Family Support – Family Support Guide

Summary of the support available

Dodford School aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to achieve their potential.

The school offers support for children and families through its teaching staff, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, wellbeing team and external support services.

The school has an open-door approach, meaning parents and carers are encouraged to contact staff whenever they have concerns about their child's learning, development, emotional wellbeing or family circumstances.

Support includes:

• Additional help for children with SEND, mental health or emotional wellbeing needs.

• Staff trained to support children with different learning and developmental needs.

• A Nurture Teaching Assistant who helps children with their social and emotional development.

• Access to specialist services, including speech and language therapy, family support services and children's mental health services.

• Additional support for children eligible for Pupil Premium funding.

• Parent information evenings focusing on wellbeing and positive mental health.

• Support with the transition from Dodford School to middle school at the end of Year 4.

Support for children with SEND

Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may need additional help with learning, communication, behaviour, emotional development or other aspects of school life.

Dodford School provides the following support:

Trained teaching staff

Teachers and other school staff have received SEND training to help them understand and support children with different needs. This may include adapting teaching methods and providing additional support to individuals or groups.

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo)

Mrs. Hughes is the school's SENDCo. She oversees SEND provision and is a key contact for parents who have concerns about their child's additional needs.

Speech and Language Support

The school works with the Speech and Language team, which visits the school to carry out assessments of children who may need additional support with speech, language or communication.

Chadsgrove Outreach Support

The school works with Chadsgrove Outreach Support to assess children with SEND and provide specialist advice and support.

Transition to Middle School

Dodford has established links with its feeder middle schools to support children when they leave at the end of Year 4.

What this means for parents

If you think your child may have SEND, you can contact their class teacher or the SENDCo to discuss your concerns.

You can ask the school what additional support is currently available, whether your child may benefit from an assessment and how their progress will be monitored.

The information provided does not specify the school's procedures for requesting an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment or the exact interventions available for individual children. Parents can ask the SENDCo for further information about these areas.

Support for children's mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dodford School recognises the importance of children's emotional wellbeing alongside their academic development.

Nurture Teaching Assistant

A dedicated Nurture Teaching Assistant supports children with their social and emotional wellbeing.

Parents can ask how this support is accessed and what activities or interventions are available.

School Wellbeing Team

Mrs. Wakelam and Mrs. Hughes are members of the school's wellbeing team.

Parents can contact them through the school office if they are concerned about their child's emotional wellbeing.

CAMHS and CAMHS CAST

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) can support children with mental health needs.

CAMHS CAST workers also provide outreach support to schools and parents or carers.

Parents can ask the school whether these services would be appropriate for their child and how to access them.

Positive School Environment

The school provides outdoor play areas, sports tournaments, educational visits and enrichment activities to support children's wider development.

Parent information evenings also cover wellbeing and positive mental health.

Support available for parents and families

Dodford School works with external organisations to help families who may need additional support.

Worcestershire County Council – Family Help

Worcestershire County Council provides information about support available to parents, carers and families.

Families can find information about services and additional help available to support children's development, wellbeing and family life.

Worcestershire County Council – Family Help

How to access family support

EIFS can provide support following a referral from the school or a request made on behalf of a family.

TFS works directly with families who request additional support for more complex needs.

Parents can contact the school to discuss which service may be appropriate and ask for help accessing it.

Parents and carers can also visit the Worcestershire County Council Family Help information page linked above to explore additional support available to families.

Who should parents contact?

How parents can request support

The school encourages parents and carers to get in touch whenever they need help or have concerns about their child.

Step 1: Contact the school office

Explain that you would like to discuss your child's learning, development, SEND or emotional wellbeing.

Step 2: Ask to speak with the appropriate member of staff

You can request a conversation with your child's class teacher, the SENDCo or a member of the wellbeing team.

Step 3: Explain your concerns

Describe what your child is finding difficult, what you have noticed at home and any concerns your child has expressed.

Ask what support is available and whether specialist advice or assessment may be appropriate.

Step 4: Agree on the next steps

Ask what support will be provided, who will be responsible and when you can meet again to review your child's progress.

Contact Dodford School

Telephone: 01527 831569

Email: office@dodford.worcs.sch.uk