Early Help/FLO

Early Help & Family Support Offer

At Sunny Bank Primary School we understand that family life can be rewarding, difficult and complicated. From time to time, you may face challenges where you need an extra helping hand.

Early Help means us providing support to our children and families as soon as a problem emerges. We want to work in partnership with you to tackle issues early, ensuring your child can feel safe, happy and successful in school.

Our school has a dedicated Family Liaison Officer (FLO), Miss Newbury, who is here to support you. If you are finding things difficult at home, we can support you with direct referrals to external services if you find this supportive. Please come and talk to Miss Newbury in complete confidence.

How We Can Support Your Family

We offer a wide range of practical, emotional and physical support directly through the school, as well as connections to specialist local networks across the Swale district:

Practical & Financial Support

· Food Bank Referrals: If your household is facing a crisis or short-term financial pressure, Miss Newbury can issue vouchers and referrals to local community food banks like the Swale Foodbank.

· Pre-Loved Uniform: Our uniform shop is accessible to all families. We hold a stock of high-quality, pre-loved school uniform items free of charge or for a small voluntary donation. Please ask Miss Newbury to see our current stock.

· Paperwork & Forms: We can assist you with filling out complicated forms, such as housing applications, grant requests, or benefit claims.

Health & Wellbeing Referrals

· School Health & Nursing Team: We work closely with local healthcare teams. Miss Newbury can make formal referrals to the Kent Community Health NHS School Health Service for expert advice on sleep, nutrition, minor medical worries and emotional growth.

· Kent Family: The Kent Family website provides information, advice and guidance on a range of areas relating to children and young people’s health, development and wellbeing. https://family.kentcht.nhs.uk/

· Mental Health Support: Access to our in-school pastoral interventions, emotional literacy support and signposting to other specialised services.

· School attendance: If you are struggling to encourage your child to come into school each day, we can offer support to prevent this from escalating and your child becoming a ‘school refuser’.

Connecting with Community & Specialist Services

· Local Family Hubs: We link directly with Kent County Council's network of hubs, including the Murston Family Hub. You can find local timetables and support via the main Kent Family Hubs portal.

· SATEDA & Specialist Safety Support: For families experiencing domestic abuse, safety fears, or complex relationship breakdowns, we provide a safe gateway and direct referrals to SATEDA (Southend East Training and Development Alliance / South East Total Asset Domestic Abuse services). SATEDA operates confidential local support drop-ins across Swale. You can access their services directly via the SATEDA Official Website or consult the Swale Borough Council Domestic Abuse Support Page for a complete list of local drop-in venues.

· Family Help and Team Around the Family (TAF): When multiple services are needed, Miss Newbury can coordinate a Kent Family Help Assessment to bring a team of professionals together, dedicated to helping your family thrive.

How to Contact Miss Newbury

There is no problem too small. If you would like to find out more about any of these services, or if you just need a confidential chat and a cup of tea, please reach out:

In Person: Find Miss Newbury at the school gates most mornings or ask for her at the main reception.
By Phone: Call the school office on 01795 473891 and request to speak with Miss Newbury directly.
By Email: Contact her via our secure pastoral email: lnewbury@tiltrust.org