More is happening at school

Story: Rashida Hassanali

Four local primary schools now have new extended school support workers. Extended schools means more activities in schools for parents, children and the community, from computer courses to breakfast clubs to belly dancing to keep fit. Evidence shows if you get involved with schools, your children will do better. So go on, contact your local extended school support worker and ask them for information or better still tell them what you want!

Whiteways Junior School

My name is Usha Blackham. I am from East Africa and I am Indian. I live in Fir Vale and work at Whiteways Junior School as a Family Learning Development Worker. We have lots of courses and activities to help parents and the community. I also speak several languages. Tel: 242 3169.

Firs Hill Community Primary School

I’m Kath Hobson. For the last 4 years I have been working in Firs Hill School Office. I am keen to get to know all our parents so that everyone feels comfortable coming to me with problems, ideas or even just for a chat. All courses will continue to run in the New Year and I look forward to developing new ones! Tel: 242 0109.

St Catherine’s Primary School

My name is Gaby Spinks, I’ve lived and worked in Pitsmoor for over ten years. I am an active parent at Firs Hill School and have attended a number of the adult courses there so I speak from experience when I say that they are a really good way of helping yourself and your children. Tel: 242 1177.

Byron Wood Primary School

My name is Alexis Cowan and I’m the Extended School Support Worker for Byron Wood. I recently moved to Sheffield from Newcastle where I’m from and I’ve also worked in Poland and Spain. Sheffield seems like a great place to be. Tel: 272 3624.

Fir Vale Secondary School

I’m Janet Lawson and I have worked at Fir Vale School for 6 years. Being a mother of two teenagers I know how much working with your children in education will raise aspirations and achievements. Working alongside the community in the New Fir Vale Enterprise Centre will break down barriers and extend beyond the school gates. Tel: 243 9391.

Owler Brook Nursery Infants School

My name is Refat Mahmood and I am Community Manager at Owler Brook NI School. We are totally committed to enabling parents to support their children’s learning, and have a ‘Whole School Policy’ on parental involvement, facilities for parents’ learning to take place and bilingual staff. Tel: 243 8611.