Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
2nd Headcount AUT 2026-27
If you require a 2nd headcount form for disadvantaged funded 2 year olds (EY2C codes only) who have; started accessing funding with you, or have increased their hours since full headcount, please email sophie.downing@northumberland.gov.uk by Wednesday 11th November 2026
Key Dates Spring 2026-27
Please find attached the key dates for spring term. All funding information and guidance can be found on the Northumberland Education website
Best Start for Boys Training
Our recent Best Start for Boys training received overwhelmingly positive feedback from practitioners across schools and early years settings.
Participants told us the session gave them a greater understanding of boys’ development, challenged their thinking, and inspired them to make meaningful changes to their provision, curriculum and environments.
Practitioners told us:
“Loved this training, really made me think about what we provide.”
“Excellent and thought provoking.”
“Very informative and worth attending.”
“Lots of very useful information and in a great interactive style.”
Many attendees highlighted how the session helped them reflect on:
- Boys’ brain development and developmental timing.
- The importance of outdoor learning, movement and physical development.
- Unconscious bias and how expectations can influence outcomes.
- Curriculum design, provision and adult interactions.
- Working effectively with parents to support learning and development.
If you were unable to attend the original training, we are now offering an online session on Tuesday 1st December at 3pm, which offers an opportunity to explore the key messages, research and practical considerations that are helping settings reflect on how they support boys to thrive.
Sign up now, via the School Readiness Passport. We look forward to seeing you there.
🌟 Best Start in Life Inclusion Case Study: Supporting a Successful Transition to Reception 🌟
This inspiring case study from What a Hoot Day Nursery highlights how strong partnerships between families, early years professionals and schools can help children with additional needs make a positive transition into Reception. Through personalised planning, consistent communication, and a focus on the child’s strengths, interests and independence, Child A was supported to move confidently into their new school environment.
The case study showcases the importance of early collaboration, tailored support, and working together to ensure every child gets the best possible start to school.
FAO Headteachers and Early Years Leaders in Schools:
The EYFS Profile Briefing for this academic year is now available. The briefing highlights the key information that headteachers of first and primary schools need to know, including key updates from the EYFS Profile Handbook, data headlines from summer 2026, key training and moderation dates for this academic year, and the submission deadline.Â
Updates from Partners
Northumberland Parent Carer Forum – 2026 SEND Conference
Taking place on Tuesday 10th November 2026, from 9:30am–2:30pm at County Hall, Morpeth.
We would be extremely grateful if you could share the attached+- conference poster with your families, particularly parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.
All information can be found here: https://canva.link/895q9olvgydorhl or via the attached flyer.
Northumberland Portage Service Workshop
The Portage two-day Workshop, at Blyth West Family Hub, is an introduction to the Portage approach to working with children with SEND and their families.
Please find flyer attached for further details.
