South Tyneside Parent Carer Forum

02/11/2026

🥁🥁 IT'S FINALLY HAPPENING!! 🥁🥁

We are proud to announce that Unauthorised Absence will be available for EVERYONE to watch from Tuesday 10 November.

So many of you have waited a long time to see this film. Thank you so much for your patience, your ongoing support and everything you’ve shared with us. We’re so glad we can finally share it with you!

Here’s how you can see the film:

FIND A LOCAL SCREENING
Come together with your local community to watch the film. Explore our screening map for dates, venues and booking details. More screenings are being added, and we’re very open to hearing from anyone who might be able to host one - either on launch day or in the weeks that follow. Gatherings can be big or small.
🔗 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1M7-j6lkokmGGw67toHClV8f8gJ2r_xk&hl=en&usp=sharing

STREAM THE FILM ONLINE
Watch the film free on YouTube from 10 November: at home, with friends or in whatever way works for you.
🔗 https://youtu.be/LbXqRGjnSS8

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON ZOOM
To mark the launch, from 7:30pm on Nov 10th, we’re hosting on a free online conversation with the filmmakers and special guests. Watch the film beforehand, then join us. You’re very welcome simply to listen, there’s no pressure to contribute. Register for your free place on Eventbrite!
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unauthorised-absence-free-zoom-webinar-tickets-2004039893268?aff=oddtdtcreator


You can enquire about hosting, find the screening map, YouTube link and Eventbrite registration through our link in bio or at www.mimesic.com

Lastly, some important notes from us 💛

We made Unauthorised Absence because we believe film can help people feel seen, help others understand, and inspire change. Whether you watch at home or come together alongside your community in your area, we hope it opens up conversations that matter.

The film is rated 12A for distressing scenes, threat and self-harm. It may bring up strong feelings, particularly for people whose lives it reflects. Please watch in whatever way feels right for you, and pause, take a break or stop whenever you need to.

For information about attendance difficulties and support, please see Define Fine, Not Fine in School and Special Needs Jungle.

If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans offer free emotional support, day or night, on 116 123.

Thank you so much for helping this film reach the people who need it. Please share this far and wide!! 🥳🥳

Natalie & Jo ###
www.mimesic.com

02/11/2026

02/11/2026

01/11/2026

📢 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱

We're pleased to share the full programme for School Exclusions Week 2026, taking place from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th November.

Throughout the week, we'll be hosting a range of events, workshops and drop-in opportunities designed to provide support, advice and connection for families affected by children missing education. Many of the activities are free to attend and do not require a booking.

This year's programme has been shaped by the feedback we received from parents and carers through our recent survey, helping us focus on the topics, support and activities that matter most to local families. Thank you to those that contributed!

🌟 Please consider joining us at our Launch Event on Monday 2nd November, where we'll be unveiling the completed Inclusion Quilt, alongside refreshments and an opportunity to come together and reflect on the voices and experiences that have contributed to the project.

Throughout the week you can also expect:
🎥 SENDIASS on Screen content appearing daily across our social media channels
📚 The launch of our new School Exclusions Resource Pack
💻 A new Exclusions & Part-Time Timetables Webinar for families
🗣️ School Exclusions Support Hubs offering advice and guidance
🤝 Opportunities to connect with SENDIASS and partner organisations
💜 Wellbeing-focused activities and support

Whether you're looking for information, practical guidance, a listening ear, or simply a chance to connect with others, we'd love to see you there.

The full programme will be available via our website shortly: 🔗 https://www.southtynesidesendiass.co.uk/

Unless otherwise stated, you can simply drop in to any of the events and join us.

01/11/2026

Amazing well done Lucas 👏

01/11/2026

There are still a couple of places left on this course starting tomorrow.

🌿 Creative Stress & Resilience Workshop 🎨

Are you a parent or carer looking for ways to manage stress, build resilience and support your wellbeing?

Join us for a fantastic 6-week Creative Stress & Resilience Workshop with Luna Blu NE, offering a welcoming space to explore creativity, develop coping strategies and take some time for yourself. 💚

📅 Starting Monday 2nd November 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 11:30am
🧭 Luna Blu studio, Franklin street, South Shields, NE33 1PZ

📌 Booking is not essential, but it is recommended as places are limited!

Come along, get creative and invest in your wellbeing. We look forward to seeing you there! 🌸

27/10/2026

🚨 STOP THE PRESS! 🚨

We've got a NEW event coming your way this December! 🎉🫧

Mctazo is BACK! 🙌

Get ready for another AMAZING Christmas foam party (with Party Gems) at Tim Lamb Children's Centre! 🫧🎶

📅 Wednesday 16th December
⏰ 5pm–7pm

🎟️ Booking is essential! Pathways4all membership required.

👀 Watch this space for ticket release details… you won't want to miss this one! 🤩

27/10/2026

💚 Have your say at Ocean Road Centre!

We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can make our centre and café even better for our community.

Fancy getting involved? There’s a little thank-you treat for taking part! ☕🍰

Check out the poster below for details on how to get involved. 👇

27/10/2026

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

Carers will no longer lose their entire Carer's Allowance award if they go over the weekly earnings limit 📣👏

Under the planned change, payments would reduce by £1 for every £1 earned above the limit, replacing the current rule that can leave carers losing their whole award for earning just 1p too much.

Contact, alongside our parent carer campaigners, have long called for this change to help families balance paid work with caring.

A huge win for our parent carer campaigners 👏

27/10/2026

The Department for Education is seeking evidence on proposed school exclusion reforms outlined in the Schools White Paper.

Why your views matter

This Call for Evidence seeks evidence and views from practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders to inform the development of school exclusion reforms set out in the ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper, published in February 2026. The reforms relate to the use of internal suspension, reintegration support partnerships following a suspension, and provision of schoolwork during the first 5 days of suspension and permanent exclusion.
There is a specific section for Parent/carer feedback. Please take a look and fill in as much as you can. Any questions please email [email protected]

Find and participate in consultations run by the Department for Education