Hello, I'm Carolyn McGinnis, the Family and Learner Support Assistant (FaLSA) at Cann Bridge School.

I joined Cann Bridge School in 2023 and am passionate about supporting learners and their families throughout their journey with us. My role is split between working as the school's Family and Learner Support Assistant and as a Teaching Assistant, which allows me to build strong relationships with both learners and families while maintaining a close connection to everyday school life.

As a parent of two children with special educational needs myself, including one who currently attends a local specialist school, I understand first-hand both the rewards and challenges that families can experience when navigating education, health and care services. This personal experience gives me a real appreciation of the importance of having someone who can listen, guide and support families when they need it most.

I am passionate about helping families access the right support, advice and guidance, recognising that finding your way through services, processes and paperwork can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you need help completing forms, understanding available support, preparing for meetings or simply someone to talk things through with, I am here to help.

I work closely with the wider Inclusion and Pastoral Care Team, led by Nicola Burrage, as well as the wider school staff and leadership team. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every learner and family receives the support they need to thrive and feel fully included within our school community.

Whether you need advice, assistance or simply someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to get in touch or arrange an appointment. I am always happy to help in any way I can.

My working hours in my FaLSA role are:

• Monday and Tuesday: 8:45am to 3:30pm
• Thursday: 8:45am to 12:30pm

You can contact me through the school office or by email at falsa@cannbridge.co.uk.

I look forward to supporting you and your family.

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

Our Family and Learner Support Assistant is here to work alongside pupils, parents, carers and staff, offering practical help, advice and guidance throughout your child's journey at Cann Bridge School. We understand that raising and supporting a child with additional needs can sometimes be challenging, and our aim is to ensure that families always have someone to turn to for support.

We can:

• Be a friendly and familiar point of contact for pupils, parents, carers and staff.
• Maintain an open-door approach, ensuring families always have someone they can contact to discuss concerns, ask questions or seek support.
• Provide information and guidance about school matters relating to your child.
• Help ensure your child can access the full range of educational opportunities available at Cann Bridge School.
• Work with families to identify and overcome barriers that may affect learning, wellbeing, attendance or engagement.
• Offer practical, emotional and pastoral support to learners and their families.
• Provide a friendly, non-judgemental listening ear and a safe space to talk through concerns or challenges.
• Support pupils and families through important transitions, including joining Cann Bridge School, moving between classes and key stages, transitioning to Post-16 and Post-18 provision, and accessing new services or providers.
• Support good attendance and engagement, working proactively with families when concerns arise.
• Organise family engagement opportunities, including coffee mornings, workshops, training sessions, support groups, parents' evenings and community events.
• Plan and support the delivery of Holiday Club and Summer Club provision, as well as other family events throughout the year.
• Facilitate opportunities for parents and carers to meet, connect and develop supportive networks with one another.
• Assist with completing forms and applications, including benefits, Blue Badge applications, housing, social care and other support services.
• Provide information, advice and signposting to local services, activities and support organisations, including the SEND Family Hub and community groups.
• Offer support before, during and after meetings, including EHCP Annual Reviews, Child in Need meetings and multi-agency meetings.
• Ensure effective communication between home and school so that families feel informed, involved and listened to.
• Liaise with school staff and a range of external professionals, including Educational Psychologists, CAMHS, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, health services and social care teams.
• Lead and coordinate Early Help Assessments (EHATs) and Team Around the Family meetings where appropriate.
• Support families as they navigate children's and adult services, including education, health, social care, transport and benefits.
• Help families access financial support, grants, bursaries and disability-related benefits.
• Provide information and guidance regarding processes such as Deputyship, Lasting Power of Attorney and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
• Complete referrals to services such as Occupational Therapy, CAMHS and Short Breaks.
• Support families to access and manage Short Break packages and other support arrangements.
• Help resolve difficulties or misunderstandings between families, professionals and services, promoting positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Work alongside families and staff to build confidence, consistency and effective strategies that support the needs of each learner.

Above all, we are here to provide a friendly, approachable and supportive presence for families. Whether you have a question, concern, need help accessing services, or simply want someone to talk things through with, our door is always open and we are here to help.