St Gerard's Catholic Primary School
St Gerard's Catholic Primary School

Early Help

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11

At St. Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, we aim to work closely with our parents and carers, as well the special community that is Castle Vale, in order to provide the best outcomes for our children.

Working closely with Children’s centres and other support hubs in the community, we aim to support families, in a variety of ways. This may include signposting to external agencies or offering support within school.

Please speak to Mr Wilson, Mrs Bannister or Mrs Powis in school for support, help or advice or email enquiry@stgerard.bham.sch.uk

You can also request to speak with Jemma Farrell (Father Hudson’s Family support worker) who works with us on Mondays.

See the following websites for more information about Early Help in Birmingham:

Jemma Farrell

Jemma Farrell, Family Support Worker

What we offer:

  • Children greeted each morning by member of senior leadership team, pastoral team and class teacher.
  • School open for all from 8.40am with time to settle and prepare for teaching and learning.
  • Time to complete homework and reading during this time if needed.
  • Filtered water available throughout the day for hydration.
  • A trauma informed approach.
  • Visual timetables reinforcing routines enabling continuity and familiarity.
  • Quiet spaces in school and in the playground.
  • A broad and balanced curriculum with experiences to enhance learning and after school provision in sport, arts and education.
  • Adapted teaching to meet the needs of all pupils.
  • A celebration of each child unique characteristics and their successes.
  • A safe space to champion to voice of the child.
  • Coffee mornings with local support groups.

What sort of concerns might parents share with us?

A wide range of issues such as boundary setting, domestic abuse, mental health issues, housing concerns, financial worries and debts, morning routines, toilet training, managing screen time, bereavement and loss, cyber bullying- in fact any concerns which you are worried about and that might be having a negative impact on your child.

How will families be supported through an Early Help Offer?

Children and families will be supported and reviewed through an Early help Assessment format, which is currently the assessment process used by the Local Authority.

We can meet informally with parents/carers and children in the first instance and this can be followed by completing the Family Connect form or Early Help Assessment (EHA) if required – the school can make this request for support but parents can make it themselves if they prefer.

Following our discussion and assessment, families may be supported by a range of professionals from within school and beyond. An initial meeting may be held with school staff or directly with external family support workers to look at what is working well, what needs to change and to agree some action that needs to be taken to help and support families. This will always be done with parents/carers consent. The lead worker arranges review meetings and is someone that you can speak to at any point.

Gaining children’s views, wishes and feelings is central to our Safeguarding policy, and the support team may also carry out some direct work with children completing the ‘3 houses’  sheet to discuss any worries, good things and dreams for the future.