Family Information and PTA News 27 May 2022
What a lovely end to half term it was, seeing the Jubilee party in full swing? The school and PTA has co-funded a memento for each student on the occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. I also sent out posters on Ofsted parent View, more on both in the blog.
Social Coffee afternoon
I will be hosting a social coffee afternoon on Wednesday 15th June from 14.00-15.00. I would love to see as many parents/carers as possible and look forward to hearing your views on whatever you wish to share/discuss. It;s a chance to meet other parents/carers too.
Please keep an eye on John’s blog too as we know how important it is for parents to have some workshops and training. I will, where invited support these too. Tell us what would help you and, as a school we will include things we know are important. I can’t stress enough the difference it makes to you supporting your children’s/young people’s progress.
Ofsted Parent View
Prior to an inspection Ofsted will look at a school’s website and although we have a link to the above, it is usually my role to promote and encourage parents/carers to complete their survey. You will find details and a link in the attachment below. If you look at the school website, under the heading parents and families it is there too.
For parents
Ofsted Parent View gives you the chance to tell Ofsted what you think of your child’s school, including:
– how happy your child is at the school
– how the school manages bullying or challenging behaviour
If your child has special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), we will ask how well the school supports them.
The questionnaire can be completed at any time – you don’t have to wait until the school is being inspected.
We will use your responses to help us plan inspections. The information you provide can:
– inform discussions inspectors have with school leaders during an inspection
– help Ofsted decide when to inspect a school
In addition to this, we also publish the overall summary of the responses to Ofsted Parent View. This information is anonymised.
You will need to register via the link to the survey which is short and specific. Ofsted will collect and save email addresses which they amy check to ensure that responses are from current parent/carers.
If you have difficulty accessing, let me know. This survey is to gather parent views only. Complaints to Ofsted go via their complaints section.
Information.
SEND Review
The deadline for responses has been extended to July 22nd.
Below is a quote from the government explanation. However, there is concern amongst charities about the impact of these changes. I would urge parents/carers to read up and use the opportunity of the consultation to say how it will affect your child.
“The government is determined to level up opportunities for all children and young people – without exception. We are just as ambitious for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as for every other child.
The SEND review sets out government’s proposals for a system that offers children and young people the opportunity to thrive, with access to the right support, in the right place, and at the right time, so they can fulfil their potential and lead happy, healthy and productive adult lives.”
Special Needs Jungle
A parent led charity, which I have referred to in previous updates. They have extensively researched the review with suggestions on how to answer the questions
You can find more information here
The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) have launched their parent carer survey on the SEND and Alternative Provision Green Paper.
They would like survey responses from as many parent carers as possible to ensure that their views are heard.
You can complete the survey here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/J63QX22
The responses from the survey will be used to inform the NNPCF’s response to the SEND and AP Green Paper consultation.
Please share the link with all of your parent carer contacts and networks. The survey should take no more than 10-15 minutes to complete and remains open until the 30 June.
Newcastle United:
I shared information with you a few weeks ago about season tickets. I told you I had emailed Newcastle United disability office. Here is the response I received this week: You will note that it appears to be a reply to an individual, rather than me.
“We do not currently have information for 2022/23 season tickets nor operate a waiting list for season tickets. General sale may begin in summer 2022; but we do not have a definitive date at this moment in time.
Please keep an eye on our website; any information will be published there, if it becomes available.
We can help you set up an account in advance.
To qualify for a concessions price season ticket, we must see proof of
- Higher or middle rate disability living allowance issued by the Department of Work & Pensions Receipt
- Enhanced rate Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- The Access Card (Details available from www.accesscard.org.uk)Registration document which certifies that you are Registered Blind or Partially Sighted
- Registration document which certifies that you are Registered Blind or Partially Sighted Veterans Agency letter confirming War Disablement Pension
- If resident outside of UK, please use equivalent documentation.
- Attendance Allowance
Please send this proof over to disabilitysupport@nufc.co.uk followed with date of birth, Address and contact number.
Children under the age of 13 do not qualify for a free personal assistant, Is this something you require?
We do have wheelchair allocated seating is this something you will require?”
I would suggest that if you do have a child under the age of 13, who is an avid fan that you query further the age limitation with them.
Activities
Reason to – Disability Triathlon
The Reason To – disability triathlon will be held July 10th 2022 at David Lloyd Newcastle.
It promises to be a great event, one which many of our students have taken part in over the years. It is completely inclusive, open to children, young people and adults with a disability.
They do not have to do all 3 events; it is very much tailored to be open to as many as possible, the buzz the sense of achievement and happy faces at the last one in 2019 was so uplifting.
Please see the attached for more information or follow their Facebook page here
Beamish Museum
There has been lots of investment in developing Beamish, and here’s another new addition.
North East Days Out
Here is a link to a Facebook group which may be of interest; it suggests and reviews various attractions/events and places in the North East. Not all will be accessible, but I’d suggest visiting websites to check these details along with any discounts.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/884770881581530
PTA
Platinum Jubilee memento
The PTA agreed to co-fund a memento of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with school. Local Authority maintained Primary School children are being given a book, but as an independent school we are not. We wanted to mark this occasion. I would like to especially thank Jo Thomas, who did the research and found what we think will be appreciated by families. It looks like this:
We continue to support the MOVE events in school which are differentiated to meet the needs of ALL students and which I can say with confidence meet the needs of all students. The staff rather like them too.There’s another planned for the 2nd week after half term.
We await the now ordered mud kitchen and benches for the outdoor learning area.
I know at least 1 or 2 classes have visited a National Trust property, made possible through PTA support in the form of paying the Annual membership fee.
I do hope that our parents/carers can see how the PTA supports school. We have a small, committed number of parents and school staff without whom this would not be possible.
Summer Fayre: Saturday 16th July 10-14.00
Our plans are progressing nicely and this year we will offer more variety on the food front. Thanks to our catering team for offering to make shortbread, fruit and cheese scones as well as hot dogs and pizza. We will have some Greggs fresh bakes and a cake stall. Are you getting as excited as me?
After half term we will start accepting donations so please think of us if you have bottles, alcoholic or non alcoholic, chocolate of gift sets.
Meeting
Our next meeting will be an evening one and will be via TEAMS until we can discuss alternatives. The date is Thursday 23rd June from 19.30-20.30. Please join us. the link is here
Facebook group.
The link to join our closed facebook group is here
Do put this next bit on your calendar. School re-opens on Tuesday 7th June. Wishing you all a lovely half term.
Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer
Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext 3260
Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk