Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
REMINDER – It’s Headcount/Census Week!! – Information for PVIs ONLY
Your Autumn term Headcount return is due to be submitted by Friday 2nd October.
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 > 2026-2027 > AUT 2026-27
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 9th October to ensure you can be funded in Autumn term 2026.
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 member’s highest-level qualification, i.e. one qualification per member of staff.
- Your total number of staff must not be less than the number of qualifications selected.
Early Years Leaders Briefings
Calling all EY Leaders! Get yourself signed to the EY Leaders Briefing for this term to get the latest updates from the team – lots of information to share! Please find flyer attached for more information including the link to register.
Question of the week
The Early Years inspection toolkit, safeguarding evaluation area outlines what inspectors are looking for during an inspection. They look to see whether the setting has established an open and positive safeguarding culture, that puts children’s interests first and the extent to which leaders take an effective, whole-setting approach to safeguarding.
To help the DSL’s with this we aim to share a safeguarding question of the week. The question of the week is a regular prompt used by settings to test knowledge, promote discussion, and build safety awareness among staff, children and parents. Many DSL’s and managers already have this practice in place, this shouldn’t replace your well established questions but may enhance or help you to focus on the inspection toolkit, safeguarding evaluation area and the Northumberland Children and Adults Safeguarding Partnership (NCASP) expectations.
The first, second & third questions of the week are attached.
Early Years Qualification Checklist (EYQL)
The digital EYQL has been updated, so you may see a slightly different layout with a list of qualifications.
There are no changes to the qualification listed.
Management Reminder– please ask for the qualification start date when recruiting as this enables you to check all qualifications more thoroughly
If you need any support to access, please contact theresa.kirkwood@northumberland.gov.uk
Updates from Partners
New funded Early Years SEND training from Dingley’s Promise
Funded by the Department for Education, a trio of flexible online Early Years SEND CPD courses are now available for educators across England. The courses provide practical tools, strategies and knowledge to strengthen inclusive practice and build confidence in supporting children with SEND.
Suitable for educators of all levels and all types of early years provision, including childminders, with no extra cost to you or your setting.
Find out more and sign up: Early Years CPD Training – Dingley’s Promise
Northumberland Sensory Support Service – Glue Ear Awareness
Do you know the signs of glue ear and what to look out for?
The Northumberland Sensory Support Service has put together a helpful Glue Ear Padlet, including a short awareness training video and useful information for those working with children. 👉 https://padlet.com/nies1/northumberland-sensory-support-service-glue-ear-k8p49952clxyb4r9
Exciting Free CPD Opportunities for Early Years Educators
The Great North Stronger Practice Hub are pleased to launch their new fully funded, evidence-based Maths and PSED CPD programmes for educators working with children aged 2-4 years. Both programmes have been developed by the DfE and are delivered over one academic term, combining online learning with seminar sessions to support practitioners in developing their knowledge, confidence and practice. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on their learning, share experiences with colleagues, and implement practical strategies to enhance outcomes for children.
For further information or to register interest, please contact greatnorthsph@wiseacademies.co.uk.
