E-Courier
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 »
Northumberland Cultural Education Partnership is carrying out a mapping exercise of schools and cultural organisation to make it easier for pupils to find meaningful work experience placements in the Arts and Culture sector in Northumberland. We would like secondary/high school colleagues to help us shape those placements by providing some
Arts and culture work experience Read More »
Smartphone Free Childhood, “is a movement of families standing together to delay smartphones and social media – turning isolation into collective strength. It’s not anti-tech but pro-childhood, giving children back what truly matters: time to play, space to grow and freedom to be.” Representatitives presented at senior leader brefongs in
Smartphone Free Childhood Read More »
We are pleased to share the dates for our Summer term ELSA course. Please see the attached flyer for booking information. We are able to deliver courses commissioned by settings, trusts, or alliances. For further information, please email elsa@northumberland.gov.uk .
Summer ELSA course Read More »
“PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide has recently launched their new PSHE lesson plan/license, Sinking Feeling. With the new government guidance for suicide prevention education in schools starting in Sept 2026, many school staff are looking for reliable, easy-to-use resources that address mental health needs in an age-appropriate way. Sinking Feeling is an
We are inviting students, teachers, parents, advisors and clients to join our NWG Apprenticeship Insights Webinar this National Apprenticeship Week – see flyer This will be an inspiring look into careers at Northumbrian Water Group and its open to all! Location: Microsoft Teams Visitors can join using the link below or add the
National Apprenticeship Week NWG Apprenticeship Insights Webinar Read More »
The government’s new VAWG and RSHE strategies both emphasise that teaching about safe and respectful relationships is most effective when it is echoed in the home environment. As teachers we sometimes see the early signs of parental conflict, and recognise that a child’s behaviour and their own relationships risk being
Healthy Relationships: Free Training course Read More »
Learning Through Landscapes is offering outdoor learning training sessions and nature equipment for nurseries, schools, and other early learning providers across England, Scotland, and Wales to promote outdoor learning for children. The Local School Nature Grants Scheme will provide an assortment of equipment up to the value of £500, along with: Priority will be given to applicants who include
Members of the Northumberland Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) are keen to support teachers in their work and to promote interesting and relevant RE/religion and worldviews education (R&W) in our schools. To that end they are seeking some information from RE teachers countywide. SACRE would be grateful if
Gathering views from Northumberland RE teachers Read More »
Applications for SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association) short breaks 2026 are now OPEN! What Are SSAFA Short Breaks? SSAFA Short Breaks are free, residential activity breaks for families currently serving in the Armed Forces who have a child (aged 5–18) with an additional need and/or disability. These breaks
Short Breaks for Service Children with Additional Needs & Disabilities Read More »
STEM Clubs Technicians is a free programme for UK secondary schools, sixth forms and FE colleges that combines careers education with engaging, practical STEM activities. The programme showcases six technicians’ careers across different industries. Each practical activity is representative of a real technical role and is supported by careers content, including information about:
STEM Clubs Technicians Read More »
Northumberland Skills are running a series of free taster events and open events for school leavers at our campuses in Blyth, Alnwick and Seghill over the coming months. Events include SEND open events, NEET brunches (with specific support for individuals with EHCPs) and a range of taster events to try
Free taster events and open events for school leavers Read More »
Please see link for drug awareness resources, published by DHSC, and available to download. Includes resources that can be used in educational settings. Drug Awareness Campaign | Campaigns | Campaign Resource Centre
Drug Awareness Materials – ketamine, THC vapes, and synthetic opioids 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
Regeneration Funding e-Bulletin – 12 January 2026 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 »
Speakeasy Parents course Speakeasy works with parents and carer-givers of children and young people with additional learning needs, learning disabilities or neurodivergence, helping them feel confident in talking to their children about growing up, relationships, and sex. By supporting parents and carers to have these conversations, we reduce stress, isolation and uncertainty,
Supporting parents of SEND pupils: growing up, relationships and sex Read More »
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
Chairs’ & Vice Chairs’ Virtual Briefing – Spring Term 2026, Date and Booking Form Read More »
This handbook collates support for children and families residing in Northumberland, which schools can access and signpost families to. It’s a handy guide broken down by need, and schools can see what is available to all – universal and free, as well as additional support which may be purchased.
Support Directory for Schools Read More »
Please see flier for dates and information – Be you- Helping You Be You
Peer Mentor Train the trainer Read More »
Here’s the latest edition of the Schools Go Smarter newsletter for the Autumn term, please get in touch with tracy.aitken@northumberland.gov.uk with any queries.
Schools Go Smarter newsletter Read More »
Grants are available twice a year for UK schools in challenging circumstances to run CREST Awards with students (aged 3 to 19 years) who are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). CREST Awards aim to inspire children and young people to think and behave like scientists and engineers.
Crest Awards Engage Grants Open for Applications 6 January 2026 Read More »
🎄 Give Your Learners the Gift of Independence This New Year! 🎄Would you like to help your learners become more independent, skilled, and confident? The Northumberland Psychological Services Team is delighted to offer a training programme to build your school’s capacity to do just that. The MeLSA (Mediated Learning Support Approach) course is
Mediated Learning Support Approach (MeLSA) Training Read More »
Dear Headteacher Hotpod yoga in Morpeth are kindly offering staff in Northumberland schools a free class over the festive period to support with well-being after a long and challenging term. Please see attached a voucher which can be distributed to all members of staff.
Hotpod yoga in Morpeth Read More »
Our 2 popular Theatre in Education productions focussing on Road Safety and Sustainable Travel are once again open for bookings for performances next term. Northumberland Schools can book direct here – Northumberland Schools Booking Link – see attached flyer. 23-27 Feb Split Decisions (formerly ‘Josh Green’) is an emotive 60 minute performance and workshop
Theatre in Education – free to schools Read More »
With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, we know this time of year can feel overwhelming for many young people, especially those who usually access mental health support through school. To ensure they still have somewhere safe to turn, we want to remind you that Kooth remains open every single day
Supporting young people over the Christmas break 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 »
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 – 9 December 2025 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 »
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 »
