F L C. Supporting Families. Family Liaison Co-ordinators

Transcription

1 F L C Supporting Families Family Liaison Co-ordinators

2 Our Family Liaison Co-ordinators Our two FLCs, Mrs Karen Wilson and Mrs. Fiona Southam provide information, advice, signposting and support to the families and children who attend our school, and to any prospective parents. Karen Karen has 25 years of professional experience working with children with SEN, including 12 years at Lisburne School. She has worked with their families and carers, both within the local authority and the charitable sector. Karen helps to ensure families and their children receive all appropriate services that they are entitled to as well as working with them directly. On a personal note, Karen has been a carer for her mother and her son who has additional needs. Karen has extensive knowledge of both local and national organisations and available help and services. Tel: Mobile: karen.wilson@lisburneschool.stockport.sch.uk

3 Our Family Liaison Co-ordinators Fiona Fiona has 17 years of professional experience working with children with SEND, all of which has been at Lisburne School. She has worked in the classroom environment as a TA before becoming HLTA 2 years ago. She also co runs Siblings group on a Thursday, after school. Fiona has now joined the FLC team Monday to Thursday. On a personal note, Fiona has been a carer for her son for 22 years who has Severe Learning Difficulties. She also was a volunteer at ABC+ for 7years working with 11 to 21 year olds with Learning and physical difficulties. She is also a trained Makaton regional tutor. Tel: Mobile: Fiona.southam@lisburneschool.stockport.sch.uk

4 Empowering Parents Parents, carers and families can be empowered by being aware of services, their rights, and a good knowledge of their entitlements in relation to themselves and their child with SEN. The Family Liaison Co-ordinators provide support with this by: Being proactive in their approach when giving support Providing relevant information Advice and support with assessments, statements and annual reviews - including preparation for and support at meetings Assistance with forms, including DLA, charity applications, support letters, etc Family support and care is essential. It is important to recognise the needs of the whole/wider family. The Family Liaison Co-ordinators can also help with Information about support that may be available Information on local services, e.g. health, social services and voluntary groups and how to access their support Karen has been a fantastic help to us and is extremely helpful always. Parent

5 Supporting families through transitions Entering Lisburne School When children and families are transferring into Lisburne school, the Family Liaison Co-ordinator will: Liaise with the current educational setting Visit the family at home to offer/gain information Organise visits to Lisburne school to aid the transition process Aid with transport assessments Ensure each child has a transition booklet prior to starting at Lisburne school Pass on all health, educational and personal Information to the class teacher/ teams and other professionals. It was great, very supportive; they covered everything about the school and my transition on my home visit. Parent I think some families may want to discuss certain aspects about their son/ daughter at home first of all before starting at Lisburne and the initial home visit is the perfect opportunity for that. Parent

6 Supporting families through transitions Leaving Lisburne School For those children leaving Lisburne school, the Family Liaison Co-ordinator will: Aid parents/carers with Year 5 secondary school visits Attend the transition review Organise Year 6 transition visits and accompany the child/ children when required Organise transition booklets/information Work closely with the class teacher/team and family to aid a smooth transitional period I have used the FLC for assistance recently. She was excellent and an invaluable resource. Parent

7 The Family Liaison Co-ordinators will also: Send out regular newsletters and useful information to parents Be available to meet with families to discuss any needs or concerns Arrange PALs (Parents at Lisburne) meetings and parent/child activities Arrange regular workshops for parents and other family members e.g. sleep clinics and give information on forthcoming events Develop positive relationships with other organisations to link families together and coordinate services Run a sibling ASC and annual holiday workshop Signpost families to organisations and useful websites that provide additional advice, support and information Involve parents with LPPA, its activities and ongoing development Work individually with families at home offering support with behaviour, communication and parenting strategies The FLC is an excellent point of contact for the school and is avital resource/support. Parent It s nice to have the option of being able to liaise with somebody at school besides the teachers as they can relay information on your behalf if required. Parent

8 For further information please contact: Lisburne School Half Moon Lane Offerton Stockport SK2 5LB Tel: Fax: This is an outstanding school where the most complex of pupil needs are met very successfully through imaginative teaching, high expectations and meticulous attention to pupils needs, interests and wishes. Accurately described as a jewel of a school by one of its partners, Lisburne enjoys the confidence and full support of its staff, pupils, parents and carers, all of whom are very proud of its achievements and to be part of its family. Typical of parent/carer responses are absolutely fantastic school which helped my child achieve goals we never thought they could reach. They value the school s role as a complete support network offering wider family support. Partnership with parents and carers is outstanding. Home visits and informative courses are signposted through the school s very effective family liaison officer. September 2016 Ofsted November 2016