Family Support Worker

Mrs Garside

Family Support Worker

Hello! My name is Michelle Garside and I am pleased to introduce myself as the Family Support Worker here at St Anne’s R.C Primary School. I have worked at our school for many years as a Teaching Assistant, more recently changing my role to further support children and their families. I am a mum of two children who are now young adults, therefore as a parent I am able to see things from a parent’s point of view.

My aim is to offer practical help and support to children and their families whatever the problem or situation. I hope to help as many families as I can to access a broad array of support and services. I may not have all the answers but I will endeavour to explore and gather information to best support you. Some of these services can be found on the St Anne's Local Offer below.

Over the years of working at our school I have built many positive relationships with many children. Part of my role gives me the opportunity to work closely with children who need extra support becoming more resilient, regulating their emotions, building friendships, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

I am also a Drawing and Talking Practitioner. Drawing and Talking is a child-centred one to one or group work intervention focusing on supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people. More information can be found in the leaflet below.

If you feel your child would benefit from extra support please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your concerns to enable me to help in any way I can. I am available in school to provide support, advice and guidance to children and families on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Advice and support is confidential although concerns relating to the safeguarding of children will always be dealt with in accordance with the school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.