Newsletters

Dear Colleagues,

As we draw close  to the end of another successful academic year, we would like to share several important DfE updates. These include information on NPQ funding, changes to ECT registrations for the coming year, details of the new Reception Networks and associated early years resources, and an update on the RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs programme.

We encourage you to take a few moments to review the information below and share any relevant updates with colleagues across your school or setting.

Reception Networks:

• The department has launched new support to improve Reception year quality and strengthen EYFS Profile (EYFSP) assessment. Schools can contact their local Lead School to get involved or access support.   

• Reception networks are school-led, locally delivered networks focused on sharing strong, evidence-informed Reception practice. Each network is led by a Lead School with sustained strengths in early years outcomes and leadership.
• In addition, a comprehensive EYFSP support package has been published to improve assessment reliability and build teacher confidence as assessors

RISE Behaviour and Attendance Hubs:

• Schools can now access support through the  RISE attendance and behaviour hubs programme - GOV.UK. You can  register your interest to join the regional support offer tier of this programme via this expression of interest form.

Registrations for ECTs starting in September 2026 are now open!!

The DfE has recently introduced improvements to the registration process for Early Career Teachers (ECTs).

Changes to Registering ECTs:

The DfE has recently introduced improvements to the registration process for Early Career Teachers (ECTs).

•  From June 2026, the new Register Early Career Teachers (RECT) service will replace the current Manage Training for Early Career Teachers service.
• Access to RECT will require a DfE Sign-in. Many schools already use DfE Sign-in for other services, but if you do not yet have an account create one ahead of the transition.
• Action required: Check whether your school has a DfE Sign-in account and, if not, set one up before June 2026.
•  Access guidance and register your ECTs through the new RECT portal here.

NPQ Applications Now Open for 2026–27

• Following the latest Department for Education announcement, expressions of interest are now open for NPQs starting in the 2026–27 academic year.
•  NPQs remain one of the most effective ways to develop leadership capacity, drive school improvement and support staff progression. With just one cohort available next year, start date: November 2026, we encourage schools to secure places early. 

Updated scholarship funding:
NPQ for Headship – fully funded
NPQ for SENCOs – fully funded
NPQ for Senior Leadership – fully funded
NPQ for Early Years Leadership – fully funded for eligible Early Years practitioners

NPQLTD (funded for ITT lead mentors in all settings)

• RISE schools are eligible for funding for all of our NPQs
• All other NPQs remain funded for eligible schools meeting disadvantage (PP50) criteria.
• Check your funding eligibility here: Eligibility Checker

Invest in your team & strengthen leadership. Secure your place, find out more and register your expression of interest  Here