Parent Support Adviser service from The Benjamin Foundation, extends to Hellesdon Cluster of schools
2nd Nov 2011
Norfolk charity, The Benjamin Foundation, is extending the reach of its parenting support service area, in partnership with Hellesdon Cluster of schools. Parent Support Advisers (PSAs) assist in tackling underachievement by working in partnership with families; parents, carers and children and young people to enable pupils, particularly the most disadvantaged, to have full access to educational opportunities and overcome barriers to learning and participation.
The roll-out of this service includes schools in the communities of Hellesdon, Horsford and Horsham St. Faiths. Parents of children in all nine schools within this cluster will have access to free support, guidance and advice from a specially trained professional: Parent Support Adviser (PSA), from The Benjamin Foundation. The growth of the PSA service area for the charity is a reflection of successes already achieved in the North Walsham cluster.
The range of areas that PSAs can support and advise on is hugely varied; from individual parental worries, to wider issues concerning the family or wellbeing of a child. Depending on the nature of the matter being addressed, PSA’s have the capability of liaising with other professionals and agencies involved with the family if needed. The focus for PSA work in this cluster will be on delivering support to individual families: for example providing support when meeting with teachers and other professionals, to helping parents understand how and what children learn and supporting school attendance. Typically meetings with PSAs are arranged to take place either at home or within the school at the parent’s convenience.
Kirsty Pitcher, Time For You and Parenting Manager at The Benjamin Foundation, said: “It is a really exciting time for our Parent Support Adviser (PSA) service, to be rolling out into a cluster of schools in a completely new area. Whilst we work very closely with schools; feedback tells us that parents like the fact that this service is provided by a voluntary agency. We offer independence and impartiality, plus workers with a high level of professional expertise. Our PSA’s work with parents in a non-judgemental way; empowering them to help their children get the best out of school life – parental influences have a powerful effect on children’s attitudes, achievements and life outcomes. They can also signpost parents to services and other agencies which may be able to help with a specific problem. Looking to the future, we are taking things one step at a time; growth is aligned with our relationships with schools.”
A parent who has recently benefitted from The Benjamin Foundation’s PSA service commented: “I really would like to say a big thank you for your continued support you have given to my family. Without your help, support and guidance I dread to think how we would have got through it. The calm, understanding and helpful manner in which you advised us was valued tremendously by us all”.
To find out more about the Parent Support Advisor service visit www.thebenjaminfoundation.co.uk .
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Press contact:
Amber Davis at Plain Speaking PR
Tel: 01603 487 291 E: amber@plainspeakingpr.co.uk
Notes to editors
Schools in the Hellesdon Cluster are:
- Arden Grove Infant and Nursery School
- Heather Avenue Infant School
- Kinsale Infant School
- Horsford CE Infant School
- St Faiths CE Primary School
- Kinsale Junior School
- Firside Junior School
- Horsford Junior School
- Hellesdon High School
The Benjamin Foundation – an overview:
The Benjamin Foundation works with children, young people, families and individuals across Norfolk delivering services that promote stability, independence, opportunity and hope. We provide:
- housing solutions for young homeless people or those leaving care
- resettlement services for rough sleepers and those in crisis
- one-to-one support for children in schools
- positive activities for young people with limited opportunities
- support for parents and families in difficulty
- high quality childcare and kids clubs
- services in local communities such as youth clubs, drop-in centres and counselling services, community cafes and re-sale shops, special needs groups and rural outreach.
