E-Courier
On Monday 13 October 2025, some maintained schools, nurseries, academies and local authorities received an automated email confirming assignments for statutory moderation and monitoring activities. For maintained schools and local authorities this is for information only and there is no further action required. For nurseries and academies this email was […]
Maintained schools and Local Authorities – Automated emails Read More »
As winter approaches, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education has published two blogs aimed to help reduce illness-related school absences. These outline practical steps schools and families can take together including those around basic hygiene practices, making children are up to date with their
Preventing winter illness in schools 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 »
We’re thrilled to announce that the awards are back, celebrating the incredible collaboration between education and the arts to support children’s wellbeing in primary schools across the North East and North Cumbria. If your school or organisation has been championing creativity to make a positive impact on young lives, this
The 2025-26 Chris Drinkwater Creative Health in Primary Schools Awards are NOW OPEN! 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 »
Dear Colleagues, We are currently in the process of refurbishing Wooler Primary School and are able to offer the following surplus furniture to schools in Northumberland: If you are interested in viewing these items, please contact Mike Dean-Hall (mike.deane-hall@woolerandglendale.co.uk) to arrange a convenient time to view and collect the benches.
Surplus Furniture – ICT Benches Read More »
F.A.O Headteacher (as duty holder) and Caretaker/Site Manager If you haven’t already done so, please remember to book a place on the accredited Asbestos Awareness training course. Course: Asbestos Awareness Training Current dates with availability are: 9.00am, 30 October 2025 9.00am, 11 November 2025 9.00am, 26 November 2025 All
Asbestos Awareness Training Read More »
(This course is mandatory for Headteachers in Community/VC schools and the PRU) This course was originally delivered in June 2025. If you have already attended, there is no need to attend again. About the course Specifically designed for Headteachers and other staff who support them to manage school premises. This
This year we’re launching an online safety session aimed at parents and carers whose children attend schools in ICT SLA3 (online safety). The session will last around 40-45 minutes and aims to explain: You can choose to share the links to the online sessions, or alternatively, you may like to
Online safety at home Read More »
Dear colleagues, We’re pleased to invite you to our upcoming online session, see attached flyer. 🖋️ Understanding the Writing Framework: Clarity, Consistency, and Confidence 📅 Wednesday 22nd October🕞 3:30pm – 4:30pm💻 Online Join this evidence-informed webinar to unpack the key messages of the new Writing Framework and gain clarity on what it really means for classroom practice.
Join Our Upcoming Writing Framework Webinar – Wednesday 22nd October 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
The School Workforce Census return is due on 6 November. Please can you upload your completed returns to the School to School system on 6 November. If you’re unable to upload your return on this date you must contact us at payrolldevelopment@northumberland.gov.uk If you are an Academy you will need
School Workforce Census 2025 Read More »
Please find attached the regular monthly funding ebulletin from the Funding Investment and Assurance covering the latest external funding opportunities. You may forward this to colleagues who you think may be interested in future announcements, they can then use the ‘QR Code or link to subscribe to the Regeneration Programmes Investment Funding
Funding e-Bulletin – 10 October 2025 Read More »
The UKHSA Health Protection Team, have produced a series of bite sized videos regarding common winter illnesses for schools and nurseries and these are now live on a private YouTube channel hosted by UKHSA. They are designed for staff working in schools, and not for distribution outside the settings.
UKHSA common winter illness video Read More »
Northumberland County Council are offering free trees to schools as part of the annual tree giveaway. If you’re a school, community group or town/parish council you can apply for a free tree pack in sizes 10, 30, 60, 90 or 120. Choices of tree packs are: The trees are
Free trees for schools Read More »
The conference will provide a unique opportunity for primary school leaders and teachers to engage with and listen to keynote speakers, share good practice and participate in workshops creating practical and relevant strategies for the whole school. Keynote Speakers: Cullercoats born authorRoss Welford; Richard O’Neill, author and sixth generation storyteller. Themes
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team 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 complete this form. New Information for Childminders DfE have brought together the most relevant Childcare Works resources for
Early Years Update Read More »
It has come to our attention “in the front and/or back of some editions of the Spy Dog, Spy Cat and Spy Pups series there is a reference to the author, Andrew Cope’s, former website for the series which was owned and managed by him. We understand an unconnected third
Spy Dog, Spy Cat and Spy Pups – website linking to inappropriate adult content Read More »
FAO of Headteachers: The 2025/26 EYFS Profile Handbook has been released. Please find attached the EYFS Profile Briefing slides which we recommend you read to understand any changes to the Handbook and your responsibilities as a Headteacher. If you have any questions about the EYFS Profile, please contact rosy.dickinson@northumberland.gov.uk.
2025/26 EYFS Profile Handbook Read More »
Would you like to support your learners to be more independent, skilled and confident? Northumberland Psychological Services Team are offering a training programme to build the capacity of schools to do just that. The MeLSA (Mediated Learning Support Approach) course is based on mediated learning principles. Mediated learning involves
Mediated Learning Support Approach (MeLSA) Training Read More »
Please see attached letter from Audrey Kingham, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families regarding SEND Funding.
Northumberland SEND Funding Update October 2025 Read More »
The DfE have updated the guidance on PE and sports premium. You can find the allocations for academic year 2025 to 2026 and the terms and conditions here. The updated guidance is here.
PE and sport premium for primary schools 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 fully funded programmes for the 2025/26
Welcome to the first edition of the NECA Excellence in Education newsletter! Read More »
This events are aimed at Primary School teachers and leaders. We’re delighted to invite you to our Autumn Primary Careers Conference at the Energy Central Campus in Blyth—an inspiring venue at the heart of the region’s clean energy revolution. This year’s theme focuses on careers in the energy sector, with a
North East Ambition Autumn Primary Careers Conference Read More »
National Numeracy, the UK’s only independent charity focused on improving everyday maths skills, is offering primary schools the opportunity to participate in the Schools & Families Programme. This fully funded initiative aims to tackle low numeracy confidence among pupils, parents/carers, and school staff, with free training and resources. The Schools
World Mental Health Day is held every 10th October to raise awareness and drive positive change for everyone’s mental wellbeing. This year’s theme, “Access to services: mental health in catastrophes and emergencies”, highlights the urgent need for timely, compassionate support. For those working in education, the pressures can be especially intense.
World Mental Health Day – 10th October Read More »
The Council has a number of white desks and partition screens available free to any school that is able to collect (see attached photos). The desks and screens are currently stored in Bedlington Council Offices. To arrange a visit to review the desks, please contact Nicola Armstrong Mobile: 07900 681384
Free desks and partition screens available Read More »
The Northumberland Cultural Education Partnership are working with NECA to address the transport issues associated with Northumberland schools accessing cultural venues. The Community Engagement Lead for the bus network has produced a zoomable map of cultural organisations and schools, along with the existing bus routes that serve these. This might be
Using public transport to access cultural venues Read More »
Julie McGrane and Anne de A’Echevarria invite Northumberland first/primary/middle schools to join the knowhowEd Geography and History virtual network. The network starts on Monday 6 October. 3.45pm – 4.45pm The first session is a joint Geography and History session so two people in a school can join for the price
knowhowEd Geography and History virtual network Read More »
