Happy new year to all parents, carers and pupils. We would like to thank parents who sent Christmas presents of biscuits and chocolates for the staff – these are very much appreciated! After a snowy start we were able to open school and we are pleased to welcome some new children:
Sophia in Early Years
Justine in class 4
Callum in class 7
Sam in class 8
George to class 9
Also welcome back to Katie who is returning to Forest School after a few months living in West Yorkshire.

We have had a difficult start to the term with the bad weather. We do everything we can to keep the school open but last week the combination of difficulties travelling and the severe weather making the approach to the school, the car park and all the outside areas very dangerous, it was not possible to open. The decision to close is not taken lightly. The texting system for communicating with you has been vital at this difficult time. Please make sure that you keep us informed of any changes to your mobile phone numbers, This week we re-opened and there were continuing difficulties with transport. These are beyond our control – getting cross with school staff does not make things any easier. Travelling conditions in Knaresborough, Harrogate, Selby and York continue to be difficult. The transport operators do try to keep to time but in some circumstances this is impossible

EXTENDED SCHOOLS ACTIVITIES

The school is continuing to increase the number and range of extended schools activities that we offer. Whilst we recognise

that there is not yet “something for everyone”, we are working to develop our provision. Here is the full range that we offer at the moment:
Monday – after school study support group
Tuesday – drama club
Wednesday – sports club
Thursday – first aid club
Thursday – youth club

CAMHS

A series of courses are planned for parents/carers of children with learning difficulties. Topics to be covered are
· Understanding your child’s need
· Communication
· Developing play (shared enjoyment)
· Teaching new skills
· Understanding your child’s behaviour
· Effective limit setting
· Looking after yourself
The courses will be led by Bron Urwin and Naomi Tucker. For more information contact Bron at Lime Trees on 01904 726610

‘COMMUNITY MATTERS’ – WAITROSE HARROGATE

The Forest School was very fortunate to have been nominated by Waitrose Station Parade, Harrogate, as one of 3 charities to receive a donation during November 2009. We were delighted to receive £360 which will be used
to purchase specialist outdoor play equipment. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

RESIDENTIAL VISITS REMINDER

Please note the following dates for payments for the secondary residential visits this year. If paying weekly, the next instalments are due 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th January. If paying monthly, next payments are 4th and 25th January. If you have any queries, or concerns regarding these payments, please contact Mrs Lee in the school office.

NORTH YORKSHIRE PACT

PACT is a group for parents and carers from across North Yorkshire working together to create change for children and families. There are three localities
· Craven, Harrogate and Ripon
· Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale
· Hambleton, Richmondshire and Selby
Dates, venues and times of forthcoming locality meetings can be found at www.cypexchange.org.uk or telephone Sara Christie on 01347 825710

MOTABILITY

Motability provides worry free motoring to disabled people and their families who transfer the Higher Rate Mobility Component of their Disability Living Allowance to obtain a car. For more information please call 01279 632087 or look at the website www.motability.co.uk

8-1-8 CLUB

The 8-1-8 club is a Selby based, fun multi-activity club for young people aged between 8-18 years old, with a disability. Sessions include a range of sporting and arts/crafts activities. Sessions are held at Brayton Community Centre, 1-3pm, last Saturday of every month. £2 per session. Please call Andy Clay on 07875 004572 for more details.

NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY

One day help! programme – to be held on Monday 8th March, 9.30am-3.00pm at Wetherby Sports Association, The Ings, Wetherby. To book a place at this session please contact Jan Fuller, tel 0191 568 0732, or email jan.fuller@nas.org.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

11 February 2010 – There will be a science workshop open to all year 6,7 and 8 children and their parents/carers. The session starts at 3.45pm – more details to follow.
24 March 2010 – Maths workshop to be held at 3.45pm – details to follow later.
Friday 19th March 2010 – Quiz night to be held in school. All welcome to join this fund raising event – more details to follow later

LOST PROPERTY

A mobile phone (Motorola V235) has been handed in at school. If this yours, please contact us.

GRANTS FOR EDUCATION

We have received details of a government scheme to help low income families with children aged 7 to 14 years to buy a computer and access the internet. The scheme is aimed at families receiving certain benefits and/or an income less than £16,040. For more information please call 0333 200 1004

MONICA UDEN
HEADTEACHER

Your support for your son/daughter’s education is crucial to their progress and wellbeing. Please tell us if there are any adjustments we need to help you support them, for example: letters in large font; letters in different languages, wheelchair access, explaining things over the phone or a discussion with a colleague of the same gender.