My name is Miss Brockbank or grownups can call me Toni. I work in school as a Family Support Worker and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Before coming to work with the Cuerden Family I worked in roles for Children’s Social and Children and Family Wellbeing Service. I have listening ears and a passion for helping people reach their full potential. When I’m not in school you will likely find me outdoors walking my dogs or planning my next camping trip or gig.

What is a Family Support Worker

My job is to work with children, parents, carers, school and other agencies on various issues that may be affecting a family, with a focus on improving wellbeing and learning.

I work alongside all school staff to support our pupils and parents/carers.

What can I help with?

I may be part of your family’s support network at school, helping with:

• Punctuality & Attendance
• Changes in behaviour causing barriers to learning
• Difficulties with developing & maintaining friendships
• Issues with alleged bullying
• Low self-esteem and confidence
• Settling in of new children
• Transition to their next class, key stage or high school
• Support with routines and boundaries at home
• Cost of living
• Prenatal separation
• Concerns around domestic abuse

How do I help?

• I am a daily point of contact for advice and a listening ear
• Delivering nurturing 1-1 interventions
• Delivering supportive pupil group sessions
• Pastoral support for students
• Meeting with parents/carers
• Completing Early Help Assessments
• Making referrals to additional services
• Attendance support
• Attending multi agency meetings

Why do some children need extra support?

Pupils of all ability can be identified as needing extra support because of a wide range of social and emotional factors. These barriers can become internalised, taking the form of low self-esteem, lack of confidence, poor concentration and difficulties in relationships or unmanageable feelings of anger, loss or sadness. They may also affect health, attendance, and level of engagement in learning. The causes can be multi layered involving a change in family circumstances, bereavement, relationships, adapting to a new culture. These pupils may need support to sort out and make sense of what is happening to them, to reflect on how their actions can be causing problems and to work out ways to making life better.