Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 7th July 2023

Wednesday 12^th July. Transition Day.

The final off timetable day for the whole school.

Thursday 13^th July, 14-15.00. KS4/Post 16 Enterprise fayre.

Hosted by KS4/Post 16 students, with parents/carers of students in KS3,4 & post 16 invited.

Thursday 13^th July; 14.30. True Colours Theatre performance

Specific classes only:

This week’s topic is on the Prevent Strategy which is related to radicalisation and is dated 06/07

Safeguarding Online Spaces: Understanding the UK Government’s Prevent Strategy – 6/7/23

The link to the Online Safety information can be found on the school website in the Parents and Carers area, subheading Online Safety

Carers Allowance:

This information was taken from Contact-for families of disabled children.

If you have a disabled child in the UK, it’s important to know how claiming Carer’s Allowance could affect any other benefits you might receive.

Here’s a quick summary — but you’ll find more information and advice in our Carer’s Allowance factsheet and webpage:

WARNING: Claiming Carer’s Allowance for a dependent child will not affect the benefits they receive — but seek advice before claiming as the carer of a disabled adult. While this is not normally a problem, in some circumstances it can affect the means-tested benefits they receive and leave them worse off.

True Colours Theatre

Unless you’ve been in hibernation you will have heard the exciting news of DIY SOS coming to transform a derelict building into a performing arts studio. As if I don’t tell you often enough, I love Thursday afternoons when they are here with some lower school classes. Well, Alisar Jane, the CEO has written a book called Annabelle’s Rainbow. It is a lovely book about feelings and beautifully illustrated. Here are some photos of her reading it to the children and the link to purchase if you wish.

Shiremoor Adventure Playground

This is a community-based, inclusive adventure playground, catering for children and young people of all abilities. The playground is owned and managed by North Tyneside Council  which works in partnership with Shiremoor Adventure Playground Trust. This website has been developed by the Trust to showcase the opportunities provided by the playground and to support Fundraising for the park.

Additional needs sessions run Sunday 12-4pm and Monday 3pm-6pm. we have a small cafe for drinks and snacks. Cash only

With thanks to Jen, one of the parents who joined the social coffee morning for this list of activities. You may need to check that all are up to date; on looking at the list I knew that Newcastle Eagles no longer offer wheelchair basketball on our site (though their website says they do).

Disability Sports 

TUESDAY CLUB

A multi–sports Disability Club providing sporting opportunities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (age 5-18).  Fully qualified staff. Disabled/Reserved Parking. Multiple Sports. Young Leader Support. Disability amenities. Parents welcome. Every TUESDAY during term time 5:00pm-6:30pm  @ John Spence Sports Hall NE29 9PU  £3 per session.

For more information please contact Marc Burnip  marc.burnip@ntlp.org.uk or 0191 296 1432

Foundation of Light Disability Programme

Term time and holiday sessions. Making sport fun for everyone.

We offer a wide range of disability programmes to ensure young people and adults across the North East can enjoy sport, an active lifestyle and build friendships.

Our disability coaching team deliver fun, exciting and challenging sessions and activities which help develop gross motor skills, balance and coordination as well as encouraging teamwork, communication and confidence.

Smile Through Sport

North Tyneside residents only:

There are summer activities Smile Through Sport are running throughout the coming months in North Tyneside for children and young people with SEND and their families. We would be grateful if you are able to share these opportunities with your families in the lead up to the summer holidays.

All activities are free of charge, most activities and events can cater for all needs, but some have specific ages we can cater for. All activities will need to be booked through info@smilethroughsport.com and more information is available through Facebook @smilethroughsport or via the same email.

Activities include:

• Games in the park
• Family activities
• Frame running
• Gym and soft play
• Family archery
• NT Beach day
• NT Forest
• NT Tennis

I have copies of posters for anyone interested.

Newcastle United Foundation – Disability Football

Newcastle United Foundation provides professional disability football coaching for adults and children with a range of disabilities through an inclusive approach to sport. To help us find the right session for you, please contact mark.daglish@nufc.co.uk or steven.oneill@nufc.co.uk.

South Shields Surf School – Adaptive surfing sessions

We provide surf sessions for people with additional needs and disabilities. We can provide the support to have our surfers get the most out of their experience in the ocean in a safe and fun environment.

There are lots of ways to surf and enjoy the waves and ocean. We have the equipment and experience to cater to nearly all needs. To book in please send us an email at info@southshieldsurf.co.uk

Watersports, inc. Sailing and canoeing 

Coquet shore base has been providing water sports activities for people with disabilities for over 30 years. Most of the activities take place at Druridge Bay Country Park, on a lake, but they also use the Coquet Estuary at Amble. At both venues there are changing facilities which are wheelchair accessible. Access to the water at the Country Park includes a jetty with a hoist.

Sailing – there are 4 ‘Access’ dinghies which can be used by people with severe mobility problems – they cannot capsize and you sit in a canvas ‘deckchair’ with joystick steering. There are both solo and 2-person dinghies to enable a carer or instructor to go in with you.

Canoeing – they can ‘raft’ Open Canoes together to create a stable ‘catamaran’, and we have a range of stable sit on top kayaks (singles and doubles) for the more mobile.

They are very flexible on what they can offer, and can tailor activities to suit your needs.
Contact us for information and bookings: PHONE: 01665 710367 EMAIL: info@coquetshorebase.org.uk

Riding For the Disabled at Washington Riding Centre

Each week, we provide riding lessons for approximately 130 children and adults with a range of disabilities and special educational needs.

Throughout the years, the benefits of Riding for the Disabled activities have become increasingly recognised by medical and educational establishments as a highly effective therapy

Please complete the RDA Application Form by clicking here  When we receive the form we will set up an assessment so we can assess the rider’s individual special needs so they can be placed into an appropriate group. Groups are a maximum of 6 riders, often less, depending on individuals involved.

Annual Disability Triathlon

A relaxed event for differently-abled people. Swimming as far as you want in a lovely pool, Bike round the park, choosing of 1,2, or 3km (ability dependant) on your own or an adapted bike. Run, walk, scoot (your mobility aid) round the tennis courts. Alternative activities will be available for those unable to take part in all 3 disciplines. If you need to borrow an adaptive bike, we have use of bikes that can be utilised for a wide range of special needs and you can enter your requirements during the entry process. Note: I have shared this frequently so have a look at our social media for photos of the most recent one.

Wheelchair Rugby

Junior Wheelchair Rugby, First Four Training Sessions Are Free, Every Tuesday Night at Blyth Sports Centre

7pm to 8pm. For kids from 6 to 17 years old. All equipment is provided.

Wheelchair Basketball

The Newcastle Eagles Wheelchair Basketball Club aims to give people of all abilities, ages and genders the chance to take part in an exciting and fast paced sport.

Please note: the information on their website needs to be updated so please contact them if this is something that interests your child/young person. Currently they offer an evening session for those aged 18+ only.

Contact details:

Vertu Motors Arena, Scotswood Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7AF

0191 245 3880

office@newcastle-eagles.com

Cycling

Charlottes Tandems – http://charlottestandems.weebly.com/

Free loan of adapted bikes, tag-alongs/bike trailers.

Newburn Activity Centre Adaptive Cycling Sessions

I’ll keep reminding you of the above, so please put Saturday 30^th September in your diaries.

I’m collecting donations for the following and if you can help that would be wonderful: Chocolate, bottles (alcoholic/non-alcoholic), gift sets, toys and raffle prizes. Please send them in for my attention and finally, if your young person is leaving PHS, do come back. There will be rides, stalls, food and a space they know. We always have lots of former students attend.

Meeting

Our final meeting of this academic year will be on Wednesday 19^th July from 9.30-11.00.

Please drop in if you can or join online. I know that you value the difference the FoPHS makes to your children/young people. If you plan to come in, please let me know. The link to join online is below.

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.