Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 17th October 2025
Welcome to 91首发 School's Family Liaison Blog!
17.10.25
This has been a rather long half term, and we have 1 week left. The final departmental coffee afternoon for parents was this week and thanks for the positive feedback. I know I appear at all these events with evaluations. I do make them easy to complete, no more than 5 minutes unless you have lots to add which is rare. This gives us an idea of what it is that you would like, and we do our utmost within reason to meet your expectations.
This week we have had MOVE to Spook, more information will be shared in John鈥檚 blog. These are heavily supported by FoPHS as they fall within our remit of making learning fun.
Events:
Wednesday 22 October 9.30-11 Parent Forum PfA. This is a hybrid event; the link to join online is below (please let me know if you intend joining online)
Friday 24th October: School closes at 15.30 for half term.
Monday 3rd November: School re-opens.
If you are the parent or carer of a child in Year 7 upwards, we are really looking forward to welcoming you to our first Parent Carer Forum.聽 If you haven鈥檛 replied yet, don鈥檛 worry!聽 There is still time to attend.聽 The focus of this session is to support you with planning for the future, and in particular transitions from school to the next destination. Louise Finlay, our Careers Officer will be leading the session, with opportunities for discussion afterwards.
There will be more sessions during the year, so here are the dates for your diary, and an idea of the topics of discussion.聽 Please make a note and look out for our reminders:
21.1.26 鈥 Social Care: planning for the future
11.03.26 鈥 Benefits 鈥 how can you support your child/young person with their money?
06.05.26 – Making decisions 鈥 the Mental Capacity Act, deputyship and Lasting Powers of Attorney
10.06.26 – Supporting Independence:聽 Travel and Independent Supported Living
We are very keen to help you in making the best decisions around planning for the future and these forums are a great place to have informal discussions, ask questions and find out more.
Remember, we have a Family Liaison Officer and a Careers Officer who are always happy to offer support and guidance.
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.
We have lots of online safety advice and guidance in our online safety blogs. You can find out more via the links below.

Information: RISE Workshops
A staff member alerted me to RISE workshops for parents. RISE is part of the Newcastle Gateshead ICB, NHS, and DfE Mental Health in Schools programme.
We collaborate with schools and colleges to support young people with mild to moderate mental health needs. This can involve one-on-one work with students, group sessions, whole class workshops, parent/carer sessions, staff training and drop-ins and assemblies.
We have a range of resources for children, young people, professionals and parents that offer practical tips to feel more in control and become more resilient in managing emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Information: Access Social Care
Confused by Adult Social Care? You're Not Alone鈥擶e Can Help!
Confused by Adult Social Care? You’re Not Alone鈥擶e Can Help!
Are you feeling unsure about the social care support you or a family member is getting?
Are you confused by how adult social care works?
Do you feel unsure about your social care support?
Do you feel that you or a family member aren鈥檛 getting the right support, but you’re not sure what to do?
Are you struggling to understand what your legal rights are?
If any of this sounds familiar, join for a free, practical information session designed to give you the essential knowledge you need to better understand and navigate the adult social care system. Together, we鈥檒l demystify the complexity of adult social care and help you take informed steps toward better support.
Event Details:
What: Online Webinar & Q&A
Duration: 2 hours (including a short break)
Cost: FREE or choose to pay a donation.
Format: Online via Zoom. Your camera/mic will be off, but the session is interactive with polls and chat!
Who is this for? Individuals who use social care services or who support a friend or family member who does. (Please note: This session is not suitable for professionals working in the sector).

Information: Hebburn Day Care
Disclaimer: I am not promoting or recommending this service. However, I am aware that some parents are aware of it and wanted to share so that those who may be interested can visit and see what is on offer.
Join us at Hebburn Day Care’s Open Day on October 25th!
We’re excited to open our doors from 9 AM to 5 PM for a day of discovery, conversation, and exploration. Take a tour of our state-of-the-art facilities, chat with our expert care team, and see how we provide personalised support to enhance wellbeing and independence.
Refreshments will be provided!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see how Hebburn Day Care can make a difference.
Save the date and come visit us!

Activities
I saw this on North East Family Fun and think it would be of interest to some families. The link to their FaceBook page, where there are lots of school holiday ideas and much more is:
FREE Luminarium Visits Blyth Over October Half Term
25 – 28 October 10am-4pm
Located in Blyth Market Place (next to the bus station)
YOU DO NOT NEED TO BOOK AHEAD and can just drop in on the day, however there are some FREE time slots available to book if you’d prefer.
What to expect:
An immersive world of light & colour 鈥 explore glowing tunnels, domes, and pods
Unique soundscape 鈥 specially designed to accompany the experience
Family-friendly fun 鈥 perfect for children and adults alike
Accessible & inclusive 鈥 fully wheelchair accessible, with a relaxed session available
A visual adventure 鈥 like stepping inside a stained-glass window or a living sculpture
Find out more / book a free timeslot here:
(Remember, you don’t need to book and can just drop in too).
MORE FUN IN BLYTH THIS WEEK:
Catch a film at the new Blyth Pavilion Cinema (tickets from 拢5)
FREE Drop In Halloween Crafts inside Blyth Pavilion ( 27-30 Oct from 10am-4pm and 31 Oct 10am-3pm)
FREE Halloween Parade starting at Blyth Market Place on 31 Oct at 3pm with costumed dancers, live music and parade trilley
FREE Storytelling for little ones inside Blyth Pavilion on 28 Oct (book a FREE place)
FREE Drop In Let’s Play Circus Day with Circus Skills and Demos in Market Place on 30 Oct
FREE Halloween Puppet Making and Puppeteering Workshops in Market Pavilion on 30 Oct (book a FREE place)
FREE Radio Making Workshop on 1 Nov (book a FREE place)
Find out more / book free places and discover more things to do in Blyth this year as part of Blyth Celebrates here


Activities: 54 FREE Activities for October Half Term
54 FREE Activities for October Half Term
1 – FREE Halloween Treasure Hunt with FREE Trick or Treat Lucky Dip at PlantsPlus Garden Centre (nr Ponteland)
2 – FREE Monster Trail with FREE Sweet Treat at Druridge Bay Country Park
3 – FREE Ghost Trail with FREE Sweet Treat at Tyne Riverside Country Park
4 – FREE Autumn Trail at Weetslade Country Park
5 – FREE Shadow Art Theatre Trail at National Glass Centre Sunderland
6 – FREE Hobby Horse Crafts at Oriental Museum Durham
7 – FREE Entry Diwali Family Fun Day at Centre Square, Middlesbrough
8 – FREE Tomorrow Street at Middlesbrough Town Hall
9 – (ad) FREE Seaside Crafts for 8-11 year olds
10 – FREE Entry Hexham Spook Night at Market Pavilion Blyth
11 – (ad) FREE The People’s Map of Blyth at Market Pavilion Blyth
12 – (ad) FREE Luminarium Giant Inflatable at Blyth Market Place
13 -FREE Drop In Pumpkin Picking with FREE Tractor Rides at Laverock Hall Farm (nr Blyth)
14 – FREE Entry Halloween in the Park at Hirst Park, Ashington
15 – FREE Cereal Disco at BALTIC
16 – (ad) FREE Build a Flying Bat at Discovery Museum (book a free space)
17 – (ad) FREE Blyth Remembers with The Time Bandits at Market Pavilion
18 – FREE Halloween Trick or Treat Trail along Ashington High Street
19 – (ad) FREE Drop In Halloween Crafts including Paper Skull & Decoration Making, Traditional Marigold Flower Making, Halloween Mask & Headpiece Making & Sugar Skill Decorating at Blyth Pavilion
20 -FREE Family Workshop at Great North Museum : Who are the Mummified People at the museum? (book)
21 – FREE Scarycrow Trail around Ford & Etal (accessible & dog friendly – charity donations welcome)
22 – FREE Spooktacular Big Science Stage Show at Sheepfolds (book)
23 – FREE Plant Explorers (7+) at Sunderland Winter Gardens
24 – FREE Halloween Crafts at The Word
25 – (ad) FREE Seaside Storytelling for little ones & Make Your Own Blyth Beach Mini Book at Blyth Pavilion
26 – FREE Haunted Trail at Cobalt Park
27 – FREE Family Crafts at South Shields Museum
28 – FREE Paint a Motivational Quote Workshop for 12-16 year olds at The Word
29 – FREE Celebrate Science Event with Durham University at Locomotion Shildon
- -FREE Halloween Crazy Creatures at Sheepfolds (book)
31 – FREE Fantasy Film Poster Making at Oriental Museum Durham
32 – (ad) FREE Active Play at Souter Lighthouse
33 – FREE Tree Trail and Leaf Collage Making with Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (book)
34 – FREE LEGO Time at The Word
35 – (ad) FREE Let’s Play Circus Skills & Demos at Blyth Market Place
36 – (ad) FREE Junior Netball Festival at Blyth Sport’s Centre
37 – (ad) FREE Community Heritage Open Day with Hand’s On Activities & Trail at Market Place & Blyth Tall Ship
38 – (ad) FREE Monster Circus / Halloween Puppet Making Workshop at Market Pavilion (book)
39 – FREE Storytime at BALTIC
40 – FREE Halloween Costume Swap Shop & Blyth’s Halloween Parade with music, colourful parade trolleys, costumed dancers & more
41 – FREE Nature Celebration of Halloween at Northumberlandia with Den Building, Halloween Crafts and Mini Beast Hunts
42 – FREE Minecraft Club (Halloween Special) at Farrell Centre
43 – FREE Korean Glass Jar Decorating Workshop at Oriental Museum Durham
44 – FREE Halloween Day in Darlington Town Centre with Creepy Characters & Activities
45 – FREE Halloween Family Fun Day at Hopetown Darlington
46 – FREE Board Games at The Word
47 – FREE Wonky Wands and Spooky Tales at The Word
48 – FREE Pedal & Play Bike Skills & Maintenance at BALTIC
49 – FREE Family Bike Ride with Dads & Lads (leaving BALTIC)
- -(ad) FREE Radio Making Workshops & Seaside Crafts at Blyth Pavilion
51 – FREE Whitley Bay Links Fireworks Display
52 – FREE Mini Train Rides in Exhibition Park (donations welcome)
53 – FREE Cat Puppet Making & Museum Trail at Oriental Museum Durham
54 – FREE Shildon Brick Show at Locomotion
Check dates & timings for these events via venue websites or you can find their dates, links & more info in my 鈥榃hat鈥檚 On in October鈥 blog on my North East Family Fun website.

Activities: Timba Time
TimbaTime at The Word
This Autumn come along to TimbaTime at The Word in South Shields on the 2nd of November! TimbaTime is a free sensory storytelling session fro young people with learning disabilities and their families.
Booking is essential – we have slots available at 11am and 1pm!
Timba Time is also on at the Alan Shearer Centre on the 3rd Sunday of every month,19th October, 16th November and 21st December. You do need to book at 0191 2678118,
Activities: Newcastle/Gateshead family fun for half term
Looking for fun things to do with the kids this October half term?
Look no further as we鈥檝e put together a jam-packed family-friendly guide full of spooky, crafty, historical, and outdoor adventures across Newcastle and Gateshead

Activities: Ability to Play
***OCTOBER HALF TERM BOOKINGS***
Bookings for our October Half Term Programme are now OPEN!!!!
Spaces are limited and on a first come first served basis. So please book early to avoid missing out!
To book you can either email bayley.milligan@northumberland.gov.uk or simply send a DM to this page stating who you would like to book on and which days!
You鈥檒l find the Facebook page here:

Activities: The Family Fund
Some suggestions for those who struggle with Halloween






FoPHS News:
FoPHS 100 Club:
18 numbers have been taken; please consider taking 1 at 拢12 for the year. This will get you an entry into 12 draws where half the takings go to FoPHS, and the remainder is divided by 12 to earn each winner a cash prize. Here鈥檚 where the 鈥渇riends of鈥 comes in. Do you have family or friends who would like to support us? Share with them please. We accept payment in cash, cheque, BACS or QR code. If you do choose the QR code, remember to reset the tip to just giving to zero as they already charge charities for using their platform for donations. You can do this at the checkout, just before you press 鈥減ay鈥. If you would like a paper copy of the form, email and I鈥檒l send one.
Here’s the link to the form.

FoPHS supports enhancements to learning, things not normally covered by school fees. Want to know more?
Here鈥檚 the link to our part of the school website:

Facebook page:
This is a closed group for family and friends of 91首发 School, where you can share news聽and updates about school life. It is not for external professionals who may be working with families. To join, you need to 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.
Here is my thought for the week:
鈥淪uccess is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.鈥 鈥 Pele