Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Best Start in Life
You will no doubt be aware of the publication of the government’s Best Start in Life Strategy which has set the ambition of significantly increasing the number of children who are school ready.
Over the coming weeks and months you will start to see more information aimed at both parents and professionals to support our joint endeavours to make this ambition a reality.
This week sees the replacement of the Childcare Choices website with the Best Start in Life Parent Hub. The website provides parents with information around access to early years childcare & education and supporting their child’s school readiness journey. Please promote this page with parents as part of your own communications.
We will continue to share further information with you on how we will be working together to support the successful delivery of the Best Start in Life Plan for Northumberland through weekly updates and at our Early Years Leaders Briefings so watch this space for further information.
EARLY YEARS LEADERS BRIEFINGS – See Flier for further information
Please see the flyer attached for information on the Early Years Leaders Briefing for the autumn term.
Early Years Inclusion Drop in session See Flier for further information.
From September you will have the opportunity to ask general questions, seek wider support and network with others through a half termly drop-in session. Please see attached poster for further information.
Northern Training Partnership- Blended Paediatric First Aid Training Offer – See Flier for further information
From September 2025, Northern Training Partnership will be delivering a blended PFA training offer. Their innovative course combines the best of both worlds, offering you a comprehensive and flexible learning experience. This blended learning course has been designed to be 50% engaging online e-learning modules and 50% classroom-based practical training meaning you only have to attend one face-to-face session instead of two!
For further information see the attached flyer.
Book your first aid training now via the School Readiness Passport- be sure to sign up with your email address to gain access to the online learning platform.
Encouraging 2YO entitlement take up for parents entitled to both schemes
Parents potentially eligible to both the 2-year-old disadvantaged and working family schemes due to low income have been sent an email to encourage them to apply for both as DFE census returns require children to be flagged for both schemes if entitled. If parents approach you with the new look email, please run a 2YO check via Wizard as well as validating their working family code. Eligibility to both schemes gives parents and providers certainty of 15 hours of support if parents fall out of eligibility for 30 hours at any point.
Funding process, flowchart, guidance and walkthrough videos
Please click here to view links to support your knowledge and understanding of the funding claim process.
New look autumn Schools360 headcount
In recognition of the significant increase in children on your headcount returns we have prepopulated your autumn returns. Look out for a guidance email on how to amend/add to the forms correctly. This can also be found on Northumberland Education. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact your Performance Partner or the funding team EarlyYearsTeam@northumberland.gov.uk .
Headcount support drop-ins
Discussions on how to complete headcount to maximise funding returns and minimise errors.
When – Wednesday 17th September 2025
To book your slot to discuss completing headcount, fill out the form here. Joining instructions to follow.
Updates from Partners
Launchpad for Literacy
Launchpad for Literacy is now on social media.
Kirstie Page and the team will be posting a series of Top Tips CPD on both Instagram and Facebook. There will also be some Leadership content on Linked In. All posts will focus on SLCD, SEND, Literacy Readiness and ensuring progression for all.
Follow Launchpad now via the following links:
Instagram – Launchpad for Literacy
Facebook – Launchpad for Literacy
If you are interested in a free Launchpad for Literacy toolkit, funded by North East Combined Authority (NECA), please get in touch with Kirstie Page directly via email: kirstie.page@launchpadforliteracy.co.uk
The Great North Early Years Stronger Practice Hub
Early Years Leaders Network – Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Are you stepping into your first leadership role in early years education? Or perhaps you aspire to lead and want to prepare yourself with the skills, confidence, and support needed to thrive?
Introducing the Early Years Leaders Network – a dynamic and supportive space designed just for you.
Whether you’re a new or aspiring early years leader, this network will connect you with like-minded professionals in a blended mix of face-to-face meetups and interactive online sessions. Together, we’ll explore what it takes to be an impactful leader in early years settings.
Sign up here to join these network sessions.
