Wellbeing & Family Support

We understand that every child and family may need additional support at different times. We are committed to providing a caring, nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and able to thrive.

If you would like support or advice, please contact our Family Support Worker. We are here to help and will always do our best to ensure every child and family receives the support they need.

Our Family Support Worker

My name is Andrea Munns, and I am the school's Family Support Worker and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Alongside our SENDCO, I am trained as both a Child and Adult Mental Health First Aider.

Parents and carers are welcome to contact me at any time by:

Visiting the school office to arrange a face-to-face conversation
Calling 01604 660100
Emailing andrea.munns@aps.inmat.org.uk

How We Support Children

We provide support for children experiencing a wide range of challenges, including:

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns
Bereavement, loss and family separation
Self-esteem and confidence difficulties
Behaviour and emotional regulation needs

We have a dedicated Learning Mentor who works closely with our Family Support Worker. Our Learning Mentor is fully trained to deliver the ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) programme.

Our Family Support Worker and Learning Mentor are trained to deliver:

Lego Therapy
Drawing and Talking Therapy
Loss and Bereavement Support
Self-Esteem Programmes
Behaviour Management Support
Protective Behaviours
Zones of Regulation

Additional support available includes:

Nurture group interventions
Speech and language support sessions
Individual learning plans
Sensory circuit activities
Occupational therapy programmes following Thrive recommendations
Daily meet-and-greet support for children experiencing separation anxiety

Children can also access our:

Success Centre

A calm, supportive space where children can regulate their emotions, take time out when needed and receive additional support.

Honeypot Room

A dedicated wellbeing space designed to meet the needs of children with SEND.

How We Support Families

We recognise that supporting children often means supporting the whole family.

Our Family Support Worker can provide guidance and support with:

Housing concerns and homelessness
Parenting support
Challenging behaviours at home
Establishing routines and boundaries
Financial difficulties
Family changes and parental separation
Concerns relating to drugs or alcohol

We can also:

Make referrals to the School Nursing Team for support with issues such as dietary advice, toileting and bedwetting
Help families access food parcels and emergency support
Complete Early Help Assessments (EHAs)
Work as part of Child in Need and Child Protection core groups
Signpost and refer families to specialist external services

Parents and carers can access support from the Family Support Worker throughout the school day.

Wellbeing Provision Across School

Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at The Abbey Primary School.

Our whole-school approach includes:

Embedding our 5 Bees Core Values across school life
High-quality PSHE education for all pupils
The Hive of Wellbeing, where every child identifies five trusted adults they can talk to if they have a worry
Daily meet-and-greet opportunities for children and families
Nurture group provision
Positive praise and reward systems
Sensory baskets in every classroom to support regulation and readiness for learning
Access to the Success Centre during lunchtime for additional emotional support or quiet time

Useful Support Services

Families may also find support through the following organisations: