Student & Family Support (SAFS)

Commissioned by B&NES Council to support primary and secondary students to engage positively in mainstream education

What is the Student and Family Support Service (SAFS)?

SAFS provides tailored packages supporting school reintegration, Fair Access and preventative work to help young people stay in mainstream education. This may be needed for a variety of reasons, including mental health, poor attendance and behavioural issues, following a period of home education or a period with the hospital education service.

This student-focused service has a key role to play in narrowing the gap and reducing inequalities in outcomes for local children and young people facing significant challenges.

How does SAFS work?

SAFS offers up to 1 hour of support per week during school hours, over 16 weeks, with additional support during the school holidays. Sessions are delivered in school wherever possible, but may begin at home to help young people re-engage and reintegrate.​

Unlike our other activity-based programmes, SAFS is a more intensive intervention. Practitioners provide a safe, judgement free space where young people can explore the barriers to their education and develop practical strategies to overcome them.​

We offer both support and challenge - helping young people set realistic goals around school attendance and engagement, and holding them accountable. ​

Because we are neutral, trusted, and can give young people undivided attention and time, we often play an invaluable role for schools and agencies — opening up lines of communication, restoring connections between young people, families and schools, and helping young people feel heard and understood. ​

Positive impact of SAFS

Increased attendance in school

Students reintegrate successfully back into school and attend regularly. Pupils are motivated and engaged in their education, increasingly enjoying learning with confidence

Interested

Pupils are fully involved and informed regarding their intervention, and so are their families.

Parents/carers are supported

Parents/carers are supported and positively engaged with the SAFS service, their child’s education and school.

Improved wellbeing

Pupils have improved emotional wellbeing and resilience.

Supporting schools' strategies

Schools develop strategies for supporting individual children/young people to sustain the student's attendance and positive engagement with school.

Supporting schools

Schools build capacity to support children and young people who may have been disaffected with their education or affected by other challenges.

Referral process

Referrals for the service are submitted by schools via the B&NES Behaviour and Attendance Panels. Students may be eligible for the service if they meet the following criteria:

  • Students eligible for Fair Access support
  • Students reintegrating into education.

Parents or careers keen to access the service for their child should contact their school directly.

Schools wishing to refer through the Panels should email Chloe Snook or call 01225 395314. 

By supporting us you can help young people have a better future

Donate