FEO (Family Engagement Officer)

We are very lucky to be able to provide additional support to our children and families using our Family Engagement Officer, Miss Samantha Edwards.

Her role is to liaise between parents and the school and to be a point of contact and support for parents and children if they have any concerns, issues, worries or feedback they wish to raise or discuss.

Our FEO has many links with specialist organisations and support services. All enquiries will be dealt with in strict confidence.

Please feel free to contact Samantha Edwards via the school office on 01495 233600.

What is a FEO?

FEO stands for Family Engagement Officer. Each FEO is based within a school and is part of the multi-agency team that provides support to the parents and carers of the children from that school. They cover a range of topics that include:

• Building stronger relationships at home and school.
• Transition between schools.
• Challenging behaviour and additional needs.
• Understanding the curriculum and how parents can get involved at home.
• Attendance: tips on getting your child to school and removing barriers.
• Providing Information on after school clubs.
• Providing information on health-related issues.
• Signposting services for parents/pupils to access.
• Identifying and addressing other needs and much, much more…

How do they do it?

FEOs are always looking for ways in which to build good relationships with parents and carers. This may include coffee mornings, parent support groups, or just being available to talk when needed, should you feel confused, worried or anxious.

It is always essential that the FEO keeps flexibility within the role. This will ensure that a response can be made in times of crisis for the children and families in our schools.

Why have a FEO?

• To empower parents to take an active role in their child’s social, emotional and educational development.
• Support parents regarding a range of issues that are impacting on their ability to parent effectively.
• Provide a range of activities for parents that encourage them to be safe, healthy, enjoy and achieve economic well-being.
• To provide accessible information, explanation, guidance and signposting.

FEOs offer early intervention that can make a real difference to the lives of parents and therefore of children and young people whatever the background.

How I want to develop my role further?

• To support and help make a smooth transition for both parents/carers and children from Primary to Secondary School.
• To visit primary schools, to showcase our wonderful school and all it has to offer.
• To be a familiar and friendly face, providing a point of contact for parents/carers.
• To find ways of getting our local community involved and more supportive of our school.
• I have worked in education settings for fifteen years, within varying support roles. I have been working one-to-one with children supporting their social and emotional wellbeing, behaviour and special educational needs. Therefore, I feel that I can help parents/carers in these areas by sharing my knowledge and understanding.
• I am a qualified ELSA practitioner, Trauma Informed Practitioner and Learning Mentor so I am able to support your son/daughter remove any barriers they may be experiencing through interventions.
• To provide coffee mornings and afternoons for parents/carers to come and meet each other. There will also be themed sessions, specifically aimed at a certain things ie. Secondary transition, improving your own literacy/numeracy, class chart support and parenting skills etc

Here at Islwyn High School, we believe in Belong, Believe, Achieve and want your whole family to feel welcomed and supported throughout your child’s journey with us.

Please do not hesitate to contact Miss Samantha Edwards if you would like more information about this service.