Role of the Home School Link Worker

The HSLWs can offer support, provide advice and information to parents and carers, as well as supporting children and young people in boosting their self-esteem, helping them to deal with either temporary or longer term problems such as bereavement, parenting issues, illness and domestic violence, to name just a few. They work closely with both schools and families and are able to link with a wide range of other agencies and sources of support and advice. In working across groups of schools, they are able to provide continuity when children move to another phase of schooling, e.g. junior to secondary schools or when there are brothers and sisters in different schools who may be experiencing similar problems.

The DSP HSLWs work very closely with Sheelagh Bowie, the HSLW at St. John’s School and Natalie Grace, Out Reach worker at Dorking Nursery Sure Start Centre.

The Home School Link Worker Team

The Dorking Schools Partnership employs and funds a team of three Home School Link Workers who support children, young people, parents and carers with either short or long term difficulties. If you would like more information, or to contact the HSLW working with your child’s school, please see below or contact your school:

 

Feedback

Over the last year the feedback from parents/carers and pupils who have met with a HSLW has been extremely positive. 100% of parents/carers who had met with the HSLW either agreed or strongly agreed that the HSLW were making a difference in schools. 100% felt that the HSLW was either good or excellent.

Parent comments:

“I was grateful for the support of the HSLW at a time I needed to work through some difficulties, she listened, didn’t judge and made useful suggestions.”

“The HSLW has been of tremendous benefit to both our daughters and us as parents. Thank you.”

“People like the HSLW are invaluable and there should be more in schools.” “A massive, massive Thank You!”