Empowering Educators: Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
On September 18th and 19th, 12 teachers and teaching assistants from North Tyneside schools took an important step to support pupil wellbeing. They completed training to become certified Youth Mental Health First Aiders. Led by Janice Gibson and Alex Frazer, from Education North Tyneside, the course gives staff the tools to help people facing mental…
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Inside the Sensory World, Environments That Help Children Thrive
In the Early Years, every child is discovering who they are and how they learn. Some children may be curious explorers, others quiet observers. Some may need extra time, sensory support, or communication tools to help them thrive. Our role as early years practitioners is to create environments where all children feel safe, valued, and able to…
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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,…
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The Path to Inclusion: Building a Strong Universal Offer for SEND Success
In early years education, every child is unique-and it’s our responsibility to create an environment that brings out the best in each one. Success in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) begins with a strong foundation: a universal offer built on empathy, flexibility, and high expectations. Why Inclusion Is Essential Since COVID-19, classrooms have transformed…
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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…
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Scratch: How a Colourful Cat Changed Coding Forever
If you’ve ever been in a primary computing lesson and seen a cartoon cat spinning across a screen while a child proudly declares, “I made that!”, chances are you’ve met Scratch, the revolutionary programming platform that is now well over twenty years old. Not just any platform. Scratch is the first step to coding for…
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Artificial Intelligence for the Whole School: Practical CPD for Every Role
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept-it’s here, and it’s already reshaping how we teach, lead, and safeguard. But for many educators, the question isn’t whether to engage with AI, it’s how. That’s exactly what our new training series is designed to answer. Whole School AI CPD Artificial Intelligence for the Whole School is a six-part…
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Bridging the Gap: How North Tyneside’s Enhanced Transition Programme Supports Pupils at a Crucial Crossroads
For many pupils, the move from Year 6 to Year 7 is a moment of anticipation, growth, and opportunity. But for others-particularly those with emotional, behavioural, or attendance vulnerabilities-it can be a significant point of stress and instability. At Education North Tyneside, we recognise that the transition between primary and secondary school is more than…
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All Change Please – September Is Nearly Here!
As summer winds down, the familiar buzz of a new academic year begins to stir. Thoughts of your new cohort, classroom setup, staffing and planning are likely starting to surface. It’s a time filled with anticipation-and a few challenges too. Reception lunch duty, for example, can be a physically demanding task (especially if you’re tall!),…
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The School of Sanctuary Award – Embracing Inclusivity
In a world that can sometimes feel divided, the idea of sanctuary holds deep significance. It speaks to our shared need for safety, belonging, and compassion. In schools, creating a sanctuary isn’t just about policies or physical spaces-it’s about fostering a community where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. The School of Sanctuary Award…
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Supporting transitions into school for Early Years children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities
Transitioning into Nursery or Primary School is a huge milestone for all Early Years children that can bring with it a whole host of feelings. Some children may be excited, they love the idea of playing with new toys and being ‘grown up’. Some children may feel nervous or worried, it’s a big change, an…
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From Discussion to Impact: How Our Teacher Reading Group is Shaping Classroom Practice
This year, I have once again had the privilege of leading an Open University Teacher Reading Group (OU TRG) with a dynamic group of around 15 practitioners. Our group this year was made up of teachers and librarians from nursery to secondary school. Our shared aim has been simple but powerful: to deepen our knowledge…
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