Part of North Yorkshire Council, we are your public sector partner, enabling schools to deliver an outstanding education by taking care of all services and training that sit behind it.
We deliver over 30 essential services to schools across North Yorkshire and beyond, from safeguarding, digital infrastructure and HR, to payroll, catering, property compliance and more. Alongside this, we offer over 300 specialist training courses, supporting teachers, support staff and school leaders at every stage of their career.
By removing complexity, reducing administrative burden and taking away the stress, NYES gives schools the confidence that every essential service is in a safe pair of expert hands.
We exist to improve education. Our public-sector positioning means that surpluses are reinvested back into frontline services. This means that you can be assured our decisions help every school create the best possible learning environment for children and young people.
Testimonials
NYES Catering - Crossley Street Primary School
Having recently moved from another Local Authority catering provider, the difference has been night and day. The North Yorkshire catering team are extremely professional and accommodating. Their manner with the children is excellent and they interact with both children and staff with warmth and sincerity. The quality of the ingredients used has immediately gained positive feedback from the children and adults and their proactive approach to seeking pupil feedback (and acting upon it) has been fantastic! The children feel as though they have an input into their meals again...something that has been missing for a long time. One of the best moves we have made, and one I wish we had made sooner! Headteacher, Crossley Street Primary School- LeedsNYES Catering - TANMAT - Trinity Academy Trust Newcastle
We are delighted with the successful implementation of our new catering arrangements across the Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust. The TUPE process was handled with care and clarity, ensuring a smooth transfer for all staff involved, with no disruptions to service. Since the changeover, we have already seen a noticeable increase in meal uptake across our academies, and feedback from learners has been overwhelmingly positive. The new menus are clearly resonating with our learners, who are enjoying the variety and quality on offer. We look forward to building on this positive start and continuing to enhance the dining experience across our Trust. Julieann Moodie, Finance Director - TANMAT - Trinity Academy Trust, NewcastleNYES Payroll Services - Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust
I am thrilled to share our outstanding experience with North Yorkshire Employment Services - Payroll. From the moment we decided to switch providers just over a year ago, the onboarding process was seamless and efficient. The team provided personalised assistance every step of the way, ensuring that all our payroll data was accurately transferred and configured. The team's expert knowledge of the education sector and both teaching and non-teaching terms and conditions and pension regulations was apparent from day one.
One of the standout aspects of their service is the accuracy and timeliness of payroll processing. Our employees are always accurately paid on time, and any resulting payroll discrepancies are swiftly resolved thanks to their proactive and knowledgeable support team. Their reporting tools have also provided us with deeper insights into our payroll expenditure, resulting in more effective financial planning and decision-making.
Moreover, the compliance features have been a game-changer for us, ensuring that we always adhere to the latest tax guidance, pension and employment law without any hassle. This has significantly reduced our administrative burden as an employer and minimised the risk of costly errors.
Overall, the North Yorkshire Payroll Service has transformed our payroll operations, making them more efficient, accurate, and stress-free. I highly recommend their services to any School or Trust looking for a reliable and top-notch payroll solution. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is truly commendable. Thank you
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Goathland Primary School
| The NYES website has been an invaluable tool for our school. In particular, the Resources page stands out as especially helpful—it provides clear, well-organised information and templates that support our day-to-day school management and strategic planning. We’ve found the site to be a central hub for accessing and managing the various services we use, from HR support to training and development. It’s user-friendly, efficient, and allows us to stay informed and responsive to the changing needs of our school. I would highly recommend the NYES website to other school leaders and education professionals. It saves time, enhances our access to key services, and helps us make better-informed decisions for our pupils and staff. |
Ripley Endowed CE, Beckwithshaw and Kettlesing Schools
| Elaine provided support in relation to curriculum, planning and EYFS training however also offered a bespoke package to meet the needs of the federation. At all times, Elaine's approach put staff at ease when undergoing significant, rapid school improvement and worked to create a successful EYFS environment in our three, settings. I would highly recommend this support as the visits and subsequent, detailed reports ensured success in our EYFS settings. |
Case Studies
Meet the NYES Training Avatars
Designed to help deliver engaging, consistent and user-friendly e-learning, our avatars are supporting a new generation of digital training across NYES services. In the video below, you'll meet avatars already representing services including Professional Governance, Health and Safety, SEND & Inclusion, and School Improvement, alongside a preview of an in-development trainer.
Key Benefits of NYES E-Learning
- Learn at your own pace and revisit content whenever you need a refresher.
- Access training instantly at a time and place that suits you.
- Benefit from up-to-date content created in partnership with NYES subject matter experts.
- Maintain a clear training record of your learning and development.
- Enjoy a consistent learning experience across all courses.
- Access supporting resources linked to your course through NYES.
- Get started quickly and easily with a straightforward customer journey.
Meet the Trainers - Watch the Video
Watch the below video to discover how our training avatars are helping to deliver engaging, consistent and accessible e-learning across NYES services.
Meet the Trainer: Alana Miles
Behind every training session or webinar is a skilled trainer dedicated to helping others learn and develop. NYES Learning and Development Solutions, has a range of trainers who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to every training session they deliver.
We recently sat down for a chat with Senior Training and Learning Officer, Alana Miles.
About Alana
Experience:
Alana has over 30 years’ experience working with children across education, social care, and wider children’s services with more than 11 years delivering training.
Area of Expertise:
- Safeguarding children and young people, behaviour support and de-escalation within Team Teach approaches
- First Aid and Fire Safety
- Mental Health training
- Training for Foster Carers.
Background:
Alana has a strong academic background with practical, frontline experience in early years, education and the Local Authority.
She started her career working directly with children and families, where she saw first-hand the impact of skilled professionals working with practitioners. This influenced her move into training, developed naturally through supporting colleagues and delivering information sessions.
When asked what inspired her to become a trainer, Alana said. “I am passionate about supporting professionals to build confidence, skills and knowledge to safeguard children and young people and practically support staff effectively.”
Ask the Expert
What does a typical day look like in your role?
A typical day includes preparing and writing training, packing the car and driving across to the Dales or to the coast, (or, in fact, anywhere in North Yorkshire) to the training venue. My day can be quite varied, I could either be delivering sessions (face-to-face or online), responding to practitioner’s queries, or reviewing feedback to improve quality of delivery.
Fun fact - I love being outdoors and I have even delivered some elements of Team Teach training outside.
Tell us a little about your approach to training…
I focus on making training practical, engaging, fun and relevant to the workplace. I use real-life scenarios, up to date research, create inclusive learning environments, and ensure participants leave with strategies they can use immediately.
What challenges schools face right now and how can training help?
Schools are increasingly supporting children and families with complex needs and situations, particularly around mental health, behaviour, and safeguarding. Training staff on this helps them build confidence, consistency, and effective practice.
Is there a particularly special moment from a training session you’ve delivered?
I have so many memories! But one in particular stands out… After a mental health session, a delegate shared how the tools they learnt in the session helped support their own wellbeing - a powerful reminder that training impacts both practice and people.
I always enjoy seeing delegates grow in confidence and apply learning in practice. That is definitely the most rewarding part of my role.
Three training day essentials?
A smile, enthusiasm for the subject and a flexible mindset.
And finally, as a team that takes food seriously, we have two key questions for you... Is it jam or cream first? And if you ever pop in for a chat, will it be tea or coffee?
Oh, it’s definitely jam first! And tea is the drink of choice, although I prefer a peppermint tea.
Who is NYES Learning & Development Solutions?
As part of North Yorkshire Council, we benefit from extensive in-house expertise. Our team is responsible for designing and delivering high-quality training and professional development programmes that help organisations meet their statutory, mandatory and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Since 2020, NYES Learning and Development Solutions have delivered more than 14,000 courses to over 81,000 delegates, supporting organisations across a wide range of sectors.
Our experienced trainers work closely with schools, early years providers, local authorities and other organisations to identify the most effective training solutions for their workforce. Whether you need accredited qualifications, compliance training or bespoke professional development programmes, we provide practical, engaging and up-to-date learning experiences tailored to your needs.
To explore our full range of training opportunities and book a course, visit our Training & Events page:
A Day with McCain
The NYES Catering team recently visited McCain’s UK headquarters and potato factory in Scarborough to learn more about their farm to fork journey. As one of our key local suppliers for school meals, we were keen to gain a deeper understanding of how McCain approach responsible sourcing, food production, sustainability and quality.
By following the journey from raw potatoes through to finished products, we saw first-hand how McCain’s values and standards shape the food served within our catering service every day. With McCain based locally in Scarborough, we are proud to work with them as a trusted supplier and to have partnered closely over the past two years to support high-quality school meals for children and young people.
Inside the Factory
Going behind the scenes, we suited up to explore the factory floor and follow McCain’s potatoes as they complete their journey from farm to fork. Seeing this process first-hand showed how quality, safety and consistency are built into every stage of production.1. Growing & Harvesting
All McCain’s potatoes start their journey on specifically selected farms in the UK. Farmers follow responsible farming practices, with careful attention to soil health, water use and crop quality. McCain work with over 250 British potato growers, purchasing 13% of the UK potato crop!
2. Arrival & Quality Checks
When the potatoes arrive at the McCain factory, they undergo rigorous quality checks. Samples are carefully assessed for size, shape and internal quality before entering production.
Any produce that doesn’t meet their standards is rediverted to be used as animal feed –including all the potato skins!
3. Washing & Peeling
Next, the potatoes are thoroughly washed to remove soil and debris before being peeled using steam. This method efficiently removes the skin, while preserving as much of the potato as possible.
4. Cutting into Chips
Once peeled, potatoes shoot through huge tubes that cut them their familiar chip or fry shapes. Size can vary slightly, as McCain aim to use as much of each potato as possible.
5. Blanching
The chips then are quickly blanched (partially cooked) in hot water. This step helps lock in colour, texture and flavour, and prepares the chips for their final cook at home or in school kitchens!
6. Light Frying
After blanching, the chips are lightly fried in vegetable oils such as sunflower or rapeseed oil. This gives the chips their familiar taste and appearance while keeping the ingredients list as low as possible
7. Freezing
The chips are then rapidly frozen. This fast-freeze process helps maintain quality, texture and freshness without any need for artificial preservatives.
Finally, the chips are packed, clearly labelled with nutritional information, and distributed to customers.
And that’s it! A simple process with no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Cooking up Lunch at McCain’s
After our tour of the factory, we were treated to a delicious lunch by one of McCain’s Business Development Chefs, Paul Murphy. It was inspiring to see what Paul cooked up, using McCain’s products. On the menu were
- Patatas Bravas
- Cheesy Bean Loaded Wedges
- Crispy Cauliflower Wings
But the star of the show had to be the pumpkin and spinach burger with a gluten-free crumb, from their Strong Roots range.
Did you know? This product is already being served in NYES Catering secondary schools!
Myth-Busting UPFs: What Really Goes into a McCain Chip?
There’s growing conversation around ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and it’s easy to assume that all processed foods are the same. A visit to the McCain factory shows that this isn’t the case. Their process of turning a potato into a chip is far simpler and more transparent than many people might expect.
- McCain chips contain lots of hidden or artificial ingredients
As you can see from our factory tour, the reality is that McCain chips are made using a small number of familiar ingredients. There are no artificial flavourings or preservatives, and freezing is used as a natural method of preservation, not additives. - “Processed” means poor nutrition
The reality: Processing doesn’t automatically mean unhealthy. Some processing is essential to make food safe, consistent and practical for large-scale catering.Most of McCain’s potato products used in catering display green or amber front of pack nutritional indicators for fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt, supporting balanced menu planning.
- Frozen food doesn’t align with sustainability or responsible food choices
The reality: Sustainability has long been central to McCain’s production practices. In fact, the company stopped using palm oil back in 2006. Today, McCain chips are cooked in sunflower and rapeseed oils sourced from assured suppliers.
McCain’s Commitment to Sustainability
After our lunch, we settled down to learn all about McCain’s global sustainability strategy and how this is brought to life across their UK operations. It was clear that sustainability is not an add-on, but a core part of how McCain operate every day.
A key focus is resource-efficient operations that starts right at the source. Wherever possible, McCain work to grow potatoes as close as they can to their factory sites, helping to reduce ‘food miles’ and lower transport related emissions.
Energy use is another major priority. In Great Britain, McCain already generate a significant proportion of their own electricity through on-site wind turbines, with a clear ambition to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2030. At factory level, further efficiencies are achieved through heat recovery systems at sites, including Scarborough and Whittlesey, where waste heat from production processes is reused, delivering around a 20% reduction in energy use.
Seeing first-hand how McCain continuously aim to improve, invest responsibly and reduce their environmental impact reinforced why they are one of our most trusted local suppliers.
Why NYES Catering Use McCain as Trusted Supplier
Choosing the right suppliers is essential to delivering delicious and nutritious meals, and McCain continue to be our trusted supplier for many reasons.
- As a local business, McCain play an important role in supporting the regional economy
- McCain have a longstanding commitment to community support. This can be seen through their Eastfield Community Shop.
- Alongside the shop there is a community kitchen that offers low-cost hot meals, cookery classes, free meals for children and practical skill sessions.
- McCain also invests in farmer and family wellbeing, as well as agricultural forestry and land conservation.
- Together, these shared commitments to quality, sustainability and community are exactly why McCain remain a local business we are proud to work with and trust every day.
Want Our Menus in Your School?
If you’re looking for delicious, nutritious meals that pupils genuinely enjoy, backed by a passionate team who care about health, taste, and sustainability, we’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch today to find out how we can work together to serve up something special.
Email: NYESCatering@northyorks.gov.uk
Meet the Trainers: NYES Health and Safety Training
At NYES Health and Safety, we deliver high-quality, practical training that helps schools meet their legal responsibilities and, just as importantly, build strong day-to-day health and safety practice. Our training isn’t about box-ticking, it’s about giving our customers the confidence, knowledge and tools to manage risk effectively in real working environments.
Designed and delivered by experienced professionals, our health and safety training packages support you to implement, maintain and continuously improve your health and safety management systems in a cost-effective and meaningful way.
Meet Our IOSH-Qualified Health and Safety Trainers
Our IOSH Managing Safely courses are delivered by a close-knit team of four IOSH-qualified trainers, all of whom are NEBOSH Diploma qualified, Senior Health and Safety Advisors within North Yorkshire Council.
What this means for you: Our NYES Health and Safety Trainers don’t work solely in a classroom setting; they’re professionals who continue to work hands-on with health and safety challenges every single day.
The same team delivers both the four-day IOSH Managing Safely course and the one-day refresher, ensuring consistent messaging, shared standards and high-quality delivery every time.
All four trainers are highly experienced, with some bringing more than 30 years’ experience in delivering health and safety training. Their backgrounds span:
- Local authority and wider public sector services
- NHS environments
- Fire and Rescue Services
- Construction, demolition and estate management
This breadth of experience allows them to adapt training confidently, using real examples that resonate with delegates, whether sessions are delivered face-to-face or online.
What Keeps Our Training Courses Real and Relevant?
What makes NYES Health and Safety training stand out from the crowd? Quite simply, our trainers are still doing the job!
Every Senior Health and Safety Advisor also manages an active portfolio of services within the council. That means the guidance they give in the training room is informed by current legislation, emerging risks and real incidents, not outdated scenarios.
Alongside delivering training, the team:
- Carry out Fire Risk Assessments and health and safety audits
- Work side-by-side with managers to support actions and solve problems (not just point them out!)
- Act as Duty Officers, responding to incidents and monitoring the B Safe incident reporting system to understand patterns, trends and risks (including those affecting schools)
- Contribute to national professional bodies, ensuring local practice reflects wider best practice
- Maintain expertise through ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in health and safety, fire safety and asbestos management
Behind the scenes, we have regular team discussions, creating space to challenge thinking, share learning and strengthen consistency across the service.
Training Designed for Real Scenarios, Not Just the Classroom
Our training sessions are interactive and discussion-based, drawing on the trainer’s professional experience and the knowledge of course delegates. The sessions are designed to feel more like open conversations than lectures, encouraging discussions, shared learning and practical problem-solving.
Our ultimate aim? To empower our customers to spot issues early, ask the right questions and work proactively with our Health and Safety Advisors.
The People Behind the Training
Health and safety may be a serious subject, but our trainers know the value of balance. And being proudly Yorkshire-based, there’s one thing they all agree on: a proper brew is essential.
Biscuit preferences, however, are less unanimous, from dependable digestives to ginger nuts and Hobnobs, tea breaks provide a chance to recharge, share ideas and keep the team connected.
Because, behind our Health and Safety training is a team of down-to-earth, knowledgeable professionals who genuinely care about what they do.
Explore NYES Health and Safety Training
You can explore the full range of courses available here: Global Search | NYES Training
You can also find out more about the wider service and support available through the links below:
A Day in the Life of a Cyber Superhero
Ever wondered what it takes to keep schools safe from cyber threats?
At NYES Digital, our Principal Support Officer, Jack Bowyer, plays a critical role in safeguarding education environments. From tackling complex technical incidents to leading on cyber security response, the role demands precision, proactive thinking, and a deep understanding of evolving risks.
In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of a typical day in the role, covering daily routines, essential security checks, and real-life examples of how we respond to cyber incidents. Plus, discover practical tips for schools to prevent breaches and protect sensitive data.
Ever wondered what it takes to keep schools safe from cyber threats?
My day-to-day role covers a lot of bases for NYES Digital. My primary responsibility as a Principal Support Officer is to look at some of the more problematic or advanced incidents that our customers raise with us.
My cyber security background puts me in a great position to be the technical lead for any incoming cyber incidents.
How do you usually start your workday – any specific routines or priorities?
I then perform a similar check with Sophos, our antivirus software. Again, just to make sure everything looks as it should.
The final check I like to perform is the Office 365 health check. Office 365 provide a portal that let you see every ongoing fault with the entire suite. This can be really handy in quickly ascertaining if something is a user issue, or a global issue that is already being looked at by Microsoft.
What are the key tasks or responsibilities you handle daily?
Can you give an example of a challenging cyber threat you’ve dealt with?
A handful of our schools have their own ‘administrator’ account that allow them to create accounts for new staff and provide password resets quickly. Recently, we had a cyber incident where we believed the victim of a cyber incident just so happened to be on the administrator account.
A compromised administrator account poses a massive danger, so we had to act quickly and confidently to disable the account and perform the anti-virus checks on the potentially affected devices. Our geolocation tools showed us where this attack had originated from and with the 365 reporting, we were able to see what files had been accessed.
The additional complexity of this particular incident helped shape our response to future incidents and helped us to create our own scripts to assist with future cyber incidents
What advice can you give to schools to help lower the risk of a cyber attack?
Only click on links in emails if they come from someone you trust. Phishing attacks are getting more sophisticated so if you would like some training on spotting phishing attempts, look into buying BoxPhish through NYES Digital for companywide training on Phishing.
Finally, if you do click a link in an email by mistake, the very first thing you should do is to ring our helpdesk and let them know. Tel: 01609 53 6086
Dealing with these things quickly is very important, so the sooner you can let us know, the better.
What should schools do if they think they have had a breach?
If schools think they have suffered a breach or any other kind of cyber incident, the first thing they should do is ring the helpdesk on 01609 53 6086.
Our first line agents will help take all the information and take any immediate actions that are required.
Or check out the NYES Digital service page: NYES Digital
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