Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 10th May 2024
Welcome to Percy Hedley School's Family Liaison Blog!
It’s been a short week, with the bank holiday. Finally, the sun came out and it has been lovely. Opportunities to have lunch outdoors are so welcome. You were sent a reminder about the importance of sun protection for your children/young people.
Our Student Council is gathering donations for a Father’s Day Sale on 14th June. They would appreciate donations of gifts which they will sell to students at a low price of £3. Having seen these sales over the last few years, I know how excited they get, choosing a gift for their dad or significant male carer. Please send donations (no nuts or alcohol as previously explained) for the attention of Kayden or Amanda and let’s make this as good as it can be.
Uniform recycling:
If you have good quality used Percy Hedley School uniform you are happy to donate, please send into 6Che where they are taking this on as an enterprise project. They will wash, iron and offer them to parents at coffee events.
Events next week:
Monday 13th May: Engagement pathway school photos
Thursday 16th May: FoPHS Meeting 09.30-11.00
ELYBA pathway coffee afternoon 14-15.00
Remember that Friday 24th May is a staff training day, so students break up for half term at the end of the day on Thursday 23rd May.
Online Safety:
The link to the Online safety information can be found on the school website under the heading “Parent and carers area”, then “online safety” from the dropdown menu.
This week’s blog from Joel covers: Navigating the Online World: Age Restrictions and Safety Tips
Information: Annual Medical: Learning Disability
Do you know that if your child is on their GP register as having a diagnosis of “Learning Disability”, from the age of 14 they should have an Annual Health check?
Information: Carers Allowance/Carers Support Payment
From Contact-for families of disabled children: Some very interesting posts on Carers.
Information: Positive Behaviour Support Workshop: Morpeth
Skills for people: Jillian and Kerry are running positive behaviour workshops in Morpeth. Ring 01912818737 for more info. There is one next week.
Activities: Durham and District Leisure Group DaDLG
This group is open to those who live in Durham or adjacent local authorities. I’ve just received their most recent newsletter and there are some fantastic opportunities for those who can access.
May Half term Kids Camps: The Northumberland Club
May Half Term Camps are Just 3 Weeks Away! Our experienced coaching team are busy preparing for an unforgettable week of action-packed fun!
Smile Through Sport: May half term activities
With the half term approaching check out our holiday activity sessions for SEND children and young people and their siblings to get involved in! Book now - info@smilethroughsport.com
Activities: Free Family Fun Day: Saturday 8th June at Newcastle University.
There is a list on the link of free activities, some age restricted, some require bookings while others are drop - in. See the link below for full information. There are some craft sessions, but also some science-based ones which could be of interest to our older students.
Activities: Ability to Play Half term
***MAY HALF TERM PROGRAMME*** Bookings for our May Half Term Programme are now OPEN!!!! Spaces are limited and on a first come first served basis. So please book early to avoid missing out! To book you can either email bayley.milligan@northumberland.gov.uk or simply send a DM to this page stating who you would like to book on and which days. You will receive a response that your place is secure.
FoPHS News
The next meeting of FoPHS will take place next week, Thursday 16th May from 9.30-11.00. We are keen to involve as many parents as possible and you can join us in person or online. The link to join online is below. If you plan to join, it would be great if you could let me know in advance so that we have enough cake! There’s a bribe.
Donation to FoPHS
This week our Chair of FoPHS Ollie and I visited the Whitley Bay Flower Club who raised £1000 for us. A former staff member’s mother got in contact a few weeks ago as she had been given my name as FoPHS link. It is humbling to see groups like this, who fund-raise all year to support charities and we are delighted to have been chosen as this year’s recipients. Our thanks to Mary Bentley, Secretary and Anne O’Sullivan who nominated us to benefit.
Cresswell Towers 3–4-night stay.
There are still plenty of numbers left for the number generator raffle for a short stay at Cresswell Towers Caravan Park. This is open to anyone. It is a 3 bed (1 double, 2 twin room) respite caravan which has level access via decking. Please see the poster below. Each number costs £3; you can pay by cash, cheque (payable to Percy Hedley Foundation) or QR code.
Facebook Group
Thought for the week; I can relate, and it is no short break either.
“The Special Needs Journey is not one I planned to take, but I sure do love my tour guide.”
Contact details:
Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer
Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext. 3260.