Please see below for some useful contact details as well as photos from some of our Pyramid For Parenting and Community Workshops.
Parent Link & Inclusion Officer
Hello!
My name is Karen Stokes. I am your Parent Link and Inclusion Officer.
I have successfully completed the Parent Link Diploma a qualification set up by the government to encourage positive relationships between Parents/Carers and schools.
I am responsible for developing school links with all Parent/Carers-helping them to access information about workshop activities and any other services they might need.
I have worked at St Stephens Infant School for over 20 years firstly as a Parent Helper then a Special Needs Assistant and as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
I have worked in all year groups.
I am the School Medical Officer and I have special responsibilities for Speech and Language support.
I am married with two grown up daughters who both attended this school.
So as a parent I can appreciate some of the concerns that you may have from time to time!
What kind of help can I offer you and your family?
I can offer guidance and support in the following areas:
- Establishing routines at home to help with punctuality and attendance
- Supporting your child’s behaviour at home and at school
- Sign post you to any agencies that may be able to support you and your family e.g. Bereavement support, speech and language services and medical issues
Financial difficulties - debt management, Food Bank vouchers etc
If you would like to discuss any issues with me I am available most mornings and afternoons in the Parent link Room with a cup of coffee ready!
If this isn’t convenient for you then please feel free to contact me either by email or phone to arrange a better time.
email: karen.stokes@ststephensinf.org.uk
I am also able to plan, deliver and offer 'Pyramid for Parenting' support courses for groups and individuals-sometimes alongside other professionals.
I don’t have all the answers but I will promise to do my best to help you or find someone who can!
‘People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did
But people will never forget how you made them feel’
Useful Contacts
Here are the contact details of some organisations that can support you:
Free phone 24 hr National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Run in partnership between Women’s Aid & Refuge
LIFT Psychology South Gloucestershire - offers a variety of services to people experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties 1:1 sessions available and signposting to specialist services.
http://www.lift.awp.nhs.uk or contact on 0117 3784270
Kingsmeadow Community Flat - range of support available including emotional support, counselling, after school fun for the kids, computers, debt and benefit advice etc ALL FREE! Call 0117 9048425 or 07584258707.
Bourne Family Project - adult counselling, play therapy, parenting courses, food bank advice etc. Call 0117 9478441.
Supportive Parents
The local Parent Partnership Service in South Gloucestershire. Supportive Parents are an independent organisation offering a free, confidential and impartial service to any parent who has a concern about their child’s education. Their aim is to provide you with all the information you need to understand the SEN process and improve your child’s education experience.
Information & Support Line is 0117 989 7725. It is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am – 2pm during term time, and an answer phone at all other times.
Website: www.supportiveparents.org.uk
Email: support@supportiveparents.org.uk
South Gloucestershire Local Coordinator: Kathryn Mason
If you have any concerns or worries about your child’s SEN provision call us!
1 Big Database
Website about a wide range of services for young children, young people, their parents and carers and professionals in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Information includes:
o Housing Education Health
o Money Matters Family Support Employment
o Play and Leisure Facilities Community Groups
o Drugs Information Service
Website: www.1bigdatabase.org.uk
Children and Young People Information Service
The information service can sign post you to various areas of support.
o Childcare Child & Family Support
o Children & Young People’s Education
o Family Welfare Grants & Tax Credits
o Helpline Parent Support
o Recruitment Training
o Work-Life Balance
o Youth
Tel: 01454 868008
Website: www.southglos.gov.cypinfo
South Glos Parents and Carers
South Glos Parents and Carers for families with children with additional needs and disability
Website: www.sglospc.org.uk
Nationwide Support