Every family needs a little extra support sometimes.
At Hamstreet Primary Academy, we want families to feel able to ask for help. Whether you are worried about your child, finding family life difficult or unsure where to turn, please speak to us.
You do not need to wait until a problem becomes serious. A conversation can be the first step towards finding the right support.
Speak to us
Speak to your child’s class teacher or contact the school office and ask to arrange a private conversation with the appropriate member of staff.
We can talk through your concerns and help you explore the support available. This might include worries about friendships, behaviour, attendance, emotional wellbeing, changes at home or the cost of everyday essentials.
For sensitive matters, you can simply ask us to contact you rather than including personal details in an email. Please tell us if there is a safe or preferred way to contact you.
What might you want help with?
- Your child’s feelings, confidence, friendships or behaviour.
- Worries about coming to school, attendance or settling into routines.
- Learning needs or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Separation, bereavement, illness or other changes in family life.
- Parenting challenges, sleep or managing everyday routines.
- Money worries, food, housing, uniform or other practical difficulties.
- Concerns about safety at home or online.
If you are not sure who to speak to, start with the school office.
Sharing information
We will handle what you tell us sensitively. We cannot promise to keep information secret if a child or someone else may be at risk of harm. Where information needs to be shared to keep someone safe, we will follow our safeguarding procedures.
Local support for families
Kent Family Hubs
Kent Family Hubs bring together information, services and activities for children, young people, parents and carers. Explore support with parenting, family relationships and day-to-day family life.
Early Help
Early Help supports families when difficulties start to develop. If several things are affecting your family, speak to us about whether additional support or help from other services could be useful.
Advice and practical help
Parenting and family life
Coram Family Lives offers advice and support for parents and carers on parenting challenges, behaviour, relationships and family life.
Emotional wellbeing
YoungMinds has practical information for parents and carers who are worried about their child’s mental health, including advice on feelings, behaviour and finding support.
SEND support
If you are concerned about your child’s learning or additional needs, speak to their class teacher or our SENCO, Mrs Sarah Hayes.
Email our SENCO
Hamstreet SEND information
Kent’s SEND Information Hub explains local services. Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK) provides free, confidential and impartial SEND advice.
Money, food and everyday essentials
If you are struggling with bills, food or other essentials, Kent County Council’s cost of living pages explain where to find advice and practical support.
Please also speak to school if costs are affecting your child’s participation in school life.
Cost of living support in Kent
Check eligibility and apply for free school meals
Staying safe online
Find advice to help your child use technology safely, manage online risks and talk about anything that worries them.
Domestic abuse and safety at home
If you are experiencing abuse, controlling behaviour or fear at home, the Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership website can help you find specialist support.
If someone monitors your phone or internet use, consider using a safer device to look for help. Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger.
Not sure which service is right? Speak to school and we can help you find a starting point. External services have their own opening hours and eligibility criteria; check their websites for current details.
Worried about a child’s safety?
If a child or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
During school hours, contact the school office on 01233 732577 and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a deputy.
- Kent Children’s Social Services: 03000 411111.
- Outside normal office hours: 03000 419191.
Do not wait for school to reopen or for an email reply if a child needs urgent protection.
Our safeguarding team and how to raise a concern
Kent guidance on reporting a concern about a child