What was the situation?
6 year old Oscar lives with his mum in Liverpool. Oscar has epilepsy, and his mum Diane felt worried that his school was not able to manage his seizures, meaning that when he was not feeling well he would stay at home, just in case it was epilepsy related. When Oscar was referred to School-Home Support practitioner Mike, his attendance had fallen to 87%, meaning he was classed as persistently absent.
How did School-Home Support help?
Mike got to know Diane, who explained to Mike that she believes Oscar has undiagnosed ADHD, as his behaviour at home and at school can be erratic. She also disclosed that she has anxiety, which can sometimes be difficult to manage.
Mike also gained an understanding of Oscar’s family situation. Oscar’s parents are separated and his dad is now with a new partner. They have recently had a baby. There were also issues around Oscar’s contact with his dad, as there were historic incidents of domestic abuse that meant there were restrictions in place on Oscar seeing his dad.
As a first priority, Mike was able to reassure Diane that the school staff had been specifically trained for Oscar’s epilepsy needs and that they will contact her if they have any worries. Mike also put Diane in contact with a ADHD Foundation, who were able to share resources and ideas of things to try at home with Oscar, as well as a support group where Diane could discuss Oscar’s behaviour and how to manage it.
Following an incident of Oscar’s dad breaking his court order, Mike submitted a safeguarding alert and ensured Oscar’s school were aware of the situation, alongside providing reassurance and support to Diane.
As Oscar had never been on holiday before, Mike also applied to the Family Holiday Charity, which meant Oscar had the opportunity to spend a full week away with his mum, auntie and grandma.
Following concerns around damp and mould in their house, Mike referred the family to a Housing Association, after which the current landlord treated the mould and carried out further repairs to the house.
Through the School-Home Support Uniform Fund, Mike purchased a new school uniform, PE kit, coat and shoes in time for Oscar to start the new school year feeling confident and looking smart. Through a referral to the Children in Need winter warmer grant, Mike also secured the family with items that would help to keep the house warm and cook healthy meals in the most economical way, including an airfryer, slow cooker, oil filled radiator and thermal lined curtains.
After Mike’s support, Diane now feels confident that school is able to support Oscar with his epilepsy, and regularly engages well with school staff to inform them of Oscar’s wellbeing and any medical appointments. Overall, Diane’s confidence and outlook has improved, she is much more positive and has built the resilience to be able to handle setbacks.
Oscar is now happier and more confident at school, and his attendance has increased to 93%.