Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 28th March 2025

Webinars are often easier to access than in person events. There are so many, and I regularly share them. Here are a few suggestions.

 Positive Behaviour workshops (PBS)

Skills for people has arranged some online PBS workshops. Please see posters below

We are currently offering free PBS Workshops for family carers of children under 18 who have or are waiting for a diagnosis of autism and/or a learning disability.

The workshops are designed to help families understand and support their child’s behaviour, particularly if this may be considered challenging at times.

These workshops are based in Gateshead but if you are able to travel we welcome families from all areas.

New dates for the summer term will be coming soon for our North and South Tyneside, online, Sunderland and North Cumbria workshops.

Toby Henderson Trust webinars

The Toby Henderson Trust has a range of webinars which are free to anyone living in the UK. Topics include

https://www.ttht.co.uk/event/autism-and-transitions-in-education-settings-webinar/

https://www.ttht.co.uk/event/supporting-the-autistic-sibling-relationship-webinar-4/

There are lots of other subjects and you will find more information here:

https://www.ttht.co.uk/training-workshops-and-events/webinars/

MENCAP:

They do 2 webinars focused on the future. One is Planning for the future, which covers wills and trusts and financial matters. The other is decision making, with a focus on the Mental Capacity Act. I have attended both and can recommend

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/mencap-9718167291

Ability2Play

***EASTER HALF TERM BOOKINGS***

Ability2Play is an inclusive sports programme designed for young people who have SEN/D, Bookings for our Easter Half Term Programme are now OPEN!!!!

Spaces are limited and on a first come first served basis. So please book early to avoid missing out!

To book you can either email bayley.milligan@northumberland.gov.uk or simply send a DM to this page stating who you would like to book on and which days!

You will receive a response that your place is secure.

Thank you for your continued support.

SMILE Through Sport

 Easter Holiday Activity Programme

It’s here! A range of sports, games and activities for children and young people with SEND. Siblings are welcome too!

8 years plus in #Newcastle, #Durham & #Sunderland

3 years plus in #NorthShields

Book now by emailing info@smilethroughsport.com or visit https://smilethroughsport.com/whats-on/

You do not have to live in Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland or North Tyneside to access. If you can get there and are booked you are welcome. Please note that an adult is required to remain with the child/young person throughout. These are not drop off sessions.

Please see the poster for full details.

Timbadash Theatre:

The Special Lioness·

We are delighted to bring the incredible TimbaDash Theatre show to our PMLD children thanks to the very generous donation and support from Slater & Gordon Lawyers.

We are offering 3 shows in April and 3 shows in May, of ‘The Sheep who Couldn’t Sleep’ ; but please do secure your place ASAP as this will be very popular.

We promise this to be an immersive experience, suitable for the most complex audience, with very small attendees numbers, this is stimulating, engaging and all-round wonderful

The Special Lioness – Roaring Rainforest

 Beamish reopens fully on 31^st March for the summer season.

A one day pass becomes an annual pass and, in my opinion is excellent value for money. Add to that free parking and weather permitting makes for an excellent day out.

I’ve had a look at the website and a few points I noted

• The tramways are undergoing essential maintenance but there is a replacement bus service.
• The fish and chip shop is closed but there is “MIddletons” in town.
• There is a Meccano exhibition on in April.

Visit the website for more information:

https://www.beamish.org.uk/

https://beamish.digitickets.co.uk/category/10377?navItem=818296

Accessibility at Beamish. Much has been done to improve accessibility and make Beamish as good as it can be for those with different abilities. 1 free carer is admitted with proof of carer status, there are discounts for those with MAX cards, there is a “changing place” and another accessible changing facility, wheelchair (not powered ones due to weight) accessible vehicle, sensory bags (deposit required to borrow), a quiet sensory space, accessible parking which is free of charge and entrance to the museum via ramp. Beamish is quite hilly, but I’m sure you will agree that they have done all they can to make it as accessible as possible.

Here is the link for more information:

https://www.beamish.org.uk/accessibility/

Active Future Newcastle

FREE SEN HOLIDAY CAMP

We are delighted to announce that this year we will be working collaboratively with StreetGames to host an SEN Exclusive Multi Sports Holiday Camp!

Do not miss our fantastic Easter half term camp which will include football, dodgeball, nerf wars, easter craft activities, workshops and visits from some very special guests!

Dates: Monday 14th – Thursday 17th April.

Tuesday 22nd – Friday 25th April.

Location: Tyneside Badminton Centre, Slatyford, NE5 2TA

Time: 10am-2pm

Ages: 5-11 years old who have Special Educational Needs and receive benefit related free school meals.

Spaces are expected to sell out quick so act fast to avoid disappointment

https://shorturl.at/VOtLI

Please feel free to share with anyone who may be interested! We look forward to seeing you at camp!

Newcastle families.

I’m unsure of the SEN offer, but if it is of interest give them a call.

I am hoping to be able to share further information about our FoPHS fayre next week. Once confirmed, I will be asking for support from parents, carers and family members to make it the best one yet. No pressure!

100 Club.

Are you new to school? Did you intend, but forget to join? It’s not too late. Would you like an easy way to support FoPHS? 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.

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.