Family Information and PTA updates 1st July 2022
This half term is definitely the busiest we have had, with lots going on at school. Parent training, consultations, coffee afternoons, sport, activities and so much more.
Just another plea from me for information on activities or anything that will help our families make the most of the long summer holidays. Over the next few weeks this will be the main focus of this blog, well apart from the summer fayre.
Just a reminder, if you would like to complete the Ofsted Parent View survey, which will take less than 10 minutes the link is here
2 parents/carers can complete the survey. You will need to register, but this is also speedy and enables Ofsted to verify that the email address is linked to a student currently attending should they need to do so.
MOVE approach to therapy-session for parents/carers
Thanks to those parents/carers who returned reply slips or responded to my text earlier today. We have a good number of replies and it should be interesting. There will be an event sign in at reception with the names of those I know are attending to make sign in easier. If you find that you can attend (some were unsure), just let me know as you will be welcome. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday. The session will be delivered by Tina Christopher and Sophie Donnelly, 2 of our MOVE coordinators.
Information
Tyne and Wear Metro: Major line closure
I have been asked to share this with families as it may well affect your travel plans, as the closure will be in operation from Saturday 16th to Friday 29th July. This is the St James to Tynemouth route. You can, however travel to the coast via South Gosforth. There are also road closures. Leaflet is here
Metro improvement leaflet. A5 online leaflet Jul MLC 2022_V4
See message below from Nexus:
Improvement Works – Major Line Closure
From Saturday 16 July to Friday 29 July no trains will run in either direction between St James and Tynemouth. This is to allow for the complete removal and replacement of Tanner Bank bridge, vegetation and overhead power line work.
Local bus services will be accepting Metro tickets and passes. A list of these services is available below. Bus timetables.
Trains will be running to all other stations but may not be to usual timetable. Please check train times before travelling.
Road and pavement closures
Tanners Bank will be closed under the Metro bridge to road vehicles and pedestrians for eight weeks, 20 June to 12 August 2022. Tynemouth Road next to the bridge will be closed to all road vehicles for two weeks, 16 July to 29 July 2022 (pedestrian and cyclist access will be possible).
Your journey will take longer so please leave extra travel time. For help planning your journey call 0191 20 20 747 (lines are open Monday-Friday 9.00am-5.00pm or use the Live Travel Map.
- All you need to know about the Major Line Closure(526.11 KB)
- Bus services accepting Metro tickets and passes(509.02 KB)
- Frequently asked questions(340.2 KB)
- Tanners Bank road and pavement closure diversion routes(509.02 KB)
An Introduction to the MOVE Programme
Thanks to Ros Holden, one of our parents who passed this on. I have run it past our MOVE physios too. Please note, this is an external organisation; not to be confused with the training session in school on 8th July
Activities:
True Colours
This inclusive theatre group which has classes in Longbenton and Gateshead has spent time in school this term, in Post 16 for Duke of Edinburgh, Lower School with a number of classes and the PTA has agreed to fund whole school events. I thought it worth including some links for families who have children/young people who may be interested. I know some of our students attend classes outside school.
The link to “who we are” is here
The class timetable is here
A performance is coming up at Whitley Bay Playhouse on July 30th.
Tickets available via the link below
https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/true-colours-theatre-whitley-bay-30-07-2022/event/36005C63B9E023B7
Tim Lamb Centre: Pathways4all
Located close to Percy Hedley School in Benton, this charity is based within the Rising Sun Country Park. The PTA funds school membership, to enable trips out mostly accessed by younger students. I have been to visit and seen the improvements made over lockdown through generous funding from The National Lottery and The Morrison’s Foundation. I thought it worth sharing again as the extent of their offer has expanded. This includes:
- Accessible playground (with wheelchair accessible roundabout and swing)
- Trampoline room
- Sensory room
- Cafe
- Coffee mornings for parents/carers
- Sibling groups
- Holiday play schemes
- Teens/young adult groups
- Caravan holiday (not accessible one)
- Fully accessible disabled toilet with ceiling hoist
To access the Tim Lamb Centre, you need to join with annual family membership of £20, after which there is a £3 per child entry fee. I think it gets quite busy during holiday periods, so you may want to contact them for advice if this is an issue for your child.
The link to the website is here
The link to what they offer is here
Beamish Quiet Nights
We have just received a poster from Beamish. They have a Quiet Night planned for Friday 8th July from 5.15-7pm. This is a ticket only event and you must pre book. This one has only been advertised to Special Needs Schools, so please don’t share on Social Media.
Please see full details on the poster below
The link to their accessibility page is here
South Shields Surf School
How exciting is this? Thanks to Sarah Devlin, one of our parents for sharing and I saw a post from a former student who tied this out…and enjoyed it immensely.
PTA
Mud Kitchen and benches
This week we took delivery of a bespoke mud kitchen and rustic looking benches for the outdoor learning space. These were funded by the PTA, at a cost of £1000. We know they will enhance this valuable space, which is coming to life. The team needed these sunk into the ground and I am assured that there will be photos to share next week.
We are busy preparing for the Summer Fayre on Saturday 16th July. We would appreciate offers of help on Friday 15th in the afternoon if anyone is available. Please contact me if you have an hour or so to spare.
We are still collecting for the tombola’s, and are most in need of bottles and chocolate.
Our priority is that this annual event is one that our families look forward to; we know that it is difficult for class groups to meet socially due to the distances some live from school and other commitments. The fayre is a safe space for the whole family and we hope that you enjoy it.
Percy Hedley School PTA Facebook Group
Have you joined the facebook group? If you have, please use it to share hints, tips, activities etc with other families. I really don’t want it to be all school information. We would love to see photos of your children/young people at activities, on holidays or achieving goals. If you have yet to join, the link is here
Have a good weekend
Eileen Robinson; Family Liaison Officer
Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk