Support for Parents

Family Support Worker

Hi, my name is Laura Smith and I am the Family Support Worker/Pastoral Lead at Giles Junior School. I have worked with children and families for over 22 years.

My role within school is to provide you with any support, advice and information relating to you, your child and your family.

I can support you with any worries you may have regarding your child’s education, wellbeing and behaviour.

I may not have all the answers but will work closely with you and hopefully help find some solutions to the issues you may be facing.

Support for pupils include bespoke sessions depending on the needs of your child, we can facilitate support around :

· Protective Behaviours

· Self Esteem and Emotional Wellbeing

· Friendship Interventions

· Drawing and Talking Therapy

· Anxiety and worries

I also work closely with outside agencies and can refer or signpost to local organisations around :

· Bereavement

· Counselling

· Debt

· Health

Support for Parents :

· Information about support Services in the local area

· Completing referrals to relevant agencies

· Signposting for support around finances and Debt

· Promoting positive behaviour at home

· Support with Routines and boundaries in the home

· Emotional Wellbeing

· At Giles Juniors we have also set up our own food bank within school and work closely with Stevenage clothes Bank

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

No issue is too big or too small!

If you’d like to get in touch please call the school office or send me a direct email to lsmith@gilesjm.herts.sch.uk

Giles Junior Food Bank

At Giles Junior, we are continuously striving to look at new ways we can support our lovely school community. We are more aware than ever that due to the current cost of living crisis many of our families are struggling financially and need to access our local food banks.

This is why we have decided to trial our very own Giles Junior Food Bank within school. Once we are up and running parents/carers will then be able to refer themselves into this service. Paper referral forms will be available in reception near the parent information board. These can then be handed into school to be processed (in a confidential manner) and Mrs Smith our family Support Worker will contact you regarding next steps.

If you are in a position that you are able to donate we are asking for non-perishable items such as tinned food, UHT milk, coffee/Tea, pasta sauces, pasta, rice, jam, spreads, crisps/snacks, long life juice toiletries etc.

These can be brought into school with your child and will be collected from their classrooms.

 

Clothes Bank

At Giles Junior we are lucky enough to work closely with some of our amazing local charities including Stevenage Clothes Bank and Stevenage Food Shed. We understand that due to the current financial climate
families are feeling the pinch more than ever before. If you require any support from these organisations, please contact Mrs Smith our Family Support Worker who will be happy to submit a referral on your behalf. 

Healthy Young Minds

The Reach out Team at Hertfordshire Mind Network supports young people aged 10-17,  with any issues affecting their wellbeing.

 Online Safety Guide

https://tutorful.co.uk/guides/how-to-keep-kids-safe-online

Parents Guide to Childhood Anxiety 

https://tutorful.co.uk/guides/the-expert-guide-to-help-your-child-with-anxiety

A Guide to Revision (includes advice on setting up a study space) 

https://tutorful.co.uk/guides/the-ultimate-revision-guide/how-to-create-the-perfect-study-space