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 drive bar to type in your provider ref > click on the file with your provider ref & provider name > 2025-2026 > SUM 2025-26
If you require a password reset, please email earlyyearsteam@northumberland.gov.uk
Setting level data(PVIs ONLY)
You must update the questions module in your Wizard account by Friday 22nd May to ensure you can be funded in summer term 26. Failure to complete this information will affect your funding payment.
Please note –
- Answers should reflect what is occurring in your provision during headcount week.
- The number of children on roll must match or exceed the number of children you are claiming funding for.
- You should only include each staff members highest level qualification i.e. 1 qualification per member of staff, your total number of staff must not be less than the number of qualifications selected.
Early Years Leaders Briefings
Please find attached the slides from the Early Years Leader’s Briefing held yesterday.
We really value your feedback and want to take on board any suggestions for improving the briefings to ensure everyone gets the most out of them. If you haven’t already, could I please request you complete the 60 second survey shared below.
Early Years Leaders Briefings 60 Second Survey – Fill in form
Updates from Partners
Early Years Free School Meals – Info for Schools ONLY
Children who are a) registered pupils of schools (including school-based nurseries and maintained nursery schools) and b) attend both before and after the lunch break may be eligible for a free school meal. From 1 September 2026, eligibility for free meals is being extended to all families on universal credit.
See attached Q&A document
🌿 Want to bring the magic of nature to your youngest learners? 🌿
Join the team from Goosehill Early Excellence for an inspiring outdoor network session focused on supporting babies and under-twos through meaningful, nature-based play! 👶🍂
📅 Date: 2/6/26
🕕 Time: 6pm – 7pm
📍 Bothal Woods, Morpeth
Come explore the woodland space and discover hands-on ideas designed to spark curiosity and boost early development. Whether your setting has a sprawling forest, a garden, or just a small wild patch, you’ll leave with practical, adaptable ways to enrich your outdoor provision. ✨
Take some time to:
🍃 Gather simple, achievable ideas rooted in nature
🤝 Connect with other passionate early years practitioners
💬 Share your own experiences
and practice
Perfect for anyone working with babies and under-twos. Come along and get inspired! 💚
Book now via The Great North Stronger Practice Hub: https://forms.zohopublic.eu/greatnorthsph/form/020626Under2sNetworkSmallStepsinWildSpaces/formperma/CgFyQe5i86gpNjfmkfGZwcgxc-BwC_92LdMiAfs7rZY
