image

Family & Learner Support Advisor

Nikki Burrage

Welcome! I’m Nikki Burrage, Family and Learner Support Advisor at Cann Bridge School.

With over 15 years of experience at Cann Bridge, I’m dedicated to offering ongoing support and guidance to our families, staff, and learners. Whether you need advice, assistance, or simply someone to talk to, I am here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch or book an appointment — I'm always happy to assist in any way I can.

In my role, I work closely with families, building strong connections with local services and professionals to ensure everyone receives the support they need. My goal is to make sure our learners and their families have all the resources they require to thrive.

My working hours are:

  • Tuesday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Year-round availability

Feel free to contact me at the school or by email: falsa@cannbridge.co.uk

I look forward to supporting you and your family.


What can the Family and Learner Support Advisor do for you?

  • Provide information about school matters relating to your child.
  • Help ensure your child has full access to educational opportunities and gets the most from their time at Cann Bridge School.
  • Provide information about and organize Holiday Clubs and events.
  • Offer information and signpost parents/carers to local services and activities.
  • Provide support for families during transition stages — e.g., starting at Cann Bridge, moving classes, or transitioning to new services or providers.
  • Assist with form filling and provide benefit advice.
  • Offer groups, courses, and training for parents and family members.
  • Provide support before, during, and after meetings, such as annual reviews or Child in Need meetings.
  • Offer friendly, non-judgmental advice and support.
  • Maintain an open-door policy.
  • Provide a chance to talk through any problems or concerns.
  • Liaise with other service providers and staff members at Cann Bridge School.
  • Signpost to a range of other services.
  • Offer opportunities to meet other parents/carers regularly.
  • Facilitate support groups.
  • And, of course, offer a friendly face to talk to and share your problems and concerns.

 

A bit more about me

I began working for Downham School many years ago as a Teaching Assistant before I taught as an unqualified teacher for many years supporting some of the schools most complex learners at the time. Whilst supporting these learners it became evident to me that there was so much more support that our school could provide for learners and their families. This sparked my move to becoming the schools Family and Learner Support Advisor which at the time was a new role.

Over the years I have developed the role into what it is today. Providing a support network for our families, building productive and effective links within social care, health and services for SEN throughout Plymouth.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, I work effectively with the Headteacher, Deputy and Assistant Headteacher to develop the school to ensure that we are meeting our visions and values while providing the best support for our learners and their families.

I feel very honoured to be able to be part of Cann Bridge and work alongside our dedicated teaching and support staff team and have the opportunity to be able to support and work with our amazing learners and their families.

 

Roles, responsibilities and strategic oversight of:

  • Family Support

  • Family Hub Champion

  • Holiday Club and Summer Club coordinator

  • Family training and workshops coordinator

  • Behaviour Lead Link

  • Trauma Informed Lead Link

  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

  • Friend of Cann Bridge Link