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The Family Liaison Team 

 At Reddish Hall School we have a team of three Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) who work directly with our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Jane Neale. Our FLOs will often be one of the first members of the team that families have contact with when a student begins their transition to Reddish Hall school, and they can support families throughout their child’s journey with us.  

 

What does initial FLO support look like? 

Initially, a member of the FLO team will make contact with parents before their child joins Reddish Hall school. This is to ensure their transition runs as smoothly as possible, with parents’ concerns addressed and the wants and wishes of the student taken into account. We understand this can be a confusing and daunting time with lots of change, and endeavour to take away as many worries as possible. 

Some students will need a longer transition, with a more gradual settling in period. This could include home visits, additional school visits, personalised information and visuals to be sent home. If necessary, a part-time timetable could be offered, too. Other students may require much less in terms of transition support, but this will be something that remains flexible and can be tweaked if needed.  

When a student starts at Reddish Hall school, our FLO team will monitor their wellbeing and check-in with them regularly. They will also be available to address any questions or concerns that parents have. Once the transition period is complete, and providing that all is well, the FLOs will step away from the family. However, they will remain contactable should a family feel they need further support.

Post School Transition Support

The FLO team can be referred to via your child’s teaching staff, support staff, our safeguarding lead, or our well-being coordinator. And this can be for a variety of reasons. It may be that a student presents with low mood, that they are withdrawing from peers or learning, or that their attendance is declining. As a team, we will work to find out how we can support this student and their family, and this will always be with the parents’ knowledge and consent.  

Additionally, you can contact our FLO team if you feel that they may be able to help you or your child through a period of upset, anxiety, or behavioural difficulties. 

A member of our FLO team may give you a call or arrange a home visit. We find that keeping lines of communication open is beneficial for everyone and will do this in the way that parents are most comfortable.  

We attend and lead meetings that support the students’ learning and mental health, as well as the whole family unit. Meetings may be at the students’ home, at school, a sibling’s school, CAMHS, or they can be held virtually.  

Our FLOs are well placed to refer families to our wellbeing hub, or outside agencies, and can remain as support people for families to answer questions, provide advice, or just to be a familiar face (or voice at the end of the phone).

Who are our FLOs? 

Our FLO team come from various backgrounds, and putting their individual experiences and expertise together, formulates highly supportive packages for our families. The FLO team are all parents. Some who have children with complex additional needs and disabilities.

While some staff can sympathise, our team can empathise. They have been in the position of transitioning a child from mainstream to a specialist provision and are here to help you through this and beyond.  

Our team are: 

  • Becky Clarke 

  • Laura Phelps 

  • Kaiya Garside 

 

All are contactable through the main office number – 0161 442 1197.

If you would like to get in touch with us through email, we reachable using reddishflo@reddishhallschool.co.uk.

Parent and Carers Support

At Reddish Hall School, we’re proud to have an open door policy for students and parents to discuss their concerns with a member of staff. From our Head of School and Senior Leadership Team, to our Designated Safeguarding Lead and Family Liaison Officers, and, of course, your child’s class and support team – we’re all here to support with any issues our families are facing.

However, we’re not available around the clock, seven days a week. Nor are we always the place where families feel the most comfortable in sharing difficult situations with.

While it must be stressed that in cases of immediate risk and harm the emergency services are always contactable, there are many organisations and service providers in your local area that can provide some support when there isn’t an immediate emergency.

Please take a look just below where you will find a collection of free nationwide service providers that may be helpful. Further down, there are some more local organisations that could be useful to know about.

Nationwide Parent and Family Support

Sometimes informal support that can remain faceless can be a great first port of call, enough to see you through a difficult time, or sufficient in providing the answers you were looking for.

Young Minds Parents Helpline

The Young Minds Parents Helpline is a confidential service for parents and carers of children and young people up to the age of 25. The service provides support, advice and information to parents and carers who are concerned about the mental health of those in their care. Conversations can happen over the phone, or there is a chat online function on their website.

Kooth

Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community where you can remain anonymous and receive advice and support. There are online activities as well as tips to help manage your mental health.

Frank

If you’re concerned about substance misuse, you can Talk to Frank on the phone or browse their website for honest information about drugs, and to seek support and advice.

Family Lives

Family Lives offers support, advice, and guidance, as well as early intervention and crisis support to families. There is a confidential helpline, live online chat, advice pages and a forum to connect with other families. Additionally, there are free parenting courses available to do online.

NSPCC

The NSPCC website holds a wealth of information for families. Additionally, there are multiple ways to contact them; online, over the phone, or via email.

Samaritans

The Samaritans run a 24-hour phone line where you can speak to someone without judgement.

Local Parent and Family Support

Support and advice that is close to you is often more tailored to your specific needs.

Additionally, this avenue can lead to groups and clubs where you can interact with families in your area that have shared experiences.

Great Minds Together

Based in Stockport, Great Minds Together support families who have children with Special Educational Needs or Social and Emotional Mental Health. They provide group and individual sessions as well as outreach services and wrap around support. You can self refer online, over the phone, or contact them via their social media pages.

SENDIASS

SENDIASS offers support, advice, and guidance for parents and carers of children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and/ or disabilities.

For families living in Cheshire East, they can access this service via Cheshire East Information Advice and Support (CEIAS).

Independent Options

Independent options is a Stockport based organisation that runs a variety of SEN training courses, groups and activities for families of children with additional needs.

Autisk

Autisk is an organisation run by and for families living with additional needs and disabilities in the Stockport area. They run different clubs throughout the week, a Saturday club, holiday clubs, and more. They’re contactable via their website or through social media.

Hideout

For families in and around the Manchester area, Hideout provides a safe space and support for children – there are many activities that could benefit your young person, in turn giving you a well-deserved breather!

© Outcomes First Group 2025