Most of you will have received your ‘Hug in a Mug’ as a token of our thanks, for being on this journey with us.
You have been amazing, so sit down and enjoy a cuppa and pat yourself on the back.
You are all amazing! Well Done!
If your ‘Hug in a Mug’ hasn’t arrived, please don’t worry (this is due to the weather) and we will deliver after half term
On behalf of the Family Support Team, we wish you a safe and enjoyable half term.
(The Family Support Team)
Glynis, Tracy and Demi
Family Support Blog
Dear Parents / Carers,
On behalf of the Family Support Team, the Class Teams and the Senior Leaders, we would like to tell you how proud we are of you all and how you have adapted your life to fit in the role of ‘Teacher’!
We truly understand that this is a very difficult time for you all. We are all, staff included, having to learn new skills. Many of our teachers are also doing home learning with their own children, and so they understand what it is like to be on the other end of the phone/computer.
We are very proud of you and your children, and can only thank you for the way in which you have stepped up and taken this on board.
However, can we please stress, that our aim is to work together and to support your child, and not to add unnecessary pressure to your busy life. We understand that you are being contacted by the Class Team and also the Family Support Team on a weekly basis, and this may be very overwhelming.
We do not want you to look at the Dales number on your phone and panic or be worried.
Please do what you can do, when you can do it. Anything that your child is doing at home with you, like cooking, helping to clean, drawing etc. is a ‘life skill’ and should be celebrated as part of their lockdown learning.
So, post your pics on tapestry and let us share together the amazing job you are doing.
Please remember, we are here to help and support you, if you want a chat or a virtual coffee, then please give us a ring. You do not need an appointment to talk to us, we are here for you.
We will also be sending out some Wellbeing packs with activities and with some tips/advice about talking to your child about their feelings.
The Family Support Team would also like to invite parents for a Zoom Coffee and Chat. It would be lovely to see you again. Further information regarding this will be sent out next week.
Hope to see you very soon,
Glynis/Tracy (Blythdale) & Demi (Ashdale)
Family Support Team
We’re excited to announce that SMILE Together online activity / fitness sessions are now running weekly on a Saturday morning and now an additional weekday session on a Wednesday afternoon.
The SMILE Together online sessions are for families in Northumberland to join us for a fun and interactive session. Sessions are suitable for all levels and ages, we can tailor movements for all abilities.
Families can book by visiting www.bookwhen.com/smilethroughs
Dear Parents / Carers
The Family Support Team will be working throughout this lockdown period, to help you with any problems/queries you have, and to offer support and guidance.
We will be contacting the families of children who are not in school (ie: not key workers), to have a chat, catch up with you and support where necessary. However, if your child is in school, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries (or just for a chat !)
If you need to speak to us in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Stay safe and we will speak to you soon.
Your Family Support Team
Glynis & Tracy (Blythdale)
Demi (Ashdale)
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following companies who have been so generous with their donations for our families this Christmas.
Greggs
Renolit
Avery Dennison
The Keel Row Pub
Blyth Town Counci (Operation Elf)
On behalf of the Family Support Team (Glynis, Tracy and Demi), we would like to wish all our families a safe and very Merry Christmas, and look forward to working with you all in the New Year
Dear Parent/Carer
December has arrived, and this has been a very long and strange year. I think Santa knows that everyone needs cheering up, so he has chosen our school to take part in his ‘Surprise Raffle’
Every child in school will be entered into the draw, and one of his Elves will draw the names out (this will of course be done when the children have gone home – we don’t want any Elf Spotting in school so early) !!
There are a number of prizes, including Hampers, Tins of Biscuits, and selection boxes. So fingers crossed and good luck (but I am sure that there are enough prizes for everyone) !
Glynis, Tracy and Demi (Family Support Team)
Family Support at The Dales
Did You Know?
- Because your child has an EHCP, and is classed as having a disability, you are entitled to claim disability living allowance.
- You can claim Carers Allowance if you are receiving middle rate DLA for the care component.
- If your child is over the age of 5, they are entitled to a Bus Pass.
- If your child is over the age of 8, they are entitled to a Cinema Pass.
- You can apply to the Family Fund Charity for a grant which can be spent on equipment/ resources to help your child.
For further information on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact the family support team.
Blythdale: Glynis Burn / Tracy Henderson
Ashdale: Demi Stroughton
Family Support Update
Welcome back to the second half of our Autumn Term. Just a brief update on what support is available from The Family Support Team at The Dales.
Unfortunately, due to the current situation we have been unable to offer our normal parent/carers activities and meetings. However, Glynis, Tracy (Blythdale) and Demi (Ashdale) are available to talk at any time.
We wanted to share some support that is available to families and with another lockdown looming, these are certainly unsettled and worrying times. We all want to work together to ensure that our children and families are supported.
Greggs
We already have support from Greggs to continue to provide breakfast for all of our children in school. We now have access to the Greggs Hardship Grant, and if you would like further information about this, then please contact us.
Blyth Food Bank are also accepting referrals for families in need, and we can do this on your behalf.
(We are also looking to supporting the Blyth Food Bank with donations from our staff, or anyone else who is able).
Northumberland Communities Together
Volunteers who provide support for shopping, collecting prescriptions etc. for people who are vulnerable or self isolating. Financial advice is also available.
Please contact the Northumberland Communities Together Response Hub.
Phone: 01670 620015 between 9am to 6pm, seven days a week.
Email: NCT@northumberland.gov.uk
Please do not hesitate to contact Glynis, Tracy or Demi regarding any support you may need. We are continuing to work together to support our children and families.
