At St. Monica’s we believe that children learn best when they feel safe and are happy in all aspects of their lives. We also understand that life is hard sometimes and we all need some support but it is hard to know where to ask for help. We are happy to discuss any concerns linked with school and your child’s education but we are also willing to offer support in a range of any other areas for example: SEN concerns at home, Housing, Health, Behaviour support at home, Finances, Transport etc..
Your initial meeting will be with Ms Shanahan or Mrs Nicholls but we may offer a follow up with a different member of staff or signpost you to an agency who can support your needs.
If you would like to book a time to chat, please contact the school office on: stmonicas@st-monicas.co.uk or 01908606966
At St Monica’s Catholic Primary School we seek to meet the needs of all our children/students/pupils and staff in all situations. When home circumstances are changed because of a death or illness in the family, all around is ‘different’. We strive to be a place that both the child and family can rely on and gain some much needed support.
If you have suffered bereavement, please refer to our Bereavement Policy for support, or contact the office to arrange a time to speak to a member of staff regarding your loss.
If you are going through difficult times regarding long term illness, there are many ways in which the school can support you and your family. Please look at our Family support Through Illness Policy. Alternatively, contact the office to discuss with a member of staff how we can help you.
When a member of your family is going through a long term illness, please speak to a member of staff so that we can help support you and your child.
Just as you will experience a range of emotions, your child will also have a variety of feelings. They may not tell you they’re worried, but fear and uncertainty can affect their behaviour (in and out of school), school work and friendships. School is an important part of your child’s life and the teachers and children can help provide stability at a time of change at home.
Interacting with the school may feel daunting, but by working with the school you will enable staff to plan and provide the help and support you would prefer.
It is helpful for the school to know as soon as possible. This is so staff can fully support you and your child at this difficult time. You may prefer to let your partner, another family member or a friend speak to the school on your behalf.
As well as the diagnosis, you may want to tell the school about any treatment planned and any change in practical arrangements. Be clear about what your child knows. It’s useful to tell the school the wording you use when talking with your child about the illness.
You can share as much or as little information as you choose. You don’t need to tell the school everything unless you want to.
You can tell the Head Teacher, the Deputy Head Teacher, your child’s class teacher or another teacher you feel able to talk to. At St Monica’s, we have members of staff overseeing Pastoral care who would give you the support you need. Please ask at the school office for contact details or to arrange a time to come in and speak to us.
Young children sometimes want their class to know while other children often want as few people as possible to know. Check what works best for you and your child and let them know who you’re talking to and why.
Think about what support you’d like from the school and be clear when asking for it. Teachers won’t know how to help unless you tell them.
The following can be helpful to consider:
Communication between yourself and the school is most important and it will give you peace of mind to know that your child is being given the care and support they may need.
If you find it difficult to talk about your illness then please complete an ‘Information about Illness’ form and send it into school addressed to either the Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher and mark it CONFIDENTIAL.
Link to the form. (This is a Word Document which will download showing in the bottom left corner of your browser).
