Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 15th November 2024

Welcome to Percy Hedley School's Family Liaison Blog!

The weather is still milder than you’d expect for the time of year. Those in the know tell me snow is coming soon.

As you are probably aware, I host social coffee events each half term and attend departmental ones too. I arrange the FoPHS meetings in school, again one each half term. It has been suggested that I offer drop-in sessions for parents/carers. These would be an opportunity to come and discuss non class related matters, get support and signposting. Would this be of interest? Please let me know. I would be happy to do TEAMS or phone calls too for those who can’t get in to school.

 

This week Hannah and I hosted a hybrid meeting with parents on the Preparation for Adulthood work we are doing in school. Hannah shared feedback from the surveys and we had a discussion afterwards. I’m awaiting the evaluation from those who joined online to see if this works for everyone. Thanks to those who came.

Here’s a message from Hannah.

Huge thanks to all the parents and carers who attended our inaugural parent/carer forum for Preparation for Adulthood.  It was great to see so many of you, both online and in the building, and to hear your thoughts about the work we are currently doing to put the very best supports in place for you and your children.  Those who attended on Tuesday have asked for the next meeting to focus on transition arrangements and legal aspects of PfA.  They also told us they welcomed the opportunity to meet with other parents to talk and we are happy to provide that. Eileen and I will be putting a programme together and will let you know dates and times very soon.  Once again, thanks for your support – it’s appreciated!

 

Today the whole school is supporting Children in Need and there is lots going on. Sensory station with lots of messy stuff, various activities throughout the day and for those who chose to, dressing in something that makes them happy. It is a very worthy charity supporting children across the UK. I’m wearing my Pudsey ears.

Events

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.

Moving from Children’s to Adult Social Care

Information from Contact - for families of disabled children

MENCAP webinars

At the PfA meeting on Tuesday there were lots of questions about the legal implications of your child turning 18. I promised to include links to the webinars MENCAP runs and can highly recommend the first one.

North Tyneside families: PfA event

Thanks to Carol, parent of one of our students who passed this on.

Universal Credit and Carer elements

I am aware that some people are confused by how Universal Credit disability related elements work.

Personal Assistant Training

Do you, or do you plan to employ a personal Assistant for your child? If so, Disability North offers free training.

Friends of Hadrian School

I have shared their information before and, as this goes to press, I know it may be too late.

North East Autism Society

This group has put together a list of autism friendly events leading up to Christmas.

FoPHS News

We would love your inspiration for plans going forward to ensure that we continue to make a difference to your children and school.

FoPHS 100 Club

At the latest count, 43 numbers have been taken.

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.

This week, rather than a quote I thought I would share something Children in Need related. So, when I found this one, it felt apt for our school community too.

 BBC Children in Need’s vision is that:

“Children and young people in the UK have a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential.”

 

Contact details

Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer

Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk

Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext. 3260.