Family Information and PTA News 21 July 2022
What a year we have had; easing back to a new normality following (or is it?) the COVID pandemic? I have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming parent/carers back into school and putting faces to names of those new to school. This is likely to be a long blog, as I am sharing as much information as I can about summer activities, discounts or anything I feel may be of use. So, best read on a larger screen where you can scroll through to what is relevant to your family.
To the families of students leaving us today, I wish you and your young people success for the future. Please don’t hesitate to phone me in September if there is anything I can do to support you. It’s scary; I know because I have walked that path and everything worked out just fine. I have truly enjoyed working with you all over the years.
Free School Meal Vouchers
If you have been receiving vouchers to cover the holiday period please read the following:
Vouchers were issued today from North Tyneside Council and will be sent via Edenred. The voucher is £90 to cover the whole of the holiday period. Please download these immediately. Ignore the expiry date which is 6 months. Vouchers must be used within 4 weeks or they will be cancelled by North Tyneside Council. These vouchers are to provide a meal for your child throughout the holiday period in which they are issued. School will not be able to have them reissued if you do not download them on time.
If you believe your child is eligible, we will be collecting evidence again in September.
Information
E-Safety
There is an update on the E-Safety blog, with advice on keeping your child/young person safe online. Philip has greatly increased the content of this section of the school website and you will find specific advice on a wide range of E-Safety matters. As a parent myself, I find these extremely helpful. Should you have any concerns relating to your own child/young person’s safety online please contact the class teacher on return to school. They will work with you to try to resolve anything within their/your control. The link to the E-Safety section of the school website is here.
Kids eat free summer holidays 2022: See all the UK supermarket cafes and restaurants giving away free food for children.
I have trawled the various sites to put together the list below. I hope it helps.
With the current cost of living crisis, many families might find that taking their children out to eat might be out of their budgets
Luckily, some supermarket cafes and restaurants are now offering discount deals that allow kids to eat out for free or for as little as £1.
Here are some of the cafes and restaurants that allow your kids to eat for free or at reduced rates over the summer holidays 2022
Asda
Children across England and Wales can eat for just £1 in Asda Cafés and there is no minimum spend for adults.
This scheme starts from 25th July and goes on until 4th September and is valid at any time of day, seven days a week.
Children aged 16 and under can access a hot or cold meals which include mac ‘n cheese with a salad, chicken nuggets and chips, full English breakfast, pancakes with maple syrup and a cold selection of sandwiches, fruit, drinks and more.
Find out more here.
M&S
Kids eat for free when an adult spends £4 in its cafe. You need to visit an M&S café after 3pm to get this freebie, with the deal running until September 3. The kids meal deal includes one main, one side and one kids drink plus a piece of fruit with a total value of £3.95.
Bella Italia
On weekdays, children aged 2-11 can eat for just £1 during the summer holidays.
Adults will have to buy one meal to get the deal and it’s available between 4pm and 6pm.
You can find out more here.
Morrisons is giving away free meals to kids this summer. Picture: Alamy
Morrisons
If you’re heading to Morrisons to get your weekly shop, then why not grab your kids a totally free meal.
Children up to the age of 16 can eat a free lunch or dinner when you spend £4.99 in store, with one free kids’ meal redeemed per adult.
Find out more here.
Hungry Horse
Children can get a free breakfast every day at Hungry Horse restaurants, if one adult breakfast is bought.
Two children’s breakfasts can be claimed per one adult.
Find out more here.
Preto
Kids eat free all day, every day with paying adults at Preto. This offer is open to children up to 10 years old – This is an ongoing offer.
Whitbread Inns
Purchase one £9.50 breakfast at any Whitbread Inns pub or restaurant and two kids under 16 eat for free.
Beefeater and Brewer Fayre
At Brewers Fayre, up to two children can receive a free breakfast with one paying adult.
The All-You-Can-Eat buffet costs £9.50, with two kids under 16 eligible to fuel up with every adult breakfast purchased.
Find out more on Brewers fayre here.
And on Beefeater here
Yo! Sushi is giving away free meals this summer.
Find out more here
Purezza
At the vegan pizza restaurant Purezza, children under the age of 10 can get a delicious free mini pizza with a topping of their choice.
One child can get this offer per adult who is dining, with all other children dining for £5. Find out more here.
Dunelm Cafe
All Pausa cafes in Dunelm stores across the country are letting kids eat free when an accompanying adult spends £4.
Throughout the holidays, children can get a mini main, two snacks and a drink, with the deal ending on 5th September.
Find out more
Sizzling pubs
Parent company Sizzling Pubs has a great deal which allows your kids to eat for just £1 from Monday to Friday along with the purchase of one adult meal.
This is currently available every weekday from 3pm to 7pm but is extended to all day during the summer holidays.
In England and Wales, the offer is available until 2nd September and in Scotland it’s available until 17th August.
Kids eat FREE at Dobbies
Purchase an adult’s meal and your kid can eat for FREE at Dobbies. The meal includes their kids lunch menu or pick ‘n’ mix’ meal, plus a drink. Available daily from 12 noon.
The Real Greek
Kids eat FREE every Sunday for every £10 spent by an adult. More info here.
IKEA 95p kids meal
From 11th July to 3rd September, all kids can enjoy any meal from the children’s menu for 95p, or £1.50** for a combination meal which includes one hot meal, jelly, a soft drink, and a piece of fruit. While stocks last. Subject to availability. More info here
Activities
Free Cricket Taster session:
This is planned for Monday 1st August at 1pm in Seaton Delaval, for all abilities and those aged 12-25 years. See the pdf below for full details
Smile Through Sport
The first of our summer activities are ready to book. The information can be seen on the posters here, for activities in #Durham and #TyneandWear Book your place via https://smilethroughsport.com/sessions-and-events-calendar/ More dates and places coming soon.
Gateway Wheelers Wheely Fantastic Cycling
PTA
The summer fayre was a huge success. There are plenty of photos on the Foundation and PTA Facebook pages. Thanks to absolutely everyone who contributed to its success. We had traders, food, fairground rides, ice cream, candy floss, tombola – a – plenty and it was a glorious day.
The summer fayre is a fund raiser for the PTA. We couldn’t do what we do without funds and our expenditure this year has exceeded our income. However, we work hard to have a balance, providing food at a low cost as we know there are families who need this to be able to enjoy a day out.
We raised £1671.78 at the summer fayre. Isn’t that amazing?
We really do need more parents involved, so that the work isn’t left to a handful. Please consider joining us in September. We need your ideas and support. With 1 meeting each half term, alternating between day and evening it isn’t an onerous task. I guess that, as a founding member of the PTA back in 2013, which was something parents wanted I hope that you see how it benefits your child.
Facebook page
Join the PTA Facebook page here
I saw this and had to share. Remember that you are the best parent/carer for your child. As a parent to a 24 year old with a Learning Disability I know my son best and between us, we get there. As an adult, his wishes are as important as mine.
Have a wonderful holiday. Remember that I don’t work during the holiday period but someone will keep an eye on the Facebook page.
Eileen Robinson
Family Liaison Officer
Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk