Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Early Years Sustainability and Climate Change Audit
Many settings may already have a range of tools and resources in place to support sustainability and address climate change within their practice. For those that do not, and are now beginning to consider this area of work, the following information and Audit Tool may be particularly helpful.
Changes to Payroll for 2026-2027- Are you ready?
HMRC are running a live webinar for employers about the changes for 26/27. Register for this webinar to find out about what’s new for employers, during which they will be covering:
- Income tax
- National Insurance contributions and Employment Allowance
- expenses and benefits for employees
- National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage
- Statutory payments
- Student loans
You can also subscribe to HMRC’s YouTube channel which covers a range of topics.
Employment Law Changes– Are you prepared?
Are you carrying out appraisals?
Whilst Supervision is a statutory process under the EYFS, settings may no longer carry out appraisals. However, with upcoming changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims, managers will increasingly need clear evidence of consistent performance management from the very start of employment.
This means a rigorous, fair and documented appraisal process can help managers to distinguish between a short-term dip in performance and a genuine capability concern, especially during the probation process. Without that clarity, documentation and communication organisations can unintentionally expose themselves to avoidable disputes and grievances.
Carrying out appraisals supports good employment practice and builds confidence. Considering the forthcoming changes, settings may wish to consider the systems and process they have in place. For more information on proposed changes during 2026/2027 please visit https://www.acas.org.uk/employment-rights-act-2025
Updates from Partners
ESCAPE Family Support
ESCAPE Family Support is a county-wide, community led charity providing dedicated support to individuals and families affected by drug, substance, and alcohol misuse across Northumberland.
Covering the whole of the county, ESCAPE offers a wide range of tailored services designed to meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve.
They also provide free training to community based groups, early years settings and schools, as well as parents/carers. They can also visit your setting regardless of type and geographical location.
In addition, ESCAPE runs a weekly Bargain Basement, where most items cost just 50p. Recently, a member of the Early Years Team visited the Sarah Kennedy Centre, based at South View, Ashington, NE63 0SF to explore the support available for early years settings, and were amazed by the fantastic range of services and items on offer, all generously donated by the community.
If you’re looking for a buggy, a wooden dolls’ house, dressing up clothes, board games, jigsaws, crockery, an office chair or many other resources, why not pop along? Open Thursdays, 12–2pm.
All items are inspected prior to sale, but we would encourage you to check before purchasing. Some of the bigger items like the dolls house is £5.
For more information, please visit https://escapefamilysupport.org.uk/about-us/ or call: 01670 544055 24-Hour Helpline: 07702 833944
