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Minister for Children, Families, and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho MP, gave evidence this week to the House of Commons education committee’s inquiry into childcare and the early years. Chair of the Committee, Robin Walker MP, opened by asking about the funding rates for universal entitlement for childcare, and whether or not funding from the government was meeting the cost of delivery of the entitlement.

Beech Hill Primary, in West Denton, successfully secured funding from the Community Foundation / Schools North East collaboration to start a project that enabled a ‘hands on’ approach to history.

Congratulations to Hartburn Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees on achieving a rating of ‘good’ following their most recent Ofsted inspection in February 2023. The school, which is part of the Prince Regent Street Trust, was highly praised for the quality of education it provides and for its curriculum offer which is underpinned by the three core principles of resilience, high expectations and local and global responsibilities.

A student from Ravenscliffe High School, in Calderdale, is set to stun audiences this weekend with a performance at the Royal Coronation of His Majesty the King.

This week, students at Regent Farm First School, in South Gosforth, began work on their Shaun the Sheep sculpture. The final artwork will be displayed this Summer as part of the ‘Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne’ trail.

Last Friday, students at Southmoor Academy took part in the Sunderland Digital Careers Event.

The Sunderland school is part of the Southmoor Multi Academy Trust.

Congratulations to Chris Rue, Head Teacher at Epinay Business and Enterprise School and Leadership Advisor for Durham Local Authority, for being awarded ‘Outstanding Head Teacher of the Year for the North of England’ at the #EducateNorth Awards.

Colleagues from specialist settings from across England gathered for a day of discussion, debate and networking this week.  The National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals (NNoSS) held its Annual Conference in Birmingham on Thursday.  Powered by Schools North East, NNoSS provides a national community and powerful voice for School Business Professionals working in the specialist sector.

Year 3 Students from Esh Winning Primary School, County Durham, have proudly displayed their artwork in the capital. The drawings, made in a workshop at The Great North Museum: Hancock were created as part of the project ‘The Wild Escape’ in celebration of Earth Day.

Walbottle Primary School successfully secured funding from the Community Foundation to help their school take trips to support and enrich their curriculum. The funding aimed to embed cultural capital through outdoor education, physical activity and sport. The North East is rich in resources for students, with galleries, zoos and museums ready to inspire generations.

Education ministers took departmental questions in the House of Commons this week. Shadow Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson MP, said that it was time for Ofsted to turn a corner. She quoted former chief inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, who has said that the Secretary of State must respond to the ‘groundswell of opinion building up’ that Ofsted is getting some things wrong.