The End of an Era, Not the End of the Journey
A world-wide STEM sensation For more than 25 years, FIRST® LEGO® League has inspired young people to become problem-solvers, innovators and team players through hands-on STEM learning. Created through a partnership between FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), the US-based, global non-profit, and LEGO® Education, the programme combines robotics, coding, research and real-world challenges…
Beginning with reading: why effective immersion matters at the start of a writing unit
One of the most important decisions teachers make when planning a writing unit is the choice of reading and immersion activities that come first. Too often, immersion can become a collection of disconnected tasks: retrieving facts, completing comprehension questions, identifying language features, or highlighting examples of punctuation. Whilst these activities may have value, they do…
Top Tips for Supporting New EAL Learners
Welcoming a pupil who speaks English as an additional language is a wonderful opportunity to create an inclusive, supportive school environment. Here are ten warm, practical ways to help them feel part of the school community: 1. Assign a Buddy or Mentor Start by pairing the pupil with a friendly and responsible classmate. A…
All Join In! Fostering Engagement and Participation at Storytime
The Educative Power of Picture Books Storytime is, without question, one of the most magical parts of the early years day and story books are one of the most important resources in the lived curriculum. The best early years language and literacy plans pay close attention to the breadth and balance of story books across…
Breaking the Code: The Importance of Phonics for Older Students
Reading is the foundation of learning. At the North Tyneside Dyslexia Team, we work with students who face significant challenges in learning to read and spell. As specialist literacy teachers with postgraduate qualifications in dyslexia and literacy difficulties, we support children and young people across mainstream schools who need the most intensive help. We are…
Teaching British Values – Moving Beyond Recall
A School Development Partner’s perspective In my role as one of Education North Tyneside’s School Development Partners, I regularly attend the final feedback meetings of Ofsted inspections. There is a recurring theme: while pupils can often name the five British Values, they are less confident when asked to explain what they mean, why they matter,…
Black History Month UK 2026
Black History Month is more than a celebration of the past; it is an opportunity to recognise the people and places that continue to shape our lives today. The 2026 theme, “Honouring Our Communities,” encourages us to celebrate the individuals whose dedication, resilience and compassion strengthen communities across the United Kingdom. Communities are built through…
Setting your September boundaries
As teachers, we step into the new academic year determined to be the most organised, creative, and inspiring versions of ourselves. But this early-autumn adrenaline hides a dangerous trap. Driven by the desire to get everything “perfect” for our new cohorts, we stay late, respond to evening emails, and spend our weekends hunting for resources.…
Identifying the Gaps Early
Baseline your new cohort without the burnout The first few weeks of September are always a whirlwind: new books, new faces and establishing new routines. Once the initial excitement settles, you face a familiar, daunting realisation: the cohort sitting in front of you barely matches the neat data profiles handed down from their previous teacher. …
Rosh Hashanah: A New Year of Reflection, Renewal, and Sweetness
As the sun begins to set on summer and autumn nears, Jewish communities around the world prepare for one of the most meaningful holidays on the calendar-Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. But this isn’t a night of glitter and champagne. Rosh Hashanah is a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves, with others,…
Why Inclusive Classrooms Matter More Than Ever
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working in schools, it’s that inclusion isn’t about having a perfect intervention programme or a folder full of paperwork. It’s about making sure every child feels like they belong, can access learning, and has the opportunity to succeed. With the SEND reform high on the national agenda and…
RE and the National Curriculum – What Does It Mean for Schools?
You may have seen the recent announcement that Religious Education is set to become part of the National Curriculum for the first time. While there are still details to come, it’s a significant moment for the subject and one that many people in the RE community have been working towards for some time. Whenever there is…