Children’s Fund Medway

Background

Lateness a huge problem for two siblings (9.4% for each child) due to an older brother on permanent exclusion at home.

Approach 

Encouraged father over a long period of time to bring his two younger children to Breakfast Club. They joined on 15th May 2006.

Outcome 

No lateness for either child since joining the Breakfast Club. Happier children; older child less fretful. More settled first thing, a healthy breakfast ensuring a more relaxed and positive start to the day.

Estimated savings to statutory services as a result of intervention

Education Welfare Officer no longer involved with family.

Case Study 2

Background

The children in this case study are two brothers + one other child who are all 'Looked After' children in the care of the Local Authority. The two brothers are now both in the Junior School, one in Year 3 and one in Year 4, and the other 'Looked After' child with the same foster carers is currently in Year 2. The younger of the two brothers was last year extremely withdrawn, finding it very hard to communicate with adults and with other children. The older brother had behavioural issues making him extremely anti-social and would continually call out in class and the third child had trouble interacting with peers, would spit and behave aggressively. 

Approach

The Headteacher and Breakfast Club Manager had protracted discussions with the carer, which resulted in all three children being invited to join Breakfast Club.

Outcome

All three children are much more sociable. Their attendance has increased and their interaction with peers and adults is much more positive. The two brothers are much more settled at the beginning of school time than they were previously.

Quotes

The foster carer saw the Breakfast Club as an example of continuing care throughout the school. She describes it as a lovely way to start the day. The children are building better social skills with their peers.

Estimated savings to statutory services as a result of intervention

There is no need for the Education Welfare Officer to become involved. The carer is now intending to continue to be the foster carer of the two brothers until they reach the age of 18.

Case Study 3

Background

A family joined our school from a Kent school.  There were extensive discussions between the two Family Liaison Officers before transfer and this led to us being extremely aware of the vulnerability and complexity of the children that we were receiving.  The boy who has joined the Junior School is extremely slight and waif-like in his appearance and that is the same for his two sisters who attend our sister Infant School.

Approach

Because of the previous discussions between the two schools, the Family Liaison Officer was able to directly approach the parent when she brought her child to look around the school before he joined and the Breakfast Club was recommended at that stage.  He and his sisters took up the places immediately.

Outcome

There are no longer any issues to do with lateness.  He thrives on the company, especially that of adults, that he receives at Breakfast Club and consequently his and his sisters transition to the school has been an extremely smooth one.