Welcome to version 2.0 of the March edition of our staff newsletter - and the first ever issue of 'Shine On!' In the end, the competition to name our newsletter was close, with just one vote between the two favourite titles, but we hope you like the outcome.
March has seen us welcome our pupils back into our schools and start making preparations for all of our Central teams to return to HQ as well. It's been a busy and somewhat stressful time, with the additional pressure of Covid testing to contend with, but we couldn't be more proud of how everyone has pulled together and supported each other.
In this issue, you'll find our first ever #TrustHeroes, details of clubs and classes at the JB Community Hub, information on safeguarding and e-safety, mocktail recipes and much more! If you'd like to provide any feedback about the newsletter or make any suggestions for content for future issues, please email internalcomms@ncea.org.uk.
Thanks,
Alison.
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Movers and Shakers
We're delighted to welcome two new faces to the team at Bishop's Primary School. Joanne Jones and Mary Smith have joined us this month in the roles of Lunchtime Supervisors.
As always, for all of our latest job vacancies, please see our website for further information.
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New baby joy for Finance!
Last week, Angela from the Central Services finance team gave birth to her beautiful baby boy, Lewis Andrews. Mother and baby are both doing really well and I'm sure you'll join us in wishing Angela all the best for her maternity leave.
If you have any news or announcements to make in the next issue, email your requests to internalcomms@ncea.org.uk.
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#TrustHeroes
In last month's staff newsletter, we launched our new #TrustHeroes initiative, where staff can nominate their peers in recognition of the amazing work they do each day to keep our pupils safe, happy, entertained, fed, healthy, educated and everything in between!
The response has been fantastic and we're delighted to share our first team of #TrustHeroes with you.
Heather Forster (Grace Darling Campus) - "Always a fantastic support to both pupils and staff alike. She always thinks of the pupils' wellbeing and always puts them first. She will take on a task without hesitation and has been utterly flexible throughout lockdown in her multiple roles!"
Emma Wardle (Duke's Secondary School) - "Emma is constantly going above and beyond for staff and pupils. She has done loads through lockdown to support staff and always thinking of ways to support the students with online learning."
Anne Thompson (Castle School) - "Anne works tremendously hard in Castle School in so many ways, but particularly in the past year she has done a wonderful job of managing the increased traffic on our social media pages and website. Her aim at all times is to promote the learning and skill development of our children at home and in school."
Roger Pearson - (Central Services) - "People may think that when the school is not fully open it is quieter for the Central Teams but it is the opposite, the workload has increased and there are days when the phone just doesn't stop and I think Roger and his Team have continued to support in very challenging times."
Duke's Teaching Assistants and Cover Supervisors (whole team) - "This group of staff have been phenomenal during this lockdown. They have worked with our key worker and vulnerable students virtually every day. They have created a great atmosphere for the students to work in, and have gone above and beyond in the tasks that they have completed with the students. It has been a pleasure to watch them work each day."
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Cyber crime is on the rise - do you know how to spot it?
In last week's LIGHThouse, we shared that there has been an approximate 300,000% rise in the number of email scams and cyber crime during the Coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday, schools in North Tyneside fell victim to a cyber attack which cut off their internet access for several hours.
To help keep you, your family and our schools safe online, please see some top tips below which might help you to identify a potential scam.
Things to look out for:
- The "sent by" address will either be a jumble of random letters and numbers or have an unusual domain (not .com or .co.uk)
- The email will contain links to click to 'confirm your details' or 'make a payment'
- The email will give you a limited time to reply
- There might be spelling mistakes, bad grammar and sentences which don't quite make sense
- If the email contains any logos or images, these may appear 'pixelated' or blurry
- If requesting money, the amount will usually be quite specific, not rounded up to the nearest pound/pence to try and make it seem legitimate, eg £692.88 instead of £700,00.
Please be extra vigilant about emails and if in ANY doubt at all, do not click any links and seek advice. You can find a range of helpful resources on the ActionFraud website.
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What's on at JB Community Hub?
With organised sporting activities set to relaunch on 29th March, we've got lots of hirers queuing up to start using the JB Community Hub.
Take a look at the listings below to find out what's on and when.
For more information about the JB Community Hub, visit our website and Facebook page, contact Lyndsay directly via lettings@ncea.org.uk.
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NEWS FLASH!... We have a new LADO in Northumberland
Every local authority has a statutory responsibility to have a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) who is responsible for coordinating the response to concerns that an adult who works with children may have caused them or could cause them harm. The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) works within Children’s Services and gives advice and guidance to employers, organisations and other individuals who have concerns about the behaviour of an adult who works with children and young people.
There have been many national and local serious case reviews following people in positions of trust abusing that trust and causing harm to children. Whilst there are many processes in place to ensure that people working with children are safe, as set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (2018), “Staff working with children are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ When concerned about the welfare of a child, staff should always act in the best interests of the child.
Every Local Authority has procedures for managing allegations against people who work with children, coordinating this is the LADO. All staff should be able to name the LADO, in Northumberland it is Carol Glasper, referrals would be made if a professional has:
- behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed a child
- possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child
- behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they are unsuitable to work with children
- behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children
Consideration would also be given to a referral if:
- A person’s behaviour in their personal life may impact upon the safety of children to whom they owe a duty of care;
- A person’s behaviour with regard to his/her own children; The behaviour in the private or community life of a partner, member of the family or other household member.
Reports within NCEAT should in the first instance, if possible be discussed with your Headteacher/Principal and or me, Please refer to NCEAT policy for more information, or contact me directly on the email address below.
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"Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." - Rita Pierson.
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If you would like a particular area of safeguarding covered in the next newsletter, or have any ideas for this section, I'd love to hear from you! Please get in touch with me directly via: safeguarding@ncea.org.uk.
As always,
- If you have concerns about a child, inform your school DSL via Safeguard or tell any senior staff
- If you have concerns out of school hours contact One Call on 01670 536400
- If a child is in immediate danger call 999
- If you have concerns about an adult who works with children, inform your school Principal/headteacher, myself or contact our LADO Carol Glasper lado@northumberland.gov.uk
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Mocktail of the Month
With Summer on the horizon and the beer gardens on the cusp of reopening, many of you might be turning your thoughts to a cheeky tipple! However, if you've bored yourself with back-garden boozing through lockdown, why not try some refreshing mocktails?
The internet is full with amazing recipes for innocent-twists on some classic cocktails which we'll be sharing with you in each edition of Shine On. This month, the spotlight is on the 'Summer Cup'. Get into the summer vibe with this fruity mocktail featuring red berries, lemonade, mint, and cucumber. Cool and refreshing, it's perfect for hot summer days!
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This past year has been tough for everyone. If you feel like you need some support, know that you're not alone. Through the Employee Assistance service, you can access free, confidential counselling and advice on anything from mental health to finance and relationships. Click here to find out more or call 0800 328 1437. You can also find some helpful resources on our website.
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NCEAT has joined the Cycle to Work scheme! If you would like to swap four wheels for two and get your daily exercise in on your commute to work, this new employee benefit can help you to buy a new bike and spread the cost. Find out more about how it works and apply today through our CycleScheme portal.
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