Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 15th December 2023

Monday 18^th: FoPHS parents setting up a grotto with me in the morning.

In the afternoon is the Upper School Talent Show (students only)

Tuesday 19^th: Classes will have the opportunity to visit Santa’s Grotto to receive a

Selection box/sensory alternative funded by a firm where one of our student’s parent works.

Christmas dinner for students.

Jolabokaflod celebrations, organised by FoPHS with the Literacy Squad and

Funded by FoPHS. Class specific, may be different day/time depending on

Schedule. Engagement pathway have a sensory celebration involving books.

Wednesday 20^th: Enterprise Christmas Fayre in the afternoon, organised by Upper School

Appropriate accreditation pathway and to which parents of students from KS3

upwards are invited. 14-15.00. Enterprise is an important part of preparing

our students for life after school and your support will be greatly

appreciated.

Thursday 21^st: Christmas Jumper Day and school closes to students for the holidays at the

End of the day.

School re-opens on Monday 8^th January 2024.

The academic calendar for 2024-25 has been shared with you yesterday. The link is below.

A paper copy is being sent home with students today.

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 is about Money Muling you can find the blog below:

Please see link to the termly safeguarding letter from Rebecca, our Designated Safeguarding Officer, and the safeguarding team.

You need to complete registration even if your child is eligible for free school meals. I am happy to support anyone who needs assistance. If your family circumstances change, and you think your child may now be eligible for free school meals please get in touch and I will process applications.

Those eligible for income related Free School Meals will receive their holiday vouchers on Monday 18^th December. These are provided by North Tyneside Council as part of the HAF (household activity and food) fund from central government. They have released them early to help families with planning for Christmas. These will continue until March 2024.

I have phoned some parents of students new to Post 16 to discuss. Could I ask that outstanding applications are submitted quickly to enable us to access the bursary fund for students who are eligible?

As always, I am here to support as and when needed. My contact details are at the foot of this and every Family Liaison blog.

Did you know that everyone with a learning disability in the UK is entitled to free Annual Health Checks once they turn 14?

This can help to identify any medical issues early on — otherwise, problems could be missed and lead to more serious consequences.

To get a health check, ask your GP to add your child to the Learning Disability Register. This can be done at any age, but they will only be invited for checks once they’re 14.

After the check, your child should be given a Health Action Plan to help them stay well. This can also be used to shape any health outcomes in their EHC plan, SEN support plan, or adulthood transition review.

“𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁ed 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿- 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺!

Parents and carers are often overwhelmed when the term autism is mentioned to them, especially in relation to their own child. Fiona and Lynda will come together to help you begin your journey into a better understanding of what it means to be autistic and how you as a parent/carer can feel more confident in supporting and understanding your child.

We will cover key areas and dispel common everyday myths using a range of materials and drawing on lived experience from autistic individuals. This webinar has been coproduced by our staff with support from our A Team (Autistic Advisory board) and the children and young people we work with.

Please take a look at the poster below for upcoming dates which are also available to view on our website. If you would like to register for this session please complete our online registration form

The poster was shared with me by a member of staff and may be of interest to local families. As it is short notice, I have also shared in our Facebook group.

North East Days Out (you will find reviews here too)

North East Family Adventures

Travelling further afield? Here is another group: Children DLA days out Discounts tips and advice Disability Living Allowance

On Monday I have an army of parents/carers coming in to help me turn our outdoor pod into a Santa’s grotto. We will have mince pies and refreshments. At such a busy time of year for parents/carers I am truly humbled by the response, and I look forward to a productive morning with a splash of fun thrown in. Your children will benefit. We have received a generous donation from a firm linked to a parent and students will receive a selection box or suitable alternative in the grotto. Another lovely event supported by the FoPHS.

On Wednesday we will be at the Enterprise Christmas Fayre. Drop by to support our fund-raising or ask questions about the FoPHS.

We will have a small raffle, a lucky dip, another stall kindly being run by one of our parents and the opportunity to engage with the FoPHS. Needless to say I’ll be trying to reach the magic number for the 100 club.

For £12 per number, you will be entered into 12 draws to win a cash sum. With 50% of the takings supporting the FoPHS, the remainder is given in prizes. Last year we raised almost £600; this year I hope to have all 100 numbers taken. We have a lovely flyer featuring 2 of our students.

AGM: Our AGM will take place on Thursday 25^th January from 9.30-11.00. More details to follow in January.

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.