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Family Support Worker

At Highwood we understand that problems beyond the classroom affect a child’s ability to be in school and ready to learn. Working with the family around a child is the most effective way to make tangible, sustainable, positive change. It is so important that our school community supports each other and Lucy Morris, our newly appointed Family Support Worker plays an important role in doing this. 

Hello, my name is Lucy.

 

My role in school is to provide support, advice and information to the families within our school community.  I can help you with any worries that you may have in relation to your child's education, behaviour and wellbeing.  I am also here as someone to talk to if you need it.

I can meet with you in school at a time to suit yourself.  Or we could chat on the phone or have an online meeting. Advice and support is confidential although concerns relating to the safeguarding of children will always be dealt with in accordance with the school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.  I may not have all the answers, but hopefully I can help you to work out how to find them!

Working with and supporting families and children in different ways…

  • I can listen and appreciate parents/carers issues and offer suggestions and advice for individuals and families about (but not limited to):
    • Behaviour support
    • Boundary setting and routines
    • God school attendance and punctuality
    • Self-esteem and confidence
    • Online safety
    • School transition
    • Adult education
    • Toilet training
    • Healthy eating / selective eating
    • Sleep
    • Assistance with completing paperwork and forms e.g. school places, disability living allowance
    • SEND support
    • Signposting to specialist agencies
    • And more!
  • I can refer and signpost to other services available within Wokingham and Reading.
  • In consultation with teaching staff and parents/carers I can support children on a 1:1 basis listening and working with them in different ways e.g. family issues, bereavement, new baby in the family, parent’s separation/divorce, anxious behaviours.
  • I can run courses/workshops for parents/carers on topics that are key to them.

Make time for a chat

Would you like a friendly chat? I am here to help in any way I can. I am also interested in your thoughts about how Highwood can support families, so please do let me know. 

Please call the school on 01189265493 and ask to speak to me or email lmorris@highwood.wokingham.sch.uk

The Family Centre

We are very fortunate to have a dedicated Family Centre, right at the heart of Highwood school. The space is used to host social events, training courses and to hold meetings with parents and children. 

 

It’s Children’s mental health week next week, 5-11 February. This year’s theme is ‘My Voice Matters’ and we want all children and young people, whoever they are, and wherever they are in the world, to be able to say – and believe – ‘My Voice Matters’.  Attached are some ideas for talking to your child at home about mental health. If you would like more information or a conversation about your own child, please contact Lucy Morris, our Family Support Worker.               

Please see a poster below with some more information and top tips.                                                                               

                 

 

 

            IMPORTANT ADVICE!!!                 

Remember to apply for grants for food and energy.

If your child receives free school meals

You are entitled to a Household Support Fund grant, this will be at least £120 and could be more if you have more children.

Payments are £15 per child, per week for the school holidays, including half-terms and Easter. You will be back paid to October half-term if you’ve not already applied.

To apply for payments on the council website CLICK HERE

Open to all struggling with costs

Grants for £120 to help pay for food or energy bills are open for applications to anyone who is struggling with money.

You can apply through Age UK Berkshire or Citizens Advice Wokingham.

Apply for a Household Support Grant.

Support is available to help you with the cost of living crisis.

With the rise in food and energy costs, as well as increases in rents and mortgages, this year may have been more difficult than any before.

Hundreds are relying on credit cards, borrowing from family, loans and overdrafts. If this sounds like your situation, help is available.

Check the guides for different groups:

Or get help based on the type of support you need:

Resources and Support 

Please see the below link to the Wokingham Council website where there is information for families and carers.

Children, families and young people | Wokingham

For information regarding organisations which can help with children's mental health and well being please click here for advice from Wokingham Virtual Schools

For contact information for the Local (Wokingham) Mental Health team, who can be approached if you feel your child may be struggling, please click here for a MHT PowerPoint with details and advice