Family Support

Our aim at Shotley Community Primary School is to work in partnership with you – we want all children to enjoy school and be successful and happy. We acknowledge that as parents and carers you will want the best for your children. We are here to listen and provide support, advice and information to families within our school community in relation to any concerns you may have regarding school or family life. If you would like an informal chat, please contact Mrs Southgate, our Family Liaison Officer, where she will be happy to help you.

Below is some information that you may find useful:

The Sleep Council ‘The GOOD-NIGHT’ Guide for Children

Parent Hub: A website that offers parenting advice and support to help your child’s development.

Nutritionist resource: Advice on nutrition for school children.

Barnardo’s – Support hub.

Common Assessment Framework (CAF):

Do you need some extra support for your family? CAF may be the way forward. Parents complete the CAF with a professional to request services work together to provide better support and communication for your child and family

Suffolk Children & Young People’s emotional well-being hub

Information, advice and support for anyone concerned about the emotional well-being and mental health of a child or person 0 – 25 years. Written guidance is available of how to support your child with a range of issues such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety, stress, self-harming.

Children’s Centre

Local Children’s Centres are able to provide support to families with children from 0-5 years old. Services are free and they are often open 9 – 5 pm. Our closest Centre is Cherry Blossom Children’s Centre, Hadleigh Road, East Bergholt, Colchester, CO7 6QT

Telephone number: 01206 299467

School Nursing Team

There’s a new number to text our school nurse. ChatHealth, the school nurse messaging service, is confidential and available Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm. You can message for advice on all kinds of health issues, like toileting, emotional health and well being, bullying, healthy eating and any general health concerns. The text number for this service is 07507 333356.

You can still get in touch with the school nurse in the same way as you might have done before, if you prefer. To find out more about the School Nurse service and for local contact details please


Parents in Partnership (sendiass)

(Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service)

The Service aims to promote effective partnerships between parents/carers, Schools and the County Council.

They provide information and support for parents and carers to enable them to play an active and valuable role in their children’s education.

They offer:

a telephone helpline service

information and support for parents, carers, children and young people

written information about SEN available on web page/leaflets

information sessions for parents and carers

advice and support in relation to school admissions and appeals

training for professional staff and school governors

access to an Independent Supporter where appropriate

They help parents:

by listening to your views and concerns

by working with you to explore your options

prepare for meetings

find the confidence to express your views

with forms, letters and reports

to understand rights in relation to SEN and disability

work in partnership with schools and the local authority to develop positive relationships

Helpline number – 01473 265210

Available in office hours Monday-Friday. You can leave a message and we will get back to you.

You can also email – parent.partnership@suffolk.gov.uk

Get the latest advice and news on Facebook – www.facebook.com/parentpartnershipinsuffolk

Family Learning Courses

Please click on to the attached information on how to access free online Solihull courses for Suffolk residents.

These courses are for parents, parents-to-be and carers and professionals to use and cover

Understanding your child’ for parents of children aged 0 – 18 years old

Understanding pregnancy, birth and your baby

Understanding your baby

The teenage brain