicly funded schools that have the highest proportion of students attracting pupil premium, then these qualifications are free for you to complete. If your school is not funded, then the cost is £899 per participant. You can see if your school qualifies for funding here.

You can find full details of these NPQs in the article in the news feed below.

Focus on... Hearing from you

As part of our continued designation as a Teaching School Hub, the DfE asks that we survey school leaders annually to find out how they rate our services. We read every response to every survey we send out, because every child in our region deserves the best outcome possible – so if we can improve our offer to schools, we must. 

We would be immensely grateful if you would take a few moments to complete the survey, and help hold us to account for the teachers and pupils in your school.

Focus on... Leadership NPQs

We are now accepting applications for all four leadership NPQs:

• NPQ in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)
• NPQ in Headship (NPQH)
• NPQ for SENCOs
• NPQ in Senior Leadership

All four Leadership NPQs are fully funded for publicly funded schools and settings.

The NPQEYL is for current and aspiring teachers, EYFS and senior leaders in schools, leaders in nurseries and childminders with leadership responsibilities. Note that this course is not suitable for Reception teachers. You will learn how to set a strategic direction for your early years setting and apply ambitious standards for all children.

The NPQH is for current or aspiring headteachers. This qualification will support you to establish good financial, human and educational resource management; make and act on evidence-informed decisions; and work well with parents, carers, other schools and the wider community.

The NPQ for SENCOs is for current and aspiring SENCOs and is mandatory to undertake within the first three years in post, replacing the NASENCO qualification. You will learn to support the delivery of effective provision for pupils with SEND and their families, and be able to review, monitor, evaluate and improve the impact of SEND provision.

The NPQSL is for current or aspiring senior leaders: assistant or deputy headteachers. You will learn to support colleagues to meet individual needs and make sure all pupils have access to a rich curriculum, and lead school-wide professional development for staff.

You can find full details of these NPQs in the article in the news feed below.