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Parenting support
Providing parenting support is another way that schools can help to remove barriers to learning in pupils and benefit the wider community. Many parents say there are times in their lives when they would like more information, advice and support.
Research shows that pupils’ attainment, attitudes, and behaviour are improved in schools that work effectively with parents. Increased parental participation in school life is another benefit which, in turn, is a significant driver in improved outcomes for pupils.
All of the consortium schools provide parents with consultations on their child’s progress and attainment. They also provide information on transition when their child progresses through the school system. Some schools provide extra support with learning.
Look out for activities that may be happening in your school!
Parenting Courses
Autumn 2010 Parenting Courses in Dacorum
Summer 2010 Parenting Courses in Berkhamsted
Compass Parenting Support Worker Jan Garwood
The Government wants to make this country the best in the world for children and young people to grow up in. The Department of Children Schools and Families is going to achieve this by putting the needs of families, children and young people at the centre of everything it does. One of the initiatives recommended is the engagement of Parent Support Workers (PSW’s) to improve contact with parents and children through extended schools.
In Hertfordshire the PSW initiative is being implemented in each (Compass) where PSW’s are employed by the Hub School, in our case, Greenway School. The role is a valuable resource that helps schools within the consortium to fulfil the parenting support element of the extended schools’ core offer.
The emphasis for PSW’s is on helping parents to engage with their children’s learning by offering support and access to information where needed. This will include information sessions around school transition, signposting to services, parenting groups and family learning.
Jan was formally a senior teacher at Jupiter Drive School in Hemel Hempstead and has many years of experience. Watch out for further information through your school and this website. If you feel an informal chat with Jan would support you, please give her a ring Monday – Thursday on the following number or email:
psw.berkhamsted@hertsextendedschools.org.uk
07791
800496
Parenting and Information Officer - Dacorum
Compass work closely with the Parenting and Information Officer for the Dacorum District – Giovanna Goodier. Giovanna is based in the District Partnership team and her role is to look into providing new parenting courses and workshops in conjunction with the consortium schools and different community groups to meet the needs and the demands of the district.
If you require parenting information or
would like to be added to Giovanna’s
contact list please contact her on Giovanna.Goodier@hertscc.gov.uk
01442
453839 or 07810 637 804
Are you the Parent/Carer of a child with Special Educational Needs?
Do you want help and information about Special Educational Needs (SEN) but don't know who to ask?
The Parent Partnership Team offers local, confidential helplines if you would like to talk about your child's needs. They give impartial information and guidance to Parents, Carers and Professionals. They will do their best to find other relevant statutory and voluntary sevices if you need further support.
Call Helena Marks 1442
217143. Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Term Time only.
Or for more information go to www.hertsdirect.org/parentpartnership.
Fostering and Adoption
Could you make a difference in a child’s life?
Sam is eight years old and has had a difficult start in life. Thanks to his foster carers Sam is thriving – he enjoys science and art at school and loves to ride his bike with his friends.
If you could give a child like Sam the care and support he needs, you could make a real difference. Hertfordshire County Council is looking for people who are enthusiastic about working with children and young people, with a spare room in their home. As a foster carer you will receive full training, ongoing support, plus a fee and allowance of up to £392 per child per week.
To find out more about fostering or our shared care service which provides short breaks to children with disabilities please call 0800 917 0925 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/fostering
Useful sources of information
General
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Working for, and with, parents. Download the latest 24 hour helpline |
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Gives parent-to-parent support, informal advice, useful information and a community of other parents |
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Young in Herts Children’s Information Service Offers advice and details about children’s services and local Ofsted registered childcare providers – childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, parent and toddler groups, holiday playschemes, before and after school clubs, plus more. Advice line |
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Young Carers are children and young people who care for someone in their own home who is ill, has a physical or learning disability or mental health, drug or alcohol problems |
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Children, Schools and Families Call Centre Family life can often be challenging and being a parent is one the toughest jobs in the world. Sometimes it's difficult to know which way to turn, so this website offers a range of advice and support available to parents and families. Contact the Family Information Service |
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Home Start - Trained volunteers offer support, friendship
and practical help to families with 1 child under five
open Monday
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How to help with your child academically |
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Strengthening Families, strengthening Communities For children aged 8-13 years where there are concerns
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Youth
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Helpline which offers free and confidential advice about drugs all day, every day, and can refer you on to local drugs services.
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Talking to your child about sex and relationships. |
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A magazine for parents of teenagers |
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Youth Connections The information, advice, guidance and support service for all 13-19 year olds in England |
Single parenting
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Support for Dads |
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Counselling for people experiencing relationship difficulties, open office hours.
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Please note we are only signposting this club: it is the responsiblity of each individual to check for suitability |
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Website for lone parents |
Child helplines
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A helpline for children and young people to talk to people about their problems and concerns open 24x7
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Worried about a child call the NSPCC helpline
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Health and disabilities
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A leading organisation that offers holiday play schemes to young people aged 3- 19 years who have learning disabilities of varying severity. |
Disability, Pregnancy & Parenthood International Offers information and support to disabled people during pregnancy and as parents open office hours |
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Works to gain support, education, housing, jobs, and recreational opportunities for people with learning disabilities |
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Supporting parents and carers of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder |
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National Autistic Society Helpline UK's leading charity for people affected by autism and Asperger syndrome.
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Telephone and e-health information services 24 hours a day direct to the public
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Internet safety
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Childnet International is a non-profit organisation working with others to “help make the Internet a great and safe place for children |
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Internet Safety |
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Bullying |
Financial advice
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Do you need financial support for school expenses ? Information that could support you and your children is at www.hertsdirect.org/scholearn/canhelp/expenses/ |
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Free, independent, impartial and confidential advice and information on a range of subjects
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A savings & lending co-operative, owned and run by local volunteer (unpaid) members who serve anyone who lives or works in the Borough.
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Want to make a claim? Want to find a job?
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General advice or information about benefits for disabled people
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