Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
🌟 New Learning Library Course: Using AI in Early Years 🌟
Have you heard more about Artificial Intelligence (AI) but aren’t sure where to start? Our new “Using AI in Early Years” Learning Library course, on the School Readiness Passport, has been designed specifically for Early Years practitioners who want to explore how AI can support their everyday work.
This self-directed training session looks at how AI can be used to support:
✅ Planning and curriculum tasks
✅ Communication with families and colleagues
✅ Administrative and management responsibilities
✅ Saving valuable time while maintaining professional judgement
✅ Developing confidence in using emerging technologies safely and effectively
Whether you’re completely new to AI or already experimenting with digital tools, this course provides practical guidance, useful resources and opportunities to reflect on how AI could support your setting.
Access the training video and supporting materials through the Learning Library at a time that suits you. We would also love to hear your thoughts, so please complete the accompanying survey after watching the session.
Reception Applications 2027: Supporting Families of Children with SEND
Dear Early Years SENCOs and Managers,
A reminder that the Reception Admissions Portal opens on 1 November 2026 for children due to start Reception in September 2027. All families should submit an application for a Reception place in their preferred school or schools. The closing date for applications is 15 January 2027.
Further information can be found on the Reception entry applications webpage: www.northumberland.gov.uk/education-skills/schools/school-admissions-places-appeals/reception-entry…
As we approach the admissions period, please take time to consider how you are supporting families of children with SEND to understand and navigate the transition to school process. Families may need additional support to:
- Understand the admissions process and key deadlines.
- Explore suitable school options and attend visits.
- Consider what provision their child may require to access and participate successfully in school.
- Share information with prospective schools to support effective transition planning.
- Discuss any additional needs, reasonable adjustments or specialist support that may be required.
- Understand the role of statutory assessment and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) where applicable.
For children with a current EHCP, or where a Consideration of Statutory Assessment (COSA) is underway, families should be reminded that they can access support from the School Choice Advisers. Choice Advisers can offer impartial information and guidance regarding school admissions, parental preferences and the statutory processes relating to school placement including specialist places, helping families to understand their options and make informed decisions. Please contact me as the Area SENCo to be put in contact with a Choice Adviser if appropriate.
Where a child has an EHCP or a COSA in progress, it is particularly important that transition planning begins early. Settings should work closely with families, receiving schools and relevant professionals to ensure that information is shared promptly and that appropriate support is planned.
We would also encourage settings to make use of support available through their Early Years Inclusion Consultant and/or EY Area SENCO. We can provide advice and support with enhanced transition planning for children with SEND, including facilitating transition meetings, supporting information sharing, identifying reasonable adjustments and helping to ensure that receiving schools have a clear understanding of a child’s strengths, needs and successful support strategies before entry.
If you have concerns about a child with SEND who may require additional transition support, please contact your us as early as possible. Enhanced transition arrangements can often be put in place for children with emerging, complex or significant needs and can help ensure a positive start to school for both the child and their family.
For some families, the transition to school can be an anxious time. Proactive conversations, clear information and timely multi-agency planning can make a significant difference in supporting both children and their families through this process.
Please ensure that discussions about Reception applications form part of your ongoing transition planning, SEND reviews and family support conversations over the coming months.
Thank you for your continued commitment to ensuring children with SEND experience a positive and successful transition into school.
Updates from Partners
FREE ACAS WEBINARS
Carer’s leave – the law explained 2.00pm to 2.30pm
In April 2024 a new law came into effect allowing employees one week of unpaid leave per year to provide care for a dependent with long term care needs.
This webinar explores:
- The new law from April 2024
- Definitions of ‘long-term’ and ‘dependent’ for eligibility purposes
- Eligibility criteria
- How carer’s leave can be taken
- Notice periods for the intention to take carer’s leave
- Whether employers can request employees postpone leave
- Risks for employers of getting it wrong
Register your place – Wednesday 21 October
Flexible working requests: a case study and the law. 2.00pm to 2.30 pm
This Acas webinar is designed to provide clear definitions of flexible working, set out the benefits of flexible working and explore a case study outlining the implications for the employer if they choose to accept or refuse the request.
It will cover:
- An overview of the law
- The Acas Code of Practice
- Examples of flexible working
- Rights & responsibilities of employers
- And rights and responsibilities of an employee
Register your place – Thursday 29 October
Acas advice on access and trade union recognition
Legislative changes taking effect on 30 October 2026 introduce a new legal right for trade unions to request access to workplaces, including workplaces where there are currently no established arrangements for trade union engagement.
These limited time webinars are designed for employers, trade unions, HR and employee relations practitioners, and industrial relations specialists who want to understand:
- The new statutory right of trade union access to workers
- Changes to the statutory trade union recognition process
- The practical implications of the reforms for employers and trade unions
- The role of Acas and the services available to help resolve disagreements
Book your place on one of these events:
Thursday 22 October – 10:00 to 11:30
Wednesday 28 October – 14:00 to 15:30
