E-Courier
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 »
Dear Colleague This is a quick reminder of the Free Breakfast School roll out. The deadline for applying is tomorrow. Applications open for the Free Breakfast Club programme for schools – starting April 2026 In September, following the success of the early adopter scheme, we announced an additional £80m of investment into
Breakfast Club Application Deadline Tomorrow Read More »
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 »
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Quality Interactions in Play- training now available This is a self-led learning course available on the Learning Library via the School Readiness Passport. This course has been built around the ShREC approach. The training has been designed so managers can deliver this session with
Early Years Update Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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
Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 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
Senior Leader Briefings – spring and summer terms Read More »
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 »
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 »
