Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 14th November 2025

Wednesday 19^th November 13.30-14.30 FoPHS Meeting

There are three sessions taking place, see below of a Motor Activities Training Challenge (MATP) for the LSTE classes as follows to which parents of those children are invited:

Monday 1 December 13-14.00. Class BE

Wednesday 3^rd December 9.30-10.30. Classes AH and HF

Friday 12^th December 9.30-10.30: Classes LT/SH and CH

Just a reminder, in case you missed last week of the changes to vouchers from North Tyneside for those on income related free school meals. Letters are below.

Preparing for Adulthood (PfA)

This week, I wanted to share the following from Hannah, our PfA Lead:

Understanding the Local Offer: A Guide

At Percy Hedley School, we recognise that it can be difficult to find the information you need to make decisions about your child’s journey, and in particular, how to prepare for adulthood.  The Local Offer is where you can find out more about what is available to you in your area and can help you to make informed choices.

What is the Local Offer?

The Local Offer is a legal requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014. Every local authority in England must publish clear, accessible information about the services and support available for children and young people (aged 0–25) with SEN or disabilities. This includes education, health, and social care provision, both locally and sometimes beyond your area if relevant. [autism.org.uk]

Think of it as a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about:

• How your child’s needs can be identified and assessed.
• What support is available in schools, colleges, and early years settings.
• Health services, therapies, and social care options.
• Travel arrangements, leisure activities, and childcare.
• Preparing for adulthood, including training, employment, and independent living.

Why is it important?

The Local Offer helps you:

• Find services quickly without searching multiple websites.
• Understand your rights and what support your child is entitled to.
• Plan ahead for transitions, like moving from primary to secondary school or preparing for adulthood.
• Have a voice – local authorities must involve parents and young people in developing and reviewing the Local Offer. Your feedback shapes future services.

What should it include?

By law, the Local Offer must cover:

• Education provision (mainstream and special schools, SEN support).
• Health and social care services.
• How to request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
• Post-16 opportunities: apprenticeships, supported internships.
• Support for transitions and independent living.
• How to make complaints or appeal decisions.

Check out our website for links to your Local Authority’s Offer.

Preparing for Adulthood Resources – Percy Hedley School

You can also contact Eileen Robinson for support and signposting.

e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk

SAVE THE DATE:  21.1.25  9.30 – 11am

Our next Parent Carer Forum will have a focus on Social Care and planning for the future.  We’ll be discussing:

• What can social care offer?
• Why might it be helpful to have a Social Worker?
• What is Early Help?
• What does ‘Child in Need’ mean?
• What happens when an EHCP ends?

We’ll be running it as a hybrid, so you can join us in person or online.  Hope to see you there!

Feedback from those who joined the last session was positive and we are delighted the hybrid offer has enabled more of you to join.

NAPI – North East Action for Children Parents and Inclusion CIO 1161983 ·

Pop In & Say Hello at the SEND Support Hub!

We’re so excited to be at the SEND Support Hub come along for a friendly chat and find out what support is available for children and young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in Newcastle.

Galafield Family Hub, NE5 1LZ

Wednesday 26th November 2025

10am – 1pm (drop in anytime!)

Come meet our amazing local providers, grab a cuppa , ask your questions, and enjoy free soft play for the little ones!

Don’t miss this relaxed, welcoming event full of information, support, and smiles!

This week’s will be short and sweet as I have been off most of the week.

Do look at you Local Offer; you will find links through the preparation for Adulthood resources here:

https://www.percyhedley.org.uk/percy-hedley-school/preparing-for-adulthood-resources/

MOCHII:

Mochii is an organisation supported by the Kings Trust & Footsteps Children’s Services. We are committed to providing a holistic approach to support & care for people with SEND/Neurodiversities in an inclusive, accepting, safe & fun way

They have youth groups for children and adults with SEND. I know some of our students attend.

Contact details:

Page · Community organisation

Newcastle upon Tyne

07414 537478

admi.mochii@gmail.com

mochii.co.uk

Please find the link to the meeting on Wednesday 19th November below:

I am still awaiting the replacement orders from IQ cards for 2 students whose names were mis spelt.

The committee has agreed funding at £10 per student for an activity in the run up to Christmas. Your continued generosity and support mean we are in a position to offer this funding and know it will make a difference.

Volunteers. In the run up to Christmas I will be asking for some parent volunteers to support FoPHS. In previous years you have helped wrap gifts, decorate a grotto and help at the Christmas Fayre. More details to follow after next week’s FoPHS meeting.

100 Club.

An easy way to support the FoPHS is the100 club. It is taking off slower this year, with just 24 numbers taken.  Please consider joining and inviting your friends and family to do so too. 50% of the takings come to FoPHS and the remaining 50% is divided by 12 = a winning cash payment. 100 numbers taken = £600 for FoPHS and £50 for each of the 12 winning numbers.

You can pay by cash, BACS, cheque or QR code. If choosing QR, remember to reset the “tip” to justgiving to zero at the checkout.

Facebook page:

This is a closed group for family and friends of Percy Hedley School, where you can share news and updates about school life. It is not for external professionals who may be working with families. 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.