My Calendar

Invitation to Designated Teacher Training – 9 September 2026
Key Speaker: Jaz Ampaw-Farr
Jaz’s life is an extraordinary chronicle of defying the limits of what is possible. From foster care and life on the streets to an international government advisor, Jaz holds two honorary doctorates for her significant contribution to education and public life.
Following the regrettably cancelled training on 30 April, the session has been moved to the new academic year and will now take place on Wednesday 9 September 2026 (due to our key speaker’s schedule).
All other details remain unchanged: Hybrid Lounge, Crewe Alex Stadium, 09:00–16:00.
As per statutory guidance, it is essential that all Designated Teachers attend regular training which includes those DTs within schools who don’t currently have a cohort of cared for children. This will be a great opportunity to network with colleagues from across Cheshire East, hear more about how the new Ofsted framework applies to your role, and develop your practice as a Designated Teacher.
As you know, this was due to be our biggest event in many years and having Jaz Ampaw-Farr join us is a real boon to our service and the support we can offer you in working with your cared-for and previously cared-for children. We are very hopeful that as many of you as possible will be able to join us.
To reserve your place, and to receive a copy of Jaz’s new book (funded by the Virtual School), please RSVP to vstraining@cheshireeast.gov.uk.

Lacey Green Primary Academy, Wilmslow, SK7 4DP

We are pleased to advise that the HR briefing sessions have been rearranged and will now take place on the following dates:
• Wednesday 24 June 2026 – Municipal Building, Crewe from 9.30am – 12.30pm
• Tuesday 30 June 2026 – Macclesfield Town Hall from 9.30am – 12.30pm
This will provide an opportunity to update your knowledge on HR matters including NJC pay, probation periods, accrual annual leave and a summary of key changes in employment law.
This is open to buy-back customers only.
The cost is £35 and places are available to book on ChESS.

The culmination of our new ‘Reading Champions Book Award’ for Key Stage 2 pupils takes place from 1pm – 2.30pm on Thursday 25 June at Middlewich Town Hall, when we’ll announce which book has received the most votes and has won our very first KS2 Book Award.
We are delighted that two of the shortlisted authors – Philippa Leathley and Simon James Green – will be joining us.
As well as interactive author talks from both Philippa and Simon, there’ll be an opportunity for pupils to have books signed by the authors and to ask them any questions they may have.
Please could any participating schools who would like to attend use the link below to book a place. You can use the same link to let us know which book your school has voted to win.
Link: https://forms.office.com/e/jUuLDBzrAz

Contact: Alex Bamford: alexandra.bamford@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

We are pleased to advise that the HR briefing sessions have been rearranged and will now take place on the following dates:
• Wednesday 24 June 2026 – Municipal Building, Crewe from 9.30am – 12.30pm
• Tuesday 30 June 2026 – Macclesfield Town Hall from 9.30am – 12.30pm
This will provide an opportunity to update your knowledge on HR matters including NJC pay, probation periods, accrual annual leave and a summary of key changes in employment law.
This is open to buy-back customers only.
The cost is £35 and places are available to book on ChESS.