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 a funding discussion here.
Early Years Leaders Briefings
We have a jam packed Leader’s Briefing for you this term. Further details including booking links are in the flyer attached
Important Health and Safety Alert-
Product Recall – Please also share this information widely with your parents/carers.
Product recalls have been issued for several sand-containing toys and craft kits from UK retailers since January 2026 after more testing found a small amount of asbestos in the imported sand fillings.
The products in question are mainly available via high street and on-line stores and aren’t found in usual school supply chains, however, checks should be carried out to ensure you have none of the effected products.
Most of the sand in the recalled products trace to manufacturing in China.
The list of affected products can be found via this link: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls?keywords=asbestos
Please remain vigilant. The list is increasing as the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) add new cases to the register as testing results come in. Please see the linked article:, https://mesowatch.org/news/2026/04/uk-14-toys-asbestos-recall/of the OPSS case numbers that you can look up on the Government register: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls?keywords=asbestos
Required Actions
After checking and you find a match, follow the instructions in the specific product recall document issued by OPSS ; typically, the required action is to:
· Stop using the product immediately.
· If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.
· If the sand has been used, clean-up sites where the product was used, using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.
· Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.
· Dispose of the double bagged product in your general waste bin, or return to store where specified by the retailer, who will provide a full refund.
Further information is available from the product supplier or the retailer you purchased from.
Updates From Partners
EYFS Conference 2026: Wired to Learn – Free to attend!
Discover the neuroscience behind early childhood at the 2026 EYFS Conference: Gowing Minds, a specialised professional development event for Early Career Teachers, new EYFS leads, and practitioners.
Hosted by Three Rivers Professional Development Institute and Cheviot Learning Trust, this conference explores how developmental cognitive neuroscience can enable a successful, child-led approach in the classroom.
We are delighted to welcome keynote speaker Professor Sam Wass, a renowned child psychologist and expert from Channel 4’s ‘The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds’, who will share specialist insights into child concentration and stress. Attendees will also participate in workshops featuring Cheviot Learning Trust, The Great North Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, Newcastle Research School, Northumberland Education & Education North Tyneside.
This free event takes place on Thursday, 11 June 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM at St James’ Park, Newcastle. Secure your place by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or clicking the link below.
Early Years Conference 2026: Growing Minds
Exciting News: Join the New RISE Reception Network at Malvin’s Close Academy!
Malvin’s Close Academy in Blyth is delighted to announce its recent appointment as a RISE Reception Networks Lead School!
We warmly invite you to join this fantastic, fully-funded national programme dedicated to enhancing the Reception year. Developed as part of the DfE’s Best Start in Life strategy and the RISE reception priority, these free networks are designed to bring schools together to strengthen the quality, consistency and impact of early years education.
Why Join Our Network? Malvin’s would be thrilled to welcome you. By joining, your team will have the opportunity to collaborate with other early years professionals and gain access to:
- Engaging online network meetings
- Face-to-face open days and school visits
- Evidence-informed digital resources to support your daily practice
Save the Date: Our First Online Network Meeting!
- Date: Wednesday, 13th May
- Time: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
- Focus: This introductory session will cover the purpose of the RISE Reception networks, explore the wider DfE offer for Reception and feature a spotlight on the new key DfE guidance around transition.
Ready to get involved?
Click here to join our mailing list to hear about all future opportunities, and use the same link to secure your spot for our first network meeting!
