Hello my name is Christine Simmonds, I am the Family Engagement Lead/Attendance Officer for Robert Clack School.

My approach to working with parents is one of collaboration; to work together to achieve best outcomes for pupils. My background and experience is varied, having worked within Barking and Dagenham Childrens Services and the Education sector for 20 years at both Primary and Secondary level.

I believe myself to be approachable and empathetic, with an unconditional positive regard for everyone I meet. I am a passionate and evaluative practitioner, who works in a solution focused way recognising positive strengths and the uniqueness of pupils and families I work with. These are attributes which I believe help to build a collaborative, forward thinking approach.

My support to families and pupils is around school attendance, working with families to identify reasons for absence and find solutions to rectify this - which can include introducing targeted support if necessary. This support can be from other professionals who can offer their support and expertise, these include: other school staff, health professionals and where applicable, Local Authority and Charity services.

Hello my name is Tania Firman, I am the Parent Support Advisor at Robert Clack School

In my role I work directly with parents and carers to provide support, guidance and information across a range of issues relating to home and school life. I provide an impartial support, the aim of which is to enable pupils to be the best they can be.

I have worked at Robert Clack for 20 years my experience involves working one to one with Pupils and providing support to families. I work with an empathic understanding and do my best to support the families I work with.

I believe I am approachable and work in a non judgmental way, and see solutions rather than problems. I am aware of the many services that are available in Barking and Dagenham and work with families to access the right support at the right time.

HENRY - Healthy Start, Brighter Future

The Healthy Lifestyles Team are running free community HENRY programmes to help local children and families move more, eat healthy and ultimately live a healthier life.

The programme is for parents or carers who would like support and ideas to develop a healthier lifestyle for all the family. It supports physical and emotional wellbeing. Everyone wants the best for their children, but with so much conflicting advice it can be hard to know what to do for the best as a parent.

Each Programme will provide useful information on healthy eating and exercise as well as tips and ideas on how to make healthier lifestyle choices.