Family Support
At Woodlands Infant School, we know that family life can be joyful, busy, challenging and sometimes difficult. Every family needs support at different times, and asking for help is a positive step.
We want parents and carers to know that they are not alone. If something is affecting your child’s wellbeing, attendance, behaviour, learning or family life, please speak to us. We will listen without judgement and help you think about what support may be available.
How we can help
Our staff work closely with families so that children feel safe, settled and ready to learn. Sometimes a short conversation with your child’s class teacher is enough. At other times, families may need more regular support or signposting to other services.
We may be able to help with:
- Concerns about your child’s wellbeing
- Worries about behaviour at home or school
- Separation anxiety or difficulties coming into school
- Sleep, routines and boundaries
- Friendship difficulties
- Family changes or challenges
- Bereavement or loss
- Attendance and punctuality
- SEND or additional needs
- Support with forms, referrals or accessing services
- Signposting to local community support
If we are not the right people to help directly, we will do our best to guide you towards someone who can.
Who to speak to
If you are worried about your child, please speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance. They know your child well and can talk to you about how things are in school. Alternatively, any other member of staff who you know and trust.
You can also contact the school office and ask to speak to:
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The Designated Safeguarding Leads Mrs Freeman, Mrs Harris, Mr Waters or Mrs Meehan are always available if you are worried about a child’s safety or welfare. |
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Our SENDCo, Mrs Gaynor Knowles, can help if your concern is linked to additional needs, development or access to learning. |
If you have older children at Shirley Heath, you could speak to their Family Support Worker, Rebecca Richards, for advice.
We will always try to respond sensitively and work with you in a supportive way.
Early help
Early help means getting support in place as soon as a need or worry is identified. It is about working together before difficulties become bigger.
Early help might support families with routines, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, family relationships, attendance, housing, money worries, parenting advice or wider family circumstances.
If we think early help may be useful, we will talk this through with you. Families can also ask us about early help at any time.
Working together
We believe the best support happens when school and home work together. Parents and carers know their children best, and your views help us understand what may be happening and what might help.
You can support us by letting us know if:
- Something has changed at home
- Your child is worried about coming to school
- Your child is finding friendships difficult
- Sleep or routines are becoming challenging
- There has been a bereavement, illness or family change
- Your child is showing changes in behaviour
- You are finding things difficult and would like support
You do not need to wait until things feel serious. If something is worrying you, please talk to us.
External support and useful resources
Sometimes families may benefit from more specialist advice or support. The organisations below may be helpful. Some offer direct support, while others provide information, guidance and resources.
Urgent or immediate support
999
If a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
NHS 111
If you need urgent health advice and it is not a life-threatening emergency, contact NHS 111.
Shout
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope and needs support.
Text SHOUT to 85258.
Samaritans
Samaritans provides emotional support for anyone who is struggling or needs someone to talk to.
Call 116 123.
Support for children and young people
Childline
Childline is a free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 in the UK. Children and young people can contact Childline about anything that is worrying them.
Call 0800 1111.
Solar
Solar is Solihull’s emotional wellbeing and mental health service for children and young people. It offers support for children and young people who are experiencing emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.
YoungMinds
YoungMinds provides information and advice about children’s mental health, including support for parents and carers who are worried about a child.
Anna Freud
Anna Freud provides helpful information and resources for families to support children’s mental health and wellbeing.
Place2Be
Place2Be provides advice for families about children’s emotional wellbeing, including worries, friendships, behaviour and changes at home.
NSPCC
The NSPCC provides guidance for families on keeping children safe, supporting emotional wellbeing and talking to children about worries.
Local support
Solihull Local Offer
The Solihull Local Offer provides information about support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Solihull Family Information Service
The Family Information Service provides information about childcare, family support, local activities and services for families.
Solihull Family Hubs and Early Help
Family Hubs and Early Help can support families who may need advice, guidance or practical help.
Ordinary Magic
Ordinary Magic is a Solihull-based organisation supporting children, young people and families with mental health and wellbeing. They offer a range of support to help build confidence, resilience and self-esteem.
Solihull Mind / Birmingham Mind
Mind provides advice, information and signposting for people experiencing mental health difficulties, as well as support for families and carers.
Bereavement and family change
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK provides support and information for children, young people and families when someone important has died or is seriously ill.
Solihull Bereavement Counselling Service
This service may be able to provide support for people experiencing bereavement, loss or grief.
Parent wellbeing
Action for Happiness
Action for Happiness shares simple ideas, calendars and resources to support wellbeing, kindness, gratitude and positive mental health.
NHS Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters provides advice to help adults look after their own mental health and support the mental health of children and young people.
Happy Mamas Solihull
Happy Mamas Solihull is a local peer support group for mums, offering a confidential and non-judgemental space to talk and connect with others.
When to seek further help
You may want to speak to your GP, health visitor or another professional if your child:
- Seems sad or withdrawn most days
- Has big changes in sleep or eating
- Worries a lot or often seems anxious
- Is frequently angry, upset or overwhelmed
- Pulls away from friends or family
- Finds it very difficult to come into school
- Shows changes in behaviour that worry you
- Talks about not wanting to be here or hurting themselves
If you are seriously worried about your child’s safety or wellbeing, seek help straight away.
We are here to listen
At Woodlands, we want families to feel welcomed, listened to and supported. No concern is too small if it matters to you or your child.
Please contact us if you need help, advice or a conversation. Working together can make a real difference to children’s confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
