Family Support Worker
My name is Jo Palfrey, and I am the Family Support Worker (FSW) at Hayes School. My role as the Family Support Worker consists of several key responsibilities designed to support both our children and their families. My responsibilities can be wide-ranging, but they generally focus on the following areas:
1. Supporting Children's Well-being
- Emotional and Social Support: I deal directly with children who may be experiencing emotional or social difficulties, providing counselling, mentoring, and sometimes small group interventions. I help children develop coping strategies, improve self-esteem, and build positive relationships.
- Safeguarding: As DDSL, I am involved in safeguarding processes, identifying and responding to concerns about a child’s welfare, and liaising with external agencies to ensure that appropriate support is provided.
2. Engaging with Families
- Parental Engagement: I work closely with parents and carers to help them engage more effectively with their child's education. This might include organising workshops, offering parenting advice, or facilitating better communication between the school and home.
- Home Visits: When necessary, I conduct home visits to assess the family's situation, offer support, and discuss any concerns in a more comfortable environment for the family.
- Crisis Support: In times of crisis, such as bereavement, family breakdown, or financial difficulties, I provide direct support and can refer families to appropriate external services.
3. Liaison with External Services
- Referrals and Partnerships: I work with a range of external agencies, including social services, health professionals, and community organisations, to coordinate comprehensive support for the child and family.
- Advocacy: I offer support and signposting for families, helping them navigate systems such as social care, housing, or benefits, and ensuring their voices are heard in meetings or discussions that impact their child.
4. School Attendance
- Monitoring and Intervention: I oversee and monitor attendance and punctuality, identifying patterns of absenteeism and working with families to address barriers to regular school attendance.
- Incentives and Programs: Where needed, I implement programs to encourage good attendance and punctuality, often collaborating with teachers and school leadership.
- Impact on School Community
Through these responsibilities, my goal is to ensure that every child at Hayes School has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the challenges they may face outside of the classroom. My work is focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes the well-being and academic success of our children.
If you need any further support or information please contact me in the following ways:
Call 01803 553776
Torbay Links
Torbay SENDIASS -
https://www.sendiasstorbay.org/Family Hub -