Flying Start offers a range of free training opportunities to all professionals working in Luton. All courses are free for staff who work in Luton, however there may be a charge of £75 for non-attendance/cancellation less than 5 working days before the training. We still have spaces on: Five to Thrive Course title: Brain Development and Positive Parenting: promoting optimal brain development for babies and young children under 5 years Length: One day training (9.30am-4pm) Venue: The Leagrave Centre, Strangers Way, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 9ND Five to Thrive is an approach to support the children’s workforce to develop the skills and knowledge to work with families. Through the training practitioners, learn the skills to build parental capacity by increasing their understanding of the emotional development of their baby. The approach is built upon the emerging evidence about neuro-science and baby’s brain development. It is a systemic approach to early intervention and positive parenting. It identifies the key parental activities contributing to brain development and promotes confident, reflective parenting, enabling practitioners to teach and model mindful interactions. Next training date: 27th June 2017 Future training dates: 9th November 2017 For more information and to book on, please visit the KCA registration page

Breakfast meetings have soared in popularity in recent times as they are now thought to be more productive than lunches, a study suggests. The morning meetings have become increasingly popular amongst those who have to meet the rigorous demands of busy schedules and tight budgets. According to the survey, morning get-togethers are believed to have more far more positive outcomes than those held later in the day, and 67% of workers claim they are more likely to pay attention at this time. The Leagrave Centre can accommodate Breakfast Meetings, and are delighted offer new Breakfast Buffet options, catering to those who prefer the more traditional option of Bacon, Sausage & Egg on fresh rolls, or the more continental pastries, croissants, natural yoghurt, muesli and fresh fruit. Both options include freshly brewed filter coffee, English Breakfast tea, and fruit juice. Get in touch to see how we can accommodate your requirements - theleagravecentre@luton.gov.uk / 01582 538200. We look forward to welcoming you!

How can I become more informed when considering the effectiveness of published materials (including textbooks) for teaching for Mastery? These twilight sessions will be held through the Enigma Maths Hub across the region and are aimed for Primary Mathematics subject leaders and advocates who are the driving forces behind Maths developments in their schools PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SESSION WILL ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT PUBLISHED MATERIALS. THE SESSION WILL REFER TO TEACHING FOR MASTERY PRINCIPLES AND WILL BE GENERIC. REFERENCE WILL NOT BE MADE TO ANY PARTICULAR PUBLISHED RESOURCE. Each session will start at 4:00 and will end by 5:15 Full details and how to book a place can be found on the attached flyer.

Please find attached flyers on Mathematics from University of Northampton. For direct links to the University click on the link below. Postgraduate Certificates for Subject Specialist Teachers MA in Education: Mathematics Pathway For further information please contact the Programme Leader, Dr Amanda O’Shea (email: Amanda.OShea@northampton.ac.uk).

As the warmer weather is approaching, now is a good time to consider whether your existing School Playground Equipment is compliant with the following British/European Standards applicable to Children’s Fixed Play Equipment: BS EN1176-2008 - Playground Equipment and Surfacing BS EN1177-2008 - Impact Attenuating Playground Surfacing – Determination of critical fall height. Although BS EN1176-2008 is not law, it is accepted by the Courts as being the model for best practice, and failure to follow the standard makes defending litigious claims very difficult. In addition, you may also want to consider whether the Trees on your School site have been risk assessed and are safe. The owner and/or occupier of land upon which trees stand is generally liable for any loss or damage resulting from falling branches or from the falling of the tree itself. Whilst the incidence of accidents is low, falling branches have resulted in deaths and caused serious road accidents. Anyone with responsibility for land or trees should have procedures in place to identify and manage the risk. Our trained and certificated employees will attend the school site at pre-determined frequencies to inspect the equipment and safety surfaces against the relevant British & European standards. A full written report will be provided to the school along with a free no obligation quotation for any identified remedial works as a result of the inspection. Has your school taken action as necessary in order to minimise potential future liabilities? Now is the time to ensure your School is both safe and compliant. Call our Grounds Maintenance Manager, Steve Battlebury on 01582 546761, or email stephen.battlebury@luton.gov.uk for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!