Supporting your child
There will be times when students need help and advice during their time at school. At Phoenix we have a strong pastoral system staffed by a team of experienced teaching and non-teaching professionals.
Supporting your child through the Coronavirus Pandemic / School closures and Returning to school
Safeguarding at The Phoenix Collegiate is given top priority. All adults in our school have a responsibility for Safeguarding Children. Safeguarding is about ensuring that everyone is safe from harm - safe from bullying, safe from people who could abuse, safe from discrimination or harassment - and that we all feel safe in our environment.
If your child is ever concerned about safety or well-being or about a friend, they should talk to someone such as a parent or a member of staff at school.
Helping your child to sort out issues at school
If your child is having problems at school, it's usually best to talk to your child first and then talk to their form tutor, Head of House or Pastoral Manager. If that doesn't solve the problem, there are other steps you can take.
If your child's being bullied, let us know as soon as possible - Contact your child's form teacher. You can get advice on dealing with bullying from the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
Some bullying is illegal, including assault or sending frequent threatening texts - you should tell the police. You can find out about reporting illegal bullying to the police on GOV.UK.
Talk to your child and their teacher
Talk to your child if they're unhappy at school or you're worried about their education. Find out as much as you can. You might be able to solve the problem with your child if you can suggest things they can change to make things better.
If that doesn't work, you'll need to contact their teacher.
You should:
- explain the problem to the teacher
- ask what they can do to help and when
- ask when they'll give you an update
If you email or write a letter to the teacher, keep a copy.
If your child is struggling to learn or make friends, they might need extra support. You can speak to the school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo) or a staff member who deals with 'inclusion'.
You can find out more about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) on GOV.UK.
Information sourced from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau - Further support is available here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/education/school-education/sorting-out-school-problems/
In addition to support in school, there is a wide range of support and advice for young people online. Links have been provided below.
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BROOK offers free and confidential sexual health services for under 25s. Brook West Bromwich, 10 St Michael's Court, West Bromwich, B70 8ET - Telephone: 0121 553 2666 Opening times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 12.00pm-7.00pm Saturday: 12.00pm-4.00pm. Click here for further information. |
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THINK YOU KNOW is a website designed to help children and young people keep themselves safe from sexual abuse and exploitation by developing skills in identifying and avoiding risk, learning how best to protect themselves and their friends, and knowing how to get support and report abuse if they do encounter difficulties. Click here for further information. |
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FRANK is a national drug education service jointly established by the Department of Health and Home Office of the British government in 2003. It is intended to reduce the use of both legal and illegal drugs by educating teenagers and adolescents about the potential effects of drugs and alcohol. Click here for further information. |
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CHILDLINE is a free 24-hour counselling service for children and young people up to their 19th birthday in the United Kingdom provided by the NSPCC. Childline deals with any issue which causes distress or concern, common issues dealt with include child abuse, bullying, mental illness, parental separation or divorce, pregnancy, substance misuse, neglect, and psychological abuse. Click here for further information. |
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A safe, confidential and non-stigmatized way for young people to receive free counselling, advice and support on-line (via our 24 hour website). Including: A chat function for a young person to drop in to speak to a readily available counsellor (see below for live chat times). A messaging function to contact the service. Live discussion groups N.B. The service is staffed by fully trained and qualified counsellors and is free to access for all 11-25 year olds , who live or go to school in Solihull or are looked after by Solihull Council or have a Solihull GP. |
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We know that this is a difficult and challenging time for everyone – but particularly so for adults and children living with domestic abuse and the professionals working hard to support them. If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic abuse and are under quarantine amid the coronavirus outbreak, local and national organisations want you to know: You are not alone, and help is still available. Click here for more information. |
The Phoenix Collegiate Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Covid-19
Please click here for the school procedures adaptations for Coronavirus Pandemic.
Safeguarding Information and Updates - please find attached a Covid-19 leaflet from Sandwell Children’s Safeguarding Partnership. The link is: https://www.sandwellcsp.org.uk/homepage/covid-19/resources-andinformation
Parent/Carer Guide to coping with school closures
A Special COVID-19 Message for Parents/Carers from NHS
MHCT SERVICES vs COVID 19 BROCHURE 2020
Free School Meals
If you are entitled to free school meals, and have received a voucher in the post, please send your email address to info@phoenix.sandwell.sch.uk to receive your next voucher instantly by email. Emailed vouchers are also valid at other shops e.g. Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Asda and many more, unlike posted vouchers which are only available at Tesco.
Please follow the instructions below to access your e-vouchers.
These instructions can also be downloaded below.
Important Notice about SPAM Emails
Please be aware of a spam email circulating about free school meals. We have been informed that some parents/carers have received an email stating the following: ‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll make sure you’re supported’.If you receive any emails like this, please do not respond, and delete it immediately.
Salma Food Bank
Salma Food Bank based in Smethwick are delivering food parcels to families who are unable to access shops due to the current health crisis.
They can be contacted on 07767164246
Smethwick Food Bank
Food Parcels (For vulnerable families)
The Council Food Hub is now able to provide food boxes to support vulnerable families who cannot access Free School Meals (and therefore the Edenred voucher system), but are vulnerable around food poverty (e.g. the family are self-employed and face a major loss of income, awaiting registration for benefits etc.). These can be used where no other system in school has been set up. The food hub will provide 1 parcel per child, per week. The value of the box will be at least £15
These boxes will be available at the school’s discretion, to support families in need and can be accessed by the school making contact with the food hub.
For your family to access this provision we need the following details.
- The number of parcels you need to be delivered directly from the Food Hub to your address. ( How many children are in the home)
- Parent/Carer mobile number, address and postcode.
- Any specific dietary requirements for these children.
If you require this provision please email info@phoenix.sandwell.sch.uk with FOODHUB in the subject box and the information from above.
Phoenix will then contact the council FoodHub on your behalf.
Thank You.
Sandwell Virtual Libraries
Click here to see the latest information from Sandwell Council on virtual libraries and Audiobooks.
Phone support for Young People
Sandwell Beam has launched a phone support service for young people We're an emotional health and well-being service for 5 to 18 year olds and up to 25 if you're a care-leaver.
To access this service or to hear about other ways Beam can support you, please contact askbeam@childrenssociety.org.uk.
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DA COVID-19 Leaflet
Please click here for advice about domestic abuse support in the West Midlands during COVID-19.
Online Safety at Home
Please visit the Online Safety page for help and advice for parents/carers on keeping children safe online at home.
Useful Links and Resources
Useful Links and Resources from Sandwell Educational Pyschology Team
Sandwell Educational Pyschology Team's Top Tips for Teaching at Home
Good to Know News Newsletter March 2020
A Guide for Home Learning to Support Carers & Families
Good to Know News Newsletter 9th April 2020
Good to Know News Newsletter 17th April 2020
Sandwell School Nurses - Telephone Drop In Service
Loudmouth –Education and Training through Theatre
Good to Know News Newsletter 20th April
Virtual Libraries and Audiobooks
Good to Know News Newsletter 15th May 2020
As your child grows up they will need on-going support from the school and of course from parents.
There are a number of ways in which you can support your child including:
Attending every parents evening.
Asking them about what they have learnt.
Supporting them with their homework.
Tips for Homework
- Set aside a place for homework - provide a table, chair and a quiet place to work (TV doesn't help concentration, quiet music might)Set aside a special time when homework is to be done and make sure they also have free time too
- Checking the time spent on individual tasks
- Make sure they have the necessary equipment (eg pens, pencils, calculator, ruler etc.)
- Help your child to plan the time for each task, especially when they have a lot to complete, encourage short breaks every 20 minutes
- Checking presentation and content of all homework being returned to school
- Signing the homework planner each week
- Providing the school with information about any problems through the student planner or by contacting the school directly
