At Robert Peel we understand that many children and families experience difficult times which can make a happy, successful school and home life a struggle.  If you have worries or concerns about your child or problems at home then please talk to us as we are always here to help.

We are very lucky to have our own Family Support Worker at school. Here is some information about all of the things the wonderful Mrs Savage can do to support you and your family. 

My name is Debbie Savage and I’m delighted to introduce myself as Robert Peel’s first Family Support Worker.

This exciting role is designed to support both the children in school, at home and also to support you as parents.

You may have seen me at the gate each morning. Please feel free to say hello and request a meeting with me to discuss any concerns you may have.

I am a parent of three neuro-diverse young adults and have spent my whole work career supporting children and families in a variety of roles both SEND related and also in mainstream settings.

I’ve worked in schools, residential settings, cofounding and running an ADHD/ASD charity, and for the last six years as a Family Partner in the Early Help Team.

I have both professional and personal experience and understand how difficult it can be to access the right support for your child, the impact this may have on your family and the feelings that this may bring.

I am passionate about supporting the whole family, as I know this has a positive impact on your children, their school and home experiences and also on you as parents.

I am responsible for helping raise children’s attendance at school. If your child’s attendance is low, I may ask to meet with you to discuss contributing factors and how together we can look at ways to improve this.

My role is very varied. I can offer emotional support, practical help and advice and information on various topics.

These may include helping to implement routines at home, discussing how to manage challenging behaviour, looking at support for your own emotional well-being, signposting you to various organisations, discussing your child’s caring role at home and how it impacts them at school, family dynamics and your support networks, as well as supporting you to access grants etc.

I now have a lovely new log cabin “The Nest”, so if you need support, I can offer a listening ear and a cup of coffee too! Home visits can also be arranged.

I am happy to meet with you individually to discuss best ways to support you and your children. I can be contacted either by the front office, school landline, via my work mobile 07464 220102 or via email at familysupport@robertpeel.beds.sch.uk

I work all year as we appreciate that the times when you may feel most isolated or need physical support are often during school holidays.

I look forward to meeting you all.

Kindest regards

Debbie Savage

Below are some useful organisation which may be able to offer support as well.

Sandy Children's Centre

Our local Children Centre offers a great range of support for families.

Their contact details are:

Sandy & Biggleswade Locality Children's Centre

Laburnum Road

Sandy

Bedfordshire

SG19 1HQ

Telephone: 0300 300 8114

Sandy Children's Centre 

The Need Project

The objects of The Need Project are taken from our founding constitution and they are:

To relieve persons in Central Bedfordshire and the surrounding area that are in poverty or financial hardship in such ways as the Trustees from time to time think fit, in particular, but not exclusively by:

• Providing food packages to support individuals and families who are experiencing food deprivation.
• Providing other items to meet immediate and essential needs, as resources allow.
• Developing other forms of support to meet immediate need and alleviate financial hardship.

The Need Project

Please contact the school if you require a food parcel and we will make a referral to The Need Project.

Home-Start

Home-Start Central Bedfordshire helps young children and their families who are struggling with physical and mental ill health, disabilities, bereavement and domestic abuse.

Home-Start

Parentline

Parentline is a secure and confidential text service for parents and carers of those aged 0-19. It offers advice and support on a range of issues such as weaning, sleep and emotional health or how to make an appointment with our team. This is also a great mechanism to find out how to access other local services.

Simply text 07507 331456 with your question to start the conversation – our team will be there to answer your queries from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

Parentline

Bedfordshire Single Point of Access

Bedfordshire 0-19 service Single Point of Access is how you can get in touch with your local health visiting team for support, advice and help.

Healthy Start

With Healthy Start, you get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables, fresh, dried, and tinned pulses, and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins.

Pregnant or have children under the age of four? You could qualify if you're on benefits, or if you're pregnant and under 18.

Healthy Start

Start for Life

Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood

Start for Life

Change for Life

First steps to cooking healthier meals. Get the family involved and make tasty meals from scratch with Cook Together. Every week for 4 weeks you will get 2 healthy recipes – with videos, easy-to-follow instructions and a shopping list of everything you'll need – straight to your inbox

Change for Life