E-Courier
We have some exciting news to share with you. Say hello to Soluna by Kooth! Our Kooth service is evolving. We’re moving it to a new platform called Soluna by Kooth, and we want you to know what that means for you and the young people you support. Soluna by Kooth […]
Soluna by Kooth is coming Read More »
Dear colleagues, As you know, the government is committed to delivering a free breakfast club in every state-funded school with primary-aged pupils in England. The evidence shows that children benefit most from a breakfast club which not only provides a healthy breakfast, but also a soft start to the school
Free breakfast clubs – Update to published list of schools Read More »
Please see the Summer newsletter attached.
Schools Library Service Summer Term Newsletter Read More »
A reminder for all schools to sign up for a water savings visit if they haven’t already done so. The costs of the visits are covered by funding from Northumbrian Water. https://www.wave-utilities.co.uk/advice-guidance/news/nationwide-project-help-schools-save-two-billion-litres-water-reaps-promising Schools can register their interest via Wave’s dedicated webpage, wave-utilities.co.uk/bigblue
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 »
This guide has been produced through work with children and young people in Northumberland. They have told us the words that they find positive when we talk and write about them and they have also told us about the ones which offend, which can bring about feelings of shame and
Language that cares guide Read More »
The Ministry of Defence are excited to launch new transition resources designed to help educators across the UK support children from armed forces families as they move between education systems. These resources: Transitions between education systems can bring real challenges — curriculum shifts, qualification changes, differing support structures, and more.
Supporting armed forces pupils through every move Read More »
Navigator Insight are working in partnership with Oxford MeasurEd and the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), on an upcoming national research project that may be of interest to first/primary schools. They are currently recruiting schools for the Teacher Choices: Explicit vs Metacognitive Writing Instruction trial, running during the 2026–27 academic year. The
Teacher Choices – Explicit vs Metacognitive Writing Instruction Trial (2026–27) Read More »
Registration is now open for the autumn 2026 cohort of national professional qualifications (NPQs).Funding is available to eligible participants who secure a funded place with an NPQ provider. The NPQs for headship, SENCOs, senior leadership and early years leadership are fully funded for participants working in eligible educational settings, regardless of disadvantage criteria.Read the full programme details and information
Register for national professional qualifications autumn 2026 cohort Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Family Services Directory Please continue to update your FSD Carescheme to ensure it remains up to date. Such as costs, opening times, local offer, ages and wraparound services etc. Please ensure your settings description has enough information to help parents make an informed choice. This platform is also used by services who support parents into employment. You
Early Years Update Read More »
Vicki Evans, School Governance and Data Protection Manager, will be delivering online training for School Governors on our recently updated School Complaints Policy and the revised Serial and Persistent Complainant Guidance. The session will explore effective approaches to resolving complaints, provide a walkthrough of the updated procedures, and address the
School Governor Training: Complaints Policy & Serial/Persistent Complainant Guidance Read More »
Please complete this short survey to help us to plan the effective delivery of safer recruitment training and refresher sessions next academic year. The full day training course will potentially be split over two half day/twilight sessions. The refresher session is only available to those who have undertaken the Lucy
Safer Recruitment Training Survey (Schools HR) Read More »
The School Aged Immunisation Service have sent information to schools and ask that this is shared with families before the end of term in July. The information also asks you to provide updated class lists for all year groups, particularly for the new starters in Reception, Year 5, Year 7, and Year 9.
Class list request – immunisation Read More »
The Health & Safety team have issued updated guidance on play sand. The bulletin states: “There is currently no requirement to take all sand products out of use, or assume that all sand products are contaminated. Schools are only required to act on specific product recall notices and take appropriate
Play sand – updated guidance Read More »
In line with the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory guidance, this document outlines responsibilities schools have regarding digital communications. It specifically addresses the emerging safeguarding risks posed by advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI), detailing how public images of pupils and staff can be harvested to create ‘deepfakes’ for
Publishing Images of School Life Online 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 belonging to Morpeth St Roberts First School. Whilst there is no immediate cause for concern at this time, users are reminded to:
Vigilance required – emails Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team 📣We want your feedback! We are seeking your feedback on the Northumberland Early Years SEND and Inclusion support and funding offer. Your feedback ensures we develop our processes to meet the needs of the changing early years workforce and have the biggest impact on
Early Years Update Read More »
Periods of hot weather may occur in the next few weeks. With this in mind, the DfE and LA encourage all settings to consider contingency plans now, and to be proactive in considering mitigations and engagement with parents. The following guidance is available:
Hot weather: DfE and joint union guidance Read More »
We are inviting Early Years practitioners to complete a short questionnaire exploring current practice around speech, language and communication (SLC). The survey looks at how SLC is prioritised, approaches to screening, and the use of targeted interventions. Your responses will help us build a clearer picture of practice across the
Early Years Survey: Speech, Language and Communication in the Early Years Read More »
Vicki Evans, School Governance and Data Protection Manager, will be delivering online training for School Governors on our recently updated School Complaints Policy and the revised Serial and Persistent Complainant Guidance. The session will explore effective approaches to resolving complaints, provide a walkthrough of the updated procedures, and address the
School Governor Training: Complaints Policy & Serial/Persistent Complainant Guidance Read More »
Some helpful resources for parents experiencing all the big emotions of growing children. Togetherness the NHS emotional health digital learning hub funded in your area. Your family has free access to expert learning about childhood development, wellbeing, brain changes, and much more to help you to connect with your children.
Togetherness School Wellbeing newsletter Read More »
This brand-new pathway for parents is now LIVE! Togetherness’ new online learning pathway supports parents by giving them the space to reflect on these big parenting challenges: social media, gaming and AI to climate change. Packed with insights from NHS clinical psychologists and health professionals, you can access this learning and
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD IN A CHANGING WORLD Read More »
Education Support are inviting inviting education staff to join a free webinar: From burnout to balance: Practical tools for busy teachers and education staff This supportive and practical session will explore: The webinar is for teachers, leaders and education staff working across schools, colleges and universities. Date: 1 July 2026Time:
From burnout to balance: Practical tools for busy teachers and education staff Read More »
The HINT team have a range of courses on offer during the 2026 – 2027 academic year. For details of each course, costs, and how to book click here.
HINT training courses 2026 – 2027 Read More »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Are you a childminder in Northumberland? – Looking to develop your professional knowledge and deepen your understanding of your role in early years education and care? ✨ Join us for a one-day training event designed especially for childminders! ✨ You’ll have the opportunity to: Please see attached flyer. 👉 Register
Early Years Update Read More »
Senior Leader Briefings return for the 2026–27 academic year. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues, hear key updates from the School Improvement Team, and engage with other local authority staff and invited guest speakers. The same content will be delivered at each venue (North, Central, and
Senior Leader Briefings 2026-27 Read More »
Vicki Evans, School Governance and Data Protection Manager, will be delivering online training for School Governors on our recently updated School Complaints Policy and the revised Serial and Persistent Complainant Guidance. The session will explore effective approaches to resolving complaints, provide a walkthrough of the updated procedures, and address the
School Governor Training: Complaints Policy & Serial/Persistent Complainant Guidance Read More »
