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UKHSA and MHRA advice to stop using some non-sterile alcohol-free wipes (DfE)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have advised the public not to use four non‑sterile, alcohol‑free wipes due to infection risk associated with their use. The affected products are:– ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes– Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free– Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free […]

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Important safety warning: product recall notice of Hobbycraft sand-based products (DfE)

For action CLEAPSS, the advisory service supporting safe, high quality practical work in science and design and technology, have issued an alert following the discovery of asbestos contamination in three commercially available Hobbycraft sand-based craft products:– Sand & Pom Pom Art Kit– Easter Bumper Craft Kit– Box of Craft Although

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Early Years Update

Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team New Parent Declaration Form  Please find attached the new parent declaration form. This is in a new format and must be used for new children going forward.  2nd headcount SPR 2025-26 If you require a 2nd headcount form for disadvantaged funded 2 year olds (EY2C codes only) who have; started accessing

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Level 3 Forest School qualification

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

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Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 – consultation version now published

The DfE has published a consultation for the revisions to Keeping Children Safe in Education for September 2026. https://safeguarding.info/kcsie2026draft This is a major update to KCSIE and the list of changes runs to six pages. (see Annex D, page 195) The government say that this update ‘reflects substantive changes that strengthen or clarify existing

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Early Years Update

Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Informing you about the proposals for Early Years funding rates in Northumberland for the financial year 26/27  Please see letter attached. Termly Census 26/27 The DfE directive to apply termly census points for early years funding reduces previous financial flexibility in allocations, as funding

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Notification of Area SEND Inspection, and request to distribute surveys

On behalf of Audrey Kingham, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Education We have been notified today (26 January) that Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission will undertake an area-wide SEND inspection over the next 3 weeks. This is the same type of inspection we last had in March

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Mobile phones in school – policy updated

19 January – the DfE have strengthened the (non-statutory) guidance on mobile phone use at school . Bridget Phillipson has said, “all schools should be phone-free environments for the entire school day. That includes lessons, time between lessons, breaktimes and lunchtime. It means, for example, it is not appropriate for

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Early Years Update

Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Upcoming Deadline – Setting level data (PVIs ONLY) You must complete the questions module in your Wizard account by Friday 23rd January to ensure you can be funded in spring term 26. Failure to complete this information will affect your funding payment.  Please note –   Publishing Your Fee Policy – Are

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Funding to Help Children and Young People Reach Their Full Potential

Schools, community groups, clubs, societies and other not-for-profit organisations based and working in England can apply now for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that help to improve the education and development of children and young people (between the ages of six and 22 years) in England. The funding

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Provision Map training – led by Jude Macdonald (15 January 2026)

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

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Northumberland SEND Peer Review Project and Conference – 20th January 2026

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

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Early Years Update

Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Funding breakdowns for autumn 2025 The funding breakdowns for Autumn 2025 are now available in your Wizard account. Please log in at your earliest convenience to review the details.  If you have any questions or need support accessing the information, feel free to get in touch. earlyyearsteam@northumberland.gov.uk

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Prudhoe Family Hub What’s On Guide January 2026

Please find attached the Prudhoe Family Hub What’s On Guide January 2026 for your reference.  If you are unable to open this attachment, you can access the document on the West Northumberland Family Hub Padlet using the following link:- West Northumberland Family Hubs ‘What’s On’ Padlet The link to the Registration

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Early Years Update

Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Online Safety  Useful tips to share with parents, especially with the run up to Christmas; https://www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying https://www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite https://www.getsafeonline.org/purchasescams Publishing Your Fee Policy – Are You Ready? Childcare providers must publish their fee policies online by January 2026, including the costs of chargeable extras and

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Prevent in education – virtual training sessions

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

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Early Years Update

Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Early Years SEND and Inclusion drop-in Thursday 20th November 4-6PM Joining link: Inclusion Drop In | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams New Early Years Cycles of Target’s document This document will support writing SMART targets. If you need further help or support, please contact an EYIC. Opportunity – Nursery Facility

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Level 3 Forest School qualification

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 »

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