As part of our commitment to the promotion of strong home/school links, we are fortunate to have a designated Family Support Manager; Mrs Cath McGill.
Here is Cath telling you about her Family Support Manager in her own words….
What is the purpose of the Family Support Manager role?
‘The purpose of this much valued role is to ensure the provision of support and advice to both students and parents/carers of all students in the school. This is not only for issues directly connected to School. I am also able to refer and signpost to external agencies who can assist the students and/or the parents/carers of children and young people with special educational needs, difficulties and disabilities.
I have been involved with Welburn Hall for over 10 years. I originally came here on a placement for a course I was undertaking. The course was a training avenue towards becoming a Teaching Assistant for children with SEND. I decided that Welburn Hall was such a special place that I would continue to come to the School on a voluntary basis after the course had finished. I was offered a post as a relief Teaching Assistant, followed by an additional post as a relief Residential Care Officer. I became a full time Residential Care Officer in September 2008. I have previously undertaken the role of Moving and Handling Coordinator and have undertaken training to deliver information sessions for parents/carers of students with a diagnosis of autism.
I became the dedicated Family Support Manager in 2013. Due to the need for improved communication with parents/carers my role has developed and I became the Family Support Manager in 2016. As Family Support Manager I have an overview of home/school communication. As well as managing the work of keyworkers I work closely with the teaching and care teams and with the external agencies involved with the students. Each student has a keyworker either in their class team or if they board on the residential team. My role is to ensure that good communication is maintained.’
How do you provide support?
‘I work closely with the whole staff team to firstly ensure that parents/carers are receiving regular communication. I am also available as a point of contact within the school.
I will try to answer or investigate any queries relating to school or in relation to support for students and parents/carers. If I cannot assist I will signpost as to who to contact. I have built close links with external agencies who are involved with children with SEND.’
Please find links to agencies who can assist parents/carers of children with SEND at the foot of this page.
What experience or qualities do you bring?
‘I have children of my own so I am therefore aware of the trials and tribulations of being a parent. I am qualified as a Teaching Assistant to work with children with SEND and have undertaken work as a Teaching Assistant both in a mainstream school and at Welburn Hall.
Whilst working on the Care Team at Welburn Hall, I received an NVQ3 qualification relating to children and young people. I followed this up by gaining a BA Honours degree in Children, Young People and Families in 2013.
How can parents/carers contact you?
I work all day Monday to Thursday; however I am often out of school attending meetings relating to students. If I am not available, a message can be left with the School Office and I will call back as soon as I can.
Otherwise, I am contactable by email using the form at the bottom of the page. If your query is urgent please contact the School Office either by telephone or email admin@welburn-hall.n-yorks.sch.uk as I may be unable to respond if I am off-site.
Useful Links:-
North Yorkshire PACT - Forum for parents/carers of children with SEND
www.nypact.org.uk
Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource - Support for carers in the Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale area
www.carersresource.net
Ryedale Special Families - Support for families with children with SEND in the Ryedale area
www.ryedalespecialfamilies.org.uk
National Autistic Society - Charity providing information and advice for autistic people and their families
www.autism.org.uk
