Dear Parents and Carers

At St Thomas’ there is excellent communication between parents and teachers, and the class teacher is usually the first port of call for parents, but there are times when parents need a longer chat or signposting to other support services and that is where my role lies.

I am the school’s Parent Support Advisor (sometimes called a Family Liaison Officer). I am available to provide support and advice to parents about any issue, however large or small it may be. I am happy to have an informal chat on the phone or in person about any concern you may have regarding your child, or even about yourself or another family member, as we believe that any issue in a family is likely to affect the children in some way.

Sometimes a chat and a cup of tea can be enough, but where that is not the case I am available to work with you longer term, and to put you in touch with other services both for you and your child that might be helpful- examples of these might be counselling for your child, a referral to Early Help or to the School Health team, a referral to the Food Bank and can signpost to services that provide support for people suffering domestic abuse. I also monitor attendance in the school so please do get in touch if there is an issue affecting your child’s attendance that you feel would be helpful to discuss.

In the afternoons I offer one-to-one emotional support for children, taking them out of class for a short while to listen to them and offer a chance for them to talk about any worries and concerns in our lovely well-being room.

 If your child is in a situation where you feel they might benefit from some extra support of this kind, please do speak to their class teacher or contact me.

I am in school from 9.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and you are welcome to contact me during those times in any of the following ways:

• just pop into the school office and if I am free I will be more than happy to see you and if not will contact you as soon as I am available
• email me -  nbayly@st-thomas-canterbury.kent.sch.uk
• call the school office on 01227 462539

It is always a pleasure to work with our parents and children and I really enjoy getting to know families well. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you think I could help.

With best wishes

Nicola Bayly