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Welcome to this edition of our SEND Newsletter.
Here you will find out information on consultations that are currently running, half-term activities and more. |
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Half-term fun with Northumberland libraries
If you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained this October Half Term then Northumberland Libraries have got it sorted.
Many libraries are once again offering Spooky Halloween Bags which families can collect from their local library, each bag includes a Halloween activity leaflet with instructions for some simple spooky crafts to make at home!
Supplies are limited so ring your local library ahead to avoid disappointment.
There’s also a host of events happening at a number of libraries across the week.
Join actor and performer, Liam Scarth for one of two magical family storytelling lantern walks through the village of Bellingham at 5pm and 7pm on Wed, Oct 27. The All Hallows Eve Lantern Story Walk starts at Bellingham Library.
On the same day Morpeth Library is holding a special Halloween craft session from 10.30am-11.30am.
Take part in a Spooky Spiders Craft session at Cramlington Library on Fri, Oct 29 between 11am and 12pm. On Sat, Oct 30 at 2pm and 3pm Hexham Library will be hosting a special Room on the Broom storytime. Join in the fun and take part in some fun activities as part of Hexham Spook Night. Make your own witch's hat and help the witch find her lost belongings around the library. Suitable for ages 4-7
Booking is recommended as places are limited.
Don’t forget if you are looking for something spooky to read this Halloween then our libraries are open and staff can’t wait to welcome you through the doors. For the latest opening times go to www.mylibrary.co.uk
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Have your say on relocation and co-educational provision at Atkinson House School
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Proposals to consider the re-location and co-educational provision at Atkinson House School have been approved for consultation by Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet.
Residents including the parents, carers and pupils of Atkinson House School in Seghill are now being asked for their thoughts on the proposals through a consultation process.
The proposals put before Cabinet on Tuesday 12 October and now before local residents are to consider the relocation of Atkinson House School, Seghill to a vacant school site on Thornhill Road, Ponteland as of September 2022.
This opportunity to relocate the school will open up additional places for pupils with autism, social, emotional and mental health needs and will enable the school to expand its provision by moving from a single sex provision to co-educational.
The consultation runs from Wednesday 13 October for a 6-week period. It will close on Wednesday 1 December
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| Have your say on the amalgamation of Seaton Valley schools Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet have approved a consultation process on proposals to amalgamate Seaton Sluice Middle School with Whytrig Middle School in planned new buildings shared with Astley High School.
Parents, carers, pupils and those with an interest are now being asked for their thoughts on the proposals.
Funding has already been allocated to create new buildings, bringing Astley High School and Whytrig Middle School together and this proposal offers the chance for Seaton Sluice Middle school to join them.
The Seaton Valley Federation of Governors support the proposal seeing it as a means of ensuring continued high-quality education and community provision in the Seaton Valley.
The consultation runs from Wednesday 13 October for a 6-week period. It will close on Wednesday 1 December. |
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Northumberland schools win national awards
A special educational needs and disability (SEND) school based in Alnwick plus a middle school in Berwick have picked up national awards for their efforts to promote sustainable travel.
Barndale House School scooped up the SEND School of the Year award and Tweedmouth Middle School won Secondary School of the Year at the 2021 Modeshift STARS National School Travel Awards thanks to their ongoing initiatives to help the environment.
Mark Phillips, headteacher at Barndale House School said of the achievement: “We are genuinely over the moon! When we were shortlisted for the national awards we thought that would be the icing on the cake but to actually win is phenomenal.
“Everybody connected to the school whether that is teachers, pupils, or parents are all sustainability ambassadors. I really couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s efforts.
“Our deputy head, Helen Hemsley, is our travel champion and she has implemented many creative ways to keep us all moving and becoming more environmentally aware such as walking a marathon on our lunch breaks.
“The pupils have also had fantastic ideas and recently challenged all teachers to walk to school. There was a 100 per cent take up and as a result the school car parks were empty which was great to witness. It was lots of fun and also very rewarding; we all got stickers for our achievement from the pupils too”
As October marks international Walk To School Month, Barndale House School is back in the saddle when it comes to sustainable transport and has signed up to The Big Northumberland Gear Change campaign for the half term holiday.
The Go Smarter team at Northumberland County Council created the campaign to encourage residents to think twice before reaching for the car keys on shorter journeys in the county earlier this year.
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Emotional Wellbeing and Behaviour Support Service
The Emotional Wellbeing and Behaviour Support Service provides support and advice to schools and young people.
The service is in place to help young people that are displaying challenging behaviour as a result of their underlying social and emotional needs.
Whilst requests of support can only be made via school it is important to highlight the services available to our schools to parents and carers. |
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