"The most important thing in the world is family and love"

 John Wooden

What is a PFSA?

Parent and Family Support Advisors (PFSAs) work with school-aged children and their families that require additional support. PFSAs work within Somerset Council’s Early Help Framework to enable high-quality support for children/young people and families at the earliest possible stage.

PFSAs work closely and collaboratively with schools, families and other support services in order to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for children. The needs of the child/young person or family form the basis of all the work completed. Where there is a need for support from other services, PFSAs can act as the Lead Professional.

PFSAs are only able to engage in work with families with their informed consent and agreement.

Support is based on the needs the child/young person or family has at the time. Support plans are reviewed regularly to ensure needs continue to be met and that progress is made.

What does PFSA support look like?

PFSA support provides weekly or fortnightly visits to help support families to address concerns, worries or challenges. Our PFSA will provide strategies, guidance and resources to support your family's needs. 

PFSA support advocates for families working together to create a safe, loving and caring home environment. 

What can a PFSA help me with? 

Our PFSA can offer support in the following areas (but not limited to): 

• School refusal, attendance and emotional-based school avoidance 
• Behaviour management (anger, big emotions, anxiety)
• Boundaries and routines 
• Anxiety/separation anxiety
• Grief and bereavement 
• Emotional coaching and processing
• Child on parent abuse
• Sleep routines
• Personal hygiene 
• Those at risk of suspension or permanent exclusion

Additionally, we provide workshops for all families with children/young people across the Trust. Families who aren’t receiving PFSA support through the rolling programme may also attend. Examples of workshops include behaviour management, sleep hygiene, healthy eating, behaviour management.  

We also host coffee mornings and workshops with external agencies such as Weston Hospice, the school nursing team, MHST etc. 

How can I receive PFSA support?

Speak to your school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, Learning Mentor or Headteacher. The school will place an Early Help Assessment referral and submit it to our PFSA. Our PFSA will be in contact as soon as possible. 

How can I get in touch?

For more information or to reach out directly, please contact your school or email Chloe at PFSA@theplt.org.uk  

Our PFSA has also had training in these areas:

• Tuning into Kids (https://tuningintokids.org.au/what-is-tuning-in-to-kids/our-programs/)
• When the Adults Change (https://www.whentheadultschange.com/)
• Advanced Safeguarding