order to apply for a place on the programme, families need to attend a short information meeting, these are held at Primrose Family Hub in Jarrow and last around 30-45 minutes. At the end of the information meeting families can decide if they would like to apply for a place on a programme and be added to our waiting list. Families only need to attend one information meeting as the content is repeated at each meeting. Once a family is allocated a place, we contact the child’s education setting to see if they can release a staff member to attend the course alongside the family.
EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus, and Teen Life are parent support programmes, which means families must self-refer rather than be referred by professionals. This approach helps ensure that families are genuinely motivated and fully understand the level of commitment required for the course.
We’ve found that when families sign themselves up, they are more likely to complete the programme. In contrast, referrals often lead to higher dropout rates, which is particularly challenging as all sessions are essential and we’re unable to replace families once the programme has started.
That said, we absolutely encourage professionals to support families who may need extra help with the application process. This could include assistance with form filling, providing a translator, or accompanying them to the information meeting.
A huge well done to our school choir, performing in their first show at Hebburn Lakes on Monday afternoon.
I am incredibly proud of each and every one of the children for their ever-growing confidence, their amazing singing voices but most importantly the empathy and friendships shown throughout.
They really did represent what our school is all about, Working, Learning and Achieving Together!
Here are some snippets from the fantastic show. 🎤🎶
Rising prices can make life’s little treats harder to afford, especially during the school holidays when costs build up for families. This Government have announced the Great British Summer Savings scheme.
From 25 June to 1 September 2026, the Government is temporarily cutting VAT from 20% to 5% on children’s meals in restaurants, children and family tickets to cinemas, theatres, concerts and exhibitions, and admission to a wide range of attractions. Combined with free bus travel during August for children aged 5 to 15 in England, families and young people will be able to enjoy experiences that make summer special, including visits to the kinds of cultural and educational attractions that enrich children’s lives outside the classroom.
There is an attraction finder website which allows you to type in your postcode and find participating venues near you to make the most of summer savings.
To use the attraction finder, please visit https://summersavings.gov.uk.
The Healthy Minds Team have two dates available for their brilliant workshops regarding transition for children and their grown up. This could be children going in to a new year group, new key stage, new school or moving up to Secondary school.
There will be an opportunity to ask questions, receive support and practical strategies to help children with worries towards transitioning. It will include advice, guidance, and activities for you to practise together.
The dates are:
11th August 10am-12pm
and
25th August 10am-12pm.
To parents and carers,
As you know, your child is fortunate enough to attend an OPAL school; a school who take play seriously.
Outdoor play is essential for children’s health, development and wellbeing, but has almost disappeared from their lives.
Schools are well placed to address this. But even though playtime makes up 20% of every primary school child’s day, very few schools have a plan for play. Without a strategic plan, this time is wasted and often leads to problems.
Evidence from more than 2,000 OPAL schools shows that having a plan for play transforms behaviour, equality, wellbeing and learning.
OPAL believe that every primary school needs a plan for play.
We are reaching out to you, parents of children who thrive by accessing high-quality play daily, to support OPAL’s (Outdoor Play and Learning) Plan for Play campaign.
“We call on the Government to require every primary school in England to publish a plan for outdoor free play at breaktimes and lunchtime, and for the Department for Education to produce statutory guidance defining what quality provision looks like, with Ofsted required to inspect against it.”
As a fellow organisation who recognise and value the need for play within our local communities, please support this campaign by asking colleagues and visitors to sign the petition to ensure all primary schools are required to demonstrate how they provide quality outdoor free play for every child.
Please show your support by:
– clicking this link to complete a quick online petition.
– sharing @opalnortheast social media campaign posts to raise awareness
Huge thanks for any support you are able to offer this campaign.
Don’t forget to sign up to the HAF summer activities from Monday 29th June. Limited spaces are available for all activities, don’t miss out!
