Photo: Anwar Suliman
Parents are an important part of helping children to do well in school, but it’s not easy to get involved with your children’s education, when there are real life worries to deal with.
The new Family Advocacy workers will be making sure families can deal with problems that might get in the way of children doing well. They can help with housing and tenancy issues; benefits, debt and bills; issues around speaking English as second language and further education; school related concerns; childcare; family health issues; parenting skills; employment; voluntary work and community work.
Bushra Karim, based at Firs Hill Primary School says: “I will be working closely to support families to address any issues that may prevent pupils from doing well at school. I have worked in various community roles for the past five years. I speak the Kashmiri community language and recently spent two years in Damascus, Syria, studying Arabic so have a very good command of Arabic too.” Contact 242 0109 or 07800 500 365.
Angela Stewart, based at Pye Bank School says: “I love working with people and have done so for past 15 years, including working with asylum seekers, teenage parents, adults and children with disabilities, mental health, the homeless and the elderly.” Contact: 07800 515 357
Sue Siddall, based at St Catherine’s says: “I have worked with both children and their families for a number of years now, I think it is very important for parents to play an active part in their child’s education and this role gives me the opportunity to support and encourage parents to do this.” Contact: 242 1177 or 07813 562 027
Hannah Wellington, based at Fir Vale says: “I was born in Sheffield and went to school here. Working as a teacher in Doncaster made me think about moving into a career where I could help support families. I am really looking forward to working with the Burngreave community and the families of those with children at Fir Vale School.” Contact: 07890 321 226
Shamsi Eaveson, based at Parkwood High School says: “I am a qualified Secondary Teacher and have been worked in Sheffield schools for the past 7 years. My experience includes behaviour management, mentoring and counselling, setting up and delivering extra study and homework clubs and Summer/holiday clubs. I love my work and making a real positive difference in people’s lives.” Contact: 07814 918 913