Being a parent is hard. Part of supporting our learners is supporting the whole family unit. If things are difficult, be open with us, and we will do our best to direct you to help. See below for a summary of support available to you.

Family Engagement Officer

Leusa Jenkins is our Family Engagement Officer here at Penrhynoch/Penllwyn and can support you and your family. She is a point of contact if you would like a friendly chat, have any worries about your child, or need help with practical matters. She can offer support with things such as:

• Completing forms or applications, e.g. NSD referrals, TAF (Team Around the Family), housing, school-related applications and more.

• Signposting you to the right services or organisations if you need specialist support.

• Having a general chat about any concerns or worries you or your child may have.

• Helping you access financial support for school-related costs.

One example of this is guidance around the average costs linked to a school year. As part of the “Improving the Attainment of Disadvantaged Learners” project, and at a time when the cost of living affects us all, the school has outlined the typical expenses that families may expect across the year. While these vary depending on your child’s age and the activities they take part in, we hope this information helps you when planning your family budget. These costs will vary depending on your child’s age and the experiences they take part in during the year, but the information is designed to help you when planning your family budget.

She can also support with:

• Applying for Free School Meals (FSM) – which can reduce trip costs, unlock extra support for your child, and provide access to free items.

• School Uniform Grants (PDG Access Grant). • Help with accessing school events and trips – including information on subsidies and support available.

• Signposting to local family and wellbeing services – such as parenting support groups, children’s activities, and community opportunities.

• Information about wider financial or practical support that may be available to families in Ceredigion.

Further information is also available on our school website under Financial support for families. She is available in school on Wednesdays or Thursdays and would be very happy to meet for an informal chat. Please feel free to get in touch on Leusa.jenkins@ceredigion.gov.uk or on 07977 636722 to arrange a time that suits you.

 

Ceredigion family support services

On the Ceredigion Council website there is information about services available to support families. Family Support Services - Ceredigion County Council

Parents can refer themselves to these services for help and support. It is possible that the school will refer you to some of these services if they are relevant to your child's needs.

 

Health Visitor

Up to the age of 5, the health visitor service remains open to you. If you have any concerns about your child's development, you should speak to your health visitor. Before starting at the school, it would be appreciated if you could discuss any concerns you have relating to speech ang language development, as well as toileting needs with your health visitor.

Health Visitor - Hywel Dda University Health Board (nhs.wales)

 

School Nurse

The school collaborates with the school nurse service to support the medical needs of pupils while they are learners at the school.

Hywel Dda University Health Board School Nursing Service (Ceredigion) (wales.nhs.uk)

 

Financial Assistance

Head to the federation's website. In the forms section you will see information about applying for free school meals, support financial with school uniform, and financial support with travel if relevant.

General information about financial support towards childcare can be found here.It is also possible to apply for financial support towards childcare during school holidays: Childcare - Ceredigion County Council

 

Mental Health

Here is a list of useful websites to support the mental health of parents.

 

Mental health and parenting | NSPCC

Parenting Mental Health - Supporting Parents, Supporting Children

Parenting and mental health - Mind

 

Volunteering

Volunteering can be beneficial for mental health. See the federation's website for information about volunteering at the school. Here are other ways to volunteer too:

Getting Involved - Ceredigion County Council

 

Search Volunteer Opportunities (volunteering-wales.net)