Home School Link Workers
Working together to support children, young people, and their families
Lucy Cray is our Home School Link Worker, our DDSL (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) and young carers' champion. She is available to provide support for children, parents and carers and runs parent groups and coffee mornings. She is a link between home and school and can make supporting referrals to outside organisations such as local charities and is an ongoing contact as children move from school to school.
We are proud that, as a result of our work with Young Carers HTPD has been awarded the Surrey Young Carers Angel Award.
During term time we work in partnership with parents/carers, schools and other agencies to support families, aiming to resolve current issues and prevent future difficulties.
We can help
- Children who are experiencing difficult times or who are withdrawn or anxious
- Parents/carers experiencing difficulties with their child’s behaviour
- Families who are reacting to change, such as parental separation or bereavement
- Parents/carers whose children are reluctant to attend school or who have been excluded
- Parents/carers who may need support on a wide range of issues or difficulties impacting on their family life e.g. illness, domestic violence, disability, financial difficulties.
We can also
- Help with links between you and school.
- Support you at school meetings.
- Help you find your way through the education system.
- Guide you towards other sources of help, advice and support.
- Provide information on support groups for parents/carers.
How do I contact the Home School Link Worker?
Parents/carers, schools and children can ask us to become involved. With your consent, we will explore the difficulties your child or family is experiencing and together try to find the best way forward. Contact us by:
- Completing a referral form and handing it to the school office in an envelope For the Attention of the Home School Link Worker, marked “Private”.
- Email Lucy at lucyc@htpd.surrey.sch.uk.
What can I expect?
Your HSLW will fill in a referral form with you. We will always obtain your consent before initiating contact with your child. We can offer a confidential service regarding personal issues. If necessary, we would seek your permission to share the information with staff at the school or with other agencies. Should a Child Protection issue be identified, we are legally bound to follow Government Guidelines.