Parent Support Information

Fosse Way Families Support Padlet
Food and Eating
Managing Emotions and Anxiety
Self Care for parents and carers
Communication
Behaviour support
Financial support
Support for Siblings
Safety
ADHD
Safeguarding children
Keeping safe online
Puberty

Food and Eating

Please see the following links for support with issues around food and eating

Supporting people with autism and eating difficulties

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autism-eating

The Fun with Food Programme: Therapeutic Intervention for Children with Aversion to Oral Feeding

At Fosse Way, our early years pupils take part in Fun with Food sessions to help prepare the children for eating a wider range of foods and to assist in developing a positive attitude to food.

A number of pupils at Fosse Way have a limited diet in terms of what they choose to eat. This can be due to sensory issues such as the look, taste, smell and texture of certain food and drink. Fun with food offers them the chance to explore food and drink at their own pace and in turn help them to reduce any fears or anxieties they have in this area. Increased exposure to a wide variety of textures and smells can decrease the level of sensory defensiveness.

Children work alongside thier classmates, they have the opportunity to explore a variety of wet and dry foods at their own pace. The emphasis is on having fun and children are encouraged to touch, smell and play with the food using tools such as paint brushes or toys such as cars.  It is helpful for children to share ideas as well as observe each other as they play and explore.

Ideas sheet for fun with food (pages 4 & 5)

Managing Emotions and Anxiety

At Fosse Way we use the zones of regulation across the school to support our pupils to recognise, understand and regulate their emotions.  Please ask your child’s tutor or our Speech and Language Therapy team for more information on how to use these tools at home.

free printable resources

The zones of regulation are a framework design to foster self-regulation and emotional control.

Download the App

 

Off The Record provide a range of free services including counselling, listening support, youth participation, advocacy and specialist groups, support for care leavers and a LGBT+ focused youth group. Off The Record improves the emotional health and wellbeing of young people.  Off The Record want every young person in Bath and North East Somerset and beyond to be emotionally healthy, confident and empowered in themselves.

https://www.kooth.com/  Your online mental wellbeing community – Free, safe and anonymous support for children and young people.

 

https://nipinthebud.org/anxiety-in-children/#  Nip it in the bud provides information in short films about anxiety in children and how best to help them manage anxiety.

A childrens guide from NHS Scotland on what you can do when you are worried.   http://www.moodcafe.co.uk/media/42450/153-ru-worried-7-16-1-.pdf

NSPCC advice for parents on children’s mental health

Relaxation

Some of us find relaxing comes naturally, others need to be taught how to unwind.  Here are some links to short films and audio files to help children learn to relax.

Relax like a cat – story and audio

Dot b – mindfulness and relaxation for kids

 

 

 

 

Self Care for parents and carers

For BANES families The Carers Centre offers support to parents and carers of children with disabilities and autism. Support Line – 0800 0388 885 – will stay open (weekdays, 8.15am-3pm) – so if you need help, advice or just want to talk, we’re be at the end of the phone or just an email away.

The website has a search to find your local carers centre if you are not based in BANES.

BANES Parent and Carers Voice  is a group of parents who all care for a child with physical, learning or medical difficulties. The people in the group support each other. They speak up for carers of children and help the local council to provide better services for disabled children and their families.

Contact – for families with disabled children Whether you’re looking for information or advice, have a question about your child’s condition or want to join one of our helpful workshops, we can help you every step of the way.

Communication

Communication isn’t just about talking, it’s about listening too.

Learning how to communicate thier needs and desires is vital to your child’s development.

At school, our Speech and Language team will assess your child and advise teachers and families on how best to support the development of communication from whatever starting point your child is at.

You can learn more about some of the communication systems and programmes to develop language that we use in school by following the links.

Makaton information

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Colourful Semantics

 

Widget symbols  some resources are free to download like these handwashing visual guides.  Please ask your child’s class teacher or our speech and language therapy team if you would like support with using symbols at home.

https://widgitonline.com/

 

Mencap video on How to Communicate with People with Learning Disabilities

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.   The following websites have further information on ADHD and how to support individuals with ADHD.  If you think your child may have ADHD then please discuss this with your child’s tutor and your GP, paediatrician, or the school nurse.

ADHD UK

 

http://www.addiss.co.uk/

Behaviour support

Community Childrens Learning Disability Service  The CLDS team can provide support in the home on how to manage behaviours that challenge.

At Fosse Way School all staff are trained in PROACT SCIPr UK ®, a proactive behaviour support programme developed in the UK in the 1990’s by the Headteacher of the Loddon School.  “We start by understanding people’s behaviour.  Our extensive experience and research shows that behaviours of concern result from people not being able to communicate their wants and needs.  Our approach identifies distress early and we respond positively, in a non-restrictive way.”

The PROACT-SCIPr-UK® philosophy aims: To improve the quality of life & wellbeing for the individual, family/carers & staff. Enables staff to become mindful practitioners. Provides access to a training programme that focuses on positive approaches.

If you would like to know more about PROACT SCIPr UK ® please contact our in-school instructors Ian Tanner, Jason Towells, Fiona Moody, Iain Connely.

 

Using positive language to support behaviour

If you want less stress and better behaviour, you can avoid some tantrums and daily power struggles just by using positive language. Positive language clearly shows your children what you want them to stop doing, and what you’d like for them to do instead.

Here are a few ways that you can reframe typical negative phrases into positive ones:

  • Stop running in the house –>  Please walk in the house, I wouldn’t want you to have an accident. If you want to run, let’s go in the garden.
  • Don’t take your sister’s toys –> Can you please find something else to play with until she’s done?
  • Stop shouting! –> Please use your inside voice, there’s no need to shout.
  • No throwing balls in the house –> You can take the ball outside to play if you’d like.
  • No hitting –> Be gentle please, use your gentle hands.
  • Stop whining –> Please use your words so I can hear you.
  • Don’t throw sand -> Would you like to fill this bucket with sand?
  • Don’t even think about running, I’m watching you! –> I’m so glad to see you remembering to walk safely down the hall, well done.

Do you see the difference?

It can be very hard to get used to at first but as soon as speaking in a more positive way becomes a habit, you’ll soon see that your children will behave better and they will start to talk to each other positively too.

NSPCC advice for parents on dealing with difficult situations e.g. tantrums

Financial support

Here are some links to financial support you may be entitled to.  Our Parent Support Assistant team will be happy to help support you with any forms or evidence you may need to access this support.

Benefits and Funding 5-11 years

Benefits and Funding 11-14 years

Benefits and funding 14-25 years

The Government has launched the ‘Help for Households’ scheme. The homepage brings together over 40 support schemes that the public can access, depending on eligibility, including help with:  

  • Household costs 
  • Energy Bills 
  • Childcare costs 
  • Income support 

Transport costs 

Additionally, a range of online tools will help citizens quickly and efficiently check the support they might be eligible for and how to access it.

Support for Siblings

Sibs is a national organisation that offers support for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults.  The Young Sibs website is specifically for under 18’s to access.

In Bath and North East Somerset, Young Carer’s Centre offers a range of activities, clubs and support sessions for brothers and sisters of disabled children.  Parents or professionals can make referrals for this service.

Safety

https://www.widgit.com/resources/lifeskills/safety/index.htm

Avon and Somerset Police Safe Spaces Safe Places is a service to help vulnerable people with communication difficulties stay safe when they are out and about.

Safety at Home – short film from ROSPA about preventing accidents at home

Safeguarding children

Link to safeguarding pages with photos of school team.  Links to keeping safe as taught in PSHE lessons.

The SoSafe Programme

SoSAFE! tools are designed on the basis of best special education practice to reduce vulnerability to sexual abuse, and improve the quality of social life of people with a moderate to severe intellectual disability.

What to do if you are worried about a child NSPCC link

How to help keep your child safe NSPCC link

Resources to support parents and carers talk about consent with their children

Keeping safe online

Please see the following links;

A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using social media.

Parent controls offered by internet providers

Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline.

Internet Matters helping parents keep their children safe online.

Childnet International a non-profit organisation working with others to help make the internet a great and safe place for children.

Puberty

Preparing your child for changes they will go through at puberty can feel tricky for a lot of parents and carers.   At school we have a number of resources to support students with different levels of understanding at this time.

Your child’s class tutor, the school nurse or our PSA’s will be happy to support you and signpost you to appropriate resources to support conversations and learning about puberty.

For students that need visual support for understanding we use the following books written by a Fosse Way parent Kate Reynolds.

Visual stories about puberty, masturbation and safe use of public toilets.

 

Healthy sexual development of children NSPCC

Sex Education – A guide for Parents – National Autistic Society

 

One Hundred Conversations –  good ideas and questions to help you have the best conversation possible with your child/young person-  topics include boundaries and values, friends and family, relationships, sex, consent and laws, LGBTQ, bullying and violence, bystanders and resources, media and technology.

 

Parent Support Information/Websites

117 Project

  • The 117 Project works with young people aged 11 – 17 years and their parents and carers to find solutions to difficult problems and conflicts. Provides strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour.
  • To talk to someone from the 117 Project, contact us on 01225 421686, email: chris_hunt@bathnes.gov.uk or write to us at 117 Newbridge Hill, Bath BA1 3PT.
  • The 117 Project also runs Parent Support Groups in Keynsham, Radstock and Bath

Children’s Centres

  • Children Centre’s aim to join up services for you and your young children (0-11yrs)
  • Each Children’s Centre is different, with activities, services and facilities tailored to meet the particular needs of local children and families.
  • Children’s Centres will provide you with information about local childcare and early years provision, family support services, drop-in sessions for families and links to health visitors, midwives and Job Centre plus.
  • If you would like further details, please go to www.bathnes.gov.uk

School Nursing Service

Available for advice and concerns about pupil health.

Bath and North East Somerset Community Health and Care Services » School Nursing

Contact a Family

  • National charity offering advice, information and support to parents/carers of children with special needs and disabilities
  • Tel: 0808 080 5555

Parentline Plus

  • A national helpline providing support, information and guidance to parents and carers.
  • Tel: 0808 800 2222
  • http://www.familylives.org.uk/

Information regarding parenting support, benefits, childcare

The Children’s Learning Disability Service

The Children’s Learning Disability Service is a team of Registered Learning Disability Nurses. We provide assessment, support, advice and training to children and young people up to the age of 19 who have moderate to severe learning disabilities and their parents and other carers, on a variety of physical, emotional and behavioural health issues. This can range from challenging behaviour to sleep problems to sexual health.

Please contact Nicole Stewart for further information. Telephone: 07980 960 714

Black Families Education Support Group

  • Support and advice for Black Families about issues relating to education.  Age range-children and adult, 1-1 and groups.
  • Tel: 01225 787 924

SEND Partnership Service

 Information, advice and support for children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND and their parent carers

Off the Record

  • We aim to improve the emotional, physical and mental well-being, and self esteem of young people aged up to 25 who live, study or work in Bath and North East Somerset. We provide the following services; drop in sessions, advice/information, counselling, children’s rights and advocacy, young parents advice and support, outreach work in schools and support with domestic violence and abuse.
  • Telephone: 01225 312 481

Crossroads

  • Crossroads provide pratical support to give carers a much needed break from their caring role.  Crossroads can give you regular planned breaks of a few hours each week during the day, evening or weekend.  Providing home based respite, a trained paid Carer Support Worker will come to your home and take over your caring duties, giving you an essential break.
  • Tel: 01761 436673

Time2Share

  • Time2Share provide short breaks/befriending service to give disabled children and young people support and stimulation.  They link volunteer befrienders to offer 1:1 support, company, independence and fuller participation in social and leisure activities.
  • Time2Share runs several groups for young people in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and holiday activity schemes in Bristol. The groups are intended for young disabled people to get together and socialise and have fun with the added support of workers and volunteers.
  • Tel: 0117 941 5868

1Big Database

  • A website which holds information about local organisations that offer help and support to parents and carers living in BATHNES, Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas.

The Care Network

  • Offers information and support to parents and carers.
  • Tel: 0800 0388 885
  • www.thecarenetwork.co.uk
  • Parents Carers Aiming High is a group of parents whose children are all under 25 and have a range of special needs; from medical to physical conditions and from behavioral to learning disabilities.United by their common goal, these parents are all working to improve services for disabled children and their families in Bath and North East Somerset.PCHA has an active steering committee with parents taking on roles as Parent Representatives on strategic boards and in focus groups. The group is supported by the Carers’ Centre Bath and North East Somerset.Parents can get involved in PCAH by coming along to an event or activity, dropping into a parents’ support group or attending group meetings. Alternatively parents can simply telephone the Carer’s Centre or e-mail their views through Centre’s website.
  • For more information E:mail: info@banescarerscentre.org.uk

    Wellbeing Options

  • Wellbeing Options supports adults in Bath and North East Somerset to live full and independent lives. Here you will find information about local care providers, services and activities, along with links to other useful websites and resource.
  • http://wellbeingoptions.co.uk/

SWALLOW

  • Everyone at South West Action for Learning and Living Our Way (SWALLOW) works to together to live life to the full through the provision of a range of services and opportunities that help build valuable life skills and experiences.
  • Tel: 01761 414034
  • E-mail: info@swallowcharity.org
  • http://swallowcharity.org/

The Rainbow Resource

Rainbow resource is Bath and North East Somerset’s Guide for children with additional needs. The website has an excellant range of local and national voluntary sector services that can enrich the lives and experiences of children and young people.

The Rainbow Resource events calendar features activities and events from relevant organisations, groups and individuals based throughout the BANES area. See if there’s an event for you!

http://www.rainbowresource.org.uk/

 

Southside Family Project

  • Southside provides families with expert, independent, reliable help.

    We support families in Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) dealing with issues like physical disability, domestic abuse, sexual violence, substance abuse or long-term mental health problems. With our expert support, families can move forward positively.

    Telephone: 01225 331243

    Email: enquiries@south-side.org.uk