Parents in the Rothbury area of Northumberland who are interested in childcare services have been invited to take part in a feasibility study.
Dr Thomlinson Middle School, Rothbury First School and Thropton First School hope to meet the growing local demand for childcare before and after school, as well as during the holidays.
It is hoped arrangements will be in place by this year's school summer holidays. To take part in the study visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/78 or call Heather Cape on 01669 620287.
The following schools around Rothbury are closed today due to the winter weather:
Dr Thomlinson Middle School, Rothbury (closed until Thursday 14th)
Harbottle CE VA First School
Netherton Northside First School
Rothbury First School
There are ongoing problems with Northumberland school transport services from very rural areas and parents are advised contact the transport provider to check collection is possible and, if not, whether an alternative collection point can be arranged. Click the council link below for more information.
Harbottle First School was closed today due to problems caused by overnight snow and sub zero temperatures.
The weather caused traffic chaos for commuters this morning.
A Met Office spokeswoman said: "There is a cold blast coming in and hitting the East of the country. This will be moving on to the West coast later in the weekend.
"We've issued severe weather warnings for the North East and we are expecting more snow and sleet showers and temperatures could drop as low as -5C. There's a risk of frost and there's a risk of disruption.
"People need to keep up with the weather forecasts and take care on the roads."
A co-ordinated approach is being taken across the region to combat any problems facing people in the event of a snow shower.
View Dr Thomlinson Middle School's 2009 Key Stage 2 performance tables.
For other local schools' performances see the Schools sections on the Journal's Alnwick, Amble and Morpeth microsites.
View comparative tables for Northumberland schools: Key Stage 2, GCSE, Post-16.
New flavours are the order of the day for a Northumbrian butcher on the lookout for something different.
Morris Adamson, owner of Rothbury Family Butchers, has issued a challenge to the children from the nearby school to come up with their own flavour for a sausage after seeing the great flavours his own young apprentice created.
Last week, The Journal told how young butcher Callum Garrick, 17, pictured, has got off to a flying start with his great combinations of flavours.
Globe-trotting youngsters have embarked on a worldwide tasting tour - from the comfort of a village hall.
The Magic Carpet ride has been organised by Longhorsley Village Playgroup to give children experience of different cultures, traditions and food.
It is based on the book My Granny Went To Market, by Stella Blackstone, and will run up to Christmas.
Rural schools in the North are being warned to work together or risk closure.
A report for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DSCF) - which included research on four schools in north west Northumberland - comes at a time when the financial viability of smaller schools is being questioned.
Thropton First School
Report authors the Eastern Leadership Centre have laid out ways schools could work more closely together - such as through federations under a single headteacher - to save some of the costs involved with rural schools.
The social calendar focuses on the Rothbury area this week, with both Netherton and Thropton holding events, so this week's Journal Extra nostalgia feature focuses on these two villages.
On Saturday Netherton is enjoying its monthly folk club in the memorial hall, while it is the Thropton Village Show on the same day.
Taken on a what looks like a sunny day in August, 1989, the first picture gives a great aerial view over the village of Thropton.
Pupils at King Edward VI High School in Morpeth were celebrating excellent GCSE results yesterday.
Talented rugby player Ben Carvin, 16, pictured, of Longframlington, attained four A*s and six As. He said: "I didn't want to get my hopes up too high and I am very happy with the results.
"I will be studying geography, biology, chemistry and maths in the sixth form and hope to go to university. I am planning to take a gap year first because I want to go to New Zealand for the rugby world cup in 2011. That is a big ambition of mine."
A Northumberland school is celebrating after being praised by inspectors.
Netherton Northside First School was recently visited by Ofsted officials, who were impressed with the pupils' high standards.
Among the areas praised were the students' personal development - which was described as "outstanding" - their politeness, and the way that pupils talk very confidently and maturely about life at school.
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Journal Extra, Northumberland's free weekly, is inside copies of The Journal across the county every Thursday, and can also be picked up from these locations around Rothbury »
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