Family Liaison and Support. From Inscape House School

Transcription

1 Family Liaison and Support From Inscape House School

2 Family Liaison and Support Worker I am Suzie Franklin, Inscape House School s Family Liaison and Support Worker. I provide information, advice and signposting for families of children at Inscape and also help support families who would like their child to attend our school. I have 17 years professional experience supporting parents and carers to ensure they receive the services they and their children with autism are entitled to. I have a wealth of knowledge about local and national organisations, services and websites to signpost you to for extra help. I understand how parents and carers must feel when they need support. My daughter Jennie has autism and learning difficulties and used to attend Inscape House School. Jennie is now living a happy and active life in her own flat with a team of support staff. Suzie Franklin Family Liaison and Support Worker Call / or sfranklin@togethertrust.org Supporting parents and carers through the autism journey

3 Information and knowledge about rights and entitlements are essential so that families can request the services and support their children with autism deserve. Empowering The Special Education Needs (SEN) system can be a minefield for parents to navigate their way through. In my role as Family Liaison and Support Worker I provide: parents Information about what the law says on SEN and what processes are involved Advice and support with assessments, statements and annual reviews including preparation for and support at meetings Help to coordinate information for mediation or tribunals with local authorities if necessary. Support to understand the changes to special education law including the new Children and Families Bill (which comes into effect late 2014) and 0-25 Education and Health Plans. Family support and care is essential, especially as a child with autism grows older. It s particularly important to recognise the needs of the whole family. We can help with: Information about support that may be available Advice on what the law says about receiving family support, assessments, benefits and other concessions Information on local services, eg. health, social services and voluntary groups and how to access their support.

4 Family activities and events at Inscape I organise family activities at weekends and some school holidays to provide opportunities for families to meet and enjoy activities together in a safe and supportive setting. There have been trips to Blackpool to see the illuminations, canal boat rides, outings to Chester Zoo, walks in local country parks, trips to Spaceport in Liverpool and a visit to the Chesnut Centre, an otter and owl sanctuary in Derbyshire to name a few. I also support the Inscape Friends (parent and staff group) to organise social and fundraising events for school. In my role as Family Liaison and Support Worker I also: Send out regular newsletters and useful information to parents Am available to meet with families to discuss any needs or concerns Arrange regular workshops and training opportunities for parents and other family members Look at different ways of networking parents together Develop relationships with other organisations to link families together Signpost families to organisations and useful websites that provide additional advice, support and information on autism Explain what person-centred planning means and provide support to develop a personcentred one page profile for your child.

5 It s been really helpful to have Suzie involved in our transition meetings. She s been through it all herself and has provided practical guidance (and comfort) regarding both the process and our ability to influence the outcome. Parent, Inscape House School

6 Family room at Inscape House School We are delighted to be able to offer a new family room at Inscape House School. It is a comfortable, relaxed room that parents can use to unwind and meet each other or staff from school. Parents can also attend small, informal workshops or come in and make visual supports for their children to use at home (with support from staff at school if required). Please call the school if you would like to use the parent s room. Information about workshops will be sent to parents over the school year but please let us know if there are any particular topics you would like us to cover.

7 It was very reassuring to have someone who understood my situation standing by my side. I felt like I was being listened to and that my concerns could be addressed. Parent, Inscape House School Contact me to find out more Suzie Franklin Family Liaison and Support Worker Call / or sfranklin@togethertrust.org

8 For further information please contact: Inscape House School Schools Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 1JE Call or Inscape House School is part of the Together Trust, a charity that has been operating for over 140 years. We believe that everyone deserves an equal chance in life and everyone has the ability and right to experience joy, safety, happiness and hope. By providing specialist education, care and community services to children, young people and adults the Together Trust aims to do everything in its power to make that happen. Registered charity number