Early Help
‘A caring village school with a family feel where relationships are at the heart of all we do. Our unique community is connected under the protection of the tree of life, where all are enabled to grow and flourish in their own surprising ways’
Liz Hamilton - Parent Support Advisor
What is Early Help?
We recognise that there are times when family life can be a struggle and extra support and help may be necessary. Early help means providing support as soon as a problem arises and this can be done in any stage of a child's life, right through to adolescence.
Our early help offer aims to improve outcomes for children and/or families by preventing problems becoming serious and harmful.
In Gloucestershire we work with The Early Help and Targeted Support teams, who offer a range of advice, guidance and support directly to families.
We are fortunate to have our own parent support advisor, Liz Hamilton. She is highly approachable, confidential and non judgemental, offering a range of support for parenting issues.
What does Early Help include?
Support for parents may include:-
Providing information and signposting to other services in the area/community
Liaising with a range of external agencies, which could include support in meetings with multi-agency members.
Support with completion of paperwork and forms, including Foodbank, DLA, housing etc.
Advice and support in promoting positive behaviour at home
Pre-loved uniform
Support getting your child in to school
Support for children and young people:-
Supporting and promoting positive relationship building and behaviours
Promoting self-esteem, resilience and confidence.
Support with emotional literacy
Support with attendance and punctuality
Promoting positive learning attitudes
Providing individualised support
How do I access this support?
Please speak to Mrs Rawlings for advice and support. Mrs Rawlings will be able to signpost you as necessary or put you in contact with Liz Hamilton.
Support from other agencies
The agencies below you can contact directly for help and support for your family.
Gloucestershire School Nurses are registered nurses or midwives who support children and young people with emotional and mental health issues, relationships and sexual health, bladder and bowel issues, lifestyle health and family worries.
We aim to improve health outcomes for families, prevent ill health and protect children from harm through a professional, visible, accessible and confidential service on 01242 581009.
They offer a wide range of information to support families, children and young people. The on-line directory gives information on disability, money and work, parenting, housing, education, health and wellbeing, childcare and things to do in the community. There is also support on tax credits and benefits. You can contact them on 0800 5420202 or 01452 427362.
CCP (Caring for Communities and People)
The Cheltenham based charity aims to support individuals and families in many ways. They can be contacted on 01242 228 999. CCP exists to improve the lives of children, young people, families and vulnerable adults who have multiple and complex needs.
Promote and support healthy living
Help maintain a safe and stable home environment
Encourage and support learning and achievement
Promote respect and positive social behaviour
Encourage personal economic sustainability
Provide both crisis and preventative services
Domestic Abuse
If you, or someone you know, is affected by domestic abuse there are a number of things you can do.
Call the police (999 in an emergency or 101 for a non-emergency situation).
Contact GDASS on 0845 602 9035 (www.gdass.org.uk) for practical local support. GDASS can help you and your children stay safe in your own home. GDASS can help you access specialist legal advice and GDASS can help you with other agencies (e.g. Benefits and Housing). If you cannot stay at home, GDASS can help you find a Place of Safety. GDASS can also help you and your children move on.
Contact a help line: National Domestic Violence Helpline (0808 2000 247)
Online Safety
How do we keep children safe online but still allow them to enjoy all the positives of the internet?
The online world now encompasses, through mobile phones, tablets, laptops and gaming devices where social media, online games, websites and apps can be accessed. This means children are exposed to new risks and harms. Help can be found
Wellbeing and Mental Health
The children in Swell have been learning how to recognise emotions and feelings which will support them in being able to self-regulate more effectively and help manage their behaviour. This in turn will enable them to form healthy relationships & friendships and can help them deal with life’s set-backs by building positive resilience.
Every day the children ‘check-in’ using our zones of regulation check in stations which are in all of our classes.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness can help children manage their emotions and promote self-regulation.
Click the link for 5 Fun Mindfulness activities you can do with your child at home.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that a child can experience as combined thoughts or feelings. These can also manifest into physical sensations, headaches, sickness, feeling shaky. It is a normal part of growing up that all children will, at some time, feel worried (before a test, change of routine or health issues for example) and a majority of children will be able to calm themselves down and feel better. Though for some children this can be hard to achieve and the feelings they experience can become overwhelming and distressing. Below are some websites that offer support and advice to parents.
The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside is a book that is used across all the schools to encourage children to open up about their worries and anxieties.
