E-Courier
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Setting level data (PVIs ONLY) You must update the questions module in your Wizard account by Friday 9th October to ensure you can be funded in Autumn term 2026. Please note: Early Years Leaders Briefings Calling all EY Leaders! Get yourself signed to the […]
Early Years Update Read More »
oin colleagues from across Northumberland for a collaborative moderation session focused on strengthening formative assessment practice within the EYFS. This session will support practitioners to develop a deeper understanding of effective formative assessment, explore the role of observation, interaction and responsive teaching, and consider how assessment can be used to
Early Years Moderation: Formative Assessment for Schools Read More »
Reducing the spread of seasonal illness in your school this autumn/winter Illness is the largest cause of school absence. Over 50 million days were lost in 2025/26 due to illness, almost half of all absence.Simple things like regular hand washing, opening windows and supporting vaccination help keep children and staff
Keeping your school healthy: vaccinations and resources (DfE) Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team REMINDER – It’s Headcount/Census Week!! – Information for PVIs ONLY Your Autumn term Headcount return is due to be submitted by Friday 2nd October. To locate your file, go to Drive > use the search in Drive bar to type in your provider ref
Early Years Update Read More »
The DfE have published a new enrichment framework to support schools and colleges to design and deliver a high-quality enrichment offer that is strategic, accessible and engaging for all pupils. We encourage you to read the 8 enrichment benchmarks and use them alongside the self-assessment tools, to review your current
Develop your enrichment offer (DfE) Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Funded Places Available for the National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership For the first time in recent cohorts, funding for the NPQEYL is available for all eligible participants who secure a funded place with an NPQ provider. Registration is now open for the
Early Years Update Read More »
The Inspire programme from NEMSA is back and open for applications! The Inspire education grants programme is open to: Schools can apply for up to £10,000, or £20,000 if a bid is from a trust, federation, or cluster of schools wanting to work together. Closing date for applications is 5pm
North East Mayoral Strategic Authority Inspire grants Read More »
Northumberland Cultural Education Partnerships is looking to work with schools to improve access to cultural education for all pupils in Northumberland. Our monthly newsletter includes creative opportunities for schools across the region, as well as details of cultural providers who can support careers education and work experiences in a meaningful
Northumberland Cultural Education Partnerships Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Looking to enhance outcomes for boys in your setting? Our new Best Start for Boys programme offers practical, research-informed training across two half-day sessions, helping practitioners reflect on provision, curriculum and interactions. 🌟 Includes access to FREE STEM training from University of Strathclyde lecturers.
Early Years Update Read More »
As the new academic year gets underway, we know that supporting the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff will continue to be a priority. At Education Support, we have two timely opportunities that we’d be grateful if you could share with schools, colleges and education staff across
Wellbeing resources and webinar for education staff from Education Support Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Golden Tickets Another round of golden tickets will be sent out to potential eligible parents this week. Remember to process an eligibility check via the ELF2 checker in wizard. The letters no longer guarantee eligibility. ELF2 funding begins the term after the child turns 2. Early Years SENCo
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Join paediatric nurse specialists from the RVI’s Great North Children’s Hospital for a full-study day exploring the most commonly seen long term conditions affecting children and young people today. The programme for the day (in February 2027) has been designed to introduce people who teach, care for and support children
Supporting Children with Chronic Conditions where they live and learn Read More »
This case study explores how Branton Primary School, a small rural school, responded to a significant childcare sufficiency gap by developing and sustaining wraparound provision for local families. Led by Headteacher Emma Miller, the school used grant funding to create a flexible and financially viable childcare offer in an area
Sharing What Works: Best Start in Life Case Study Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team ⚠️Estimated Figures – deadline approaching⚠️ PVIS ONLY The deadline for submitting an estimated figures claim is Sunday 6th September. Please log itnto your wizard accounts to submit an advanced or monthly claim. Remember to check your summaries and only include valid codes in your numbers. If you
Early Years Update Read More »
We wanted to ensure all were made aware of the update to volunteer related DBS checks and their specific exemption if the people were supervised. The current exemption will be removed on the 1st September and will have a significant impact in a number of areas. Please see the below
Supervised no longer means exempt (DBS Checks) Read More »
Children and young people bring a wide range of life experiences into the classroom, and these experiences can have a significant impact on their wellbeing, relationships, behaviour, and learning. The Northumberland Schools C.A.R.E. Training provides an opportunity for education professionals to deepen their understanding of attachment, trauma, and the role
Northumberland Schools C.A.R.E. Training Read More »
The CYGNET programme is for parents and carers of autistic children and young people aged 5 – 18 and is delivered by staff from the Autism Support Team (High Incident Needs Team). It provides parents and carers who have an autistic child and have been diagnosed in Northumberland with the
Cygnet Autism Support Programme (for parents) Read More »
Join RWI for a one-hour, remote training session where they will show you the recommended actions to ensure every Reception child makes a strong start this half-term. The session includes the opportunity for practice and coaching with a trainer. Ideal for Reading Leaders and Reception teachers. Resources you need to
Welcome to Picture News – Live session!For those who’d like to learn about Picture News, recently joined and existing schools who’d appreciate some new ideas/a bit of a refresher!Thursday 3rd September, 11-11.30amInfo and registration here – open to all primary schools Display Set (attached)For anyone with a spare display board and looking for
Update from Picture News Read More »
David Street will be leaving his post at the end of the year. Please see this letter for further details.
Goodbye to David Street Read More »
Please remain vigilant when opening email attachments and clicking links. The IT Team at the local authority have received intelligence relating to emails coming from a compromised email address. Whilst there is no immediate cause for concern at this time, users are reminded to: • Verify the sender before opening attachments
Further vigilance required – emails Read More »
We would like to make schools aware that UNISON has written to its members to ask them to consider industrial action in response to the national local government pay award. At this stage, the ballot process is ongoing and we are currently awaiting formal correspondence from UNISON to school employers
UNISON ballot for industrial action over pay Read More »
The DfE have published guidance on preventing and tackling the bullying and harassment of school staff. It sets out employer responsibilities and guidance for governors and trustees. It also includes advice and useful links on dealing with online harassment and getting offensive content removed. The guidance is here.
Harassment of school staff (DfE) Read More »
From the DfE: If your defibrillator will not be available, or its available hours will change during the summer, update its availability status on The Circuit before the end of term. It takes minutes; this short video shows you how. If your defibrillator will remain available, check it is rescue ready and record your
Update your defibrillator on The Circuit before the summer holiday Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Childcare Grant Does Your Current Workforce Reflect the Skills and Experience Needed for the Future? September is often a time when of recruitment for some settings. Please see attached. If you are looking to recruit, you may wish to reflect on the following: Do you consciously consider the strengths, knowledge, interests and talents already within your team and how these are deployed effectively?
Early Years Update Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Sharing What Works: Best Start in Life – Case Study 3 Over the last academic year, Northumberland’s Early Years Team delivered a targeted GLD Project to schools and settings in areas where Good Level of Development (GLD) outcomes were below county or national averages. Working
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Dear Colleague As you know, the government is committed to giving every pupil regardless of their background the best start in life, breaking down barriers to every child achieving and thriving at school and in later life, by ensuring they are ready to learn, as well as supporting families with cost of living,
Free Breakfast Club Survey Read More »
Over the last academic year, Northumberland’s Early Years Team delivered a targeted GLD Project to schools and settings in areas where Good Level of Development (GLD) outcomes were below county or national averages. Working together each term, settings used data analysis, action planning and focused support to identify barriers to learning and
Sharing What Works: Best Start in Life – Case Study 3 Read More »
