Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Golden Tickets
Another round of golden tickets will be sent out to potential eligible parents this week. Remember to process an eligibility check via the ELF2 checker in wizard. The letters no longer guarantee eligibility. ELF2 funding begins the term after the child turns 2.
Early Years SENCo network
Please find flyer attached on information including how to sign up.
Early Years SEND and Inclusion Offer Strengthened for 2026-27
This academic year marks the introduction of an enhanced Early Years SEND and Inclusion support model across Northumberland. As part of a transitional approach during the Autumn Term, a Local Area Early Years SENCo function is being established ahead of becoming a dedicated county-wide strategic role from Spring Term 2027 as part of the Best Start in Life Plan. The new model will strengthen collaboration between early years settings, Family Hubs, health colleagues and wider SEND services, providing greater strategic support for SENCos and helping to ensure children and families receive the right support at the right time. Early Years Inclusion Consultants will continue to provide locality-based support through bespoke coaching and guidance for practitioners.
Early Years Inclusion and SEND Webpage
A refreshed Early Years Inclusion and SEND webpage has been launched, bringing together key information, guidance, resources and support in one central location. The webpage includes information on:
- Early Years Inclusion Support
- Strategic Support for SENCos
- Ordinarily Available Provision
- Early Years Inclusion Funding, including EYSTAR updates
- Transition Support
- Specialist Services
Settings are encouraged to bookmark the page and regularly check for updates to ensure they are using current guidance and documentation, particularly when applying for EYSTAR or COSA.
🔗 https://northumberlandeducation.co.uk/eyfs-inclusion/
Enhanced Training and Professional Development
A strengthened Early Years SEND and Inclusion training programme is now available, including:
- Early Years SENCo Networks, featuring specialist input and opportunities for collaboration and sharing effective practice
- Targeted professional development opportunities for Early Years SENCos
- Self-study SEND modules available through the Learning Library
Further information and booking details can be accessed via the School Readiness Passport.
These developments represent an important step in strengthening SEND leadership, inclusive practice and support pathways across Northumberland’s early years sector, helping to improve outcomes for children with SEND and their families.
Sharing What Works: Best Start in Life Case Study
This case study explores how Branton Primary School, a small rural school, responded to a significant childcare sufficiency gap by developing and sustaining wraparound provision for local families. Led by Headteacher Emma Miller, the school used grant funding to create a flexible and financially viable childcare offer in an area with very limited alternatives, helping parents remain in employment while supporting children’s wellbeing and development. The case highlights the importance of school-led solutions in rural communities, demonstrating how even small-scale provision can have a meaningful impact on family outcomes, school sustainability, and access to childcare.
Read the case study attached to find out more.
KCSE
Updated guidance from the 1st September. Among some of the changes are the definition of sexual abuse and clarification on the process of volunteer DBS checks.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education–2
An at a glance summary of the changes can be found on this link
Updates from Partners
Free Oral Health Training
The importance of Oral Health is reinforced in the Early Years Foundation Stage. To help staff understand the requirements I have attached free oral health training for the Autumn term. These vary from Oral Health awareness, Oral Health in Early Years and Oral Health for learning disabilities and run online during Oct, Nov and Dec. (As promoted on the New NHS North East Oral Health Course attachment). Please find information attached.
The other leaflets promote a face to face team training opportunity and another oral health course. Please see the last page of the leaflet for more details.
The Northumberland Early Years 5 Key Messages for Oral Health have been key to improve oral health across Northumberland. How are you managing to achieve the 5 Key Messages in your provision? Why not implement these in the new academic year if you haven’t already.
- At home brush children’s teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day, brush last thing at night and on one other occasion with a slither or pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste according to the child’s age. Allow them to spit out any excess and don’t rinse with water. This activity should be supervised by an adult.
- Children to attend the dentist for regular check-ups.
- To use and encourage the use of an open cup by the age of 12 months.
- To drink milk and water and cut out sugary drinks altogether.
- To reduce the frequency of sugar. The frequency of sugar attacks should be reduced to 3 meals and 1 snack per day and sugar should be completely avoided 1 hour before bed.
It’s also important to share these messages with your parents.
Togetherness:
Dear Education colleagues,
We are excited to share with you our ‘Back to school’ edition of our School Parent Wellbeing Newsletter.
Northumberland is part of togetherness.co.uk to make invaluable NHS learning and content free for local parents. Please forward the below wellbeing news update from the Togetherness team to your whole community, including ALL parents/carers. Togetherness is an online learning environment developed by psychologists and health practitioners providing accessible learning about emotional health and wellbeing, proven to positively impact mental health, behaviour and relationships.
Togetherness creates these updates for us twice per term – if there is anything additional, you’d like to see or if you’re interested in teacher training or resources, please email togetherness@uhb.nhs.uk .
Please click here to access the PDF version of the newsletter.
Supporting Children with Chronic Conditions where they live and learn
Join paediatric nurse specialists from the RVI’s Great North Children’s Hospital for a full-study day exploring the most commonly seen long term conditions affecting children and young people today. Please find flyerattached for more information including booking fees, venue & date/time.Â
Upcoming Events
Online North East Professional Development Showcase with The Great North Stronger Practice Hub
23 September 2026 3:45pm -5:15pm, Online via Google Meet
Join us for our online collaboration, which will bring together leaders from the North East Hubs network alongside Local Authority providers. With an Early Years focus, we’ll present a comprehensive overview of the professional development offers for the term ahead, supporting the government’s ‘Best Start in Life’ agenda. Follow the link for more information and to sign up: Online North East Professional Development Showcase | Stronger Practice Hubs
