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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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DfE publishes additional mobile phone guidance for schools

The Department for Education has published updated supporting materials linked to its January 2026 mobile phones in schools guidance. The non-statutory guidance comes into effect from 1 April 2026, with the expectation that schools operate as mobile phone-free environments by default. The previous toolkit has been replaced with a new

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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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School Governor Training: Complaints Policy & Serial/Persistent Complainant Guidance

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

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2026/27 Service to Schools SLA Portal

The Services to Schools SLA Portal is now open for Schools to use in relation to their Service Level Agreement requirements for 2026/27, please see the link http://sla.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx .    Please take the time to review the information on the portal,  as in some cases services will have changed from that offered in the previous year. The basic process remains as it was last year –

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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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Chairs’ & Vice Chairs’ Virtual Briefing – Spring Term 2026, Date and Booking Form

Dear Governors, Happy New Year! 🎉 The date for our Spring ‘virtual’ Briefing is Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 6:00pm – 7:00pm. As usual the briefing will be recorded for those of you who cannot join us or wish to view at a more convenient date/time. This information can be found on our

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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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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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Promoting the Healthier Together website and mobile app to parents and carers

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

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You’re Invited: Launch of the Northumberland Healthy Families Plan– Join Us on 19th November

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

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Chairs’ & Vice Chairs’ Virtual Briefing – Autumn Term 2025, Date and Booking Form

Dear Governors, Welcome to the New Academic Year! The date for our Autumn ‘virtual’ Briefing is Tuesday, 30 September 2025, 6:00pm – 7:30pm. As usual the briefing will be recorded for those of you who cannot join us or wish to view at a more convenient date/time. This information can be found

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Follow-up on Email Regarding ICO and Exemplar Education

An email was sent to schools on 8 September 2025 outlining concerns raised about how Exemplar Education may be handling or accessing personal data in school contexts. The concerns involve potential non-compliance with data protection obligations under UK GDPR. The email seems to have been sent to a large number

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Training events from the Be You Mental Health Support Team

Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health Training for School Governors Northumberland County Council and the NHS are offering free virtual training sessions for school governors focused on emotional wellbeing and mental health. This 1-hour session will equip governors with essential knowledge around: 🗓️ Dates: Sign up via link in flier.  For queries: Beyou@northumberland.gov.uk SMHL Refresher

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DBS/Safeguarding checks for officers from the Education & Skills Service and Children’s Social Workers attending schools

Please see attached letter for officers employed within Education & Skills and Children’s Social Care DBS checked in line with Northumberland County Council’s procedures.

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