St Peter's Catholic Primary School, Lytham St Peter's Catholic Primary School, Lytham

Family Learning Mentor

Family Learning Mentor

Willow and Katy

Katy, our Family Learning Mentor, joined St Peter’s school in 2004 and has previous experience of working in special education and in the care and rehabilitation of children with acquired brain injuries. Katy also has experience in managing challenging behaviours and has worked in a secure unit with young adults.

Katy has undertaken advanced training in counselling children and is a fully qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader and an approved practitioner with The Therapeutic Forest. She is also one of our designated safeguarding leads in school and our Mental Health Champion.

“My role at St Peter’s focuses on supporting children with behavioural, social, emotional and mental health needs, working with them and their families to support the development of their overall emotional well-being and therefore enabling them to reach their full potential. I also work to improve attendance and punctuality and to increase children’s self-esteem and resilience. 

I am supported by Willow (my black Labrador) who is in school every day and is extremely popular with children, staff and parents. She has a calming effect when supporting children with anxieties and challenging behaviours. Much of our time is spent in the school woodland, which naturally reduces tension, anxiety, fear and anger and increases calm, creativity and nurtures a willingness to engage.”

 

 

 

What is a Family Learning Mentor?

The Family Learning Mentor works within our school to help children and families with any difficulties they may be experiencing.  They are there to listen, offer support and practical advice, signpost to other agencies, carry out Early Help Assessments and promote positive parenting.

Who does the Family Learning Mentor work with?

  • Individuals and groups of children
  • Teachers
  • Parents/carers
  • Children’s Social Care, Police, Health Professionals, Attendance Officer, School Nurse, CAMHS

Which children are likely to benefit?

There are many children and families who benefit from being supported by the Family Learning Mentor.

These include:

  • Children who need support with social skills, friendships and relationships
  • Children with specific needs – attachment disorder, anxiety
  • Poor attendees
  • Children who lack resilience, self-esteem, motivation, confidence
  • Children who have difficulties at home e.g. poverty, anxiety, stress, mental health issues, relationship breakdowns, divorce
  • Children who are ‘looked after’ 
  • Children with behavioural needs
  • Victims of abuse and crime
  • Children who have experienced bereavement
  • Children with chronic illnesses and ongoing medical problems
  • Children with emotional needs

Katy can be contacted by phoning the school office or by email at:    katy.s@st-peters-pri.lancs.sch.uk

 

 

 

Useful Links

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/media/1195/positive-parenting.pdf (Positive Parenting)

http://www.understandingchildhood.net/posts/divorce-and-separation-helping-children-and-parents-cope/ (Divorce and separation)

http://www.understandingchildhood.net/posts/bereavement-helping-parents-and-children-cope-when-someone-close-to-them-dies/ (Bereavement)

http://understandingchildhood.net/documents/15CPTkeystages.pdf (Understanding the stages of your child’s emotional development)

https://attachmentparenting.co.uk/positive-disicipline/# (attachment parenting and positive discipline) 

 

 

 

Parents