E-Courier
Education Support’s latest research shows that teacher wellbeing is at its lowest level since 2019. When wellbeing suffers, retention suffers too — with 1 in 4 education staff actively seeking to change or leave their job due to pressures on their mental health and wellbeing. Education Support has put together […]
Teacher wellbeing and retention Read More »
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
Early Years Update Read More »
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
Notification of Area SEND Inspection, and request to distribute surveys Read More »
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
Mobile phones in school – policy updated Read More »
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
Early Years Update Read More »
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
Early Years Update Read More »
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 »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Spring 2025-26 Headcount (PVIs Only) The pre-populated headcount forms are now available in your SPR 2025-26 file. Please complete by Friday 16th January. To locate your file, go to Drive > click on the search in drive bar > type in your provider ref > click
Early Years Update Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Disability Access Fund 25-26 Do you know enough about DAF? There is still just over £160,000 in our budget, with only 1 term left of the financial year. We are desperate to send this out to providers with children who receive DLA. PLEASE CHECK
Early Years Update Read More »
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
Funding to Help Children and Young People Reach Their Full Potential 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 »
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
Early Years Update Read More »
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
Prudhoe Family Hub What’s On Guide January 2026 Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Quality Interactions in Play- training now available This is a self-led learning course available on the Learning Library via the School Readiness Passport. This course has been built around the ShREC approach. The training has been designed so managers can deliver this session with
Early Years Update Read More »
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
Early Years Update 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 »
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
Early Years Update 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 »
This is a poster produced by Northumberland Sensory Support Service to raise awareness of glue ear, especially in the early years. This is in the context that hearing screening is no longer carried out for Reception aged children. We are distributing the posters to all Northumberland settings with Early Years
Sensory Support Service – Glue Ear Awareness Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Key Dates Spring 2025-26 Please find attached the key dates for Spring 2025-26. Funding drop-in sessions – Are you prepared for Spring? If you would like to chat to us about all things funding, or you would like help preparing for Spring Term, please
Early Years Update 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 »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team 2nd Headcount Request AUT 2025-26 If you have any disadvantaged 2 year olds who have; started accessing funding with you, or have increased their hours since full headcount, please email sophie.downing@northumberland.gov.uk to request a 2nd headcount form by Friday 5th December 2025. Funding Drop-in
Early Years Update 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
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Key Dates Spring Term Please find key dates attached. Keep these handy to prevent missing submission deadlines. Funding Discussion Slots We are now holding drop-in sessions every Wednesday (term-time only). If you would like to book a slot to discuss your funding queries, please
Early Years Update Read More »
Choices College are looking for genuine work experience opportunities and the aim is, after training, to have our students working independently supporting you in the classroom. Students would be placed on a volunteer DBS through your school or nursery at no cost to the school. We complete all other paperwork
Work experience in partnership with NHS Choices College Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Paediatric First Aid at Work Training Four places are now available for the Paediatric First Aidcourse (face-to-face session on the 6th of December). First come, first served – don’t miss out! Additional date added for Paediatric First Aid at Work Great news! Due to
Early Years Update Read More »
The School Improvement Team are delighted that access to HeadsUp4HTs has been fully funded for Northumberland headteachers by the North East Combined Authority (NECA). HeadsUp are a network that provides peer spaces and safe spaces for headteachers to share their experiences, without judgement, and to receive support, guidance, and connection
