Parent Support

At Downlands School we recognise the value of working in partnership with the parents and carers of our pupils, from a child’s first day at school right through to when they leave. We believe that when schools and parents listen to each other and work together, they have a really positive impact on both academic attainment and pupil well-being.

Giving parents a voice on school matters and involvement in decision-making on issues that affect them and their families, enables our school to meet the needs of the military community we serve, more effectively. Our school policies and engagement approaches have a direct impact on families and so those families’ views must be taken into account to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Reaching out to all parents, making sure they know how important they are and how they can best support their child is one of the most important tasks for our school. We seek to create an open, welcoming and supportive culture, providing multiple opportunities for mums, dads and carers to participate in the school life of their child. This might be through celebratory, themed or class assemblies or through joint ventures with different organisations within the military community. 

We actively welcome parents to participate in Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA) sessions, gaining support from the ELSA and Assistant Head to help reduce any anxieties about attending school. We offer support when families are experiencing challenging times and seeking someone to talk to, to gain advice for their child. If we are unable to meet this need, we will facilitate Early Help Family Worker sessions or school nurse appointments and if necessary we will facillitate referrals to other outside agencies such as specialist teachers, alternative provision providers or Mental Health Support Services. All such referrals are achieved through a consent based model.

The school is ready and able to support your family and help every child do well in school, build confidence, and have the skills they need for a bright and successful future. We understand that from time to time, families face challenges which might require the support of other agencies. The school has strong links with Family Help which is a new way that Dorset Council is offering support to families who need more intensive help and support. It brings together different types of help into one service, so families don’t have to keep repeating their story to several workers. You can find out more here.

All staff in school are trained on matters relating to safeguarding and child protection, but the following members of the team have more specialist training and are here to listen and help if needed:

• Mrs C Goodall (Designated Safeguarding Lead – DSL)
• Mr J Rielly, Mrs J Loveless, Mrs Y le May, Mrs A Robinson (Deputy DSLs)

Alternatively, you can contact the Family Support and Advice Line on 01305 228558. A friendly team member will listen to your concerns and help you decide what kind of support is right for you.

Lines are open:

• Monday to Friday: 8am to 10pm
• Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: 9am to 10pm

Speak to a practitioner today if you have any worries or concerns about a child or young person.

We want to make certain that every child and their family have a positive experience whilst with us at Downlands Community School and to ensure that all their current wellbeing needs are met by working in harmony with their family.