Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 16th June 2023
Your latest Parent Liaison Blog on Friday 16th June 2023.
Good weather comes with lots of comings and goings in school, with an increase in class trips etc. The picnic tables, 2 of which were funded by FoPHS are available for parents/carers who drop off and pick up or have meetings to use. They are also well used by staff at lunchtime, and I feel the benefits of a sunshine break during the day. Long may it continue.
As we are fast approaching the end of the 2022-23 academic year, here is the school term calendar for 2023-24. School closes to students and staff on Friday 21st July 2023. We have a staff training day on Monday 4th September and will welcome students back on Tuesday 5th September 2023. It’s a good time to remind everyone that the school is not staffed over the holidays as many staff are employed term time only and others are enjoying well earned holidays. Phone messages will be dealt with when there are staff in the office.
16-19 Student bursary update.
What’s this I hear some of you ask? Parents and Carers of students in Post 16 received information, advice, and support with applications to this, funded by the government through the Skills Funding Agency. We have put in a lot of time ensuring that we made best use of this, to remove barriers to education for those who are eligible. Changes to the process holds school accountable and we keep records accordingly. We also used a bespoke process for each eligible student.
There are 2 bursaries:
- Vulnerable Student Bursary (young person’s income/circumstances)
- Discretionary Student Bursary (family income dependent).
I believe that we have made best use of this and that students and families who applied have seen the benefits. I wanted to include this update now, so that those who will be in Post 16 next year are aware of it. Next year, we aim to process these earlier and I hope this helps families whose children are in, or moving up to Post 16 in September
Free School Meals
Families on a low income including those receiving income support or universal credit below a certain limit are/may be eligible for additional support from North Tyneside Council during the school holidays. You have received the form, Pupil Premium and Free School Meals. If you are unsure about this, you will find the form here:
If you receive vouchers and your child is moving key stages, you will need to resubmit evidence. So, if your child is going into Year 3, 7, 10 or 12 I will need proof of entitlement again. You must return the form each year and if evidence is requested you must return it too. If you don’t return them, I will not be able to process vouchers. Students who have been eligible and are entering Year 14 are not eligible for vouchers as it is an additional year post national education. Contact me if you need further information.
Dates for your diaries:
FoPHS Meeting: Tuesday 20th June 9.30-11.00
See under subheading FoPHS.
Social Coffee Morning: Wednesday 5th July 9.30-11.00
The final social coffee morning of this academic year will include an opportunity to see the
Enterprise Summer Fayre: Thursday 13th July 14-15.00
This is being run by KS4 and Post 16 students. Parents/carers of students in KS3, 4 and Post 16 are invited to come and support them. Link to the letter is below:
E-Safety
A weekly reminder to parents/carers that there is an abundance of helpful information and advice on this very important matter on the E-Safety section of the school website. The link is here:
Information:
Child Trust Funds.
Contact-for families of disabled children are campaigning on behalf of the 80,000 young people in the UK with Child Trust funds who have reduced mental capacity. When these young people reach 18 years, they will not be able to access these funds and, indeed any other savings accounts opened in their name.
This was covered on the BBC “Morning Live” programme this week, Thursday 15th June. The link to the programme is here:
BBC iPlayer – Morning Live – Series 5: 15/06/2023
I have had many discussions with parents over the years here about savings accounts. Here are a few facts:
- If your child has reduced mental capacity and has an account in their own name they will not be able to access savings.
- Being a DWP appointee does not enable a parent/carer/guardian to act on their behalf and access the funds.
- Currently, the only way to access is via the Court of Protection under a Deputyship order.
- Application for Deputyship involves lengthy form completion, costs £365/£371 to set up (2 options, 2nd one enables online access to the account).
- There may be certain conditions whereby the cost to set up can be waived.
- The Deputy needs to keep detailed records including receipts for any funds spent and the Court of Protection imposes certain conditions on spending.
- Benefits may be affected if the young person has savings even if they cannot access them.
I have included links below to information.
This is the best time too for me to remind you of the Mencap Seminar on “Preparing for the Future” which is so informative.
If you, relatives, or others plan to leave money in a will for a young person who lacks capacity, please ask them to seek advice on a Discretionary Trust before they do so.
Finally, if your child/young person lacks mental capacity and will not be able to manage money, unless there is a Court of Protection order in place, seek financial advice before opening or adding to a savings account in their name.
Mencap “Planning for the Future”.
I have shared this excellent online workshop for parents/carers before but sharing the link again. This will give you more information to support decisions you make or will need to make concerning financial decisions for a child/young person who lacks capacity.
They also have a “frequently asked questions” link on Wills and Trusts.
Activities:
South Shields Surf school
FREE YOUNG PERSON AUTISM & ADDITIONAL NEEDS
These sessions are for young people with Autism and special educational needs.
These sessions are for young people with Autism and special educational needs. An hour-long session in the water surfing, paddle boarding, body boarding and snorkelling – getting in the water each week with our staff and volunteers to have a mint time.
Our previous participants in these courses have shown increased sense of confidence, peer to peer relations, pro-social behaviours and decreased reported emotional problems.
These 6-week courses run on Sundays 10-11am and is free to access fully funded by Seascapes.
We have two courses running: one for ages 14-18 and another for ages 16-24
r long session in the water surfing, paddle boarding, body boarding and snorkelling – getting in the water each week with our staff and volunteers to have a mint time.
Our previous participants in these courses have shown increased sense of confidence, peer to peer relations, pro-social behaviours and decreased reported emotional problems.
These 6-week courses run on Sundays 10-11am and is free to access fully funded by Seascapes.
We have two courses running: one for ages 14-18 and another for ages 16-24
Better (East End Pool): Byker
Did you know East End Pool has a weekly SEND friendly family pool session
The session is held in a quiet environment.
Family participation is encouraged so siblings are welcome.
For the more adventurous the slides are available.
Toys and floats provided.
Every Sunday at 11.45am.
Book online under inclusive swimming.
All Terrain Wheelchair hire: National Trust
One of our parents passed on information to a therapist. There is a scheme through the National Trust for families to use all terrain wheelchairs free of charge to access some National Trust parks with increased independence. The one local to us is Wallington but there are other locations in England, Scotland and Wales including in the Lake District and Cumbria if any families are heading that direction in the holidays! You’ll find full details on the link below. Specific models are available at each location so be sure to check before you go that it is suitable for your child/young person.
The chairs are suitable for riders of any age with varying abilities- There are a variety of all-terrain wheelchairs to meet various individual needs. Variety of chairs available are different to all locations so worthwhile to check what they have before visiting, and these may need to be pre-booked! Chairs include push chairs, and electrical assisted ones.
FoPHS News:
We have a logo. We have worked with our foundation digital specialists to design a FoPHS logo and I will share it with you once it has been finalised.
Our next meeting is next Tuesday 20th June from 9.30-11.00. Please join us if you can in person or online. The link to join online is here:
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.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/828431667660413
Thought for this week:
Contact details
Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer
Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext. 3260.