Families break up for a variety of reasons; with those breakups can often come heartache and pain for the adults involved.
However, it is not only the adults that suffer, children can go through a grieving process as well. They recognise and feel the loss of the physical presence of one parent and the emotional security that comes with both parents' involvement in day to day life. As well as this, children can feel the loss of the future they imagined that they would have.
It is possible, though, for parents to work with each other to support their child through this process - even when feelings are strong and the future looks difficult. Our Pastoral Support Officer, Mrs Pring can support families in ensuring that children have the best possible outcomes in these situations.
We understand that family breakdowns are difficult and may sometimes require some form of legal intervention such as orders and arrangements from the court. In these circumstances, we will require copies of any court order or arrangements so that we are able to support children and families as best as we can.
We would be happy to support a referral to SSAFA for Service Families in agreeing practical and emotion free routines, boundaries and communication routes that will enable children to have fulfilling and constructive relationships with both parents. They will work with parents in a confidential way to plan and review arrangements until a system is running smoothly.
Mrs Pring can advise, find the right advice or signpost parents to advice about their parental responsibilities and rights. Children deserve a relationship with each parent if it is at all possible.
The School App is used to distribute information and news from school and activities that are taking place. We do expect all parents to download the app and this extends to any non-resident parents enabling them to keep up to date with what is happening in school.
Non-resident parents are entitled to a copy of children's school reports. In order to receive this, they must register their address with the school office who will make sure a copy is posted or emailed out.
Non-resident parents are also entitled to contact the school office via phone or email for information and advice and, if necessary, can make an appointment to see the class teacher after school.
So that both parents can be equally informed about children's progress, we do expect separated parents to attend Parents' Evenings together. This means that both parents hear the same thing and there is no room for different interpretations. Where parents might find joint attendance to be emotionally difficult, Mrs Pring or Mrs Fawdry will attend appointments with both parents to help both get what they need from the session. Please request this in advance as appointment times may be limited.
We do not offer different sessions for separated parents unless there is a court order banning one party from contact with the child and/or the other parent. Our concern is, and always will be, the child's well being and development.