At Highwood we understand that problems beyond the classroom affect a child’s ability to be in school and ready to learn. Working with the family around a child is the most effective way to make tangible, sustainable, positive change. It is so important that our school community supports each other and Lucy Morris, our newly appointed Family Support Worker plays an important role in doing this. 

Hello, my name is Lucy.

 

My role in school is to provide support, advice and information to the families within our school community.  I can help you with any worries that you may have in relation to your child's education, behaviour and wellbeing.  I am also here as someone to talk to if you need it.

I can meet with you in school at a time to suit yourself.  Or we could chat on the phone or have an online meeting. Advice and support is confidential although concerns relating to the safeguarding of children will always be dealt with in accordance with the school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.  I may not have all the answers, but hopefully I can help you to work out how to find them!

Working with and supporting families and children in different ways…

• I can listen and appreciate parents/carers issues and offer suggestions and advice for individuals and families about (but not limited to):
  • Behaviour support
  • Boundary setting and routines
  • Good school attendance and punctuality
  • Self-esteem and confidence
  • Online safety
  • School transition
  • Adult education
  • Toilet training
  • Healthy eating / selective eating
  • Sleep
  • Assistance with completing paperwork and forms e.g. school places, disability living allowance
  • SEND support
  • Signposting to specialist agencies
  • And more!

• I can refer and signpost to other services available within Wokingham and Reading.

• In consultation with teaching staff and parents/carers I can support children on a 1:1 basis listening and working with them in different ways e.g. family issues, bereavement, new baby in the family, parent’s separation/divorce, anxious behaviours.

• I can run courses/workshops for parents/carers on topics that are key to them.

Make time for a chat

Would you like a friendly chat? I am here to help in any way I can. I am also interested in your thoughts about how Highwood can support families, so please do let me know. 

Please call the school on 01189265493 and ask to speak to me or email FSW@highwood.wokingham.sch.uk

The Family Centre

We are very fortunate to have a dedicated Family Centre, right at the heart of Highwood school. The space is used to host social events, training courses and to hold meetings with parents and children. 

 

                ------------------------------------------------------------

 

 ****NEW DATES FOR YOUR DIARY***

Wednesday 13th November Toilet training workshop - how to prepare, how to practise and how to stop using nappies

Friday 15th November 8:45-10am Parent/carer coffee morning, open to all

Friday 29th November 8:45-10am SEN Support coffee morning, for all parents/carers of children with diagnoses, on the pathway or who have concerns. 

Friday 13th December 8:45-10am Parent/carer coffee morning, open to all

 

-------------------------------------------------------------

 

Dates for your diary (2024-2025) 

Wednesday 4th September 8:45-10am New to Highwood coffee morning - New to School? First day feelings? Join us for a friendly face, chat, drink and pastries (and tissues if needed!)

Friday 20th September 8:45-10am - Parent/carer coffee morning, open to all

Friday 4th October 8:45-10am - SEN Support coffee morning, for all parents/carers of children with diagnoses, on the pathway or who have concerns. 

Friday 18th October 8:45-10am - Parent/carer coffee morning, open to all

---------------------------------------------------------------

Past events (2023-2024) 

Friday 26th April 9-11am  'The Joys and Challenges of parenting a child with special needs'. A workshop for parents presented by Parenting Special Children in Urdu. 

Thursday 2nd May 9:30-11:30 'Terrific Timestables'. A workshop for parents from Wokingham Adult Education Services. Please join us from 9 for refreshments.

Thursday 16 May 9:30-11:30 'Mixing up Maths'. A workshop for parents on using cooking to support maths learning from Wokingham Adult Education Services. Please join us from 9 for refreshments.  

Friday 10th May 8:45-10am 'SEN Parent/Carer coffee morning' Join us in the family room after drop off. 

Friday 17th May 8:45-10am 'Parent/Carer coffee morning'. Join us in the family room after drop off for a drink and a biscuit and a chance to meet other parents. 

Thursday 13 June 9:30-11:30 'Learn with Lego'. A workshop for parents from Wokingham Adult Education Services. Ideal for nursery and reception parents. Please join us from 9 for refreshments.  

Tuesday 18th June & Tuesday 25th June 9:30-11:30 'Resilience in children' A two part workshop for parents from Wokingham Adult Education Services. Please join us from 9 for refreshments. 

     For further information on any of the above, or if you have suggestions for further courses or workshops please let us know.                                     

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------

 

Resources and Support 

Please see the below link to the Wokingham Council website where there is information for families and carers.

Children, families and young people | Wokingham

For information regarding organisations which can help with children's mental health and well being please click here for advice from Wokingham Virtual Schools. 

For contact information for the Local (Wokingham) Mental Health team, who can be approached if you feel your child may be struggling, please click here for a MHT PowerPoint with details and advice