Family Support Worker

Hello, my name is Mrs Darby, and I am the Family Support Worker at Barming school.

My role is to provide pastoral support to parents/carers and help with any issues that you may have in relation to supporting your children, both at home and in school. I work to encourage parental involvement within school, signpost to agencies (where appropriate) and support children in school. Should you have a personal concern or school related issue, then I am here as a listening ear. I have access to a number of agencies who may be able to provide support to you and your family, for issues such as:

• Bereavement Services
• Children’s Centres
• Counselling/Play Therapy
• Mediation
• Housing
• Parenting Programmes
• School Nursing
• Early Help
• Social Services
• Young Carers
• Food Banks

All contacts with any of the above agencies (with the exception, on occasions, of Social Services) are made with total parental involvement.

I liaise with all school staff, always in the best interests of the children and their families and work impartially and confidentially if you ever need advice or support.

Please ask if you would like further advice and help accessing the right support.

Attendance

I also work with families regarding attendance. All pupils should be in school between 8.30am and 8.50 am so they are sitting in class ready to learn by 9.00 am.

If your child is ill, the school office should be informed as soon as possible on the first day of absence. Our preference is that you do this via the StudyBugs app, but you can also email or phone. Please give your child’s name, class and reason for absence.

Below are some useful services and resources:

Additional Support Services-Advice and Well Being

Additional Learning Needs

Bereavement

Healthy Lifestyles

Local Support

Mrs Darby - Hours of work are:

Monday – 08:30 – 3.30

Tuesday – 08:30 – 3.30

Thursday – 08:30 – 3.30

Friday - 08.30 - 3.30

I aim to be outside on the playground in the morning on these days.

You can contact me on - 01622 726472 or via the email link at the bottom of this page.

Below is the link for the KENT RESILIENCE HUB , which is full of great information, resources and ideas for supporting our children and young people:

https://kentresiliencehub.org.uk/

***THE FAMILY HUB - Parenting support and resources***

Please see the link below to some great ideas to support families at home at this time:

https://www.fegans.org.uk/parent-hub/

** I am aware that many families and children are feeling anxious and concerned about a whole range of issues at the moment.  Here is a link to a great website with lots of information and support for anxiety and other issues during this time:

https://www.barnardos.org.uk/see-hear-respond-support-hub

If you would like to discuss anything, you can contact me via the email link at the bottom of this page**

***This was a useful video on the BBC recently, about supporting our children's mental health at the moment:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/education-55620288