Place2Be

St. Aidan's has bought in the services of Place2Be. Place2Be is a national charity working to improve the confidence and emotional wellbeing of children. They help children to develop resilience by supporting them when they are experiencing challenging life issues and helping them to develop self-confidence and lifelong coping skills. When they are supported in this way, they are able to learn more easily and that means less worry for parents. Place2Be works with children one-to-one and in small groups, offering regular time-tabled support for those who will benefit most. The school will often refer children for this service. Place2Be also work with pupils to have help with friendship issues and other worries by choosing to visit Place2Talk. These short lunchtime sessions are open to individuals and groups.

What service users have said:

“Oh she has definitely changed…in the way she feels about her school life, her home life, and just the way she is in herself – she is a lot happier”

-Parent
"Place2Be helps you feel less angry, make friends, get more confident, sort out your problems, make you feel special, make everything better"

-Year 5 pupil

How we help children

All pupils can find help with friendship issues and other worries by choosing to visit Place2Talk. These short lunchtime sessions are open to individuals, although support friends are allowed (maximum 3 children).
Place2Be also works with children one-to-one and in small groups, offering regular time-tabled support for those who will benefit most. The school will often refer children for this service.

How we help schools

Place2Be also supports teachers and school staff members to think through the emotional needs of children and advises and supports the school leadership which helps the whole school to thrive.

How Place2Be works

There is a special Place2Be room inside the school where children can go to express and think about their worries, through talking, creative work and play. Adults that are qualified to work therapeutically, called School Project Managers, support this process, helping children to find new ways of coping with difficulties so they don’t get in the way of friendships or learning.

Times when we’re especially useful

There are times when children feel particularly sad, confused, fearful or angry, due to, for example, family challenges such as separation or illness, or even the death of a much-loved pet. Some children may become withdrawn; others may demonstrate behaviour that can be demanding or challenging. Children, particularly at primary school age, have been demonstrated to be able to express themselves better within a non-threatening environment, such as within a play setting; and that’s when having Place2Be in school is especially helpful.

Who is eligible for Place2Be?

Any child requiring emotional support for any reason.

What difference does Place2Be make in your child’s school?

Place2Be is a national charity working in UK schools in England, Scotland and Wales to improve the confidence and emotional wellbeing of children. We help children to develop resilience by supporting them when they are experiencing challenging life issues and helping them to develop self-confidence and lifelong coping skills. When they are supported in this way, they are able to learn more easily and that means less worry for parents.

How we can help families?

As well as working with children, Place2Be can also offer support for parents and carers of children attending school:

Parenting Smart website
Place2Be’s Parenting Smart is a new site for parents and carers of 4-11 year olds, offering practical advice on supporting your child and managing behaviour. You can access the website from your mobile phone, tablet, or any other device. Learn more at: https://parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk/

Parenting Smart on-line training
We also offer an online parenting course, offering practical advice on supporting your child and managing behaviour. You can access the course from your mobile phone, tablet, or any other device. Learn more at: https://www.place2be.org.uk/family

PIPT (Personalised independent parent training)
This is offered to parents and carers who are looking for advice and guidance on how to interact with their children and manage concerning behaviours. This training can help build and improve the parents and carers relationship with their child. Contact Gemma or Keith for more information.

Parent Partnership
Our Family Practitioner can also offer telephone consultations for up to six weeks which can either be split weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. These sessions are offered as a way to guide, support and offer advice to parents and carers experiencing emotional difficulties linked to their child.

If you would like to find out more about the Place2Be services, please contact:

Lisa Howard-Place2Be School Project Manager-working days Monday and Tuesday

T : 0125453148

E: [email protected]