Winter preparedness for schools
The UK Health Agency have provided guidance for school leaders as we move into winter. The advice is available here.
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Closure due to adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances
Please see attached document with information regarding school closure due to adverse weather conditions.
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Early Years Update
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Online Safety Useful tips to share with parents, especially with the run up to Christmas; https://www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying https://www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite https://www.getsafeonline.org/purchasescams Publishing Your Fee Policy – Are You Ready? Childcare providers must publish their fee policies online by January 2026, including the costs of chargeable extras and
Early Years Update 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 »
Participate in a new, evidence-based KS2, free curriculum Beyond Gender Stereotypes
A NEW CURRICULUM FOR KEY STAGE 2 CHILDREN We have developed a new, evidence-based, free curriculum called Beyond Gender Stereotypes (BGS), to help all Key Stage 2 children understand and break free from gender stereotypes. We are offering 40 primary schools in England the chance to deliver BGS in either Autumn Term
Participate in a new, evidence-based KS2, free curriculum Beyond Gender Stereotypes 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
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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
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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 »
Service children with SEND: A free conference
An invitation to attend a free event at York St John University, 0930-1600 5th February 2026. Book by the end of December to secure your place! The Garrison Assist Project are delighted to invite you to this important, regional dissemination event in the North of England. The main target audience
Service children with SEND: A free conference Read More »
Early Years Update
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Early Years SEND and Inclusion drop-in Thursday 20th November 4-6PM Joining link: Inclusion Drop In | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams New Early Years Cycles of Target’s document This document will support writing SMART targets. If you need further help or support, please contact an EYIC. Opportunity – Nursery Facility
Early Years Update Read More »
Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages
The Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages returns from 6 January to 31 March 2026 with our biggest and best programme yet! Registrations are open now, so do explore this year’s Festival programme and please share widely across your school networks. Teachers are encouraged to pick and mix from FREE events, classroom activities
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North East Ambition’s Primary Careers Network
The North East Combined Authority supports first/primary/middle schools across our region to deliver meaningful and impactful careers-related learning. The aim is to broaden horizons, raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes, and help children connect classroom learning to the world around them. NECA are currently expanding the North East Ambition Primary Network ahead of the
North East Ambition’s Primary Careers Network Read More »
Sign up to save lives with the Fire Kills campaign (DfE)
The government’s Fire Kills campaign launches on 17 November. Teachers can access free, curriculum aligned lesson plans and resources on fire safety as well as other safety topics via the education arm of the campaign. Resources are ready for use in classrooms or as homework and help learners make safer choices.
Sign up to save lives with the Fire Kills campaign (DfE) Read More »
Assembly LIVE from Antarctica! – FREE from Picture News
Friday 5th December, 9.15-9.45am Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime live broadcast from Antarctica with Robert Swan OBE, and Jenny Cooke, co-founder of the 2041 School charity. Streaming 600 miles from the South Pole, Rob will share stories from the ice, the importance of protecting our planet’s frozen continent, and inspire young
Assembly LIVE from Antarctica! – FREE from Picture News Read More »
Level 3 Forest School qualification
Adventure Training North East are offering a 9 day level 3 Forest School course endorsed by the Forest School Association. See what previous candidates from Northumberland schools have said: “Wow! What an experience, thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Caroline and Colette are inspirational leaders.’ AS, Bridges Nursery, Newcastle. I wouldn’t hesitate to
Level 3 Forest School qualification Read More »
Sensory Support Service – Glue Ear Awareness
This is a poster produced by Northumberland Sensory Support Service to raise awareness of glue ear, especially in the early years. This is in the context that hearing screening is no longer carried out for Reception aged children. We are distributing the posters to all Northumberland settings with Early Years
Sensory Support Service – Glue Ear Awareness Read More »
Senior Leader Briefings – spring and summer terms
Senior Leader briefings are planned for the spring and summer terms. A chance to meet colleagues and hear from the School Improvement Team as well as other local authority staff and invited guests. The content will be the same at the North, Central and West meetings so you only need
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Early Years Update
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Key Dates Spring 2025-26 Please find attached the key dates for Spring 2025-26. Funding drop-in sessions – Are you prepared for Spring? If you would like to chat to us about all things funding, or you would like help preparing for Spring Term, please
Early Years Update Read More »
Fire risk assessments – maintained schools
A health and safety bulletin has been produced by the Corporate Health and Team in relation to the upcoming new fire risk assessment programme for maintained schools.
Fire risk assessments – maintained schools Read More »
Funding e-Bulletin – 7 November 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 – 7 November 2025 Read More »
Grants to Support STEM Learning in UK Schools and Colleges
Ten Science Community Grants are available to support hands-on STEM learning and collaboration between schools, colleges and professionals across the UK. Each grant offers up to £105,000 over three years. The funding aims to promote inquiry-based learning, professional development for teachers and sustained partnerships between educators, students and early-career researchers.
Grants to Support STEM Learning in UK Schools and Colleges Read More »
Funding for UK Schools to Organise Events During British Science Week 2026
British Science Week (BSW) is an annual programme of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) events and activities. It will next take place 6-15 March 2026 with the theme of ‘Curiosity: what’s your question?’. Grants of £400 will support schools in challenging circumstances to take part in British Science Week,
Funding for UK Schools to Organise Events During British Science Week 2026 Read More »
Activate with Joe Wicks – calling all schools – live event with BBC Children In Need Friday 14 November
Following the success of the summer Activate with Joe Wicks series, 10 new episodes are now available on BBC iplayer: Activate with Joe Wicks – BBC iPlayer There will also be a live-streamed Activate session with Joe Wicks on Children in Need appeal day, and we’re hoping for as many primary
Network Huddle: Tackling school-based anxiety – a whole school approach
Monday 24th November, 4-6pm, online There has been an increase in children and young people experiencing difficulties attending education due to school-based anxiety, something that has been more apparent as a result of the Covid pandemic. This huddle will explore examples of good practice and lessons learnt from the ‘Anxious about
Network Huddle: Tackling school-based anxiety – a whole school approach Read More »