Home School Liaison
At Welburn Hall, we welcome and actively encourage the involvement of parents or carers in all aspects of school life. We believe that this helps us to provide the very best education and care for each and every pupil / student. This helps children and young people to reach their full potential, both in the school environment, and in their home life in the wider community.
As part of our commitment to the promotion of strong home / school links, we are fortunate to have a designated Home School Liaison Co-ordinator - introducing...
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Cath McGill - Home School Liaison Co-ordinator Here is Cath telling you about her Home School Liaison role in her own words... |
What is the purpose of the Home School Liaison Co-ordinator role?
"The purpose of this much valued role is to provide support and advice to parents and carers of all pupils / students in the School. This is not only for issues directly connected to School, but I will also try to signpost to external agencies who also assist the parents/carers of children and young people with special educational needs, difficulties and disabilities.
I have been involved with Welburn Hall for over 5 years. I originally came here on a placement for I course I was undertaking. The course was a training avenue towards becoming a Teaching Assistant for children with SEN. I decided that Welburn Hall was such a special place that I would continue to come to the School on a voluntary basis after the course had finished. I was offered a post as a relief TA, followed by an additional post as a relief Residential Care Officer. I became a full time Residential Care Officer in September 2008. I also have the additional role of Moving and Handling Facilitator. I work closely with Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy staff and it is my job to ensure that all children with any mobility issues receive the correct support that they need whilst they are at School. It is also my role to train staff in backcare to ensure that they are looking after themselves."
How do you support parents / carers in this role?
"I support parents/carers by being a point of contact for them within the School. I will try to answer or investigate any queries. If I cannot assist I will signpost as to who to contact. I am establishing a library of useful information and contacts for all parents/carers to access. I am here to deal with any queries no matter how big or small - it can be a query relating to things that are happening in school or about local support groups for children with SEN. I have lots of information on local support groups and services available for children with SEN."
What experience or qualities do you offer for the benefit of other in this role?
"I have two teenage children of my own so I am therefore aware of the trials and tribulations of being a parent. I became interested in working with children with SEN after spending time with my own nephew who is severely autistic. I am a qualified Teaching Assistant to work with children with SEN and have undertaken work as a Teaching Assistant both in mainstream school and at Welburn Hall. Whilst at Welburn, I received an NVQ3 qualification relating to children and young people. I am currently in my second year of a foundation degree in Working with Children and Young People. On completion of the second year I am going to undertake an extra year in order to gain a BA in working with children, young people and families."
The Home School Liaison role is a relatively new post at Welburn Hall - what are your priorities?
"I would like to meet as many parents as possible and to assist in any way I can. I hope all those who were able to attend the recent Open Day found it useful. It was good to be able to facilitiate this opportunity which enabled so many people from a wide variety of different agencies, all with an interest in children with SEN, difficulties and disabilities, to meet up and share information and experience. I am also busy compiling a comprehensive information library - any suggestions of things to include would be most welcome."
How can parents / carers contact you?
"I am in work every school day but at different times. If I am not available, a message can be left with the School Office and I will call back as soon as I can. Otherwise, I am contactable by email - c.mcgill@welburn-hall.n-yorks.sch.uk."