School Family Support Worker and ELSA

About Me 

Hello!  My name is Louise Saunders (Miss Louise) and I am Cherry Hinton C of E Primary School's Family Support Worker and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant).

My role in school is to provide support, advice and information to the families within our 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 am in school from 8.45am -3.45pm every day. You can contact the school on 01223 568834 or email me lsaunders@cherryhinton.cambs.sch.uk to make an appointment to see me during the school day at a time that is convenient to you.

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!

Many children at some point in their school lives will have to cope with certain issues which may affect their ability to achieve in school. These may include:

* Showing signs of anxiety

* Managing strong emotions

* Behaviour management
*Coping with changes (starting school, moving house/ school)

*Relationship difficulties 
*Separation, divorce or bereavement         
These can lead to poor attendance or problems while a child is at school. They can also have an effect on how a child behaves, how they feel or how they cope with day-to-day situations. It is here that the Family Support Worker can offer help and support, a listening ear or by directing you to other agencies should you need extra support.                               
If the school is concerned about your child’s attendance I may be asked to contact you to discuss the reasons for their absence or lateness and to make sure you receive any support you might need.

Support for pupils includes:

• Promoting good attendance and punctuality
• Promoting self-esteem and confidence
• Promoting positive behaviour and positive attitudes to learning
• Providing one-to-one ELSA support
• Providing small group ELSA support

Support for families includes:

• Providing information and signposting to other services in the local area
• Liaising with a range of external services such as housing and Social Care
• Attendance and support at school and other agency meetings
• Advice and support in promoting positive behaviour at home

Young Carers policy                                                                                              

At Cherry Hinton primary we are committed to supporting young carers/young adult carers. We understand the unique challenges they may face and strive to provide a supportive environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Young carers are young people under the age of 18 who provide care, unpaid, for a family member with an illness or disability, mental health condition or an addiction. 

Young adult carers are young people aged 16–25 who care, unpaid, for a family member or partner with an illness or disability, mental health condition or an addiction. 

Our Support Offerings Include:

• Young Carers/Young Adult Carers Group. A safe space for young carers to connect with peers, share experiences, and access additional support with homework or just a space to talk and relax .
• 1:1 Support: Our dedicated Young Carers Champions are here to provide personalized support and guidance to young carers and their families.
• Staff Training: Our staff members undergo specialised training to better understand and support the needs of young carers.
• Assemblies and Events: Regular assemblies and events to raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of young carers.

Additional Resources:

In addition to our school-specific offerings, we also provide referrals to external organisations such as Centre 33 for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers Needs Assessments. (LINK TO C33 WEBSITE: Caring - Centre 33)

At Cherry Hinton primary school, we are proud to be young carer aware. Our goal is to ensure that every young carer/young adult carer feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

For more information or to access our support services, please contact Donna Northfield, Louise Saunders or Mandy Wayne via the school office.