A ‘one-stop shop’ for the School Family/Parent Support Advisor Network in Plymouth
It has been 20 years since the creation of MAST, which was designed to support children, families and schools to access early help in the Southwest area of Plymouth. Over time we have spread across the city to provide schools with a broad range of support that is quick to access when needed, being relational and needs led. One of the central pillars of our work has been connecting with and enabling the dual systems of homes and the schools to work together to support children and young people’s needs.
Recognising the importance of collaboration and communication between these systems, many schools now have a staff member who works in a’ link’ role. Variously named Parent Support Advisors, Family Liaison Officers (other titles are also available!), this is a skilled, informed and empathetic person who links directly with families to listen to their needs and to provide a range of bespoke and holistic support. This can range from strengthening home-school connections, addressing the socio-economic needs of parents and carers, helping adults to support and develop their child’s learning, promoting inclusivity and inclusion, improving school attendance, empowering parents/carers and facilitating community engagement.
These professionals can make a significant impact by breaking down barriers, bridging gaps and fostering a collaborative atmosphere. The role is a broad, creative, dynamic and a rewarding one which can also be challenging. The need to sustain and nurture these key staff members is paramount. Often these dedicated staff are the only ones in their role within a school and this can be quite isolating. In the past few years, MAST has ‘created a space’ where these practitioners can come together to receive training, group supervision, make links, share knowledge and resources, enjoy activities and learn skills to support their wellbeing.
Found in the MAST section of the Plymouth Learning Partnership (PLP) website under CPD Training, and entitled ‘PSA Support Group’, these sessions run termly on a Wednesday afternoon from 13:00 - 15:00 at the PLP training base. They are supported by 2 experienced MAST Family Learning Mentors, who have previously worked in the role in schools, and a Senior Educational Psychologist. Sessions have included a wide range of speakers suggested by group members, for example, Homestart UK, local food and resource banks, an OFSTED inspector with particular reference to excellence in the family liaison role, and training on running Early Help processes. Group members request what is most useful to them currently and MAST staff facilitate this. There are group supervision sessions around anonymised work with families to share knowledge and offer new perspectives and insights when ‘stuck’. We have even had a yoga and breathing session to teach skills to manage stress. We create a space to share and learn over hot drinks and biscuits – and the occasional cake or seasonal treat! This year, we will be strengthening our offer by sharing resources and ideas via email and developing a WhatsApp group to help keep information ‘fresh’ and current. Group members tell us that the sessions provide the support, information and understanding that they need to do the job and that they significantly reduce the potential isolation of the role.
All Head Teachers and SENCo/INCos will shortly be getting an email to remind them about the group. If you are a school-based family support worker and you are interested in joining our growing network, then please contact us. Our next session is Wednesday 9 October, and you can be assured of a very warm welcome!
