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A glowing report for Renfrewshire’s Home Link Service
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Pupils and experts give service top marks
A leading education expert has given Renfrewshire Council’s school Home Link Service a glowing report. Professor Brian Boyd of Strathclyde University led an independent evaluation of the school service and found that there was 'unanimous support’ from pupils that used it right through to the education departments of other local authorities.
Renfrewshire Council’s Home Link Service was developed in 2002 and helps to deliver integrated children’s services, a national Scottish Executive priority, by linking up schools, parents, children and other agencies such as social work and health services. Renfrewshire was innovative in its approach to developing this service in that it invested in the service being delivered to all schools across the authority, which meant that there was a consistent approach to developing links between home and school.
The service comprises of Home Link workers, attendance support workers and health development workers, who all work to help children achieve their educational potential by focusing on the 'whole child' and helping parents to get more involved in their child’s learning. Visiting parents at home is a big part of the work, helping to bring home and school closer together. Other work includes issue based groups for children and parents, and promoting healthy lifestyles both within and outwith school.
Children generally get involved with the service through extended support teams which operate in schools, however there are other opportunities through school health events and parenting groups. Children and parents can also refer themselves to the service, and if appropriate, a member of the Home Link service staff can get involved.
The evaluation listed the views of schools, parents, pupils and other agencies on the Home Link Service. The report noted that the Council’s innovative service helped parents in Renfrewshire become more involved with school and increased their confidence, knowledge and skills when helping their own children learn. It also highlights the valued support the service provided for the children.
Councillor Roy Glen, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Lifelong Learning and Work Policy Board, said, “I am delighted that our Home Link service has received such a glowing evaluation. Education is a main priority for this council, so to receive support from parents, pupils and our counterparts in other local authorities is especially encouraging. The main focus of this Home Link Service, like many of our other services is on the child. It links all our services together and involves the parents so that our pupils receive the most comprehensive learning experience possible.”
Those invited to the launch event, at which Professor Brian Boyd was a keynote speaker, included headteachers from all Renfrewshire schools, representatives from other local authorities and partner agencies such as social work, health and the voluntary sector; parents and young people who participated in the evaluation and staff from the Home Link service. Those in attendance at the launch were shown a DVD screening on the work of the service. The short film was led by members of the home link service teams to show the different aspects of their work.
If you would like a copy of the evaluation, please contact Elaine Robertson, Home Link service manager on 0141 840 3801.
Press Release: Monday 24 April 2006
