The Schools White Paper will be published in 2026 and will set out the DfE’s proposed reforms to the SEND system. The DfE want to have an open conversation on points and ideas organisations have raised to help inform how they shape the policy in the White Paper. This is […]
SEND reform national conversation Read More »
The Northumberland Roots and Shoots Schools Programme is now an established programme at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland. Led by The Alnwick Garden the programme aims to offer children in selected schools an opportunity to learn how to grow, tend and harvest food for consumption. Whilst the individual pupils gain
Final applications for the Roots and Shoots programme Read More »
We are delighted to inform you of the Fixed, Firm and Fluent Foundations: A Transcription Toolkit – a free, high-impact professional development programme designed to strengthen the building blocks of confident, fluent writing across the primary phase. This is aimed at schools with lower than regional/national average in expected standard in writing
Fixed, Firm and Fluent Foundations: FREE for primary/middle schools Read More »
Following the incredible NCC SEND Conference in June 2025, we have had some interest from schools regarding Jude Macdonald’s provision map. Jude explained at the conference how this tool is being used to inform the strategic direction for schools, classrooms strategies to reduce teacher workload, and a simple way of
Provision Map training – led by Jude Macdonald (15 January 2026) Read More »
The Northumberland SEND Peer Review Project is a collaborative initiative to strengthen SENCOs’ confidence and practice across Northumberland by embedding a sustainable peer review model. Key components include baseline surveys, training on SEND review and self-evaluation, coaching for schools, EvaluateMySchool integration, quality assurance visits, and an impact report – all
Northumberland SEND Peer Review Project and Conference – 20th January 2026 Read More »
Ofsted have published the text of the staff and pupil surveys that will be used going forward. You may wish to have a look in prparation for a forthcoming inspection or use some/all of the questions for your in house surveys.
Ofsted inspections: staff and pupil questionnaire text Read More »
RISE stands for Regional improvement for standards and excellence and, “aims to break the link between young people’s backgrounds and their future success”. RISE will operate at 2 levels: The RISE Attendance and Behaviour (A&B) Hubs Programme offers schools practical, school-led support to improve attendance and behaviour. 36 further hubs (57 in
RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs Programme (DfE) Read More »
The UK Health Agency have provided guidance for school leaders as we move into winter. The advice is available here.
Winter preparedness for schools Read More »
The next NSSN sessions will be held on: Key Stages 1 and 2 – Monday 1st December 2025, 4pm – 4:45pm, online via Microsoft Teams Key Stages 3 and 4 – Wednesday 3rd December 2025, 4pm – 4:45pm, online via Microsoft Teams The sessions will be a chance to discuss work you’re
Northumberland Schools Sustainability Network Read More »
The Department for Education (DfE) regional Prevent co-ordinators (RPECs) support and improve Prevent delivery in each region of England. Their role includes implementing Prevent duty responsibilities across schools, further education (FE) and higher education (HE) settings, as well as any other Department for Education interests in the region. The RPECs offer large, virtual training
Prevent in education – virtual training sessions Read More »
An invitation to attend a free event at York St John University, 0930-1600 5th February 2026. Book by the end of December to secure your place! The Garrison Assist Project are delighted to invite you to this important, regional dissemination event in the North of England. The main target audience
Service children with SEND: A free conference Read More »
The Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages returns from 6 January to 31 March 2026 with our biggest and best programme yet! Registrations are open now, so do explore this year’s Festival programme and please share widely across your school networks. Teachers are encouraged to pick and mix from FREE events, classroom activities
Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages Read More »
The North East Combined Authority supports first/primary/middle schools across our region to deliver meaningful and impactful careers-related learning. The aim is to broaden horizons, raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes, and help children connect classroom learning to the world around them. NECA are currently expanding the North East Ambition Primary Network ahead of the
North East Ambition’s Primary Careers Network Read More »
The government’s Fire Kills campaign launches on 17 November. Teachers can access free, curriculum aligned lesson plans and resources on fire safety as well as other safety topics via the education arm of the campaign. Resources are ready for use in classrooms or as homework and help learners make safer choices.
Sign up to save lives with the Fire Kills campaign (DfE) Read More »
The Unlocking Reading programme is a new continuous professional development (CPD) programme from FFT in partnership with the DfE. This free opportunity is designed to help state-funded secondary schools in England build their knowledge and strengthen their confidence and skills in supporting struggling readers as well as embedding a whole-school
New training to support struggling readers in secondary schools (DfE) Read More »
Friday 5th December, 9.15-9.45am Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime live broadcast from Antarctica with Robert Swan OBE, and Jenny Cooke, co-founder of the 2041 School charity. Streaming 600 miles from the South Pole, Rob will share stories from the ice, the importance of protecting our planet’s frozen continent, and inspire young
Assembly LIVE from Antarctica! – FREE from Picture News Read More »
Adventure Training North East are offering a 9 day level 3 Forest School course endorsed by the Forest School Association. See what previous candidates from Northumberland schools have said: “Wow! What an experience, thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Caroline and Colette are inspirational leaders.’ AS, Bridges Nursery, Newcastle. I wouldn’t hesitate to
Level 3 Forest School qualification Read More »
Senior Leader briefings are planned for the spring and summer terms. A chance to meet colleagues and hear from the School Improvement Team as well as other local authority staff and invited guests. The content will be the same at the North, Central and West meetings so you only need
Senior Leader Briefings – spring and summer terms Read More »
A reminder that Northumberland headteachers have FREE access to a range of support from Headsup4HTs, funded by the North East Combined Authority. The support consists of: Full details of each of the above is available here. Please be assured that the Local Authority and NECA cannot access any of the information about
Headsup4HTs – FREE Read More »
The School Improvement Team are delighted to confirm that the Education Endowment Foundation has approved an Evidence into Action partnership with Northumberland. This is an evidence informed approach to improving number knowledge and transition from Early Years and Key Stage 1. If you would like to express your interest and find out more about
Improving number knowledge and transition from Early Years and Key Stage 1 Read More »
8,500 schools in England have defibrillators that ambulance services can’t see. They’re not registered on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, meaning 999 call handlers won’t be able to locate them in an emergency. A defibrillator on school grounds could save a life – but only if emergency services know
Is your defibrillator registered? Read More »
Each half term, the North East Combined Authority will be showcasing opportunities for schools to get involved, sharing training and development events, and letting you know about upcoming funding opportunities. In this edition, there are lots of opportunities for schools to sign up to as well as events and an
NECA excellence in education newsletter Read More »
The Healthier Together website and mobile app is designed to help parents, carers, and professionals (including schools) make informed decisions about children’s health. Thewebsite and app can play a significant role in supporting schools and improving school attendance in the following ways: By making health advice accessible, reliable, and easy
Promoting the Healthier Together website and mobile app to parents and carers Read More »
Northumbria Healthcare are inviting organisations that work with children and young people to join us for a cafe style session to help us improve our services for CYP. To book please click here.
Northumbria Healthcare feedback session Read More »
In July 2024, the government commissioned Professor Becky Francis CBE to convene and chair a panel of experts to conduct the Curriculum and Assessment Review.The review has been published today. You can find the full report here. You can find a summary of the key policy recommendations here. You can find a
Curriculum and assessment review Read More »
Evidence Based Education are excited to be partnering with the North East Combined Authority to bring the Great Teaching Toolkit to schools across the region. This partnership will support teachers with evidence-informed resources, strategies, and professional development, all underpinned by feedback tools that work for you in your own context
Great Teaching Toolkit – FREE Read More »
Tuesday 11th November, 2-2.30pmWorld leaders are meeting in Brazil to help save our planet – what would you like to tell them? Join Picture News, alongside special guest Jenny Cooper live from Brazil to discover what COP30 is all about, why climate action is important, and how your ideas can help
Live COP30 Webinar from Brazil – KS1 and KS2 Read More »
The Northumberland 0-19 (25) Service are pleased to invite you to our virtual launch event of the Northumberland Healthy Families Plan on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (MST) What is the Healthy Families Plan? This important plan outlines how Growing Healthy Northumberland 0–19 (25) Service, (previously
A reminder that there is a webpage with information to support the education of Service children. There are nearly 600 Service children across over 100 schools in Northumberland You can find the page here.
FAO schools with Service children Read More »
Join leading local employers and find out more about EPIC – The Skills and Innovation Hub for North Northumberland. The proposed Hub is not just a building—it’s a platform for encouraging partnership, productivity and progress. Its mission is to become a beacon of innovation and opportunity, featuring: · A vibrant STEAM
EPIC – The Skills and Innovation Hub for North Northumberland Read More »
