Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 12th January 2024

There is a code specific to your child. If you have lost the letter our admin team can send one. If you need support setting up, please contact me.

For those on some special diets/not fed orally there is no charge. If your child falls into this category you will have received a letter to that effect.

If you think your child is eligible for free school meals and you have not applied, please see the letter below and contact me if you meet eligibility criteria.

This week’s online safety blog is on music sharing and the link is below.

You may have missed it, put it off as many busy parents do. I thought some feedback from parents would be helpful so here goes:

• They were very insightful and made me think about things I hadn’t thought of before. The wills one you might think it’s not relevant, but it really was.
• This was a bit of a wakeup call for me; I thought I had things in control. It made me think of what could happen if suddenly I wasn’t able to provide the support I currently do for my child.
• I found both sessions very informative; there was a lot of information, and I am going to repeat them.

Planning for the future:

“Book your free place now at one of our online seminars to find out how you can plan the financial future of your vulnerable loved one.”

First date available is Thursday 29^th February; these sessions run approximately every fortnight.

Decision Making:

“Join our free webinar where we will discuss decision making for vulnerable young people about their welfare and finances.”

These are far less frequent and only 1 is planned for this year in November.

The ones currently on offer are for parents/carers of children aged 0-5 which may not be relevant. If online sessions are useful, perhaps keep checking for new opportunities. Sometimes they are funded by specific Local Authorities and restricted to their residents.

“Based at our studios on Mosley Street the club runs every Wednesday 6.30 – 8.45 on a pay as you go basis. ICEbox offers a range of arts, drama, media, and craft activities, as well a social space to chill and connect with friends. ICEbox and enjoy the tuck shop. Icebox also has a holiday club so check out our Projects for more info.”

Click the link below for more information.

They are not drop off sessions; your child/young person will need apparent/carer to remain with them and are free of charge. If your family has accessed the sessions, I would appreciate some feedback.

Have a look at the link below for what is currently on offer.

“We still have places left for our autism friendly swimming session on Saturday 10th February at 6pm-6.45pm where we will have exclusive use of the pool!

Come and join us for a night of fun whilst also supporting The Toby Henderson Trust.

Places must be booked in advance by emailing support@ttht.co.uk or by completing an online booking form on our website.”

Here’s what we did last term:

• Provided funds for resources for MOVE 2 Spook and MOVING in a Winter Wonderland
• Provided books, treats and sensory equipment for Jolabokaflod.
• Funded a group of students attending a theatre production with which they were involved.
• Worked with the most enthusiastic group of parents, carers, and family members who volunteered their time to turn our outdoor pod into Santa’s grotto. They were busier than any of Santa’s elves, wrapped 157 selection boxes/sensory toys and helped sort them for individual classes for “Santa” to gift in said grotto. They then filled gift bags with goodies to make Jolabokaflod fun. WE had refreshments and lots of good- natured banter. To all who answered my call, thank you and to Danny’s mum Lorraine who arranged a donation to buy the selection boxes/sensory toys.
• We raised funds from the IQ Christmas cards, stalls at the Christmas fayre and the 100 club. Thanks to Carol, Logan’s mum for organising a stall at the fayre and to the staff (you know who you are) who wrapped the lucky dip goodies and kept me company on the FoPHS stall.

We have since received part match funding of £500 from Pound for Pound via Aaron’s mum Lesa, who helped on the day and put us forward. This takes our total to £1886.46.

Every year we raise a little more. The best part of the fayre is the atmosphere and the number of families who come along on a Saturday. I know only too well that this doesn’t work for all students.

We are keen to involve more parents/carers/extended family and friends in our work. As parent to a former student, I know how challenging it can be to find time. I believe in the work we do and see the difference it makes to students.

Do have a look at the FoPHS section on the website for more information or contact me if you’d like an informal chat. This year 2 of our elected officer positions are held by teaching staff. Whilst this is absolutely fine, it is to ensure we are compliant and a lack of parent/carer volunteers. My role is a school appointed role specific one, supporting the work of FoPHS. This reduces the demands on parents/carers too.

For £12 per number, you will be entered into 12 draws. 50% comes to us, with the remainder as cash prizes. We currently have 57 numbers taken and the first 6 draws will be done at the AGM so there is still time to join. You can pay by cash, cheque, BACS or QR code. If you choose the QR code, you can re-set the donation to justgiving to zero at the checkout.

Please see form below and the poster with the QR code.

To join, you need to answer the question stating your link with school.

Please note: this group is for sharing news and updates about school life and is not intended to discuss any issues around individual students, and as such all comments are moderated. If you have a particular issue or concern, please contact school directly on 0191 216 1811.