Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 2nd February 2024

This week’s blog relates to “Internet Safety Week” which happens to be next week. You’ll find the link below.

Up and coming Online safety Dates for Parents

Monday 5^th – Friday 9^th of February 2024 – PHS Safer Internet Week

Activities planned for each class.

Monday 5^th of February – Online training for parents – Link to follow. This will be at 14.30 and will be recorded for those unable to join online.

Thursday 8^th February 2024 – Parental Controls Information – Video – Link will follow on day.

Parent/Carer coffee afternoons:

KS4 accreditation Pathway:            Thursday 8^th February 14-15.00

ELTBA Pathway:                               Friday 9^th February 14-15.00

Engagement Pathway:                     Thursday 15^th February 14-15.00

Post 16:                                              Wednesday 28^th February 14-15.00

Social Coffee morning:                    Tuesday 27^th February 9.30-11. (Come along for as long or short a time as you wish between these times).

FoPHS AGM:

We would love to have a room full of parents, carers, and enthusiastic supporters. See the FoPHS section below for links.         Thursday 15^th February 09.30-11.00.

Who cares for our carers: Lindsey Burrow.

Did you watch the programme on ITV last night? I did and I know that every single thing I do as an unpaid carer to support my son who attended this school is done with love, respect and a desire to achieve the very best for him. I do my utmost to work with agencies and professionals who are paid to support him. I know the reality of budget constraints, workload etc which impact on services. I’ll leave it with a quote from the link, but I would recommend watching it.

Unpaid carers in England and Wales are providing care worth an estimated £162 billion a year, the equivalent of a second NHS. But what is the cost to those who take on the responsibility of caring for others?

Personal Independent Payment (PIP): Identity documents

I’ve been made aware of DWP requesting identification documentation for applicants of the above, where a parent is the DWP appointee already. I have made contact with Disability North Benefit Advice, checked the government website on PIP and Contact’s advice and can see no change in procedure.

The Toby Henderson Trust

“Our next webinar is focusing on autism and mental health difficulties in Children and Young People.

This session is with Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Carolyn Morgan and will take place via Zoom on Tuesday 13th February at 9.30am-11.30am.

Places can be booked on our website if you would like to attend this session.”

Some of our engagement classes visited before the holidays.

A multi-sensory theatre company for young people with additional and complex needs.

Here’s their contact information:

Website: www.timbadashtheatre.com

Email: timbadashtheatre@gmail.com

“We currently have spaces left on our SEND inflatable session at Sunderland Aquatic centre on 19^th February 1pm -1:30 and 1:30 – 2pm but slots are filling fast these are open to aged 5 plus who can swim 10 metres independently and must be accompanied by an adult during the session. They can register a place via this email with name, age and disability we are currently pulling together our Easter Programme I will share information when available. We also have a fully accessible caravan at reduced cost at Haven Berwick with an adjustable bed, hoist and pa support available on request.”

If this is of interest, please email here: tailored.leisure@gmail.com

They have an offer of a free break during half term, you’ll find full details on their website/Facebook page.

Below is their introduction:

Worcester Park, Southwest London

London’s first fully accessible, contemporary single storey holiday home.  Enabling physically disabled people and their families the opportunity to explore our capital city. With level access and high-quality adaptations including ceiling track hoist, profiling beds and accessible bathroom.

There are lots more photos on their website and you’ll find information below:

www.ablestay.co.uk

info@ablestay.co.uk

Tel:  07767 886787

https://www.facebook.com/AbleStay

The Alan Shearer Centre, if you haven’t visited is situated in West Denton, less than 5 minutes’ drive from the junction of the A1, A69 and West Road. There is a lovely garden with accessible play equipment, a café, sensory room and more. I have happy memories visiting when my son was younger. I see they also have a gaming room, which I know is popular with some of our students.

You can contact them by:

Email: reception@alanshearercentre.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 267 8118

Address is:

The Alan Shearer Centre
West Denton Close
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE15 7LU

You can also get there:

By bus from Newcastle city centre

There is a bus stop outside the centre. Numbers 10, 39, 40, 684 and X82 stop here. Ask for the Alan Shearer Centre or the stop before Lemington Road Ends.

AGM

The AGM is due on Thursday 15^th February 9.30-11.00. Thanks to those who have returned the reply slips to the letter of invitation. For the AGM to be quorate we need parents/carers and members to attend. This is an opportunity for you to see the difference the work of FoPHS makes to students and to school.

As a former PHS parent I appreciate the challenges of our families and would just like to reassure you that it isn’t onerous. If you would like an informal chat, please get in touch with me. If you would prefer to speak with a parent on the committee, let me know and I will connect you.

• We hold half termly meetings.
• We have opportunities for parents/carers to help as demonstrated in December when we set up a Santa’s grotto, wrapped Christmas gifts and the Jolabokaflod gift bags.
• We have an annual, now Autumn fayre which families who attend enjoy.

As if that wasn’t enough reason to join, did I mention that there will be cake?

We can offer this as hybrid, so if you are unable to join in person, always better as we will have cake, you can join online.

For £12 you could win up to £50 in one of the 12 draws, the first 6 will be drawn at the AGM. Last year we almost hit the target of 100 numbers. This year we still have some way to go. With 58 numbers taken, each winner would receive £29 and the income for the FoPHS £348.

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.