Concrew Training

The Erasmus+ programme aims to boost skills and employability, as well as modernising Education, Training, and Youth work. The seven year programme will have a budget of €14.7 billion; a 40% increase compared to current spending levels, reflecting the EU's commitment to investing in these areas. Erasmus+ brings together seven existing EU programmes in the fields of Education, Training, and Youth; it will for the first time provide support for Sport. As an integrated programme, Erasmus+ offers more opportunities for cooperation across the Education, Training, Youth, and Sport sectors and is easier to access than its predecessors, with simplified funding rules. http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/index_en.htm

Teachers and special educational needs (SEN) support staff will from today be able to apply for funds from the National Scholarship Fund worth up to £1 million to develop their specialist knowledge and skills. For the fourth year running, teachers can bid for up to £3,500 while SEN support staff can bid for up to £2,000 to fund training which will improve the support available to children and young people with special educational needs. The application window for the fourth round will open for 4 weeks from 30 April. To date £7 million has been made available through the fund, benefiting almost 2,000 teachers and support staff in schools across the country. More at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-scholarships-for-teachers-and-sen-support-staff

Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock today (30 April 2014) unveiled £25 million of additional support for businesses to take the lead in improving training for new and current employees. Speaking at a UK Commission for Employment and Skills Investment Showcase, the Minister pledged to support businesses in the automotive sector supply chain with £20 million to fund training. This marks the next development in support of employer ownership, making sure skills support meets the needs of business. He also announced the successful bidders in the next phase of Employer Ownership Pilot (EOP) funding as well as unveiling what previous winners have chosen to invest their funding on. More at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-supports-firms-with-25-million-to-fund-training

49% young people report that their time at school was affected by discrimination or fear of discrimination. The project builds on action the government has already taken to tackle bullying in schools including publishing updated advice and guidance for schools and governing bodies; and giving schools greater legal powers to tackle bad behaviour and cyber-bullying. More at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/homophobic-bullying-in-schools-project-gets-underway ************************************************** Concrew Training Offer Advice and Guidance on understanding and addressing Bullying and Harassment http://concrew-training.co.uk/?page_id=475

Financial planning and control including profit, loss and especially cash flow are critical to business success. Whilst the financial departments in larger business take responsibility for the day to day accounting and reporting functions staff and managers at all levels and in all departments come into contact with financial data in some form or another. At its simplest level involvement may be limited to looking at the companies share price or departmental sales but for many staff and managers they come into regular contact for financial data and performance figures. The more senior the role the more they are expected to be able understand, interpret and act on financial data in a robust and reliable way. Concrew Training’s workshops on finance and accountancy are designed for non financial managers who need to understand and act on the data they come into contact with, in a more robust and effective manner. More at: http://concrew-training.co.uk/?page_id=447

Dedicated safeguarding nurses investigated safeguarding alerts or issues and supported care homes with education and guidance to improve care standards and reduce the risk of alerts in the future. http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/district-and-community-nursing/success-for-new-devon-safeguarding-nurse-service/5070377.article

Reports in the Guardian newspaper suggest that the failure rate of new free schools in Ofsted inspections is running at three times the national average for state-funded schools Four free schools have been rated "inadequate" by the inspectorate, of the 41 that have had judgments published as of the end of last week. This is 9.7%. By contrast, the latest Ofsted data on all state schools shows only 3% are categorised as inadequate. Not a huge sample group, but these are not figures the government is going to be rushing out in any press release. http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/29/free-schools-ofsted-failure-rate-higher-state

Concrew Training, think so; Developing and delivering well structured, highly focussed and effective feedback offers the biggest impact on student progression and achievement of any teaching and learning strategy. Consequently it is one of the key criteria “Ofsted” use to measure outstanding teaching and learning: ‘learners understand how to improve as a result of frequent, detailed and accurate feedback from staff following assessment of their learning’. For feedback to be truly effective it needs to focus the student on what they have done well and specifically what they need to next to maintain their progression. It needs to be tangible and transparent, easily understood, user-friendly and referenced to the students goals and targets. It also needs to be timely, ongoing, consistent and friendly. This is not easy, even for the most experienced teachers and trainers. Most teachers and trainers will give feedback but most offers little benefit and much will actually be counter

The need to differentiate and develop a differentiated learning environment or classroom is widely preached – and with good reason too, but what does the term differentiation actually mean? More importantly what does a differentiated classroom look like and how is it best achieved? Effective teaching needs to be aligned to the needs of individual students. The teacher/trainer needs to take account of the individual students’ knowledge, abilities and learning styles and then deliver the lesson or course in a way that enables individual students to maximise their learning, development and progression. On a one-to-one basis this is relatively easy but as the group or class size increases this becomes a complex and potentially daunting task. More at: http://concrew-training.co.uk/?page_id=199

The NAHT look to be planning to discuss just such a proposal at their forthcoming conference http://www.teachingpersonnel.com/news/2014/4/28/naht-make-inspection-part-of-heads-duties/

One of the biggest challenges facing organizations, teachers and trainers in delivering Grade 1 ‘outstanding’ lessons and training sessions, is lack of time. Time to plan and prepare learning is essential – but at always at a premium – consequently most lessons and training sessions have to be developed quickly with minimal preparation and resources. This one day workshop explores ways to reduce burden and improve effectiveness http://concrew-training.co.uk/?page_id=194

Concrew training offer one day workshops on managing challenging behaviour in the classroom and library; designed to help teachers, trainers and library staff focus on their real jobs http://concrew-training.co.uk/?page_id=327

http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/apr/27/headteacher-behaviour-management-learning-students

Colleges must be stronger in fighting government decisions, says policy advisor Ben Nicholls. Here he shares five ways to get the people in power to sit up and listen. http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/24/further-education-cuts-colleges-fight-government

A £2 million fund will be made available to help community and volunteer-led projects provide extra support to older people next winter, the government has announced. Anyone can apply for funding to run projects, which might include exercise programmes, cooking clubs or hospital discharge schemes. Read More: http://rcnpublishing.com/doi/full/10.7748/ns2014.04.28.34.0.2834997

Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA) exam met the “minimum standards” for equality and diversity “but improvements are required.” The BMA has called for greater transparency around variations in performance across different groups of candidates in membership exams for medical royal colleges. International medical graduates have been shown to perform less well in the membership exams of the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. However, a report published by the BMA in January 2014 showed that only 8 of the 18 medical royal colleges were analysing information on the ethnic origin of the candidates taking college exams. when did you last review your E&D performance? maybe Concrew Training can help... http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20017322&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&am

Electrical Contractors’ Association say Government proposals for employers to pay training costs and then claim them back through the PAYE tax system would see many small firms give up on taking on apprentices as their balance sheets could not stand the burden. More at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/10783833/Apprentice-funding-plans-risk-wrecking-training-system.html

Concrew Training offer a wide range of Organisational and CPD support for the Further Education and Skills Sector. More information on their one-day pre-developed good practice workshops at http://concrew-training.co.uk/?page_id=59

a Centre for Economics and Business Research study estimated that apprentices are worth around £214 per week to a business through reduced costs, improved quality of product and service, and better profit margins. http://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2014/apr/23/smes-invest-apprenticeships-worth-reduced-costs

Children as young as seven are posting insulting online comments and threats against their teachers - but many school staff are too afraid to report the abuse, according to a survey by the NASUWT teaching union. The survey suggests that both pupils and parents are using social media sites to make allegations of inappropriate behaviour and comment on classroom performance. Teachers told researchers they had been subjected to a range of offensive posts, including racial abuse and comments about sexuality. More at: http://news.sky.com/story/1246231/teachers-subjected-to-online-abuse-by-pupils

ALMOST 1,500 cases of abuse against vulnerable adults were reported in Cumbria last year – but a safeguarding board says plenty more is going unreported. To target these unreported cases the Cumbria Adults Safeguarding Board is launching a five-week campaign to encourage victims and their friends or family to be aware of the signs of abuse and know how to report it. More at: http://www.in-cumbria.com/cumbria-campaign-set-up-to-tackle-abuse-to-adults-1.1130870

UNION members have attempted to define what a teacher is at the NUT conference being held at Brighton. Read more: http://www.nottinghampost.com/makes-good-teacher/story-20988929-detail/story.html

Its reported that Members of the largest teaching union NASUWT will be asked to vote on a motion ‘Ofsted is not fit for purpose’ as its annual conference heads to the West Midlands thsi weekend     http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2014/04/17/teacher-union-in-ofsted-vote-call/  

Its being reported that Members of the largest teaching union, the NASUWT, will be asked to vote on a motion that ‘Ofsted is not fit for purpose’ as its annual conference heads to the West Midlands thsi weekend. more at: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2014/04/17/teacher-union-in-ofsted-vote-call/

Concrew Training have just published details on their Inspection support programmes for the FE and Skills sector and those delivering DWP contracts. More Information at http://concrew-training.co.uk/?page_id=238

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has published updated operational guidance on the delivery of the further education initial teacher training bursary scheme. The updated guidance includes changes to eligibility requirements for a maths bursary, which includes graduates with a third class maths degree but who must hold at least a grade B in GCSE maths. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/303449/bis-14-676-further-education-initial-teacher-training-bursary-guide-academic-year-2014-2015.pdf

Mary Bousted, the general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, has accused Ofsted of being lost in the mire of inconsistency and being incapable of reforming itself. She also cliams that the ATL is not alone in having concerns, citing a recent report by the Policy Exchange thinktank, which said that flipping a coin was more reliable than an Ofsted inspector's judgment of a lesson. But the regulator's attempts at reforms following recent criticisms – such as the announcement that it will carry out shorter, more frequent visits for good schools – were unconvincing, More at: http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/17/ofsted-inconsistency-atl-union-mary-bousted-inspections-lottery-schools

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock has hit back at criticism of government cuts, claiming it was “misleading” to say funding for adult skills faced a 19 per cent fall in the next two years. “The policy is that funding is ring-fenced from five to 16. So, whether you are in a school sixth form, a sixth form college or an FE college, you are treated exactly the same, and the new funding formula is the same per pupil for every pupil except for more support for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, more support for those with learning difficulties and more support for more expensive courses like vocational courses. “So if you actually look at the policy you will find a progressive policy of support for people from less well-off homes, and those who need extra support because, through no fault of their own, because of a disability or learning difficulty, and people on vocational courses. So if you want to call that ideological, it’s progressive and it’s supportive of those most in need.” ht

Grants of up to £25,000 are being offered to equestrian centres, in a bid to boost participation in riding. http://www.horseandcountry.tv/news/2014/04/14/grants-%3F25000-offered-riding-schools

Some people are reported as thinking so http://news.uk.msn.com/watchdog-distorting-the-fabric

Mr Hancock visiting Walsall College to mark the first anniversary of its job shop, which helps people find apprenticeships and work spoke to staff and some of the more than 600 apprentices that have found full-time work in the last 12 months – but also addressed the problems faced by schools across the borough. Seven schools have been rated inadequate and been placed in special measures and Mr Hancock said the Government ‘holds no truck with poor quality provision in schools and colleges’. More at: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2014/04/14/ministers-vow-on-failing-schools-as-he-praises-successful-walsall-college/

A survey of free schools carried out by the Department for Education shows that they have attracted almost 3 applications for every place. More at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/parents-flock-to-free-schools

More information at http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/south-west/112659-5m-rgf-backed-fund-announced

Some interesting views on Ofsted from the Teaching Battle Ground. http://teachingbattleground.wordpress.com/2014/04/12/ofsted-culture/

Concrew Training have updated the overviews of their workshops on delivering Outstanding Teaching, Training and Learning http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ7veWfIXuEiiproEcSSVag

CALLS for children to start formal learning at the age of two have been criticised on Wearside. http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/education/union-against-plan-to-teach-children-from-the-age-of-two-1-6555762

Education Minister Elizabeth Truss speaks to Reform about new freedoms for teachers over materials, assessment and professional development. https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/elizabeth-truss-speaks-about-improving-teaching

As part of plans to reform the education and skills systems we need better support to prepare young people for the world of work. Today I am publishing revised statutory guidance, “Careers guidance and inspiration in schools”, which will be effective from September 2014. More at: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/careers-guidance

New careers guidance will see employers playing a larger role in careers advice in schools http://ow.ly/vDmsd

Concrew Training have just released 3 new PowerPoints overviews of their one-day workshops on, Grade 1 Lessons, Feedback for Learning and Differentiation view them at: http://ow.ly/vBY1N

Leadership in children's services faces new and complex challenges of a scale not seen before. Ofsted has judged over 20 local authorities to be "inadequate" in the delivery of children's social care, raising legitimate public concern about high-quality child protection services. Those concerns persist despite evidence showing we have one of the best child care and protection systems in the developed world. More at: http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/09/alan-wood-association-of-directors-of-childrens-services

Differentiating during teaching and training sessions isn’t always easy. The more diverse the student cohort, the more challenging effective differentiation becomes. To be effective teaching needs to align to the needs of the individual students. The teacher/trainer needs to take account of the individual students’ knowledge, abilities and learning styles and then deliver the lesson or course in a way that enables individual students to maximise their learning, development and progression. On a one-to-one basis this is relatively easy but as the group or class size increases this becomes a complex and potentially daunting task. It’s a task that presents real challenges, even for the most skilled teacher or trainer - and one that requires far more than adjusting the odd activity. This one day workshop from Concrew Training demonstrates techniques and approaches that make differentiation easier for teachers and trainers and better for students http://concrew-training.co.uk/?

For student reviews to be truly effective, they need to focus the student on what they have done well and specifically what they need to next to maintain their progression. Review outcomes need to be tangible and transparent, easily understood, user-friendly and referenced to the students goals and targets. They also needs to be timely, ongoing, consistent and friendly. This is not easy, even for the most experienced teachers, trainers and support teams. This one day workshop from Concrew Training provides high quality advice and guidance on the techniques, approaches and routes to make student reviews more effective http://concrew-training.co.uk/?page_id=218

The under 19s are the only age group not to have followed the trend of a general increase in participation in apprenticeships. More information at https://fullfact.org/live/2014/apr/apprenticeship_young_people_under_19_numbers_fall_since_2010-31226

Using feedback for improved learning. Concrew Training workshop overview now published http://concrew-training.co.uk/?page_id=203

Developing and Delivering Grade 1 Lesson. Concrew Training workshop overview now published http://concrew-training.co.uk/?page_id=194

Ofsted Inspection Nominee Training Workshop overview now published at http://ow.ly/vyCIz

During Ofsted Inspection, The Provider's appointed Nominee plays a pivotal role in helping to ensure that the grade awarded to the provider is an accurate and true reflection of the Provider's performance. Being an effective Nominee is critical but this is far easier said than done. It is also beneficial for all members of the management team to understand the role and duties, in this way they are fully prepared for any inspection during the Nominee's absence and secondly in the best position possible to support the Nominee effectively. High quality training helps. Concrew Training offer high quality high value one day training workshops to help prepare the FE Provider team for Inspection. Contact Concrew Training today for more information. www.concrew-training.co.uk

Nottingham based Training provider, Positive Outcomes, scoops gold award ow.ly/vxW8d

Will a return to the "old fashioned" approach of formal uniforms and school prefects lead to improved performance at Ofsted Inspection ? At least one school thinks so http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/students-involved-transforming-struggling-coventry-6929892

In a speech in London tomorrow, 08 April 2014, education minister Liz Truss will back the chief inspector's position and set out plans to improve and expand teaching in early years. http://ow.ly/vvvi4

The UK’s new Energy Catalyst fund which aims to support innovative low carbon technologies was launched by the Government yesterday. The initial round, which includes funding worth £25 million, is seeking applications from innovative businesses, academics and research institutions to support projects ranging from early stage concept designs to pre-commercial technology validation. http://ow.ly/vsLU0

Could Derby based Concrew Training have helped prevent this ? http://westbridgfordwire.com/2014/04/04/st-edmund-campion-school-downgraded-inadequate/

Businesses in Nottingham’s Creative Quarter will be able to get their hands on up to £3,000 funding each to improve their broadband connections. http://www.nottinghampost.com/Creative-Quarter-business-broadband-speed-boost/story-20914003-detail/story.html

Sir Alex Ferguson to take up 'long-term teaching position' at Harvard • Former Manchester United manager recruited for new role • Lecturing in 'The Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports' http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/04/sir-alex-ferguson-harvard-teaching-position

The Education Funding Agency has formally invited contractors to prequalify for the final batch of schools to be built using private finance. http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2014/04/04/tenders-invited-for-120m-final-pf2-schools-batch/