Training Archive

To request a recording of any of the below webinars, please email bsa@boarding.org.uk with the title of the webinar.

January webinars:

• Safeguarding duties for Child Students: Care arrangements, absences and holidays

This webinar will provide risk-assessment questionnaires, practical solutions and best practice tips.

• Facilitating Positive Transition Experiences for Transfer Students

This webinar explores how the school transition experience might differ for transfer students, how this may increase their vulnerability during transition, and ways in which available opportunities can be maximised to support student wellbeing and facilitate transition and inclusion.

• Managing the Single Central Register (SCR)

This webinar is developed to support colleagues with operational and oversight responsibility for the Single Central Record.

• Boarding box set – understanding UKVI compliance

This webinar will provide an overview of key sponsor duties and compliance requirements. Delegates will gain a broad understanding of their responsibilities and will be signposted to key documents critical to recruiting international students.

• Marketing considerations for international families

This webinar will provide valuable strategies and approaches to engage with prospective parents and students in today’s competitive landscape.

February webinars:

• Gender questioning children and boarding

The aim of the session is to support delegates in understanding the current legal frameworks that apply to boarding schools and how this might be applied in practice. The session will focus on unpacking the latest guidance and legal wisdom to support and assist schools to navigate an area of legal and practical complexity.

• Supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition

This webinar will focus on best practice when supporting young people with Autism Spectrum Condition and how to ensure our school environment and boarding houses are safe, inclusive spaces fostering a sense of belonging.

To request a recording of any of the below webinars, please email bsa@boarding.org.uk with the title of the webinar.

September webinars:

• Radicalisation and early identification
  This webinar provides an awareness overview of the Prevent Duty. Delegates will review the legal context, signs and indicators, response and referral to the challenge of radicalisation. 
• Pre-inspection self-assessment audit tips and recommendations
  The session will give an overview of how to audit boarding provision, whether for internal processes or for an external verification or inspection. 
• Enrolment: Right to study checks for international students                                                          Whether you are part of the pastoral team responsible for welcoming your international students or are one of your sponsor licence Key Personnel, now is a critical time to ensure all due checks are complete and that your sponsor licence compliance duties are met. 
• E-safety compliance: keeping up with developments
  This webinar will support knowledge and confidence of practitioners and leaders responsible for oversight of safeguarding and online safety, including those involved in risk assessment, delivering online safety interventions and curriculum. The event is suitable for colleagues working in education, health, youth services, early help, private, charity and third sector organisations.
• The Switch to eVisas
  UKVI are developing a digital immigration system. This means they are replacing physical documents with an online record of an immigration status. Join our upcoming free webinar where we will explore the transition from traditional visas to the new eVisa System.
• Part 1 of 3 – Supporting New Student Wellbeing – The Value of Extending the Induction Programme 
  This webinar explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, reframes existing conceptualisations of the induction period, and discusses ways in which the induction programme can be extended and optimised to better reflect the full school transition process and ensure that transition-specific student wellbeing needs continue to be met.
• Vaping
  We know that the prevalence of children and young people involved in vaping is a growing concern and regulation of vaping products does not support harm reduction. Young people are growing up in a world where they are very likely to encounter and could experiment with vaping or other substances. They need to know the facts, dangers, and myths about what they might encounter, and how to access advice and support for their vaping use. This webinar is designed to improve the knowledge of those who are teaching, and supporting, young people to navigate through these issues. Attendees will receive a full update on current facts and figures surrounding vaping concerns along with information on current Government strategies to combat the sale and promotion of these devices, in particular to teenagers. Options and advice to offer students and their parents with concerns around vape addiction will be provided so attendees can share these more broadly across their school, as well as options on how to deter the current epidemic use of vapes, even on site.
• Managing the Single Central Register (SCR)
  Is your Single Central Register compliant? Schools and colleges must keep a Single Central Record in line with statutory guidance and associated legislation. However, inaccuracies and missing data in the single central register remains a key area of compliance concern resulting in poor regulatory inspection outcomes which are reflected in judgements on safeguarding leadership. This webinar is developed to support colleagues who have operational and oversight responsibility for the Single Central Record.
• NMS considerations for 2024-25
  This webinar is suitable for those new to boarding and those who wish to improve their knowledge of the standards in England.
• Visa & Immigration Sponsor Licence Compliance: A refresher
  Do you understand your school’s duties as an international student sponsor? Compliance with sponsor licence duties is a school-wide responsibility which goes far beyond the Child Student Visa application itself. Ensuring staff members understand what it means to be a UKVI sponsor, and the wider risks and consequences of non-compliance, is essential. Whether you are new to international student sponsorship, or whether you are looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will provide the overview you need to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Promoting engagement and activity around Black History Month
  The aim of the session is to provide information and resources for boarding staff to use in their Houses to promote awareness of Black History Month. Ensuring the young people in our care are equipped with cultural awareness and knowledge beyond their ‘normal’ is vital in preparing them for life beyond school. It will also suggest steps that can be taken to promote Black History throughout the year.
• Safeguarding update
  The session will discuss current trends and developments in safeguarding. There will be a particular focus on the changes in the updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance for England (September 2024) but the content will be relevant to all safeguarding practitioners.
• Boarding induction for residential tutors and supporting staff/visitors
  This webinar will provide a concise induction addressing the usual processes and policies that practitioners need to be aware of to ensure the safety of boarders within their Houses.
• Educational Visits – Risk and Responsibilities for Senior Leaders
  Risk assessment, safeguarding and compliance are essential components of running a school and taking care of children and young people. You know what these mean in your school setting and how to keep your staff and students safe. But what about when children are off-site on visits, residentials, co-curricular activities and sporting events? Have you considered that routine and regular events such as going out to eat or social activities on evenings and weekends are also trips – and could be considered as such by authorities?

October webinars:

• Supporting boarders with homesickness
  This webinar will consider how to identify homesickness, explore proven strategies and resources to support individuals experiencing homesickness and discuss best practice for creating a supportive boarding environment that fosters emotional wellbeing for all.
• Managing the Single Central Register (SCR)
  Is your Single Central Register compliant? Schools and colleges must keep a Single Central Record in line with statutory guidance and associated legislation. However, inaccuracies and missing data in the single central register remains a key area of compliance concern resulting in poor regulatory inspection outcomes which are reflected in judgements on safeguarding leadership. This webinar is developed to support colleagues who have operational and oversight responsibility for the Single Central Record.
• Boarding box set – sector overview and market analysis 
  BSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview series of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.
• How to achieve meaningful pupil voice in House and across school
  Not only is pupil voice a key focus in inspection frameworks but effective pupil voice is also one of the hallmarks of a thriving school community. Meaningful pupil voice leads to increased pupil engagement and improved relationships and overall school improvement. Recommendations from this webinar will also support compliance with Standard 13 of the National Minimum standards.

November webinars:

• Developing a culture of belonging
  This webinar will consider the importance of developing a culture of belonging in your boarding community and across your school. Strategies to foster a culture of belonging and community identity for students and staff will be shared, looking beyond diversity and into embedding belonging into your school ethos.
• Working with agents: best practice recommendations
  Almost one third of the current boarding population in the UK is made up of international students, creating an exciting and global community of young people receiving their education and pastoral care in the UK. For many schools, recruiting internationally involves working with educational agents to support the promotion of their school overseas and to ensure that student and school community are paired successfully. Relationships with agents can vary. While BSA has launched their Certified Agent Scheme to assure the professional quality of agents to schools, there are several ways in which schools themselves can improve their working relationships with agents.
• Key findings medical staff survey
  In the summer term of 2023/24, the BSA and sister association, HIEDA, launched the survey for medical staff in boarding schools for the second time. We are grateful to all BSA and HIEDA members who took the time to participate. This webinar will go over the key findings from the survey and provide insights on current provision, practice and difficulties for medical centres.
• Boarding box set – Inspection
  IBSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview series of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.
• Key findings from the boarding staff survey 2024
  In the Spring term of 2023/24, the BSA launched its boarding staff survey. Over a thousand boarding practitioners responded. We are grateful to all BSA members who took the time to participate. This webinar will go over the key findings from the survey and provide insights on current opportunities, challenges for boarding staff.  We will cover the following topics: demographics, compensation, staff benefits, current stressors, data about time off and timetable reduction, recruitment and retention as well as current stressors.
• Boarding Schools – Marketing strategies for success
  Against the backdrop of a changing political and legislative landscape and increasing financial pressures, effective communications and marketing strategies are ever more important for schools to engage stakeholders and set themselves apart from the competition. ISBA and BSA are pleased to offer boarding school bursars, heads and deputy heads of boarding, pastoral heads, senior houseparents and marketing leads the opportunity to hear from sector experts about the changes afoot for independent education and consider practical strategies for remaining attractive, responsive, and resilient.
• Pastoral care in boarding schools for Governors

This seminar, led by Richard Harman, CEO, AGBIS looks at common pastoral issues in schools and how governors can work with senior leaders in schools to provide appropriate oversight. This includes oversight of boarding and day houses, the health centre, and counselling support. It includes a summary of common pastoral care systems and processes. 

December webinars:

• Boarding box set – Safeguarding
  BSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview series of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.

To request a recording of any of the below webinars, please email bsa@boarding.org.uk with the title of the webinar.

September webinars:

• NMS considerations for 2023-24
  This webinar is suitable for those new to boarding and those who wish to improve their knowledge of the standards in England.
• Pre-inspection self-assessment audit tips and recommendations
  The session will give an overview of how to audit boarding provision, whether for internal processes or for an external verification or inspection.
• Enrolment: Right to study checks for international students.
  Term has begun and your international students are enrolling with you, but have you fulfilled your sponsor licence duties to ensure your students can commence their studies? Are you clear on how to check whether your international students have the right to study in the UK? Do you know what documents to check, what information you are looking for and what to keep records of? Conducting right to study checks is a core requirement for sponsors in order to support immigration control. Whether you are part of the pastoral team responsible for welcoming your international students or are one of your sponsor licence Key Personnel, now is a critical time to ensure all due checks are complete and that your sponsor licence compliance duties are met.
• Promoting engagement and activity around Black History Month
  The aim of the session is to provide information and resources for boarding staff to use in their Houses to promote awareness of Black History Month. Ensuring the young people in our care are equipped with cultural awareness and knowledge beyond their ‘normal’ is vital in preparing them for life beyond school. It will also suggest steps that can be taken to promote cultural awareness throughout the year.
• Managing the Single Central Register (SCR) in boarding schools
  Is your Single Central Register compliant?
  Schools and colleges must keep a single central record in line with statutory guidance and associated legislation. However, inaccuracies and missing data in the Single Central Register remains a key area of compliance concern resulting in poor regulatory inspection outcomes which are reflected in judgements on safeguarding leadership.
• Vaping
  We know that the prevalence of children and young people involved in vaping is a growing concern and regulation of vaping products does not support harm reduction. Young people are growing up in a world in which they are very likely to encounter and experiment with vaping along with use of other substances. They need to know the facts about what they might encounter, what the dangers are, what the myths are and how to access advice and support for their vaping use. This seminar is designed to improve the knowledge of those who are teaching, and supporting, young people to navigate through these issues. Attendees will receive a full update on current facts and figures surrounding vaping concerns along with information on current Government strategies to combat the sale and promotion of these devices, in particular to teenagers. Options and advice to offer students and their parents with concerns around vape addiction will be provided so attendees can share these more broadly across their school, as well as options on how to deter the current epidemic use of vapes, even on site.
• Visa & Immigration Sponsor Licence Compliance: A refresher
  Do you understand your school’s duties as an international student sponsor? Compliance with sponsor licence duties is a school-wide responsibility which goes far beyond the Child Student Visa application itself. Ensuring staff members understand what it means to be a UKVI sponsor, and the wider risks and consequences of non-compliance, is essential. Whether you are new to international student sponsorship, or whether you are looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will provide the overview you need to ensure ongoing compliance.

October webinars:

• Foundations for boarding school Governors – roles, responsibilities and collective governance
  This webinar, led by Cheryl Connelly, Director of Training & Membership (Deputy CEO), AGBIS, will review the roles and responsibilities of Governors of boarding schools and discuss how governors demonstrate collective governance. Best practice recommendations as to the development of the role of Governor, fulfilling responsibilities and ensuring successful governance will be discussed. There will be opportunity for delegates to put any questions they may have about being a Governor of a boarding school, understanding the role and current issues to Cheryl.

• Key findings from the boarding staff survey 2023
  In the Spring term of 2022/23, the BSA launched its boarding staff survey. Over a thousand boarding practitioners responded. We are grateful to all BSA members who took the time to participate. This webinar will go over the key findings from the survey and provide insights on current opportunities, challenges for boarding staff.  We will cover the following topics: demographics, compensation, staff benefits, current stressors, data about time off and timetable reduction, recruitment and retention as well as current stressors.

• How to achieve meaningful pupil voice in House and across school
  Not only is pupil voice a key focus in inspection frameworks but effective pupil voice is also one of the hallmarks of a thriving school community. Meaningful pupil voice leads to increased pupil engagement and improved relationships and overall school improvement. Recommendations from this webinar will also support compliance with Standard 13 of the National Minimum standards.

November webinars:

• Key findings medical staff survey
  In the summer term of 2022/23, the BSA launched its first ever survey for medical staff in boarding schools. We are grateful to all BSA and HIEDA members who took the time to participate. This webinar will go over the key findings from the survey and provide insights on current provision, practice and difficulties for medical centres.

• Developing a culture of belonging
  This webinar will consider the importance of developing a culture of belonging in your boarding community and across your school. Strategies to foster a culture of belonging and community identity for students and staff will be shared, looking beyond diversity and into embedding belonging into your school ethos.

• Boarding box set – Inspection
  The session will give an overview of how to prepare for inspection, and is suitable for those being inspected under any of the UK or international frameworks. Key principles of auditing and assessing boarding provision will be discussed, which delegates will be able to reference against their specific inspection and auditing requirements.

• BSA/AGBIS – Foundations for boarding school Governors – how to question and challenge
  This webinar will talk delegates through how individual Governors and Governing bodies can provide schools with a robust degree of challenge and offer best practice suggestions for how to develop suitable audit models with school leadership teams.

• HIEDA/BSA – Nitrous Oxide
  Nitrous Oxide is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs by young people. The law has recently changed regarding its possession. Nitrous Oxide is now classified as a Class C drug and possession could carry a sentence of up to two years in prison. Attendees will receive a full update on current facts and figures surrounding Nitrous Oxide and its misuse by young people.

• AI and Assistive Technology to support pupils with SEND
  Assistive technology and Artificial Intelligence open a world of possibilities in education. Lessons supported by AI and Assistive Technology can foster independence, engagement and meaningful participation for pupils with additional needs.  In this webinar, Lucy Pelling will talk about the use of Assistive Technology and how it can be used to remove barriers for pupils with Special Educational Needs. She will also explore how AI could transform teaching and learning for pupils with SEND. Lucy will give examples of programmes she is using and the difference they make to workload.

December webinars:

• Boarding box set – Safeguarding
  This webinar will explore how to understand and evaluate the safeguarding “culture” in schools. It will consider how to develop and promote appropriate practice and to evaluate the key indicators.

• BSA/AGBIS – Foundations for boarding school Governors – inclusion and support
  This webinar will outline equality, diversity and inclusion and the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks for boarding schools, paying particular attention to how the role of the Governor fits within this. Ensuring EDI is embedded within the culture of the whole school, including pupils and staff, is an important part of the role of Governor. This webinar will consider how to implement change at strategic level, involve SLT and have effective oversight.

January webinars:

• Boarding induction for residential tutors and supporting staff/visitors
  Boarding Houses are often dynamic and busy venues, welcoming visitors to support the boarders who call the House ‘home’. Whilst permanent members of the boarding team receive clear information on the policies and processes that keep each House safe, how much information do supporting staff and regular visitors receive? This webinar will provide a concise induction addressing the usual processes and policies that practitioners need to be aware of to ensure the safety of boarders within their Houses.
• Safeguarding duties for Child Students: Care arrangements, absences and holidays
  UKVI has – rightly – intensified its focus on the welfare and safeguarding of Child Students. Scrutiny is being applied both at in-person inspections and remotely through sponsor record reviews. So, do you understand what is expected of you as a Student sponsor? How do you assess whether a care arrangement is appropriate? How does a sponsored student’s absence impact your sponsor licence? What records do you need to make for holidays and travel plans? A review of the duties listed in the Student sponsor guidance is simply not sufficient to equip you with the answers to these questions; a deeper understanding of the sector risks involved and the reasoning behind such compliance responsibilities is key. If this is an area of confusion or concern for you, or if you want assurance that you are getting it right, please join us and rest-assured you are not alone. We’ll be providing risk-assessment questionnaires, practical solutions and best practice tips in this jam-packed 1-hour training session, along with a live Q&A.
• What about the boys? Modern masculinity
  This half day seminar will look at masculinity and the current issues affecting young men including mental health, dating and relationships, pornography, status and physical appearance. We will then move on to look at performance enhancing drugs and how these are currently used.
• Supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
  Our schools are ever more neurodiverse. This webinar will focus on best practice when supporting young people with Autism Spectrum Condition and how to ensure our school environment and boarding houses are safe, inclusive spaces fostering a sense of belonging.

February webinars:

• Boarding box set – Marketing considerations for boarding schools
  BSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.
• TIOB/BSA – Political landscape and engagement for boarding schools
  The current political context as well as the potential change in government have significant implications for the independent and boarding sectors. Offering a balanced view can certainly be challenging. In this webinar, we will explore how to effectively advocate for the sector and our schools. We will also focus on how to discuss politics and political engagement with other stakeholders (be they parents, colleagues or boarders) while  staying as neutral and balanced as possible.
• Due Diligence: International Student Recruitment
  This webinar will explore the key risk areas permeating international student recruitment and steps all schools should take to manage associated risks. Our expert speakers are Kate Hollyer, Director of Legal and Public Affairs, BSA Group and Mark Taylor of Verisio Ltd.  The session will be chaired by Caroline Nixon, International & Membership Director, BSA Group, and there will be time to ask questions at the end of the webinar.
• BSA & BAISIS – Marketing considerations for international families
  Join us as we delve into the world of marketing considerations for international families and consider how schools can stay ahead of the curve and connect with the global community of international families looking to benefit from a British education for their child(ren). This webinar will provide valuable strategies and approaches to engage with prospective parents and students in today’s competitive landscape.

March webinars:

• Boarding box set – EDI in boarding
  BSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.
• What about the boys? Modern masculinity
  This half day seminar will look at masculinity and the current issues affecting young men including mental health, dating and relationships, pornography, status and physical appearance. We will then move on to look at performance enhancing drugs and how these are currently used.
• Are you UKVI inspection ready? 
  BSA’s Are you prepared for your next Home Office inspection? UKVI audits can be announced or unannounced, making it imperative that sponsor schools are ready for an inspection from UKVI officers at any time. Establishing systems and processes to ensure continued compliance with UKVI requirements is not just good practice, but essential to prevent licence revocation. For those who have not experienced a UKVI audit recently or at all, equip yourself with insider-knowledge of what to expect, how to prepare and what mistakes to avoid.

April webinars:

• Safeguarding duties for Child Students: Care arrangements, absences and holidays
  UKVI has – rightly – intensified its focus on the welfare and safeguarding of Child Students. Scrutiny is being applied both at in-person inspections and remotely through sponsor record reviews. So, do you understand what is expected of you as a Student sponsor? How do you assess whether a care arrangement is appropriate? How does a sponsored student’s absence impact your sponsor licence? What records do you need to make for holidays and travel plans? A review of the duties listed in the Student sponsor guidance is simply not sufficient to equip you with the answers to these questions; a deeper understanding of the sector risks involved and the reasoning behind such compliance responsibilities is key.
• BSA/SACPA – Managing the Single Central Register (SCR) in boarding school
  Schools and colleges must keep a Single Central Record in line with statutory guidance and associated legislation. However, inaccuracies and missing data in the single central register remains a key area of compliance concern resulting in poor regulatory inspection outcomes which are reflected in judgements on safeguarding leadership.
• Boarding box set – Wellbeing and Staff Support
  BSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview series of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’
• Mental health management in the modern world
  Anxiety, depression, ADHD and dyslexia are at an all-time highs. Why is this the case and what can we do to help manage and mitigate these issues? In this webinar, nutritionist and neuroscientist, Inder Singh Virdi will share his story after struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia. He will also share techniques we can use to support these conditions based on the latest research.
• Child student and student visas: what you need to know
  The offer letter has been sent and CAS issued, what next? Improve your school’s ‘international student journey’ by increasing your knowledge of the visa application process. Understanding this vital next step will enable you to support your student before they’ve walked through the school gates, whilst helping prevent unnecessary mistakes that could easily lead to a visa refusal.

May webinars:

• Managing Microaggressions and “banter”
  In this webinar, we will explore the pervasive issue of microaggressions and banter. We will focus on the knowledge, tools, and skills to create a more inclusive and respectful environment. We will also look at how work on microaggressions and banter fit within a whole school anti-bullying strategy. The webinar will give insights about the impact of microaggressions on individuals and wider groups. You will learn to recognise and address microaggressions effectively, fostering empathy, and promoting positive interactions.
• Cass Review: Analysis, summary and next steps
  The long-awaited final report of the Cass Review was published in April. The near 400-page report provides an in-depth review of gender identity services for children and young people in England. The comprehensive review covers contextual factors and vulnerabilities, the clinical care received by children as well as views on hormone treatments and proposals for future care. This webinar will provide an in-depth summary of the findings as well as responses to the review, and an opportunity to consider the implications for schools and the young people in their care.
• Supporting Prep pupils with SEND
  With a documented rise in the number of pupils with diagnosed Special Educational Needs, this webinar will explore how we can effectively support them in the early stages of their school careers. Our speaker will use examples from their practice to discuss common challenges as well as successful strategies and how to implement them.
• Young carers: Supporting a hidden group of pupils
  78% of schools recorded in the 2023 school census that they had zero young carers in their pupil population. We know this can’t be true, even within independent schools, especially when research indicates there may be around 1 million young carers nationally. Young carers are typically a hidden group of children and young people, and may be even harder to identify within boarding school environments. The Carers Trust and The Children’s Society are on a mission to help all schools improve their identification of young carers and ensure young carers get the crucial support they need. Research indicates that caring responsibilities hinders both attainment and attendance for children and young people. By schools identifying these pupils and putting in place better support mechanism we can help level out the playing field. All schools are now required to record their young carers as part of the school census/school-level annual school census as of January this year. Join us for this webinar to find out more about who young carers are, why it’s important to identify young carers in your schools and how our free of charge schools programme (https://youngcarersinschools.com/) can help support your school to improve the outcomes for young carers.
• Prep to Senior School Transition – Supporting Student Wellbeing and Facilitating Future Success
  Moving up into senior education is often considered as an inevitability that will work out in the end “because everyone goes through it”. This webinar explores the complexities of school transition, offering insights to the psychological processes involved, the challenges that may arise, and practical guidance on how to support students in each phase of their transition to senior school. Early transition experiences are known to bear influence well beyond childhood, setting the tone for future experiences of life transitions, academic and professional success, as well as shaping self-esteem and identity. Recognising that everyone has a unique set of experiences, personality factors and perspectives, we explore strategies that can contribute to building resilience, a strong sense of belonging and authenticity, all of which bolster and protect wellbeing while facilitating school transition.

June webinars:

• Student Sponsorship: Summer Essentials
  With the end of the academic term, a new phase of your school’s ongoing sponsor licence compliance journey commences. Now is the time to ensure that key visa and immigration checks are being made. This 1-hour webinar will provide colleagues with current guidance and top tips to ensure ongoing sponsor licence compliance and avoid common pitfalls during the school holidays.
• Boarding box set – boarding house management
  BSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview series of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.
• The three Rs of boarding – roles, ratios and rotas: practical tips for getting these right for your school
  This course focuses on three key components for the successful management of boarding. It looks at the variety of roles within a boarding school and boarding house, from Director of Boarding to house support staff, and how this works in different types of boarding schools. It will then consider the practical and legal requirements of staff/student ratios and the importance of creating clear rotas to ensure appropriate staff cover for boarding at all times.

To request a recording of any of the below webinars, please email bsa@boarding.org.uk with the title of the webinar.

September webinars:

• KCSIE Part 1 update for staff
  A new version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) will come into force on 1 September. 2022Trustees, Governing bodies and proprietors should ensure that those staff who work directly with children read and demonstrate an understanding of the content of Part one of KCSIE and that staff who do not work directly with children read either Part one or Annex A. This webinar covers the content of Part 1 of KCSIE22 using case study examples.  A scenario-based learning evidence pack is available for delegates to complete and to be retained by DSL’s to evidence understanding of content and application and to identify any areas of development.
• Pre-inspection self-assessment audit tips and recommendations

The session will give an overview of how to audit boarding provision, whether for internal processes or for an external verification or inspection.

• Safeguarding highlights for Governors
  This webinar will give Governors an overview regarding their safeguarding responsibilities and will focus on recent updates relevant to the sector. There will also be a focus on ensuring appropriate responses to the safeguarding situation post-COVID. This webinar will cover the new additions to KCSIE. For Governors with an interest in boarding, comment will be made on the proposed updates to the National Minimum Standards, which are likely to be implemented during the course of the academic year.
• Black History Month & Beyond
  
  The aim of the session is to provide information and resources for boarding staff to use in their Houses to promote awareness of Black History Month. Ensuring the young people in our care are equipped with cultural awareness and knowledge beyond their ‘normal’ is vital in preparing them for life beyond school. It will also suggest steps that can be taken to promote cultural awareness throughout the year.
• Safeguarding updateThe session will discuss current trends and developments in safeguarding. There will be a particular focus on the changes in the updated Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance for England (September 2022) but the content will be relevant to all safeguarding practitioners

• Curiouser and Curiouser: Why Research Matters

  This one-day online conference will focus on the importance of research culture in helping us explore the complexities of EDI Issues and seeks to challenge our thinking and to drive effective strategy forward in our schools. As well as signposting recent research across a wide range of areas linked to EDI, speakers will consider research as an opportunity and tool that can deepen understanding, challenge perceptions and celebrate creative and critical thinking.
  

• Boarding induction for residential tutors and supporting staff/visitors
  Boarding Houses are often dynamic and busy venues, welcoming visitors to support the boarders who call the House ‘home’. Whilst permanent members of the boarding team receive clear information on the policies and processes that keep each House safe, how much information do supporting staff and regular visitors receive? This webinar will provide a concise induction addressing the usual processes and policies that practitioners need to be aware of to ensure the safety of boarders within their Houses.
  
• Homesickness
  This webinar will discuss homesickness and aim to discuss strategies to support. There will be an open forum to discuss best practice with Q&A. 

October webinars:

• Boarding box set: market overview and strategic considerationsBSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.
• Foundations for boarding school Governors – roles, responsibilities and collective governance
  This webinar, led by Richard Harman, Chief Executive, AGBIS, will review the roles and responsibilities of Governors of boarding schools and discuss how governors demonstrate collective governance. Best practice recommendations as to the development of the role of Governor, fulfilling responsibilities and ensuring successful governance will be discussed. There will be opportunity for delegates to put any questions they may have about being a Governor of a boarding school, understanding the role and current issues to Richard.
  

November webinars:

• Gender Identity: Pupils in Boarding SchoolsThe aim of the session is to support delegates in understanding the current legal frameworks that apply to boarding schools and how this might be applied in practice.  The session will focus on unpacking the BSA’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Briefing Paper to support and assist schools to navigate an area of legal and practical complexity.
  
  
• Boarding box set: an introduction to equity, diversity and inclusionBSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview series of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.
  
• Foundations for boarding school Governors – how to question and challenge
  
  This webinar will talk delegates through how individual Governors and Governing bodies can provide schools with a robust degree of challenge and offer best practice suggestions for how to develop suitable audit models with school leadership teams.  Delegates will be able to put questions to the speakers and Chair to raise specific issues or challenges they are facing.

December webinars:

• ADHD – systems and strategies to support pupils in boarding schools
  This presentation will demystify the term ADHD and co-existing conditions in terms of learning, behaviour and socialisation issues. Focusing on traits and not labels we will provide delegates with an understanding of the developmental differences of ADHD in order to support children in terms of living and learning.
• Boarding box set: inspection considerations
  BSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview series of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.

To request a recording of any of the below webinars, please email bsa@boarding.org.uk with the title of the webinar.

January webinars:

• Visa & Immigration Sponsor Licence Compliance: A refresher
  Do you understand your school’s duties as an international student sponsor? Compliance with sponsor licence duties is a school-wide responsibility which goes far beyond the Child Student Visa application itself. Ensuring staff members understand what it means to be a UKVI sponsor, and the wider risks and consequences of non-compliance, is essential. Whether you are new to international student sponsorship, or whether you are looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will provide the overview you need to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Foundations for boarding school Governors – Ensuring all pupils are included and supportedThis webinar will explore, from a Governor’s perspective, the duty to ensure all pupils are included and supported within the school environment, with a particular focus on boarding. Key considerations will include the need for compliance with key legislation, the impact of statutory and non-statutory guidance and the practical issues faced by schools when managing key concepts relating to equality, diversity and inclusion in a boarding environment.
  
  
• Boarding box set: marketing and admissionsBSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders, giving them a broad overview series of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.
  
  
• LGBT+ History Month and beyond
  The webinar aims to empower participants to confidently plan class, boarding house or whole school activities and events around LGBT+ History Month (February) and other key dates. The recommendations from the webinar will support the successful implementation of NMS 16 relating to Equal opportunities and contribute to a culture where diversity is celebrated.
• Checking In – mental health and resilience self-assessmentThe boarding environment, and education sector, are busy places to work and challenging environments in which to maintain a healthy work / life balance. Looking after yourself professionally and personally are key to healthy high performance. This webinar will highlight the importance of a self-awareness of personal and collective resilience and wellbeing and deliver some thoughts and strategies on developing this.

February webinars:

• Money launderingWhere there are fees, there are money laundering risks to be aware of. The potential consequences of being involved in an instance of money laundering may have a severe impact on a fee paying school’s reputation. This webinar will look at money laundering offences and explore how these could impact your school. By the end of the webinar, you will have the knowledge to take reasonable steps to minimise the likelihood of such activities in your setting.
  
• Boarding box set: visas and immigrationA whistle-stop tour of immigration responsibilities for UK boarding schools who are sponsors. All members of SMT/SLT have a duty to understand their sponsor responsibilities and legal obligations. This webinar will provide an overview of key sponsor duties and compliance requirements. Delegates will gain a broad understanding of their responsibilities and will be signposted to key documents critical to recruiting international students.
  
• Women’s History Month and beyond – recommended resources and activitiesWomen’s History Month was established in the UK in 2011 and incorporates International Women’s Day (8th March 2021). Attending this training will give delegates a deeper understanding of why Women’s History month was established and will provide ideas and links to resources that could be used in your school.
  
• Bystanders and Upstanders (antibullying)Every child, and probably every adult, has been a bystander at some point in time. A bystander is someone who witnesses bullying but does not get involved. Being a bystander is easy – they aren’t the perpetrator, and they are not the one outwardly being harmed or the target of the attack. In every situation it’s necessary to have somebody who does something that prevents or reduces the bullying they see – an upstander. Upstanders are people who comes to the aid of another person who is being bullied and shows them kindness. Moving from being a bystander to becoming an upstander will not happen overnight. This webinar will give you the tools needed to support your staff and pupils on their journey to becoming an upstander.

March webinars:

• Verisio service launch (FOC)BSA in partnership with Verisio is delighted to launch a bespoke service for UK boarding schools. We will carry out due diligence on the key risk areas permeating international student recruitment to provide clarity and peace of mind on source of funds and emerging relationships. This free of charge webinar explains how, and is essential for all schools which recruit international students.
  
• Are you UKVI audit-ready? Common pitfalls and current trendsAre you prepared for your next Home Office inspection? UKVI audits can be announced or unannounced, making it imperative that sponsor schools are ready for an inspection from UKVI officers at any time. Establishing systems and processes to ensure continued compliance with UKVI requirements is not just good practice, but essential to prevent licence revocation. For those who have not experienced a UKVI audit recently or at all, equip yourself with insider-knowledge of what to expect, how to prepare and what mistakes to avoid.
  
• Boarding box set: promoting a culture of safeguarding
  This webinar will explore how to understand and evaluate the safeguarding “culture” in schools. It will consider how to develop and promote appropriate practice and to evaluate the key indicators.
  
  
• Ensuring best medical practice in boarding schools
  In any environment we should be ensuring that medical practices are met, but how do we meet the needs of young people in boarding schools. This webinar will look at latest guidance, key considerations and how this applies in practice. This session will consider both physical and mental health, illness and health promotion.

April webinars:

• Child Student and Student Visas: What you need to know
  The offer letter has been sent and CAS issued, what next? Improve your school’s ‘international student journey’ by increasing your knowledge of the visa application process. Understanding this vital next step will enable you to support your student before they’ve walked through the school gates, whilst helping prevent unnecessary mistakes that could easily lead to a visa refusal.

• Supporting strategies for homesickness in boarding
  Pupils can experience homesickness at any age and any time but more so at the start of a new term. This webinar will explore the signs and symptoms of homesickness, discuss best practice, and provide strategies to support those in the boarding environment.

• Boarding box set: boarding house management
  BSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview series of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.

May webinars:

• Boarding box set: staff support and wellbeing
  In this webinar, delegates will be introduced to a robustly researched framework that can help to build resilience and wellbeing amongst individuals, teams, and throughout an organisation. The webinar will offer an insight into how an organisation can support staff to achieve healthy high performance.

• Out of hours medical provision in boarding
  Whilst most boarding schools are fortunate to have onsite medical provisions during the day, it’s important to consider the provisions available ‘out of hours’ too. This webinar will look at risk assessing the out of hours service provision alongside activities and scenarios that may require support from a variety of medically trained personnel. Led by Rosie McManus, Head of Boarding, St John’s College School, this webinar will look at supporting both mental and physical health out of hours.
  

• Supporting Pride and Disability Pride Months
  The webinar aims to empower participants to plan class, boarding house or whole school activities and events confidently around Pride and Disability Pride Months (June and July respectively). The recommendations from the webinar will support the successful implementation of NMS 16 relating to Equal opportunities and contribute to a whole-school culture where diversity is celebrated. As usual, Jonathan’s webinar will give delegates a wealth of practical strategies to put into action in school.

June webinars:

• Managing stress and anxiety in pupils and staff
  Experiencing anxiety and stress is all part of being human. This webinar will look at the function of the brain and how we cope day to day with the “normal” stressors of life. Subconsciously many of us naturally develop coping strategies to manage emotional turbulence but what can we learn from this and why do these strategies help?

• Boarding box set: Getting it right for international students
  BSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview series of a range of key topics relating to boarding. This series would be ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’.
  

• Inclusion in the boarding environment
  BSA and GSA have come together with a short series of joint webinars considering the specific needs of both boarding schools, and girls’ schools. In this webinar, colleagues will share their experiences with various Inclusion topics such as issues around transgender students and neurodiversity within the boarding environment.

  There is a requirement for clear, unambiguous guidance within our organisation for how to support and include Non-Binary and Trans students whilst remaining compliant with legislation, and taking into account the needs and rights of all of our stakeholders. After a 3 month research project, Ceri will report back her findings on how schools have approached this successfully and any pitfalls they have found as well as what recommendations she has concluded from this research.

  This webinar will support all stakeholders including Non-Binary and Trans Students.

• Vaping
  We know that the prevalence of children and young people involved in vaping is a growing concern and regulation of vaping products does not support harm reduction. Young people are growing up in a world in which they are very likely to encounter and experiment with vaping along with use of other substances. They need to know the facts about what they might encounter, what the dangers are, what the myths are and how to access advice and support for their vaping use. This seminar is designed to improve the knowledge of those who are teaching, and supporting, young people to navigate through these issues. Attendees will receive a full update on current facts and figures surrounding vaping concerns along with information on current Government strategies to combat the sale and promotion of these devices, in particular to teenagers. Options and advice to offer students and their parents with concerns around vape addiction will be provided so attendees can share these more broadly across their school, as well as options on how to deter the current epidemic use of vapes, even on site.