Meet the FLO
The St Catherine’s Family Liaison Officer (FLO) covers both School and College. They play a crucial role in building and promoting strong and supportive relationships between St Catherine’s, families, and the wider community. The role's primary goal is to support students’ academic and social success by engaging and empowering families. The FLO plays a vital role in creating a supportive environment that helps students thrive by involving and supporting families more effectively.
The FLO's role encompasses the following:
Strengthening Home and School Communication
Serve as a communication link between parents/carers and school/college staff.
Help parents understand school policies, procedures, and expectations.
Ensure families feel welcomed and involved in our school community.
Support for Families
Offer practical support, guidance and resources to families facing challenges such as poverty, housing instability, or mental health issues.
Support parents to access local services (e.g. social services, food banks, counselling).
Ensure families are well-informed and advocate for them to ensure their needs are heard and met.
Improving Attendance and Engagement
Support student attendance and engagement and address any barriers to good attendance.
Work with families of students with poor attendance or persistent absence.
Encourage parental involvement in learning and school events.
Safeguarding and Advocacy
Monitor and support vulnerable students and families and support connection to an appropriate support network.
Work closely and liaise with safeguarding leads and external agencies.
Participate in meetings related to child protection or early help.
Community Outreach
Build strong partnerships with local organisations and services.
Support workshops, parent groups, community events and an inclusive school environment.
Promote lifelong learning and parental engagement in education.
Pastoral Support, Mental Health and Wellbeing
Support students' emotional and behavioural needs by involving families.
Assist in conflict resolution and positive behaviour plans.
Useful links and websites:
Isle of Wight Family Hubs & Centre Services - https://www.isleofwightfamilycentres.org.uk/
Isle of Wight SENDIASS - iowsendiass.org.uk
Isle of Wight Safeguarding Partnership - https://www.iowscp.org.uk/organisations-that-can-help-for-parents-and-carers