Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Northumberland Local Code of Practice – April 2026
Please find attached the updated NLCoP. This will shortly be available to read and accept within your wizard account.
New Parent Declaration Form
Please find attached the new parent declaration form. This is in a new format and must be used for new children going forward.
Early Learning for Twos (ELF2)
You will see some changes to the eligibility checkers in wizard regarding what was previously known as ‘Disadvantaged 2 Year Old Funding’. In line with the changes from central Government, this funding will now be referred to as ‘Early Learning for Two’s (ELF2)’. Please see an example of what you will see from next week below;
Voice of Northumberland Boys Survey
Our Voice of Northumberland Boys Survey is still open! Please complete it with as many boys at your setting as possible so we can understand their experiences, views, opinions and needs to best support their achievement and outcomes. Follow this link to access the form: Voice of Northumberland Boys Survey 2026 – Fill in form The survey closes on 30th March.
CCTV and Digital Devise Survey
As part of the department’s ongoing review of safeguarding requirements in early years settings, an expert advisory panel is expected to be appointed to inform sector guidance on the safe and effective use of digital devices and CCTV within safeguarding. This guidance will consider whether CCTV should be mandated and will set out best practice, technical advice and clear expectations.
Deadline 20th March 2026. To share your click here
Staff Retention
Strong induction and onboarding processes are not only vital in preparing for the forthcoming employment changes highlighted in last week’s EY update, but they also play a crucial role in supporting staff retention.
Many settings already offer incentives such as birthday leave, time off for special occasions or Christmas shopping, as well as a range of wellbeing products and bonus incentives through an employee referral scheme. These small gestures can make a meaningful difference to staff morale and overall satisfaction.
Although staff-related costs are increasing and budgets may be under pressure, some organisations are starting to consider a regular bonus scheme, not just for long standing service. While this may involve an initial financial outlay, investing in staff in this way can strengthen retention, reduce turnover, and ultimately prove more cost-effective in the long term when trying to build a strong staff team under the current recruitment and retention challenges. If you need any business support to review your finances, please email alex.turner@northumberland.gov.uk
Reception Transition Networks
For more information, including how to sign up, please find flyer attached.
Ofsted Toolkit Workshop Sessions
As part of our support offer to help Northumberland settings digest the Ofsted Inspection Toolkit, we are delivering a workshop for PVI settings.
During this online session we will help you unpick the Ofsted Early Years Inspection Toolkit to support your preparation for the new inspection process. This session is suitable for leaders and managers within a nursery or childminder setting.
The session will take place on Monday 18th May, from 9am – 3pm on Microsoft Teams. By the end of the session, you will understand what the new inspection process and toolkit for Early Years entail and have thought about where you sit within the toolkit criteria.
We hope you are able to join the session. Please complete the form attached here to sign up. The joining link will be shared closer to the time.
Updates from Partners
EYFS Profile Newly Released Resources
The DfE has released further supporting guidance for teachers completing the EYFS Profile at the end of the reception year. Click here to access the resources: Help for early years providers : EYFS profile assessment support
Upcoming Events
Unlock Early Writing Success: A Practical Approach with Great North Early Years Stronger Practice Hub
Join Katrina for an online session on Monday 20th April at 3:30pm.
Book now via the link in the attached poster.
Free Acas neurodiversity training
There is still time to book onto our free neurodiversity training courses which have been funded by DWP.
These events are open to people working at small businesses, and are ideal for people managers, team leaders, small business owners and anyone involved in HR.
The events are being run digitally, you can select the event you would like to attend from the options below:
Unlocking potential: Recruiting for neurodiversity
Afternoon session: 19 March | 13:30 – 16:30 | View details or book here
Morning session: 19 March | 09:30 – 12:30 | View details or book here
This event will cover:
- what neurodiversity is.
- the strategic benefits of a neurodiverse workforce, and how to take steps to attract, support and retain neurodivergent talent.
- practical insights and strategies to create an onboarding process that is inclusive, effective, and empowering for all team members.
- best practice when hiring neurodivergent talent.
You can also book onto our free training next week: Neuroinclusion by design.
Wednesday 25 March – 2 sessions are available:
Please note: Spaces are limited for these events, so we advise you book your place early to avoid disappointment. There is no fee to delegates for attending, as the events have been funded by DWP.
These events are open to small to medium size organisations employing fewer than 250 employees.
