Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Spring 2025-26 Headcount (PVI’s ONLY)
The pre-populated headcount forms are now available in your SPR 2025-26 file.
To locate your file, go to Drive > click on the search in drive bar > type in your provider ref > click on the file with your name on > 2025-2026 > SPR 2025-26
If you require a password reset, or cannot locate your file, please contact earlyyearsteam@northumberland.gov.uk
Please do not leave it until the deadline to submit.
Deadline to submit – Friday 16th January.
Setting Level Data (PVI’s ONLY)
For those of you struggling to provide a link to where your fee policy is published online, please follow the instructions below. (The link should lead directly to the policy document or a page where it can be easily found on your website page or your listing on the Family Services Directory).
- Open the Website
Go to the webpage you want to share. - Copy the Link
- Click once in the address bar at the top of your browser (where the website URL appears).
- The full link should highlight.
- Right-click and select Copy, or press Ctrl + C (Windows) / Command + C (Mac).
- Paste the Link
- Go to the document, email, or message where you want to share the link.
- Right-click and select Paste, or press Ctrl + V (Windows) / Command + V (Mac).
- Check the Link
Make sure the pasted link looks correct.
Wizard Downtime
The Wizard will be unavailable for half a day on Monday 19th January for a system update.
Government to publish first-ever guidance on screen use for under-fives
The Government is to publish new guidance for parents on screen use for under-fives in April as new research shows the use of screens is impacting children’s language development. Find out more here.
Paediatric First Aid Training- recent updates
We wanted to share some important updates with you about our Paediatric First Aid blended offer with Northern Training Partnership.
When signing staff up for a PFA training session, via the School Readiness Passport, they must be registered with an individual email address. This is to ensure they get access to the online section (Day 1) of the PFA course. Individual staff member email addresses MUST therefore be accurate and up to date on the School Readiness Passport. You can check and edit this in the staff section of your manager’s account.
The online learning section (Day 1) of the PFA course must be completed at least 48 hours before the face to face session (Day 2), as this pre-learning is required to help staff complete the practical assessment. If the online learning is not completed, then staff will be unable to attend the face to face session, and a charge will be applied for non completion. Charges for non attendance and late cancellation for face to face PFA sessions are also in place due to the high demand for this course.
Please be aware that there has been recently updated guidance in relation to resuscitation and choking in babies- this will be reflected in the PFA training course provided by NTP. Information about changes to the guidance can be found here: 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines | Resuscitation Council UK
If you have any questions about this information, please get in touch with Zoe Gibb via email: Zoe.Gibb@northumberland.gov.uk
Updates from Partners
The Great North Early Years Stronger Practice Hub- Maths Champions Training
Maths Champions is an online professional development programme with 12 months access developed by National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA). The programme consists of nine steps which can be completed flexibly around your schedule.The aim of the programme is to increase practitioner knowledge, awareness and confidence in supporting early mathematics in order to improve outcomes for children. Participating nurseries will nominate a Maths Champion and Deputy Maths Champion who will lead the programme supporting and driving improvement.
Click the following link to find out more and register your interest: Maths Champions | Stronger Practice Hubs
One Excellene English Hubs- School Offer
Follow the link here to access a range of free training and webinars from the local English Hub.
Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3
The Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship is a 15-18 month, work-based programme delivered by Best Practice Network. Click the link to find out more information and register your interest.
