My name is Nikki Kennedy, I am your Parent Support Advisor here at Thirsk Primary School.
A little bit about me.
I moved to Thirsk in 2002 from the coast. My daughter attended Thirsk Primary School and enjoyed her time here. I first started volunteering in school in 2003 and later became employed as a teaching assistant to support children with additional needs. Over the years I have explored different roles within the school with a focus on emotional wellbeing and supporting children with complex needs. More recently I have taken on the role of PSA and am thoroughly enjoying this.
What is the role of a Parent Support Advisor?
My aim is to build strong, positive connections between the school, pupils, and families. My ambition is to help you, as parents, with any challenges you face, providing advice and support to help you be active participants in your child’s education.
Support for pupils and families includes:
- Promoting good attendance and punctuality
- Encouraging and supporting positive behaviour
- Championing learning and emotional well-being
- Support with issues both in and out of school
Guidance on:
- Toileting and toilet training
- Advice on supporting children with poor sleep
- Help with understanding the need for boundaries and how to set these
- Providing information about services in the local area and support to access them if needed
- Completing referrals to relevant agencies e.g. Speech and Language, Early Help etc.
- Completing forms/applications
- Advice and support in promoting positive behaviour at home
- Support to improve school attendance
- Signposting for help with finances and debt, housing, health needs and more.
Of course, no problem is too big or too small to talk about and I am here to provide a listening ear if you need it.
*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.
Getting in touch:
I work Monday to Friday each week and will be able to meet with you in our Family Hub or if necessary I can visit you at home.
To make an appointment you can either speak directly to me, I’m usually on the gate at home time or call the school office and ask to speak to me.
By working closely together we can remove any obstacles to learning and ensure that your child has the best opportunity to succeed. I may not have all the answers, but hopefully I can help you work out how to find them!
We value all of our school community and aim to be inclusive and ambitious for all pupils and families.
Look out for our Coffee and Craft Sessions in the Family Hub (or Tea, whichever takes your fancy!)
Links to useful organisations