River Tyne Academy Gateshead

Roblox is hugely popular with children, offering millions of user-created games and social experiences. This guide explains how the platform differs from traditional video games, and why its scale, self-rating system and automated moderation can expose young users to inappropriate content or unsafe interactions. Aimed at parents and educators, the guide explores concerns including online communication, in-game spending and compulsive play. It also shares practical advice on parental controls, limiting chat and encouraging open conversations, helping adults support children to enjoy Roblox more safely and responsibly.

Today, on Thank a Teacher Day, we celebrate and thank all our staff for the important role you play in creating a positive, supportive, and inspiring learning environment. Your hard work and dedication help our students thrive, and we are grateful for everything you do.

Welcome to this month’s SEND newsletter, which focuses on hearing loss. Inside, you will find key information to help you understand hearing loss, alongside informative videos that explain how it can affect learning and communication. We have also included practical strategies you can use at home to support your child’s development and wellbeing. We hope you find this edition helpful and empowering as we work together to support every learner’s success.

We are all so grateful to have played a small part in our year 11’s journeys We are so proud of their exemplary attitude towards their exams. See you all at Prom and on results day on Thursday 20th August.

Strong oral language skills help children feel confident, connected and ready to learn. This guide explores simple, everyday ways that parents, carers and educators can support children’s speaking, listening and understanding, from shared conversations and story time to naming feelings and building vocabulary through play and routines. It also highlights the value of working closely with nurseries, schools and early years settings, using evidence-based approaches and spotting possible language needs early. With expert insight from OxEd, the guide offers supportive advice to help children become confident communicators as they prepare for school.

While many allergies result in only mild symptoms, some can be far more dangerous, causing life-threatening episodes of anaphylaxis that require swift intervention. This week’s guide helps break down the warning signs and outlines the immediate steps to take when every second counts. It also provides a useful overview of the most common food allergens – from milk and eggs to shellfish and sesame – as well as common non-food triggers like insect venom, pollen, and medication. With clear guidance on recognising the symptoms of a serious reaction and the role of devices like auto-injectors, this resource can help adults feel more prepared and informed when supporting children with allergies. All of our school's have purchased and trained staff in the use of KITT Medical anaphylaxis kits for emergency use.

Some of our year 10 students as part of their Duke of Edinburgh bronze award volunteered in a local care home. They enjoyed supporting the residents with their craft activities and listening to the stories whilst treating them to some lovely tea and biscuits when they had finished . 🥉

Minecraft remains hugely popular with young players, offering creative freedom and social interaction. This guide explores how features like public servers, in-game chat and multiplayer modes can introduce risks, including contact with strangers, exposure to inappropriate behaviour and privacy concerns linked to independent server hosting. It also highlights issues such as griefing, in-game spending and potentially addictive gameplay loops. With clear, actionable advice, the guide helps parents and educators set boundaries, choose safer settings and support children in enjoying Minecraft responsibly while staying protected online.

Welcome to this month’s SEND newsletter, which focuses on sleep difficulties—a common challenge for many children. Inside, you will find key information to help you understand the impact of sleep on your child’s wellbeing and learning. We have also included informative videos and practical strategies designed to support your child in establishing healthy sleep routines. We hope these resources will be helpful in making a positive difference to your family’s nights and your child’s days.

Online grooming is a growing and deeply concerning threat, with thousands of offences recorded each year in the UK. This edition explores how offenders build trust with children through fake identities, flattery, gifts and group chats before exploiting that relationship. It also examines the rise of sextortion and how gaming platforms and social media can become gateways for harm. Beyond sexual exploitation, the guide highlights criminal grooming and radicalisation, helping adults recognise that manipulation can take many forms. With practical advice on spotting warning signs, creating open conversations and understanding the platforms children use, this resource empowers parents and educators to intervene early and keep young people safer online.