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Happy Mother鈥檚 Day!!!!!

Friday 21^st March 2025

Hi everyone,

A message from Rebecca about the Easter Fair:

Our Upper School and Post 16 department would like their parents/carers to join us for our Upper School Easter Fair on the 10^th April at 2pm.听Pupils have been working towards this as part of their Employability and Enterprise groups within school and would like you to see what they have been working on.听There will be an opportunity to buy some crafts and refreshments and join us in our raffle

The proceeds of this are being used to support our end of term Prom which all pupils in Upper School are invited to. The invite for the Prom will be with you shortly

Please support us with knowing how many people will be attending the fair by completing the slip below and sending this back to us for the attention of Eileen Robinson

We听look forward to seeing you on the day

John S

馃槉 from John & the PHS Team 馃槉

We have 3 Super-Steering Groups which deliver our Key Drivers through our curriculum. The Key Drivers are Communication, Wellbeing and Independence. The Groups are Literacy, Physical Development and Personal Development

听

Literacy

Becky, our Literacy Specialist Lead, leads a team that improve all aspects of literacy, including this year a lot of handwriting and oracy (it鈥檚 OK, she鈥檒l be going into explain all of that) as well as reading, phonics, books and all sorts!

Happy Reading!

Last week as part of the Red Nose Day/Comic Relief celebrations, students had the opportunity to share their favourite jokes with their class and with the wider school. Higher Level Support Assistants Nat & Nicola took the lead in organising this, with students encouraged to spend some time writing their best jokes, which led to lots of chats about staff and student favourites! You may have seen the booklet that was sent home at the end of the week, highlighting some of the most popular ones.

This was a lovely activity linked to what was happening around the country, but also gave students an opportunity to develop their confidence is sharing their jokes with others (whether verbally or through other communication methods – oracy!) and an opportunity to see that writing doesn’t have to always be a ‘job’ in a lesson!

Over recent years we’ve talked a lot about a ‘Love of Reading’ and how important it is to create a culture where we’re all ‘Reading for Pleasure’. There’s been a lot of research carried out about how positive this is for children and young people, and how when we feel we have a range of reading听materials, a lovely听place听to read and a听choice听in what we’re reading – we’re more motivated to do it! This has been a focus in schools around the country in the last few years, however now the focus is shifting to creating a culture where students want to write as well – ‘Writing for Pleasure’ or developing a ‘Love of Writing’. 听The same ideas apply, that if students are given听time, good听reasons听to write,听choice听in how they write and听what听they write about – they are more likely to want to write! It’s our jobs as the adults around them to make sure that these opportunities are there.

There were some fab jokes shared and we are hopeful to fit in a few more opportunities to encourage a ‘Love of Writing’ before the year is out, so watch this space!

Happy Reading & Happy Writing!

Physical Development

Everything that is fabulous in the world of Physical Development! This includes physio, hydro, MOVE, PE, HI, VI, a lot of OT and all sorts of key areas for us, including all of the Outdoor Learning, John Muir Award and many other aspects. Steph oversees this and will ensure that an aspect is shared in the blog each week.

NEW EQUIPMENT!

MORE new equipment听to support our children鈥檚 physical development!

Last week we told you about the fantastic new walking aids we鈥檝e received in school to support our children鈥檚 walking skills… this week we鈥檙e excited to tell you about our new and very special adapted bike!

We have purchased the VeloPlus wheelchair transport bike which enables the children to be transported by cycle whilst remaining seated in their own wheelchair. Given the complexity of some of our children, it was not possible to transfer some pupils out of their wheelchairs into an adapted bike, so having the feature for these children to remain in their wheelchairs ensures inclusivity! More of our brilliant children can access the sensation of cycling and moving at speed which has a whole host of benefits for both their physical and psychological wellbeing! Take a look at Jay and John enjoying their first experience on the new VeloPlus bike! means for those children who find.

Cool VeloPlus Bikes!

听

Personal Development

One of the best things about the school and one of the most important for our pupils, PD covers PSHE, Wellbeing, Careers, Social Moral Spiritual & Cultural, Online Safety, Behaviour and similar areas. Jo pulls it all together. Let鈥檚 see what Jo and the team have in store for us this week! The inspectors really loved all of the PD we do!

ONE OF THOSE MARVELLOUS BUSY WEEKS IN PD!

Wellbeing

Building Connections: Social Communication in 4AH

Over the past few weeks, our class has been making great progress in Social Communication sessions. These sessions are all about fostering connections, encouraging interaction, and finding creative ways to engage with one another. It has been super to see the different ways our pupils are reaching out and forming meaningful connections with their classmates.

Each pupil has been using their preferred method of communication to interact, whether through vocalisations, gestures, symbols, VOCA devices, or simply shared moments of eye contact and smiles. We have explored a range of 鈥楪alaxy鈥� themed activities designed to promote peer awareness and social engagement, including interactive games, group songs, and turn-taking activities that encourage anticipation and response.

One of the highlights has been our song choice activity, where students select and initiate songs using their communication tools. The excitement and anticipation in the room as each choice is made have been amazing, with pupils showing increased confidence in making requests and responding to their peers鈥� selections. We have also been focusing on turn-taking skills, with pupils demonstrating growing patience and awareness of their peers鈥� interactions.

Another key moment has been the use of VOCA devices or Objects of Reference to greet friends and take part in structured routines to recognise who is participating in each session. Seeing pupils actively seek out their classmates, acknowledge them by name, and engage in shared activities has been exciting. Some children are even beginning to combine symbols or words to express preferences more clearly, a significant step in their communication journey.

These sessions are not just about learning to communicate but also about celebrating each pupil鈥檚 unique way of expressing themselves. Every small moment of connection鈥攚hether a shared laugh, reaching out to a friend, an exchanged glance, or a chosen song鈥攔einforces the importance of inclusion, understanding, and meaningful interaction.

We are so proud of the progress our class is making and look forward to continuing this journey of connection and communication together!

SMSC

World Water Day

4KR thought about World Water Day in their SMSC slot. They considered what affect melting glaciers would have and what we can try and do to slow this down. They thought about the importance of water to all living things and what we can do to save water.

Here is their collection of ideas:

Mother鈥檚 Day

6MMLWC discussed Mother鈥檚 Day during their SMSC slot. They talked about what they could do to celebrate their important females in their life, including going for a meal with families, making cards, a cup of tea or give them flowers.

They discussed the importance of taking care of loved ones all year round and not just for 1 day of the year.

They want to wish everyone a Happy Mothers Day!

听

PSHE

In PSHE, Emilia and Cayden have been learning about caring for the environment.

They have enjoyed reading and talking about Under the Sea Cleaning Spree and Dear Greenpeace (the ocean environment).

In Outdoor Learning, they have been picking litter, wearing protective gloves and using a litter picker.

Last Friday they presented the Lower School Assembly. As part of World Recycling Day, they shared ideas on how to use things again.

They spoke with loud and clear voices, demonstrated Makaton, used PowerPoint, asked questions and involved their audience.

We are very impressed by their caring nature, hard work and confidence.

Wellbeing

Here are Andy and the Wellbeing Team about what鈥檚 happening this year in their brilliant Connect Challenge series! Go Andy!

This week鈥檚 鈥淐onnect Challenge鈥� was all about celebrating the beginning of springtime. As another winter comes to an end, the warmth and brightness of spring symbolises new life and growth – not just outside in nature and weather, but within each of us! Studies show how this seasonal change can positively impact mental health, lifting spirits and often creating a sense of hope.

To kick off our celebration of spring, our Engagement Pathway held an interactive assembly that brought the theme of spring to life. Pupils and staff enjoyed the colourful lights and a variety of flowers, representing sunlight and new life, with pupils fully embracing the excitement of the season.

Our Outdoor Learning classes also joined in with a spring-themed scavenger hunt, encouraging exploration and teamwork amidst the changing landscape around them. Students in Post 16 took advantage of the nice weather, enjoying lunch in the sensory garden, and ELTBA pupils have been making the most of the warmer weather by spending some time cycling on the yard!

Finally, let鈥檚 hear from Chris Carr鈥檚 class, as they share what they got up to on their recent outdoor exploration鈥�

As we continue to embrace the spirit of spring, let鈥檚 not forget to spring forward this weekend! Remember to set your clocks forward by 1-hour, welcoming longer days filled with sunshine and opportunities for growth

Gotta get yourself connected鈥�..

Therapy Star of the Week 鈥� love Therapy Star of the Week, especially when it鈥檚 Shaye and Matthew

Lori has been doing some community visits, and they look great! Let鈥檚 hear about these two Therapy STARS!!!

Shaye and Matthew have enjoyed community visits this term. They have worked with their OT and SaLT to build on their skills to plan motivational visits of their choice, creating a simple itinerary. For example, information needed, where they want to go, what they need to bring, basic costings and identifying a method of travel.听Through research, Shaye and Matthew decided that they wanted to go to the 鈥淒og and Scone鈥� caf茅 in Newcastle. They enjoyed learning all of the dogs鈥� names and feeding them treats. Well done, Shaye and Matthew!鈥�

Sports News with Nathan!

This week our KS4 students have been out of school to participate in a wanderer鈥檚 bowling competition at the riverside bowling centre.

They thoroughly give this a good go and had a lot of fun and each student came away with a certificate and a medal.

Also this week award certificates in PE lower school goes too.

Lucas Bennett and Salkeld for excellent taking part in dance and working hard work throughout the PE class. Well done, guys. PE STARS!!!!!

Artist of the Week 鈥� Alex!

We are very proud in 6LF of Alex, who has prepared some fantastic work for his Bronze Art Award.

Alex has completed all 4 units and explained and evaluated his work.

He has presented his work beautifully, and is really proud of his efforts, so he should be, we think it鈥檚 amazing.

We have now started to prepare for the Silver Art Award, and Alex is really motivated to complete this too.

Well done, Alex 鈥� fabulous stuff!

Behaviour for Learning (BfL)

Aylisha and Corin have developed the BfL Group and are developing it all the time. Here鈥檚 Corin with the team鈥檚 latest thoughts

As part of our strategy to support staff in supporting pupils effectively, we have been rolling out further training. Since the beginning of this term an additional forty members of staff have received training in NAPPI (Non-Abusive Psychological and Physical Intervention). This training enables our staff members to support our pupils effectively during periods when they are experiencing challenging situations or emotions听

Part of the role of the BFL team is to ensure that effective training is delivered to the relevant people and to monitor the impact this has on pupil wellbeing and engagement across the school

If anyone has any queries or would like more information about this, please feel free to get in touch with the BFL team

aylisha.holland@percyhedley.org.uk

c.orr@percyhedley.org.uk

Employment and Enterprise!

Employer of the Month Event

On Thursday 27^th March a group of students met at 最新麻豆原创 College to learn about Country Style.

Country Style is a modern craft bakery, working closely with retailers and food service operators. It鈥檚 grown from a single bread shop to several large industrial sites. The headquarters is in Leeds

The students explored food labels to identify different products produced by the company and then met with Nigel and Lindsay who work in the Newcastle branch. The students involved enjoyed making their own doughnuts to finish the session

This is what our students had to say

Aidan 鈥淐ounty Style makes 27,000 donuts an hour鈥�

Faith 鈥淚 liked the feel of the grains in the whole meal flour鈥�

Gracey 鈥淚 liked licking the chocolate of my fingers鈥�

Bobbie 鈥淚 like feeling and smelling the ingredients鈥�

Andrew 鈥淭he yeast had a funny smell to it鈥�

Early Years 鈥� The Ducklings!

Let鈥檚 get the latest update from what鈥檚 been happening down in the fabulous Early Years

Once again another lovely week in Early Years

This week has been rather a physical week, with lots of outdoor play in the nice weather and active play in the Helen Sensory Motor Suite. We have been exploring colour-matching this week. We also started our new story of Jack and the Beanstalk to go with our听 theme. Some lovely fine motor activities guiding Jack to the castle

We also got really messy making some special things this week, and we have a few exciting things coming up in the next few weeks so watch this space!!

UNICEF Award update with Rebecca

Since we gained the Bronze level of this award, Rebecca & the teams are already working on the next level. We particularly like this scheme because it puts the voice of the child at its centre

As always if you want any further information about the UN Rights of the Child, or the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award, you can find information at听 where you can find lots of information for parents and training in this area.

Beth鈥檚 Assemblies!

Beth is doing the LSTE Department鈥檚 assemblies this half term 鈥� and they鈥檝e been so good. It鈥檚 great to hear about them 鈥� let鈥檚 have a bit more now!

This week in assembly we planted new bulbs, we will watch them grow over the next few weeks and then we will take them home. We added to our blossom tree 鈥� it鈥檚 getting quite full now!

The Blossom Tree!

鈥�..from John & the Team here at PHS

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Our Key Drivers

Communication, Wellbeing, Independence