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Early Years Survey: Speech, Language and Communication in the Early Years
We are inviting Early Years practitioners to complete a short questionnaire exploring current practice around speech, language and communication (SLC). The survey looks at how SLC is prioritised, approaches to […]
Read MoreEarly Years Update
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Autumn Term 2026 Key Dates Please find Autumn Key dates attached. Keep these handy to prevent missing submission deadlines. Child Safety Week 1st-7th June Shared on behalf of Northumberland […]
Read MoreEnglish and Maths Courses
We offer functional skills English courses from entry level 3 to level 2 and maths courses from entry level 3 to GCSE. Classes are delivered online and face to face […]
Read MoreNew Northumberland Deaf Friendly Education Award to Launch in Autumn 2026
Northumberland schools and educational settings will soon have access to a new framework designed to improve inclusion and accessibility for deaf learners, with the launch of the Northumberland Deaf Friendly […]
Read MoreNorthumberland Scheme for Financing Maintained Schools Consultation Notice
Local authorities are required to publish schemes for financing schools, setting out the financial relationship between them and the schools they maintain. This is reviewed on an annual basis, in […]
Read MoreHealthy relationships schools survey
Healthy Relationships: Education in Schools Survey Northumberland would like to hear from schools following the Department of Educations revised guidance on Relationships, Sex, Education and Healthy Relationships (RHSE) published in […]
Read MoreNorthumberland Schools Forum seeks School representatives
The Northumberland Schools Forum is currently looking to recruit additional school representatives to ensure all phases across maintained schools and academies are represented. We are particularly interested in seeking additional […]
Read MoreRecycling Project
Hi there, I’m the Recycling Engagement Officer at Groundwork NE and Cumbria, and I’m currently working on a recycling project in partnership with Northumberland County council aimed at improving residents recycling practices. This project […]
Read MoreSchool Governor Training: Complaints Policy & Serial/Persistent Complainant Guidance
Vicki Evans, School Governance and Data Protection Manager, will be delivering online training for School Governors on our recently updated School Complaints Policy and the revised Serial and Persistent Complainant […]
Read MoreSharing What Works: Best Start in Life Case Study 2 Using the School Readiness Passport – 2 Year Old Progress Check
This second Best Start in Life (BSiL) case study highlights how a Northumberland school is effectively using the School Readiness Passport – 2 Year Old Progress Check to strengthen early identification, partnership […]
Read MoreSafer In Education – Summer 1
Dear Colleagues, Please find a link to our Summer 1 edition of the Safer in Education newsletter.
Read MoreChildren’s survey launched
The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has launched a survey asking children what they want to see in their communities, their biggest concerns, and their hopes for […]
Read MorePoetry Together
On behalf of the Civic and Lieutenancy Officer: Poetry Together is a simple idea, bringing older people and young people together over poetry, tea and cake! What happens is that […]
Read MoreApprenticeship Connect Event County Hall – 27 June
Northumberland Skills are delighted to invite parents/carers and pupils to Apprenticeship Connect, a major event hosted by Northumberland County Council to support young people in exploring future careers, apprenticeship opportunities, […]
Read MoreNew legislative limit on branded uniform
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026 introducing a limit on the number of branded items schools can require. From 1 September 2026, state-funded schools […]
Read MoreNPQs: 2026 – 2027
The Department for Education has expanded funding for National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), providing increased opportunities for teachers and school leaders to access fully funded professional development. This presents an excellent […]
Read MoreHMRC tax‑free mileage rates
Following the Chancellor’s recent announcement of a 10p per mile increase to HMRC tax‑free mileage rates, colleagues in People & Culture (HR) and Finance at the local authority are reviewing […]
Read MoreFree school meals: 2026 – 2027
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit attending these schools will be entitled to receive a free meal. […]
Read MoreNew network of PE and School Sport Partnerships – DfE
The Primary PE and Sport Premium will be ending at the end of this academic year. During the next academic year (2026/27), primary schools will receive a term’s allocation as […]
Read MoreEarly Years Update
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team REMINDER – It’s Headcount/Census Week!! Information for PVIs ONLY Your Summer term Headcount return is due to be submitted on Friday 22nd May. To locate your file, Go to Drive > use the search in […]
Read MoreSchool Governor Training: Complaints Policy & Serial/Persistent Complainant Guidance
Vicki Evans, School Governance and Data Protection Manager, will be delivering online training for School Governors on our recently updated School Complaints Policy and the revised Serial and Persistent Complainant […]
Read MoreSolar PV Update – Key Information For Schools
Following the solar PV fire at Shanklea Primary School in July 2025, the Council has been carrying out a thorough review of all its solar PV installations, where safety remains […]
Read MorePhonics check timetables
FAO First and Primary School Headteachers In order to plan our monitoring visits during the phonics screening week, we kindly request all schools send their timetables to assessment@northumberland.gov.uk , by Friday 22nd May. Please ensure that […]
Read MoreExplore Secondary School information – trial for parents of year 6 pupils
The Department for Education is trialling a new service for parents and carers with a child starting secondary school in the autumn. Northumberland County Council have agreed to disseminate the […]
Read MoreHealth and Safety Bulletin: Horizontal swing barriers
Please see safety bulletin issued by the Corporate Health and Safety Team in relation to horizontal swing barriers. These barriers are typically used to control vehicle access to carparks. The bulletin details […]
Read MoreSchool Readiness Passport Survey
As you know, in Northumberland we use the School Readiness Passport online platform to encourage collaborative partnership working to ensure all children including those with SEND are supported through effective […]
Read MoreSchools workshops at Segedunum Roman Fort and Stephenson Steam Railway
We are writing to let you know that the learning team at Segedunum Roman Fort and Stephenson Steam Railway are now taking bookings for onsite school visits from May 2026 […]
Read MoreEarly Years Update
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Summer Headcount Return PVIS ONLY The pre-populated forms are now available in the SUM 2025-26 file in your school360 accounts. We have pre-populated the file […]
Read MoreSchool Governor Training: Complaints Policy & Serial/Persistent Complainant Guidance
Vicki Evans, School Governance and Data Protection Manager, will be delivering online training for School Governors on our recently updated School Complaints Policy and the revised Serial and Persistent Complainant […]
Read MoreBest Start in Life Case Studies
Sharing What Works: Best Start in Life Case Studies Northumberland’s Best Start in Life (BSiL) priorities are about giving every child the strongest possible foundation — and practitioners play a vital role […]
Read MoreNurture the North East – fully funded opportunity for schools
Achieving inclusion through nurture: Applications now open for Nurture the North East Regional Cohorts From September, schools across the region can strengthen support for pupils’ social, emotional and behavioural needs […]
Read MoreRegeneration Programmes Investment Funding e-Bulletin
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 […]
Read MoreFinal Extension to EV Grants for State-funded Schools, Colleges and Academy Trusts
Great news for state-funded education institutions (e.g. schools, colleges and academy trusts) looking to install EV chargers at their workplace – the government has extended the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) for a final […]
Read MoreLocal History Hub – West Northumberland
Local History Hub – West Northumberland is a teacher-led initiative supporting schools to include local history within the curriculum in practical and manageable ways. There is no cost to participate. […]
Read MoreFree trees for schools
The Woodland Trust are offering free trees for schools once again. For full details please click here. The free packs include 15, 30, 105 or 420 saplings. You can request […]
Read MoreNEW: HeadsUp4HTs peer support for deputy and assistant headteachers
Northumberland County Council and HeadsUp4HTs are pleased to be launching a new HeadsUp4HTs Peer Support Programme for deputy and assistant headteachers this June, following the success of the HeadsUp4HTs headteacher […]
Read MorePlaces available on Alcohol Awareness on 20th May 2026 and Women’s Health on 4th June 2026
There are still places available on the following training courses, should you wish to attend. Please feel free to forward this email to any of your contacts who you think might […]
Read MoreYoung Enterprise opportunities
Young Enterprise is a charity that helps young people build confidence, manage money, discover entrepreneurship and shape their own future. They have some exciting programme opportunities that you and your […]
Read MoreFREE Phonics Online Assessment support session – alliance schools
Ruth Miskin Training would like to invite headteachers and/or reading leaders to attend a FREE Phonics Online Assessment support session exclusively for Northumberland Alliance schools. Join for a one‑hour remote training session designed to […]
Read MoreKey stage 2 screen time workshops
Papaya Talks is a space for families to feel empowered (not judged) when it comes to screen time and smartphones. We want to help spark vital conversations that support families […]
Read MoreEarly Years Update
Dear Colleagues, Updates from the Team Funding Discussions – Headcount As the headcount forms are now available, if you have any questions, or require some support completing the form, please book […]
Read MoreSchool Governor Training: Complaints Policy & Serial/Persistent Complainant Guidance
Vicki Evans, School Governance and Data Protection Manager, will be delivering online training for School Governors on our recently updated School Complaints Policy and the revised Serial and Persistent Complainant […]
Read MoreSummer Term 2026 Milk Template
Please see attached milk return for Summer 2026 First and Primary Schools Special Schools
Read MoreCyber Security Alert: Phishing Emails Targeting Local Schools
We have been made aware that several local schools are currently being targeted by phishing emails. These messages often appear to come from a colleague and may use subject lines […]
Read MoreURGENT : Caretaker training dates
Facilities Management will be running several training sessions throughout 2026 – please see attached for more details.
Read MoreKooth: What’s next for young people?
The summer time is always a whirlwind, especially for young people who are moving on. To help you navigate these transitions, we’ve put together a free transitions toolkit. These resources are designed […]
Read MorePicture News – Sir David Attenborough at 100!
Ahead of Sir David Attenborough’s big 100th birthday next week, Picture News have put together a special teaching pack. As it’s a big one (and definitely worth celebrating!) this pack will […]
Read MoreFire safety management in schools
Effective estate management is a fundamental duty to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and protection of pupils, staff, and visitors. Fire safety must be treated as a core component of statutory […]
Read MoreSEND Reform Consultation – Developing Experts at Hand in Northumberland
All local authorities have been asked to set out their plans for how they could deliver the ‘experts at hand’ model set out in the white paper. The DfE focus […]
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