Gosforth Group

Oral language plays a vital role in children’s learning, literacy and social and emotional development.

Our latest guide supports parents and educators with practical, evidence-informed strategies to help children build school-ready language skills.

The guide explores:
• Building oral language through meaningful interaction
• Supporting listening and attention
• Growing children’s vocabulary
• Sharing stories and naming feelings
• Working with settings to spot and support language needs
• Using evidence-based approaches to meet individual needs

With language developing rapidly between the ages of two and six, early support can make a lasting difference to children’s confidence, communication and readiness for school.

Access the guide: https://vist.ly/56fjm

Supporting our pupils to feel safe and confident 💬

Earlier this term, Great Park Academy KS2 pupils took part in the NSPCC’s 'Speak Out. Stay Safe' programme, helping them learn how to recognise worries, identify trusted adults, and understand the importance of speaking out.

Following the assembly, pupils engaged in a range of activities designed to deepen their understanding of safeguarding, build awareness of trusted relationships, and reinforce the importance of speaking out if they feel worried or unsafe.
This valuable experience helped to empower children with the knowledge and confidence to seek support when needed.

👉 Visit our website to read more about how this programme is empowering our children: https://www.greatparkacademy.org.uk/speak-out-stay-safe

Minecraft continues to be a highly popular platform for children, combining creativity, problem-solving and social interaction.

While the game can offer positive opportunities for learning and play, features such as public servers, multiplayer modes and in-game communication can create safeguarding challenges.

Our latest guide supports educators and parents in understanding these risks and helping children play more safely.

The guide explores:
• Public server communication and contact with unknown players
• Griefing, disruptive behaviour and online conflict
• In-game spending and subscription costs
• Addictive gameplay loops and balanced screen time
• Safer settings, private servers and suitable game modes

With clear, practical advice, the guide helps adults set boundaries, encourage safer choices and support responsible Minecraft use.

Access the guide: https://vist.ly/54tfx

"If only this had been available when I started…”

It’s something we hear time and again from people working in the children’s workforce. That’s exactly why the Children’s Workforce Foundation Degree exists. It creates a real pathway, not a leap, from where you are now to where you want to be.

This isn’t about starting over.
It’s about building on your experience and opening doors to what comes next.

As your North East training provider, we’ll support you to:
✔ Develop your skills
✔ Grow your confidence
✔ Create a clear, achievable career pathway

What you can expect:
• Level 4 & 5 Foundation Degree
• Progression to a Level 6 top-up (Honours Degree)
• Opportunities across the children’s workforce and career progression
• A qualification that works around your role

If you’ve ever thought, “What’s next for me?” this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
👉 Learn more and take the next step: https://www.gosforthgroup.org.uk/foundation-degree-home

We couldn’t be prouder of our students. ✨💙

Your GCSE exams are well underway, and we are truly inspired by the positivity, determination and commitment you are showing every day.

Your resilience reflects exactly what it means to be part of our Trust – a community that supports one another and strives to achieve their very best.

Remember, all the hard work you’ve put in and continue to put in will pay off.
But exams are not just about results. Your mental health and wellbeing matter just as much. Taking time to rest, staying balanced, and reaching out for support when you need it are all part of success too.

We are proud of you, we are behind you, and we believe in you every step of the way. Keep going – you’ve got this. 🌟

💚 Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 💚

This year’s theme was “Take Action” and "Wear it Green" and our students and staff across our Trust have truly embraced it!

At Gosforth Academy, their Wellbeing/Learning Support teams proudly came together dressed in green, showing their support and helping to spark important conversations around mental health. 💚 Students were invited to make a personal pledge: a small (or big!) commitment to take action in a way that could positively impact their mental health. Whether it was getting active, connecting with others, giving back to the community, or simply taking time for themselves, the focus was on meaningful change. The engagement was fantastic - it really got everyone thinking about what supports their wellbeing. 🌱

Some of the most popular pledges included:
✨ Hosting a games night 🌳 Organising a day out 🧹 Tackling a declutter
💖 Donating to charity 🤝 Volunteering ⚽ Setting up a kick-about
📷 Going on a photography walk

We’re so proud of how thoughtfully everyone took part - a great reminder that small actions can make a big difference.
Let’s keep the momentum going 💚

🌿🎉 Great Park Academy students’ creativity inspired by Sir David Attenborough 🦍🌿

Great Park Academy are delighted by the fantastic entries submitted for their David Attenborough 100th birthday card competition. It has been so difficult to choose the winners!

A selection of outstanding entries have been recognised, with small prizes being shared with students today. A huge thank you to everyone who took part for their creativity and effort 👏

The students have carefully package up the birthday cards and posted them off to Sir David Attenborough at his fan mail address, we hope he enjoys them. 📬

Students can collect their cards from the library until Friday, 22nd May, before they are sent off.

Well done to all involved! 🌍💚

Already working with children and families?
You’re already making a real difference every day - now take the next step in your career, without stepping away from the work you love ❤️

Build on your experience with a work-based Foundation Degree, delivered locally in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne.
As the North East delivery partner, Gosforth Group is proud to work with the Centre for the Children’s Workforce to bring this opportunity to our region. As a Multi-Academy Trust rooted in education, we understand frontline roles, and we’re here to support your next step.

Designed to fit around your work and your life:
✅ Study locally in Gosforth
✅ Evening sessions (Wednesdays, 4.00pm–8.00pm)
✅ Gain a Level 4 & 5 Foundation Degree
✅ Progress onto a full honours degree

Your experience matters - now make it count.

📅 Applications are now open for September 2026
👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.gosforthgroup.org.uk/foundation-degree-home