Schools Go Smarter newsletter
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.
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Fixed, Firm and Fluent Foundations: FREE for primary/middle schools
We are delighted to inform you of the Fixed, Firm and Fluent Foundations: A Transcription Toolkit – a free, high-impact professional development programme designed to strengthen the building blocks of confident, fluent writing across the primary phase. This is aimed at schools with lower than regional/national average in expected standard in writing
Fixed, Firm and Fluent Foundations: FREE for primary/middle schools Read More »
Crest Awards Engage Grants Open for Applications 6 January 2026
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 »
Mediated Learning Support Approach (MeLSA) Training
🎄 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 »
Hotpod yoga in Morpeth
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 »
Theatre in Education – free to schools
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 »
Supporting young people over the Christmas break
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 »
Provision Map training – led by Jude Macdonald (15 January 2026)
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 »
Northumberland SEND Peer Review Project and Conference – 20th January 2026
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 »
Funding e-Bulletin – 9 December 2025
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 »
Funding to Help Children and Young People Reach Their Full Potential
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 »
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
Prudhoe Family Hub What’s On Guide January 2026 Read More »
Safer In Education – Christmas 2025-26
Please find a link to our Christmas edition, Safer in Education newsletter.
Safer In Education – Christmas 2025-26 Read More »
2026/27 SEN and School Funding Consultation
Dear Headteacher Northumberland’s Schools Forum met on 12 November 2025 to consider the information in relation to the current SEN position and also in relation to School Funding for 2026/27. The ESFA has recently updated their guidance in relation to the National Funding Formula for schools and this is available
2026/27 SEN and School Funding Consultation Read More »
Ofsted inspections: staff and pupil questionnaire text
Ofsted have published the text of the staff and pupil surveys that will be used going forward. You may wish to have a look in prparation for a forthcoming inspection or use some/all of the questions for your in house surveys.
Ofsted inspections: staff and pupil questionnaire text Read More »
RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs Programme (DfE)
RISE stands for Regional improvement for standards and excellence and, “aims to break the link between young people’s backgrounds and their future success”. RISE will operate at 2 levels: The RISE Attendance and Behaviour (A&B) Hubs Programme offers schools practical, school-led support to improve attendance and behaviour. 36 further hubs (57 in
RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs Programme (DfE) Read More »
Winter preparedness for schools
The UK Health Agency have provided guidance for school leaders as we move into winter. The advice is available here.
Winter preparedness for schools Read More »
Closure due to adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances
Please see attached document with information regarding school closure due to adverse weather conditions.
Closure due to adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances Read More »
Offer for schools and community teams from North East Council for Addictions
My name is Dionne Smith and I work for NECA Gambling Services in the Empowering Youth Programme. Our Gambling Harm Prevention and Education team deliver training and awareness sessions to young people from 10-25 years old, professionals, parents and carers; raising awareness around gambling related harms that young people may
Offer for schools and community teams from North East Council for Addictions Read More »
Forest Bathing training – starts March 2026
We are now taking bookings for our outdoor mental health and wellbeing courses. Our Forest Bathing training level 1, 2 and 3 courses take place in County Durham. For information and bookings please see our website: https://oases.org.uk/for-schools/training/course-accredited-courses
Forest Bathing training – starts March 2026 Read More »
Beach School training May 20&21 2026
We are now taking bookings for our popular Beach School training. Our Level 3 Coastal School Leader course takes place in Blyth. For information and bookings please see our website: https://oases.org.uk/for-schools/training/course-accredited-courses
Beach School training May 20&21 2026 Read More »
Forest School Training Courses June 2026
We are now taking bookings for our popular Forest School training. Our Level 2 and 3 courses take place in County Durham. For information and bookings please see our website: https://oases.org.uk/for-schools/training/course-accredited-courses
Forest School Training Courses June 2026 Read More »
Services to Schools SLA Portal 2025/26 Closure
The current 2025/26 Service to Schools SLA portal will be unavailable to schools with effect from noon on 2 December 2025 to allow for necessary updates ahead of the opening of the updated portal for 2026/27. This will go live to schools mid-January 2026. If you have any queries in relation to this, please contact the Portal via Schoolslas@northumberland.gov.uk
Services to Schools SLA Portal 2025/26 Closure Read More »
Bikeability Trusts ‘ Get Cycling in Schools’ programme
Northumberland has been invited to take part in the Bikeability Trusts ‘ Get Cycling in Schools’ programme for the second time. The programme is free and offers a half day training for members of staff in how to run balance bike sessions at their school, on completion of the training
Bikeability Trusts ‘ Get Cycling in Schools’ programme Read More »
2026/27 SEN and School Funding Consultation
Dear Headteacher Northumberland’s Schools Forum met on 12 November 2025 to consider the information in relation to the current SEN position and also in relation to School Funding for 2026/27. The ESFA has recently updated their guidance in relation to the National Funding Formula for schools and this is available
2026/27 SEN and School Funding Consultation Read More »
Independent Travel Training for young people with additional needs
Northumberland County Council’s independent travel training programme teaches those with additional needs how to travel independently and safely between home and their school or workplace. Please share this video with parents and carers who qualify: What will the programme cover? The programme will be in two stages: At stage 1, we will
Independent Travel Training for young people with additional needs Read More »
Northumberland Schools Sustainability Network
The next NSSN sessions will be held on: Key Stages 1 and 2 – Monday 1st December 2025, 4pm – 4:45pm, online via Microsoft Teams Key Stages 3 and 4 – Wednesday 3rd December 2025, 4pm – 4:45pm, online via Microsoft Teams The sessions will be a chance to discuss work you’re
Northumberland Schools Sustainability Network Read More »
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
Prevent in education – virtual training sessions Read More »
Information about Choice Advisors
We support parents and carers of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in understanding their education options – please see attached leaflet for more information.
Information about Choice Advisors Read More »
Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics offer with Secondary schools
Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics offer with Secondary schools, with programmes for both Secondary Early Career Teachers and for Secondary Teaching Assistants. Both programmes take place across the equivalent of 4 days, and are fully funded by the Maths Hub programme. Full details can be found using the links
Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics offer with Secondary schools Read More »