Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Headcount SUM 2024-25
For those of you who submit your early years data via school360, the pre-populated forms are now available in the SUM 2024-25 file in your school360 account. Submission deadline – Friday 16th May.
To locate your file go to Drive > use the search bar to type in your provider ref > 2024-2025 > SUM 2024-25
You must complete the correct form. If you are experiencing problems locating the SUM 2024-25 form, please contact a member of the team at earlyyearsteam@northumberland.gov.uk
Early Years Leaders Briefing
We have a packed agenda for the Summer Term Early Years Leaders Briefing. Information and sign-up links can be found in the poster attached. Childminders are welcome to attend but we will also be hosting briefings specifically for Childminder’s to meet and explore what the updates mean for your provision.
Business Rates Relief
As childcare providers continue to see cost increases, there may be an opportunity to reduce the amount of Business Rates payable to NCC. NCC has several Rate Relief Schemes, information on which can be found here. Depending upon your circumstances, some providers are potentially eligible to apply for Small Business Rates Relief, Business Hardship Relief, Discretionary Rate Relief or Discretionary Rural Rate Relief.
1-Year FREE Membership and key training for Wraparound Providers through the Out of School Alliance (OOSA)
As part of the National Wraparound Childcare Programme funding, primary schools and eligible PVI settings will be able to register for 1-Year FREE membership with the Out of School Club Alliance (OOSA).
When you join OOSA you can benefit from a wide range of member-only services, all designed to make your time (and money) go further.
In addition, eligible providers will also have free access to a few key specific on-line courses designed to enhance the quality and delivery of wraparound services.
Please look out for details on how to access OOSA membership and training in your Inbox in the next week. If you have any queries, please email theresa.kirkwood@northumberland.gov.uk
Early Years Financial Incentive (FI) Pilot Bonus Scheme
The FI Pilot ended on 31st March 2025. This means we are unable to process any new bonus applications.
Bonus Recipients
Between March 2024 and March 2025, 42 practitioners locally received the bonus, designed to support recruitment, in line with the early years expansion. The scheme is now going through a national evaluation process carried out externally by IFF.
Newly Appointed Staff
If you are new to the sector or received the £1000 bonus, please contribute towards the research by completing the following link IFF Research. They would like to know more about your job search experience.
Updates from Partners
Poisoning
Suspected poisoning is still one of the most common dangers and reasons for young children to be taken to A&E, which involves detergent capsules, cleaning products, everyday painkillers and prescription medicines.
CAPT are offering FREE resources and would like all settings to promote the ongoing dangers with your families. Please see more information and resources available by clicking on the following link CAPT
Food Standard Agency – Early years food choking hazards Guidance
Relationships Matter Training
The Family Hubs are hosting ‘Relationships Matters’ training sessions this May and June. Please see the posters attached for Seahouses and Seaton Sluice more information.
Upcoming Events
What is pay for National Minimum Wage (NMW) purposes?
HMRC are currently offering a webinar focused on the NMW and how to accurately calculate to avoid getting it wrong.
Click on the blue link below for more information and a range of dates available in the first week of May
Register for this webinarwhere we will discuss what counts as pay, what doesn’t count and what reduces pay.
Early Years Alliance Annual Conference
The Early Years Alliance’s has announced the line-up for its 2025 virtual annual conference, which will be taking place via Zoom on Thursday 26 June from 6.15pm – 8.45pm.
The event, entitled No child left behind.
Keynote speeches from Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, educational psychologist Dr Melernie Meheux and Alliance CEO Neil Leitch.
Attendees will also get the opportunity to attend one of three practical seminars (and will receive recordings of the other two sessions).
Free to all Alliance members and their teams, and for just £15 for non-members.
Please click on the link below for more details and how to book your place at bit.ly/AllianceConference2025.
Thrive in Action – How to create a sense of belonging in the early years
We’re connecting online between 4:00pm and 4:45pm on 12th May.
Every child needs to feel that they belong – to know they are safe, seen, and significant. During Mental Health Awareness Week, join us as we explore how to create a genuine sense of belonging in early years settings and why this is crucial for mental wellbeing and healthy brain development.
We’ll share practical strategies for building warm, trusting relationships, nurturing inclusive environments, and involving children and families in meaningful ways – all underpinned by the latest neuroscience and Thrive’s relational approach.
Whether you’re leading a nursery, supporting babies and toddlers as a key person, or working as part of a close-knit team, this session offers a reflective and practical space to deepen your approach and nurture a stronger sense of belonging for every child in your care.
Register here for free.
FREE Early Talk Boost training
Opportunity to access free Early Talk Boost training and resources as part of EEF research. For more information and to register your interest please see the attached flyer (please ignore that it refers to North East settings not being eligible – Northumberland settings are eligible).
