Five Minutes on Friday Issue 2 11th September 2026

Welcome to this week’s 5 Minutes on Friday digest! As we settle further into the autumn term, we have a packed edition featuring upcoming local EdTech events, powerful professional development opportunities, and essential online safety guidance for your school community.

Grab a quick coffee and take five minutes to get up to speed with what you need to know for Friday, 11th September 2026.

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๐Ÿ 1. Apple RTC Conference: AI & Accessibility in the Classroom

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Mark your calendars! The South Tyneside Apple Regional Training Centre (in partnership with Academia) invites you to join us on Thursday, 22nd October 2026 at The Word, South Shields for our Autumn Conference.

This whole-day event focuses on one of the most vital areas in modern education: AI and accessibility in the classroom.

  • Why Attend? Connect with fellow educators and tech experts, discover innovative ideas and practical teaching strategies, and explore inclusive approaches that empower every learner.
  • Who Should Attend? Senior leaders, computing leads, class teachers, and SEND coordinators looking to maximize Apple technology for inclusion.

๐Ÿ‘‰ RSVP & View the Official Event Flyer: Download the Apple RTC Conference Invite (PDF)

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๐Ÿค– 2. Gemini for Education Event: Newcastle Roadshow

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Google for Education is hitting the road, and their next stop is right here in the North East! Join the Google team in Newcastle on Wednesday, 11th November 2026 for a dedicated Gemini for Education roadshow.

This event is tailored for school leaders, IT coordinators, and educators eager to harness generative AI safely and effectively within the Google Workspace environment.

  • Key Insights: Discover how Gemini can save teachers time with lesson planning, assist with administrative workflows, and transform classroom interactivity.
  • Best Practices: Learn about data privacy, AI literacy, and practical strategies for integrating AI tools into your school’s digital strategy.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Secure Your Space: Register for the Gemini Roadshow Newcastle

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ 3. Online Safety Hub Weekly Highlight: Parental Advice & Digital Safety

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In this week’s feature from the South Tyneside Online Safety Hub, we are highlighting how to report incidents on gaming platforms.Swift reporting is crucial for removing inappropriate content and mitigating the impact of negative online incidents.Reporting the incident to the platform itself is often the first step; however, each country also has applicable government organisations that can help.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Explore the Article & Hub:

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of 5 Minutes on Friday! Stay tuned for more EdTech updates, classroom ideas, and leadership tips in next week’s issue.

Have a brilliant and relaxing weekendโ€”unless you are taking on the Great North Run this Sunday! In that case, may the weather be in your favour, the crowds carry you along, and your legs take you safely home to the finish line in South Shields! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ

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Phillippa Chippendale

ICT in Schools Team

Five Minutes on Friday, Issue #9 26th June 2026

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Welcome to this week’s Five Minutes on Friday digest! As we head towards the summer break, we’ve gathered a fresh round of tech updates, digital safeguarding resources, and emerging trends to help keep you up to speed with the latest in technology, education, and innovation.

Grab a quick coffee and take five minutes to review what you need to know.

๐Ÿ’ก 1. CEOP Resources: Summer Safeguarding Reminders

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With the summer holidays rapidly approaching, student safeguarding concerns can naturally spike while schools and other routine support services are closed. It is more vital than ever to remind young people where they can turn for help and how to report issues online.

  • The Resource: CEOP has provided an invaluable, one-page help and report resource designed explicitly for young people.
  • The Impact: This direct guide outlines accessible, all-year-round reporting routes and online services specifically addressing concerns related to online sexual abuse.
  • Action Item: Consider circulating this resource or linking it in your final end-of-term communications to parents and students.

#ClickCEOP #OnlineSafety Follow @CEOPUK

๐Ÿ’ก 2. Supporting Children & Young People with Additional Needs

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Internet Matters has launched a brand-new initiative: the Every Child Safe Online hub. This specialized space is built specifically to support parents, carers, and educators of children with additional needsโ€”regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis or face specific unique barriers online.

  • Tailored Experiences: The hub delivers curated activities and highly practical resources adapted directly to a child’s specific developmental needs.
  • Step-by-Step Advice: It features structured guidance to help parents navigate emerging concerns, promote positive and inclusive online habits, and confidently signpost further professional support.

๐Ÿ“ฑ 3. Online Safety Hub Weekly Highlight: Getting Started With Qustodio

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In this week’s spotlight from the South Tyneside Online Safety Hub, we are highlighting a powerful tool for extending digital safety boundaries outside the school day.

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Through the Qustodio Parent App, families can actively supervise their child’s online activities on school-managed devices during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

  • Core Features: The free version of the app allows parents to filter web content, set healthy daily screen time limits, manage specific app access, and monitor YouTube usage.
  • Advanced Monitoring: Families also have the option to upgrade to Qustodio Premium, unlocking enhanced safety features such as call monitoring and real-time location tracking.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read the full guide: Access the Qustodio Parental Article on South Tyneside Hub

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of Five Minutes on Friday! We hope these resources help support your school community as you transition into the summer months. Stay tuned next week for more EdTech news, practical classroom ideas, and leadership tips.

Have a specific topic or tool you would like us to cover in a future update? Feel free to reach out to the team with your suggestions or feedback.

Have a great weekend!

Phillippa Chippendale ICT in Schools Team