Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 19th July 2024
Welcome to Percy Hedley School's Family Liaison Blog!
As they say, and that’s a wrap as we break up for the summer holidays. School is not staffed over the holidays as I have said a couple of times. Messages left on the answerphone will be dealt with on return and we reopen to students on Wednesday 4th September. There are 2 staff training days before that, and staff have mandatory training on those days. They may not be free to take calls but if you leave messages with the office staff, they will contact you when they are free to do so.
I wish you all the very best for the holidays; I know from experience the challenges but also the joy. To those leaving us this July, I hope that your young person goes on to be the best they can be in the next chapter. If you do need a chat or a little signposting, I have always said that although your young person is moving on my door remains open. Although I can’t provide as much time, I will always do my utmost to support.
The link to the new school term calendar is below. Just a reminder that if you need to check school dates, please use the school website which will always be up to date. Sometimes changes have been made (additional bank holidays, clashes with exams are 2 examples in the last 3 years).
School Uniform:
It’s also the time of year where people ask about ordering school uniforms. We now use Tots to Teams and the link to order online is below. Please don’t ask for them to be delivered to school over the holidays (this is on their website). Current turnaround for home delivery or collection from store is 2-4 weeks. School uniform at Percy Hedley School is optional.
Free School Meal vouchers.
Those who are in receipt of income related free school meals will receive their voucher from North Tyneside Council by email on Monday 22nd July. Please remember to download these on receipt as they WILL expire during the school holidays. I am term time only so will not be sending my usual reminders to those who forget to activate them. North Tyneside Council will cancel those not activated and will not reissue.
Prom
I heard so many wonderful stories about Prom, and hope your young people enjoyed it. One of our parents Chris arranged a free mocktail cart which I believe went down very well.
Thanks to The Bubble and Bottle for supporting the event
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.
There is a wealth of information on the online safety link, including links to specific aspects covered in the weekly blogs. We are fortunate to have Maria and Joel, who understand and are aware of specific incidents which impact on our students. You will find the link to them here:
Information: Independent Travel
I can almost hear some parents asking why I am covering this subject. Independent, in the case of our students means as independent as possible. Whilst we have had some students who, after training could access public transport without another adult with them, they are in the minority. For some, using public transport may seem impossible but, as they grow in confidence can be supported to access with another adult. We encourage students once they are in Key Stage 4 to get a disabled bus pass with companion. This enables them to use public buses free of charge with an escorting adult.
Activities
I have shared a lot of activities and have been asked to highlight these by our PE teacher, see below.
Activities: Stride Out To the Lighthouse
The free 10K family walk along the beautiful North Tyneside coastline is back for 2022. Taking place on Saturday 27 August, the scenic family walk starts from The Parks Sports Centre, North Shields, finishing at St Mary’s Lighthouse, Whitley Bay.
Activities: Ease Into
North Tyneside has asked me to share with you. It is open to children living in or attending a school in North Tyneside. Primarily for those eligible for Free School Meals, but there may be activities for those with SEND. I have also been informed that some are already fully booked but I am sharing at the earliest opportunity.
Activities: Toby Henderson Trust Information
Activities: Kids Travel Free
Activities: Tailored Leisure
I have been asked to share the following: they also have weekly clubs although these would be a challenge due to timings.
Activities: Accessible Holidays
I was recently asked about places to look for accessible accommodation so here’s what I have:
FoPHS News
FoPHS Great North Run
Support my husband and daughter who are running this years Great North Run for FoPHS
Bellway Survey
Facebook Group
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.
My little quote of the week will resonate with every single parent/carer of a child/young person with additional needs and comes from the inspiration that is Malala Yousafzai:
“I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.”
Contact details
Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer
Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext. 3260.