Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 21st March 2025

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.

It is here!

This week’s online safety blog details are below:

In the digital world, young people have access to a wealth of information at their fingertips. As educators, parents and carers – it is essential to guide them in navigating the online world safely, especially when searching for people on the internet. Here’s how you can help young people stay safe while satisfying their curiosity.

Click here

You can find the link to this, and previous weekly online blogs here

Welfare Reforms:

The biggest story this week was the announcement by Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary of plans to overhaul the benefits system. Below is a link to the Green Paper which outlines plans. Remember that this is not yet law and there is a process to follow before any changes occur. I will, over the next week look at the information available to us as I know this will be a concern for many of our families. Many students attending Percy Hedley School will not be able to take on full time, or even part time paid work.

Whilst I believe the cuts are not aimed at them, I need to investigate it further to try and give you information in a shorter version. Please bear with me.

More Information Here

You will find information too on Contact – for families of disabled children:

What’s in the Pathways to Work disability reform Green Paper?

Your questions on disability welfare reform answered

The Toby Henderson Trust

“We are thrilled to share that team members from The Toby Henderson Trust will be at the Metrocentre Community Hub on Tuesday 1st April from 1pm-3pm which is Autism Acceptance Day!

Come along to chat with our team, to find out about our services but also to talk about autism and neurodivergence. Even if you already access our services or know about our offer, come along for a chat and a cuppa!

This session is completely free, just drop in! The Community Hub is situated in the upper Green Mall.”

https://themetrocentre.co.uk/…/the-toby-henderson-trust…

Metrocentre

Useful Vision.

Does your child/young person have a visual impairment? If so, this group may be for you. They arrange some activities around the North East.

First though, you will need to register your child. Here is the link: https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/register/

Here is the events page, but you must book:

https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/events/

Sunshine Sensory:

A parent of one of our students in 2HL has recommended this group for parties. Struggling to find something suitable for children with sensory needs?

I have some leaflets if anyone would like a copy.

Check out their offer here:

www.sunshinesensory.co.uk

Disability Parties | sunshine sensory

Cloud package, £130

​Duration: 1 hour​

​Sensory story and birthday themed investigation trays

​Sunshine package, £200

​Duration: 2 hours

Sensory Story and Softplay

​Rainbow package, £230

​Duration: 2 hours

​Sensory Story, Softplay and birthday themed investigation trays

​Available Themes:

Bespoke topics may be possible message with enquiry.

​Dinosaurs

​Jungle

​The Seaside / Under the Sea

​The Farm

​Fairy / Magic

​Transport

There will be an additional travel charge, but this is not high.

Alan Shearer Centre

4 new activity sessions: All must be pre booked and for more information about what else is available visit their website here:

https://alanshearercentre.org.uk/activity-centre/

You will need to register your child, and you can do this here:

https://alanshearercentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/membershipApplicationForm.pdf

I have seen that the Alan Shearer Centre is moving to an online booking system. Please see poster below for details.

Here are the details for the activities:

1. Join us at the Centre in celebrating Mothers with some Mother’s Day card makingLets craft and create for your superwoman! Call us on 0191 267 8118 to book
2. Ease into the Easter celebrations with some Easter Art & Crafts!Decorate eggs or make an Easter card Call us on 0191 267 8118 to book
3. We’re going on an Egg Hunt!Join us in the garden for our annual Easter Egg Hunt Call us on 0191 267 8118 to book your slot.
4. Animal Adventures are back!Join us at the Centre for a pony party and unicorn adventure Call us on 0191 267 8118 to book

National Lottery Open week: Free days out with a national lottery ticket

I covered this in detail 2 weeks ago so if it is of interest have a look here

https://www.percyhedley.org.uk/news/family-information-and-fophs-news-friday-7th-march-2025/#story-4

For the purchase of a National Lottery ticket, you can visit various places free this weekend. If the weather continues the way it has for the last few days, it should be perfect. Some National Trust properties are included.

I am still waiting for more details on the proposed “whole foundation event” which is to be held on the school site on Saturday 28^th June. We have been told that FoPHS will be allocated space to do something, but at this point we aren’t sure how much space or what is possible.

100 Club.

I have been in contact with the winners of the first 6 draws and arranged for their winnings to be transferred to them.
So, are you new to school? Did you intend, but forget to join? It’s not too late. For £12 you will get 2 numbers for the next 6 draws to be done in July. 50% of the funds comes to FoPHS to support our initiatives. It pays for our Parentkind membership, National Trust Educational membership and contributes to the annual metro pass. We have had 64 numbers taken, but there are plenty left. See poster below for details and contact me if you would prefer a paper form sent home.

 School Photos

For those new to school I thought I’d share what we have done for the last 2 years. School photos bought from professional firms are expensive and as there is limited time to take them, the results aren’t always the best. Here at PHS we have a teacher who is an excellent amateur photographer. She has taken our school photos; parents/carers receive a digital copy which enables you to get them printed inexpensively.

We will be asking for a donation upfront for those who want them of a suggested minimum of £5. More details to follow.

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.