A-Z Search

Information about schools and homeschooling - Coronavirus updates

Please click on the links below for advice about homeschooling, and the latest information about schools during the coronavirus outbreak:

Please click here for the latest government guidance.

Schools - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The latest information about schools in Northumberland affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 25 June 2020.

  • Schools were closed on Friday 20 March to all children except those with key worker parents or carers, and the most vulnerable children.
  • Key workers include NHS staff, police and delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work. Please click here for a detailed list of key workers.
  • Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with educational health and care plans.
  • From Monday 1 June Northumberland primary schools welcomed back Year 6, Year 1 and Reception pupils in line with the Government’s guidance, as long as the school was not at capacity with key workers and/or vulnerable children.
  • From Monday 15 June Northumberland secondary and high schools welcomed back up to 25% of year 10 and year 12 pupils in line with Governement's guidence.
Reopening of schools

The Department for Education has prioritised the return of Year 6, Year 1 and Reception pupils, in order to minimise the number of children in schools.

Northumberland County Council is working with head teachers in schools across the county to support them in the implementation of safety measures based on their risk assessments and  in line with Government guidance.

Parents should stay in touch with their child’s school for the latest information on opening arrangements.

PLEASE NOTE: Each school may handle this situation differently based on demand, in order to ensure the welfare of all staff, support workers, and children.

 

Click on the drop down boxes below to find the answers to some of your school related COVID-19 questions:

Following guidance from the Government the vast majority of schools are now open to identified year groups.

We are working with head teachers in schools across the county to support them in the implementation of appropriate health and safety measures based on their risk assessments, and in line with Government guidance. Once those safety measures are in place, schools will welcome back pupils in Year 6, Year 1 and Reception. Parents should stay in touch with their child’s school for the latest information.

You can find the full questions and answers document here
The re-opening of Primary schools has begun with children in the Reception classes, Year 1 and Year 6. The three year groups within mainstream primary have been prioritised by Government because they are key transition years – children in Reception and Year 1 are at the very beginning of their school career and are mastering the essential basics, including counting and the fundamentals of reading and writing, and learning to socialise with their peers.

Pupils are asked to return to school on a part-time basis and continue with home learning activities.
You can find the full questions and answers document here
Transition activities will be provided by schools but this may be through virtual tours or online meetings. Each school will approach transition differently. 

You can find the full questions and answers document here
Secondary/high schools welcomed back Year 10 and Year 12 pupils from 15th June onwards for face-to face sessions. This will not be full time and each school will decide what is appropriate for their circumstances. Online learning will continue.

You can find the full questions and answers document here
School transport will be provided, but this is dependent on the number of pupils who wish to travel, the availability of drivers, and the start times schools may operate.

Parents should contact their child’s school to discuss arrangements.

You can find the full questions and answers document here

This information was last updated 25 June 2020.

Provision is being put in place to ensure that children receiving free school meals do not suffer unnecessarily, now that the government has closed schools. 
 
The vast majority of schools in Northumberland are open to children of key workers, most vulnerable children, Reception, Year 1, Year 6, Year 10 and Year 12. 
 
All schools are making their own arrangements with the support of the Northumberland County Council school meals service. 
 
The scheme outlines that if a school catering service cannot provide meals or food parcels, they should offer pupils from families that are eligible for benefits-related free school meals an alternative.
 
We are continuing to accept free school meal applications at this time. If you think your child is eligible but you are not currently claiming, you can contact us on 0345 600 6400 (Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm), or apply by submitting this application form:

Please click here to view the free school meals application form.

You can find the full questions and answers document here

Help with homeschooling - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The latest advice and tips about homeschooling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We understand that it may be hard to explain to your children what exactly coronavirus is, and how it will affect our daily lives for the time being.
 

 

Learning about coronavirus

The following resources will help children to learn more about the virus:
 
 
 
 

 

Homeschooling resources

The following resources, for both parents and teachers, will help you to teach children during school closures in Northumberland:

Activities for the week beginning 6 July 2020
 
 

 

Early Years resources

While your child is not able to access their education at nursery, school, or with their childminder, we want to support you to continue the school readiness journey with some ideas for simple, play-based activities to try together at home. The Early Years Team will update the resources each week:

Early Years Home Learning

Virtual school - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The latest information and resources from the Virtual School to support schools, parents and carers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This information was last updated on 3 July 2020.

​The following links are for Designated Safeguarding Leads: The following links are for Designated Teachers: ​The following links are for Foster Carers and Residential Home Staff:
Supporting education in the home:

Our partners

Menu

Contact Us Privacy Policy Translate Page Accessibility Staff Resources Councillor Resources North of Tyne Combined Authority Discover our Land

Our local area councils

Ashington and Blyth Castle Morpeth Cramlington, Bedlington and Seaton Valley North Northumberland Tynedale

Social Media

© Northumberland County Council