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…
Read More
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!),…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
Nurturing Possibility Thinking, Block by Block
Discussions around curriculum design and enactment in 2025 are dominated by knowledge acquisition. Educators rightly want to ensure that both teaching programmes and pedagogical approaches support schemata development so that children learn and remember more. This is the case in all key stages, including the early years foundation stage. The statutory framework makes explicit what…
Read More
Navigating the Return: Improving School Attendance for Children with Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance
For many children, school is a place of learning, growth, and social connection. But for some, the thought of attending school can trigger intense emotional distress, leading to what is known as Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA). This isn’t about truancy or defiance; it’s a complex issue rooted in anxiety, fear, and other emotional challenges…
Read More
WALLSEND FESTIVAL: A Day of Local Talent and Big Sounds!
Join North Tyneside Music at North Tyneside Council’s Wallsend Festival on Saturday 5th July for performances throughout the day from some of North Tyneside’s best emerging musicians. In the Wallsend High Street stage, duo Wrong Boy will be joined by soloists Sam Idurobu, Billie Wharton and Helena Cameron, and others from North Tyneside Music’s Emerging…
Read More
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Early Years.
Moving to Early Years? Have you just been told that you are moving from key stage one or two into early years? Or maybe you have a new colleague coming into the early years team? If you, or they are currently rocking, sweating and wondering ‘what have I done to deserve this?’ Well, they are…
Read More
Hajj: A Sacred Journey of Faith, Struggle and Unity
Once a year, millions of Muslims from around the world pack their bags and leave behind their homes, families, and everyday comforts. They head to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, fulfilling one of the most important spiritual duties in Islam: the Hajj. But Hajj is far more than a religious requirement. It…
Read More
Parental Engagement of English as an Additional Language (EAL) Parents in Schools: Strategies and Benefits
Parental engagement in schools is universally recognised as an important factor in a child’s educational journey. However, for parents with English as an Additional Language (EAL), navigating the education system and actively participating in their child’s schooling can be challenging. In this article, we explore the importance of parental engagement among EAL parents, the barriers…
Read More
The Power of Empathetic Leadership: Listening to Understand
In today’s data-driven educational environment, a crucial leadership element is often overlooked: empathy. This human-centred quality-the ability to listen, understand and share others’ feelings-creates the foundation for meaningful connections in our schools and settings. Research shows empathetic leadership delivers measurable benefits in innovation, staff commitment, and organisational inclusivity. As education systems face unprecedented challenges,…
Read More