What was the situation?
Ella is 10 years old and lives with her mum and dad. When she was referred to School-Home Support her attendance was 65% and she often arrived at school very distressed and upset. She was struggling to engage with her school work or her peers, which was exacerbating the anxiety she felt about going to school. Ella’s mum found her distress at school very worrying, and was often reluctant to bring her in.
How did School-Home Support help?
Working with her School-Home Support practitioner Clancey, Ella’s attendance steadily began to improve. Clancey met with Ella’s mum and her teacher to better understand her needs, and began weekly 1–1 sessions with Ella to build a trusting relationship that supported her to build her confidence and self-esteem at school. Small actions, like purchasing the family an alarm clock through our Welfare Fund made the morning routine easier and ensured Ella was getting to school on time.
Clancey set up a friendship group with pupils in Ella’s class, providing lots of opportunities for Ella to play and interact with her peers, reducing her feelings of isolation at school and meaning Ella began to look forward to being there.
With Clancey’s support, Ella’s attendance has improved to 85%, and she is arriving at school happier and calmer. As Ella’s mum trusts Clancey to care for Ella at school, she feels confident encouraging her to go to school. Spending more time at school, Ella is building confidence, progressing in her school work and playing happily among her peers.
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