Member newsletter

Issue 212

Dear Members,

As a result of the pandemic have there been any policies and practices that you have introduced to your school - any ‘COVID Keepers’ - that you feel you'll retain?

It may be you've abandoned, adopted, or accelerated some policies, and if so, we would like to hear from you. If you would like to share details of your COVID Keepers with us, please email bsa@boarding.org.uk. We will collate the responses and share them with members.

If you are a state boarding school and wish to present your COVID Keepers at our SBF virtual Summer Conference on June 08, please email Chris Ryan, BSA Group Member Services Director, at chris@boarding.org.uk.

UK Immigration

On Monday, the Home Office released the 'New Plan for Immigration: Legal Migration and Border Control Strategy Statement'. The statement sets out the vision for a fully digital border while streamlining the process for people to come to the UK under the points-based system. Please click here to read the strategy statement.

Further to last week’s newsletter, we are still lobbying the Home Office on the issue of verification codes for the new online Child Student visa not arriving on non-UK phones. We will update you as soon as this issue is resolved. We have also been contacted by several European agents saying that some schools are asking for a full year's fee payment before the pupil begins. Please note that European pupils do not need to show financial evidence as stated here Child Student visa: Money you need - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and so advice that all nationalities must be treated the same in terms of visa compliance is incorrect. We suggest that any school unsure about the new visa system attends our Immigration Update on 10 June BSA virtual one-day conference: Immigration update (boarding.org.uk)

June one-day conferences - bookings open

Bookings are open for all five of the BSA Group virtual one-day conferences taking place in June. The first is our SBF Summer Conference 2021 on June 08, followed by our summer Immigration update on June 10, and our Boarding Future Project Conference on June 15.

The following day (June 16), Sacpa and BAISIS will be jointly hosting Safeguarding International Students, with Sacpa leading our first-ever Safeguarding in Sport conference on June 24.

Each of these events has a busy programme designed to inform, promote best practice across boarding provision and safeguarding, and cultivate thinking and planning for the future. There's something for everyone across these virtual events and, if you can't join live, remember you can make a booking to receive the recordings to review at your convenience.

If you haven't done so already, please click on the links to book your places. For more information on our forthcoming CPD, training and events - including dates for our Accredited Training programme in 2021/22 - please scroll down to the BSA Academy section.

Limitless Challenge: #boardersgosgreen

During our Annual Conference for Heads this month, we launched the Boarders Go Green Challenge. In partnership with Limitless, a unique brand that offers high-quality sportswear to many of our member schools, we're challenging schools to join together to walk the equivalent of the distance across Africa - approximately 7,500km. Schools can contribute to this by undertaking a series of tasks and completing them will equate to a distance walked.

We've made an excellent start to the challenge, with more than 1,700km already covered. A massive thank you goes to staff and students at St Swithun's School, Sherborne Girls and Badminton School, who've helped us reach that figure.

The challenge will end at the conclusion of National Boarding Week (June 21-27, 2021) and we'd love to see as many of you getting involved as possible.

For more information, please visit our #boardersgogreen webpage.

BSA Forums

All members of the school boarding community are welcome to join our forum meetings. the next dates are:

June

London – June 7, 14:00-15:00
International – June 9, 09:30-10:30
Wales – June 14, 16:30-17:30
South East – June 18, 14:00-15:00
East England – June 28, 14:00-15:00
South Central – June 29, 14:00-15:00

(*If you have yet to receive an invite and wish to attend please could you email bsa@boarding.org.uk)

Beijing speaking opportunity

A BSA certified agent, BeGo Education in China, is looking for principals, senior leadership and/or admission directors at boarding schools to participate online as speakers in an upcoming hybrid event in Beijing on June 26. This could be a good way to increase your school’s profile so please email michael.mehari@lcventure.com for more information.

Residential course

A BSA certified guardian, UK Guardians, is running a two-week residential course in July for pupils about to start or finish A Level studies in French or Spanish who want to improve their language skills but cannot go abroad due to the pandemic. Please email hannah@ukguardians.co.uk for more information.

Best wishes,

Robin Fletcher
CEO, BSA and BSA Group

BSA Academy

Accredited training

The BSA's programme of Professional Development and training is the most comprehensive CPD package offered to staff in boarding schools. It includes a series of professional practice Certificate courses specifically designed to meet the practical needs of boarding staff and provide an internationally-recognised qualification in Boarding Education.

We are delighted to announce that booking is now open for the 2021-22 accredited training courses!

Certificate Course
You can now reserve your place on the 2021-2022 Advanced Certificate Course. These courses are run online, and give practitioners all the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in a boarding environment. This is a two-year modular course is aimed specifically at staff working in and around boarding. Over the last 20 years approximately 3,000 House Tutors, Matrons, Support Staff, School Nurses, Assistants and Houseparents have completed this Award. Find out more or reserve your place here.

Online BSA Certificate in Professional Practice - Mental Health & Wellbeing
This module is comprised of three tutor-led study days featuring guest speakers, interactive morning and afternoon sessions. Breakout groups allow for discussion and time with the course tutors. Click here to reserve your place.

Day 1: Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Day 2: Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Day 3: Friday, May 14, 2022

BSA Advanced Certificate in Boarding Practice (School Nurses)
Study dates for this course are: November 03, 2021 / January 11, 2022 / March 08 2022 / May 16, 2022
The course is tutor-led and will consist of four separate live online study days spread over a full academic year. The sessions on each study day will be a mixture of presentations often with an external expert, and group discussions. Find out more or reserve your place here.

BSA Certificate in International Boarding
Study dates for this course are: December 08, 2021 / January 26, 2022 / March 17, 2022
This three-day course will cover key elements in International Boarding, including the strategic nature and importance of the international boarding market, why international students seek a British education, induction, culture shock and integration as well as considering cultural identity, values, and differences. All of this contributes to identifying and meeting the pastoral and academic needs of international students. Find out more or reserve your place here.

BSA Certificate in Professional Practice - Inclusion Lead Training
Study dates: Tuesday, November 09, 2021 and Thursday, November 25, 2021, 10:00-16:15
This bespoke, comprehensive two-day certificate course has been put together to support Inclusion Leads or staff with specific responsibility for equity, diversity and inclusion in boarding schools.

Participants will receive high-quality training and support from a range of experts to further develop the skills and confidence needed to establish, embed and sustain equity, diversity and inclusion work in their school. Throughout the two days there will be opportunities to meet, collaborate and discuss with other participants and to learn from case studies and good practice from other schools. Click here to reserve your place.

Autumn Diploma in Boarding Practice (Leadership) - 2021 - 2022
This diploma level course is recommended for senior boarding staff and is now open for booking.
Dates:

Day 1: November 10, 2021
Day 2: March 09, 2022
Day 3: May 17, 2022.

This is comprised of three, tutor-led study days, with interactive morning and afternoon sessions that allow for discussion. Find out more or reserve your place here.

If you need any further information about our Accredited Training programme, please contact Liz McDonald, Senior Training Manager, at liz@boarding.org.uk.

Virtual conferences

SBF Summer Conference 2021: June 08, 2021
Immigration update: June 10, 2021
Boarding Future Project Conference: June 15, 2021
Sacpa / BAISIS Conference: Safeguarding International Students: June 16, 2021
Sacpa Conference: Safeguarding in Sport: June 24, 2021
Annual Health & Wellbeing Conference 2020-21: July 06, 2021

Virtual seminars and specialist training

Leading a Nursing Team: June 11, 2021
Improving induction: June 11, 2021
Taking on a new Boarding House: June 14, 2021
Mental health support for students: June 22, 2021
Leading a Boarding Team: June 23, 2021
Boarding essentials: June 25, 2021
Working with Agents: June 30, 2021

Sacpa DSL Training: This training will enable you to meet statutory responsibilities referenced in Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children. The course is suitable for staff in the role of designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and deputy designated safeguarding lead (DDSL).

It is delivered by an NSPCC-accredited trainer and qualified social work manager of 20 years. Date: July 08.

Webinars

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK: BSA & AGBIS: Foundations for boarding school Governors: the international market, working with agents and guardians: June 01, 2021
BSA: ‘Campfire’ meeting for schools in South Africa: June 04, 2021
Sacpa: Domestic abuse and its impact, & Hollie Guard: June 09, 2021
Sacpa: Safer recruitment lessons from an independent boarding school: June 17, 2021
Sacpa: Safeguarding and supporting gender diversity: June 22, 2021
BSA: Looking back, looking forward - summer/autumn: June 28, 2021
Sacpa: Coercive control, identifying behaviours and its impact: June 29, 2021

To see the entire 2020-21 training programme, click here.

Index (Inclusion and Diversity Excellence)

Following our inaugural inclusion conference in October, BSA Group launched Index, a programme of support to help members in this area. This includes the BSA Index Framework and Toolkit - guidance documents to promote the values of equity, diversity and inclusion (they can be accessed here via the EDI area).

Our second Index (EDI) conference will take place on September 28, 2021 – more details will be available soon.

Inclusion Leads/Staff with an EDI Leadership role - we are collating names and email contact details of anyone in a BSA school with an EDI leadership role. Please email bsa@boarding.org.uk with your full name, school and full job title/role.

For more information about our Index programme, please email Ammy Davies-Potter, BSA Group Director of Guardianship and Inclusion.

BSA Certified Supplier Scheme

Quantum Advisory, an independent financial services consultancy that provides solution-based pension and employee benefit services to employers, scheme trustees and members has joined the BSA Certified Supplier Scheme.

The organisations below are members of the BSA Certified Supplier Scheme, which aims to connect members and organisations.

BSA Gold Certified Suppliers

Password: Providers of world-leading online English language and Maths assessment
Schoolblazer / Limitless: School uniform and sports kit supplier
Witley Jones: Designers, manufacturers and installers of quality school furniture for BSA boarding schools
Engage: A powerful and flexible platform delivering effective communication, control, reporting and insight across your school.

BSA Certified Suppliers

Boarding software: Boardingware
Boarding software: Reach
Careers software: Unifrog
COVID disinfectant: Safe Tech
COVID fogging machine: Hurricane
COVID HK pre-flight certification: Belgravia
COVID pre-flight certification: Fortress Direct
COVID Testing and pre-flight certification: Elite Anglo-Chinese Services
COVID safeguarding software: Assetpool
COVID sanitiser: Clearwater Hygiene
COVID sanitiser and tunnels: PTC Xtrasan
COVID testing: Biograd
COVID testing: Wren Healthcare
COVID testing and tracking: Sirkka Networks
COVID testing and tracking: Taylor Education
Energy Management: Cost Advice
Face masks: Funky Face Masks
Face masks: Goldpro Face Masks
Face masks: Kaia Trading Ltd
NEW Financial services: Quantum Advisory
Maths software: Sparx Maths / Hegarty Maths
Safeguarding: Corporate Safeguarding
Safeguarding software: MyConcern
Thermal temperature camera system: Eclipse Strategic Security Ltd.

For more detail on each of the suppliers, please visit the BSA Certified Supplier Scheme page on our website.

Please note: The suppliers listed are not endorsed by BSA, nor does the association accept any liability for the quality of the goods/services listed on this page. All suppliers below have entered into a commercial arrangement with the BSA to promote their goods/services.

Certified Guardian and Agent schemes

The BSA Certified Guardian and Agent Schemes continue to grow, providing reassurance for schools and families.

The schemes' training and certiﬁcation programmes assure BSA boarding schools that they are dealing with educational guardians and agents who have the highest standards in the safeguarding of children, safer recruitment and training of staﬀ and host families, and careful liaison with parents and schools. The schemes are a clear demonstration to BSA boarding schools of the quality and intention of the educational guardians and agents who reach certiﬁed status.

BSA Certified Agents

We are delighted to welcome Meridian Group (Latvia) and the Baltic Council for International Education (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia & Poland) to the BSA Certified Agent Scheme.

Abby Plumb Education Guardian Service (China and Hong Kong) (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Academic Asia (China)
Academic Families (worldwide) (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Aston Education (Hong Kong)
@School-in-UK (Russia)
NEW Baltic Council for International Education (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia & Poland)
Barbara Glasmacher Internationale (Germany)
BeGo Education (China)
Better School! Internatsberatung (Germany)
BOSSS UK (China)
Britannia StudyLink (Hong Kong)
British United Education Services (Hong Kong)
Chamberlain Educational Services (Hong Kong and China)
Cherry Education Consultancy (China)
Connexcel (China) (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Crest Education (China)
Dickinson School Consulting (Germany and worldwide)
Edukatus (China, Hong Kong, Singapore)
Genesis Education Planning (China) (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Global Education Tumulka (GET) (Germany)
i-Learner (Hong Kong)
IQ Consultancy (Russia)
ITEC (Russia)
J3 Group (HK)
JD Consultancy (China) (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Mark Brooks Education (Ghana, Nigeria, worldwide)
NEW Meridian Group (Latvia)
Overseas Personal Development Services (China)
Panoba (Nigeria and Saudi Arabia)
QED Education Group (China)
Rise Smart Overseas Education Centre (Hong Kong)
Sarah Jochums Internatsberatung (Germany)
School Britannia (France)
Sino-UK Arts & Cultural Bridge Ltd (China)
The Independent Education Consultants (worldwide)
The Watanabe Office (Japan)
UK Academics & Guardianship (UKAG) (China)
UK Education Guide (Middle East, worldwide)
UK Tuition Services (China) (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian).

For more information on the BSA Certified Agent scheme, please visit our website.

BSA Certified Guardians

Abby Plumb Education Guardian Service (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Academic Families (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Access UK Education (provisional)
Alpha Guardians
Amber Education
Belgravia Guardians
Berkeley Guardians
Boarding Schools Ireland
Cambridge Guardian Angels
Clarendon International Education
College Guardians
Connexcel (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Cotswold Guardians
Edinburgh Guardian Angels
Education and Exchange in Europe (provisional)
Elite Anglo-Chinese Services
English Country Guardians
Gabbitas
Genesis Education Planning (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Great British Guardians
Guardians International Support
High Schools International
Hostlink UK
International Student Guardianship Ireland (ISGI) (provisional)
JD Consultancy (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Overseas Personal Development Services (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Redoor Education (provisional)
Regent Guardians
St George’s Guardians
Scottish Overseas Guardianship Association (SOGA) (provisional)
Study Links
The Guardian Family Network
Trusted Guardianship
UK Guardians
UKGuardianship
UK Tuition Services (Certified Agent and Certified Guardian)
Ying Lang Guardian, Glamour Edu Ltd

For more information on the BSA Certified Guardian scheme, please visit our website.

We have also had a number of requests from schools for our BSA Certified Guardian logo to use on admissions information or school websites - you can access a copy of the logo by clicking here.

Partner news

Reach Girls' Summit: Members are invited to join the team at DLD College for the 'Reach Girls' Summit'. The Summit is open to all girls who are 11- 14 years old, and it will be very much a workshop and discussion format to help girls think about their futures in the ever-changing world that we all now live in.

There are two ways to attend. Either in our COVID-19 safe Atrium at the multi-award winning DLD College London or via the live stream. Please click here to find out more and reserve your complimentary place.

GSA webinars: The Girls' School Association is hosting a diversity and inclusion-related webinar next month which is open for bookings:

Learn, unlearn and relearn: the new language of difference: June 09, 4-5pm

ASCL: A message from Geoff Barton, Genera Secretary, ASCL:

You may recall that at ASCL annual conference earlier this year, we held a breakfast session called ‘What I would do if I were Education Secretary ….’.
Since then, I’ve been asked by a publisher whether we might compile a book of ideas and reflections on the topic. That’s why I’m writing to you – to see whether you might wish to contribute a short article setting out what YOU would do if appointed to the role. What I’m hoping we might produce is a book of diverse, readable, entertaining insights written by a wide range of people who are current practitioners in educational leadership across the UK.
In addition, I’m aiming to include some interviews with former Education Secretaries to ask them what they would do differently if re-appointed to the post today. So … if this is something that you’d be interested in taking part in, please email me at book@ascl.org.uk, and I’ll send you a few notes on next steps, style and content. And I’ll keep it as straightforward and stress-free as possible. You can choose to write a few paragraphs, or an essay of up to 2500 words.
I’d need your finished piece by the end of July so that I can edit the book for September publication. Hoping very much that this is something you may be interested in. If not, no problem. But if so, let me know via the email address above.
All best wishes, Geoff

Keep in touch

Please note the BSA office is now closed and the team is working remotely. If you would like further advice from the BSA, please email bsa@boarding.org.uk or contact the team directly:

Chief Executive - Robin Fletcher
Chief Operating Officer and Director, Sacpa - Aileen Kane
Director of Safeguarding, Professional Development and Accreditation - Dale Wilkins
Member Services Director - Chris Ryan
International Director and Director, BAISIS - Caroline Nixon
Director of Guardianship and Inclusion - Ammy Davies-Potter
Head of Member Services - Beth Waddington
Senior Training Manager - Liz McDonald
Communications and Partnerships Manager - Andrew Gray
Finance and Administration Manager - Danielle Cuthbert
Business Support Manager - Ellie Reed
Business Support Co-ordinator - Chantelle Howell-Walker.