River Tees Primary Academy

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.

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.

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.

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.

Well done to our Year 6s this week. Such unbelievable resilience that has made us all so proud. They were all so excited to get their Class of 26 hoodies after the last test ♥️

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.

Neurodivergent children are often drawn to technology, so early, supported experiences online are key. This guide explores how adults can model positive digital behaviour, set age-appropriate limits and create open, judgement-free conversations about online safety. It also highlights the importance of balancing screen use with offline activities to support wellbeing and development. It also unpacks emerging challenges, including AI-generated content and the blurred lines between real and simulated interactions. With clear, practical advice on boundaries, critical thinking and safe communication, this guide helps educators and families build confidence in supporting neurodivergent children to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Absolutely great day yesterday. Signal is really bad here for posting but don’t worry we will sort through the photos in the next week to share more!

And we are off ♥️