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.

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.

Northumberland County Council alerts and reminders »

Rothbury weather links »

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.

Rothbury weather links »

Northumberland County Council website »

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

More news from King Edward VI High School »

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.

'Play Safe and Stay Safe' was the lesson at Dr Thomlinson Middle School when pipeline owner Northern Gas Networks spoke to 280 pupils at the Rothbury school.

Along with United Utilities, the company is speaking the children before they break for the summer, to ensure their classmates know how to act safely while road works are in place close to their school.

Emma Hare, from Longframlington, designs and sells her own greeting cards through her website.

Her story is being highlighted as part of Shine Week.

Sue Joyner, head at Harbottle First School, was one of 12 new priests and deacons ordained at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle.

She said: "As a priest, my faith will become very public, but I won't lose the human, personal aspect of it. I hope God and the Church can use my whole life to point out Christ in our world, and in the lives of individuals."

Among others becoming priests were a former policeman and a retired GP.

The Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Rev Martin Wharton, presided at the ordination service.

A working group of county councillors will be given the task of investigating the likely future impact of demographic change on the demand for school places across the county.

It will try to identify how many schools are at risk of closure because of falling rolls and how council policies - such as in new housing development - can help tackle the problem.