Special

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,

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.

Please see flier for dates and information – Be you- Helping You Be You

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

Please find a link to our Christmas edition, Safer in Education newsletter.

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

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.

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

The UK Health Agency have provided guidance for school leaders as we move into winter. The advice is available here.

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

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

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

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

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.