Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 9th February 2024

School meal payment system.

A parent asked about the following, so I thought it worth sharing for all. You will have received a letter enabling you to choose bulk meal plans if your child/young person prefers only a pack lunch or a hot meal. It isn’t necessary to return it; this was simply an easy way for parents/carers if their child restricts themselves to one option. If you do choose and they would like something different on a particular day class teams can alter it in the morning.

This week Maria hosted an Online safety session which was recorded.

Monday 5^th of February – Online training for parents

The Parental Controls Information – Video – Link will go live as soon as possible.

You will find the link on this week’s online blog.

Please do have a look. Maria would welcome feedback.

“Our emotional wellbeing webinar for parents of autistic children will be hosted on Thursday 21st March at 9.30am-11am with our Autism Family Support Specialists, Katherine and Kerry

This session will focus on “realistic self-care” with lots of coping strategies and tips that you can take away to use for yourself, other family members and your child too.

If you would like to join us for this webinar, places are now available to book on our website”

Membership fees apply with free carer option. Free carer tickets must be booked in advance. Accessibility information also linked below, and they have a changing place toilet.

There are also half term activities. The links are below.

These include (charges apply to events below):

• Phizz-Whizz Puppets
• The BFG’s splendiferous afternoon tea
• Matilda’s eat along movie screening
• Matilda’s magical afternoon tea
• Marvellous masks

Not all will be suitable for those who struggle with sensory overload, but have a look at the links below

In case you didn’t know Café Beam which is part of Smile for Life charity runs the café. I happen to know a few current and former PHS students volunteer there. I’ve included a link below, so that you can check out the menu!

There aren’t any special half term events posted yet, but I will keep checking and pass on as they appear.

“Multi-sport holiday activity sessions for children and young people with SEND, siblings are welcome too! Join us for a range of fun activities, games and sports all FREE of charge!”

I’ve also included current information on their weekly groups.

One adult and one child can visit for the bargain price of just £7.50 (other options are available).

This deal can be used over weekends from 17 Feb – 24 March and over Feb Half Term (19-23 Feb).

The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

Head out on the Gruffalo Party Trail to find missing party items, pick a present for the Gruffalo and enjoy more fun woodland activities throughout the year.

With trails across England, grab your special trail activity pack, and get the party started for all the family at a forest near you! Our nearest one is Hamsterley Forest, Co Durham.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures.

Follow the trail to help find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember. Search for balloons, pine cones, apples and the Gruffalo himself, and complete fun activities and rubbings as you go along.

Get the party started with a Gruffalo Party Trail pack

Pick up your pack for just £4 from the cafe during opening hours, packed with fun things to do on your party adventure.

Inside you’ll find:

• kraft bag to colour in
• party headband to wear
• party trail activity leaflet
• stickers
• pencil and crayon
• keepsake sew-on Gruffalo Party patch

School holidays can be expensive for entertaining children. Here is a link to places where you may be able to feed them free, or for £1; may be subject to minimum spend by accompanying adults.

Check out the poster, especially if you’re travelling as not all restaurants are in this area.

They have a Facebook page where other savings are shared too.

A few notes to add:

• No 1:1 support provided.
• No transport provided.
• Mainly for North Tyneside residents, but please phone if you live nearby and discuss with them.
• Suggested donation of £2 per session
• This club is to develop independence and there is no capacity for carers to remain with the young person. I know this means it will not be suitable for many of our students.

Please see poster and contact Susan on 07930451809, as I did if you’d like further information.

“Numbers are minimized for this class and music is turned down. Where possible we also try to keep the gym empty whilst this class is taking place.

This class is also open to gymnasts with physical limitations or disabilities which stop them participating in mainstream recreational classes.”

When: Saturdays
Time: 5pm till 6pm

Please call 0191 643 2025 if access to ‘changing places facilities’ are required before the start time of the session.

See our pool programme for further information

AGM:

We look forward to seeing you next Thursday 15^th February from 9.30-11.00. At the risk of sounding a little repetitive here, I do want to assure you that in being part of the group, there are many ways you can support us. If you can join half termly meetings that would be wonderful. If you would consider taking on an Officer role that would be fantastic as our success depends on parental representation. If you can’t commit on a regular basis there will be other opportunities to support us on one off events. Give me a call if you would like an informal chat. I know we make a difference and hope you feel the same way.

For £12 you could win up to £50 in one of the 12 draws.

See below for details

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.