Picking up on problems
Often children and families don’t want to let anyone know that they might be struggling for money, so offering support can depend on someone noticing that there’s an issue in the first place.
Margaret Johnston, Support Services Coordinator at Balwearie High School, Fife, describes how sometimes those who are having a particularly difficult time can be the
“invisible kids. We know we’ve got them in the classroom, but they’re not coming to our attention. Their parents are just struggling away.”
To encourage families to let them know when there are problems, the school sends out emails and has placed messages in prominent positions on their website for parents. The school’s teaching staff have an important role to play too. Margaret attends Guidance and Pupil Support department meetings to remind everyone that the service is there to help families, and what they might look out for.
“That’s really increased our footfall I think, through the door, in the last 6 months. That and I think teachers are more willing to speak up and let us know when they think a pupil may need some help.”