Sensory Play: The Enchantment of Treasure Baskets
Ever wonder why on Christmas morning young children are more fascinated with the wrapping paper, packaging and cardboard boxes than the gift inside? That’s because these objects provide many opportunities for children to engage with their senses such as touch, smell, taste, sound, sight and bodily movement. The wrapping paper may make an interesting noise,…
Race Equality Week 2026
Celebrating Diversity and Unity: Race Equality Week In a world often divided by differences, celebrating unity in diversity is a beacon of hope and progress. Race Equality Week 2026 (2nd – 8th February) is a significant annual event that encapsulates this spirit by fostering understanding, challenging prejudices, and promoting inclusivity. This week serves as a…
North Tyneside Active Mile
The North Tyneside Active Mile has been in place for 9 years, originally it was part of the Daily Mile, a national initiative to promote basic exercise, through running on a daily basis one mile. However, the Active Mile grew out of the recognition that we are not all runners and that to be sustainable the activity…
North East Festival of Languages
3 months of free languages activity for schools! Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages 2026, is live with the biggest festival yet! Over the next three months, until 31 March 2026, schools across the North East of England will be able to access a vibrant mix of live and online FREE events, creative projects, and activities for ages 3-18. Register to create…
Closing the Literacy Gap: Phonics Interventions in Secondary Schools
Reading is the foundation of learning and success in school. Yet, many pupils enter secondary education without the skills they need. In 2024, 26% of Year 6 pupils in England did not meet the expected standard in reading, meaning over 170,000 children started secondary school unable to access the curriculum fully. Research shows that one third of pupils are…
When Was the Last Time You Wrote Something by Hand?
Think about it-when was the last time you picked up a pen or pencil and wrote on paper? Maybe it was a shopping list, a Christmas card, or a quick post-it reminder. For many of us, those moments are becoming rare. Personally, I confess: I do my shopping online and jot lists in my phone’s…
Inclusive Maths Classrooms
Inclusive mathematics classrooms are built on the belief that all pupils can succeed in maths when barriers to learning are anticipated and removed from the outset. Rather than relying on individual interventions as the first response, the most effective inclusion strategy is high quality, inclusive everyday teaching that benefits everyone – especially pupils who find learning hardest. Our Inclusive Maths Classrooms…
Early Years Cluster Meetings
Our Education North Tyneside Early Years Team lead termly cluster meetings and all educators and leaders in early years are welcome to attend. Local schools sharing their practice The meetings are hosted by our schools and they kindly all lead an agenda item about an aspect of current practice in their school. The wider…
Forest School: Learning Outdoors
As we are amid Spring and the weather improves, we naturally gravitate towards the outdoors. Learning outdoors is a fantastic tool, and Forest School is a significant part of this approach. Its popularity continues to grow, but what does it mean to have a Forest School ethos, and is it for everyone? A Very…
North Tyneside Holocaust Memorial Day event
What is Holocaust Memorial Day? Holocaust Memorial Day is an international day on 27 January – which marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the millions of Jewish men, women and children who were murdered under Nazi persecution and all those that have died in other genocides since then. Holocaust…
Eyes on the Horizon – Headteacher conference 2026
Friday 6th March will see the return of our Education North Tyneside Headteacher conference. An exciting day for Headteachers, deputy headteachers, assistant headteachers and colleagues who aspire to these roles. This year’s theme is called ‘Eyes on the Horizon’, as we look ahead to the future of Education. “Schools and trusts stand at a…
Starting from Zero: Teaching English to Absolute Beginner EAL Learners
Teaching English to EAL learners who are absolute beginners requires a carefully sequenced approach that acknowledges their linguistic starting point, cultural background, and cognitive load. Unlike learners with partial proficiency, absolute beginners rely heavily on teacher scaffolding, visual support, and predictable routines. This article critically examines the challenges involved, evaluates effective pedagogical strategies, and outlines the essential content…