Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 13th September 2024
Welcome to 最新麻豆原创 School's Family Liaison Blog!
13.09.24
So, that鈥檚 week 2 of term complete and I make no apologies for starting with this; Congratulations to everyone who completed, supported, or sponsored those who completed the GNR and the mini/junior versions. Every year, as I support 最新麻豆原创 in the charity village with Niall, I am moved by something. Apart from my own family this year, my daughter and husband completing it despite knee injuries and my son Niall bossing it spotting the runners as they returned it was the year of the students. I met a former PHS student, one of our Post 16 students did it, and those are my standout moments. I鈥檓 full of admiration for those who set themselves time goals and achieve them, and we have quite a few staff who who take part and do just that!. I鈥檝e always said it isn鈥檛 about times/places but achieving what you want to do鈥nd surviving it. I think that you can apply that to life in general too. The atmosphere at the GNR is unrivalled which is why it is the world鈥檚 biggest half marathon, and it is the welcome and support of the people in the North East that make it so. To those who supported 最新麻豆原创 Foundation and Friends of 最新麻豆原创 School, thank you.
Events:
听Social coffee morning and FoPHS introduction: Wednesday 18th September 2024.
If you have not yet returned the reply slip, please could you do so. I need numbers.
Mexican Themed Day. On Tuesday 17th September our fantastic catering team have a special menu for Mexican Independence Day. I know that some of our students need support around changes. There is a link below.
Free School Meals
If your child is new to school or has moved Key Stages (Years 3, 7, 10 or 12) and is eligible for free school meals you will need to complete the application form and send me updated evidence of eligibility.
I will send letters home to those who need to complete.
I have been in contact with North Tyneside Council following the from central government that the HAF, which funds vouchers for school holidays for those eligible and these will continue. If the evidence is not returned, I will not apply for vouchers but will send plenty of reminders.
If your child is not eligible for a free meal please help by keeping your ipay account in credit. Those eligible for the 16-19 student bursary may have school meals covered; please contact me if your child received one last year as there may e some residual funds.
Online Safety
The link to the Online safety information can be found on the school website under the heading 鈥淧arent and carers area鈥, then 鈥渙nline safety鈥 from the dropdown menu.
The link is below.
The most recent one is:
Understanding the Risks of Faking Text Messages: A Guide for Parents.
You will find it and previous weekly online blogs below.
Safeguarding
I have been asked to draw your attention to the above. There is a short survey, to establish what training/help you would like, and this will be sent by text as well.
Message from Rebecca, DSL and the safeguarding team is:
鈥淧lease see the below QR code and link for you to let the safeguarding team know if there are any training or information needs about safeguarding topics that would support you and your family.听 Please let us know what kind of training works for you in the questionnaire, and if you have any individual queries, please use the box at the bottom to contact us directly鈥.
The link and QR code to the survey is below.
Information
Where you can find useful information on SEN related matters.
Parents, carers and professionals caring for/working with children with SEND need to keep up with changes. Here are a few suggestions to where you can look. Pretty basic this week as I鈥檓 still trying to catch up, but it鈥檚 a start. I will do one on Grants and Trusts in the next few weeks. I will also provide information on information requested by parents. So, ask me!
Special Needs Jungle
This is a parent led group with the following mission.
鈥淥ur Mission:
Special Needs Jungle creates easy to understand resources, articles and information for parents and carers of children with special needs, disabilities, and health conditions to better enable them to navigate the special needs system.
We aim to inform, educate, and empower families to self-advocate confidently, so their children get the help they need to live the best life they can鈥.
In the last week there have been some additions including articles on SEN home to school transport and one on the Ofsted changes.
There is a wealth of useful information on their website below.
Independent Provider of Special Needs Advice (IPSEA)
A charity in the field of SEND law in England, providing free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND.
They also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.
On their website you will find articles, template letters and advice on all matters SEN. They offer training and support, but my own experience is that, as they rely on volunteers it can be very difficult to get and appointment to speak to someone. There is a link to their website below.
Special Educational Needs Transport Advisory Service (SENTAS)
Home to School Transport Information
This website provides families with Information on home to school transport including the legislation and statutory government guidance that surround this issue.
Contact-for families of disabled children (Contact)
They support families, bring families together and help families take action for others.
Contact provides information and advice, workshops, campaigns, and telephone support for families with children any young people, 0-25 years with special educational needs and disabilities. From factsheets to webinars/workshops you will find full information on their website.
MENCAP
Mencap is a UK charity for people with a learning disability.
“We support their families and carers, too. We want the UK to be the best place in the world鈥.
One of the things I regularly promote is their webinars on Preparing for the Future and Mental Capacity. There is a link to their website below.
Activities
Below are a few activities coming up over the next few weeks in the area that might be of interest to you.
Lego Coding
From Children and families, north.
“We are thrilled to be able to share these fantastic Lego Coding Workshops!
Kenton Library
Starting Thursday 19th September
4:00 – 5:15pm
Scan the code or click on the link below to book your place.”
Newcastle United Foundation
"Premier League kicks Neurodiverse"
See posters for information. 2 groups for different age groups
FREE National Trust Entry thanks to Heritage Open Days
Taken from North East family Fun Facebook Group
14 September – Ormesby Hall
14 September – Gibside
14 September – Lindisfarne Castle
14 September – Washington Old Hall
14 September – Seaton Delaval Hall
15 September – Souter Lighthouse
15 September – Crook Hall Gardens
15 September – Ormesby Hall
In most cases, no booking is required. Just turn up! Do check t&cs, opening hours and dates via the Heritage Trust website below.
You can visit more than one venue too.
Unsure what to expect? There are some guides to help you decide where to visit.
Free Entry to Woodhorn this Weekend
Woodhorn Museum is offering FREE entry to all on 14 & 15 September this year as part of Heritage Opening Days.
No need to book, just drop by between 10am and 4pm on these dates.
Want to know why we’d recommend a visit? You can check out our full guide to Woodhorn below.
Their Facebook page is full of good ideas; it is not SEN/ disability specific but it is useful.
FoPHS News
Meeting.
We always have a less formal meeting at the beginning of term, and this takes place next Wednesday 18th September 9.30-11.00. Last year we spent more than we raised which was fine as we had a build up over COVID. This year, we need your help and some creative thinking to continue supporting school to the same level. If you work for a firm who would support with a donation to funds please get in touch with me.
Are you new to school, or unsure of what FoPHS does? Have a look at the link on the school website below.
听Great North Run.
As you may know, and I hope you do by now my husband and daughter did the GNR for FoPHS. I would like to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of Richard, Aisling, Niall, and myself the parents and staff who sponsored them. It means a lot to me to know that you value the work FoPHS does in challenging financial times. We have raised 拢625 for FoPHS. It鈥檚 not too late to donate so in case it slipped your mind, here is the link to their page.
Asda Cashpot for Schools
As members of Parentkind we are eligible and have signed up to Asda鈥檚 Cashpot for Schools. If you shop at Asda and have the rewards app, you can choose a school to support. Our school鈥檚 postcode is NE12 7BH.
You can find more information at the link below.
Thank you so much to those who have already signed up. We currently have 拢94.54 in our cashpot. If you don鈥檛 regularly at Asda but have the rewards app, we will get 拢1 if you choose 最新麻豆原创 School. How easy is that?
Here鈥檚 a thought. We have 250 staff at PHS; we have 162 students. So, if only half of those people signed up, we would have 拢256 and that doesn鈥檛 include shopping there. Now when I told staff yesterday, I had some ask how to join and others say 鈥測ou get 拢1 just to opt in? I鈥檓 getting my family to do it鈥 Joining is easy; just choose us in the app and it doesn鈥檛 affect your rewards.
FoPHS 100 Club
I trust that you received the forms sent home last week. Thanks to those staff and parents who have joined already.
We have 18 of 100 numbers taken. Maybe this will be the year we achieve the target of 100 numbers taken. If you would like more forms, just let me know and if you have friends and family who would like to join that would be even better.
For 拢12 you will be entered into 12 draws over the year where half the money taken comes to FoPHS and the rest is given back as cash prizes. I鈥檓 hoping that we can get 100 numbers taken this year. Please share with family and friends.
Christmas Cards:
Yes, I know it is September and very early for the seasonal words. For a few years we have had students design their own Christmas card. So that we get these back early, we are doing them early. FoPHS generates some funds from this too. Just forewarning you when they appear in bags.
听
Facebook page:
Join the closed group for family and friends of 最新麻豆原创 School, where you can share news听and updates about school life. It is not for external professionals who may be working with families. To join, you must 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.
Predictably my motivational theme for this week relates to the Great North Run, but just read it. It encompasses so much more.
鈥淵ou just can鈥檛 beat the person who never gives up.鈥 鈥擝abe Ruth
My contact details
Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer
Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext. 3260.
听
Join the FoPHS 100 Club!
Join Here >