Pupil Support
Andy Hider
My work as Pupil Support Worker allows me to get alongside students in a relaxed and informal way. Not only do I run one-to-one and group sessions with students but also run lunchtime and after school clubs and generally hang out with them during breaks and lunchtimes. Hopefully the students see me as approachable, fun and someone who has the time to listen to them.
Through the one-to-one sessions, the students are able to ‘off load’ their thoughts, feelings and concerns. This may be issues they are having with school, family or friends or maybe issues with anger, self esteem and relationships. Many students find these sessions helpful as they begin to share situations, which sometimes they have never shared before.
Occasionally my role will include mediation work – both with students who have fallen out with each other but also between parents and students. These sessions, chaired by myself, allow each party to talk through how they feel, without the fear of being interrupted or shouted at.
One of the most successful areas of my job is co-ordinating the Student Assistance Programme. This is an six-week course, which takes students through different areas of their lives and allows them to share in a safe and trusted group. They meet regularly with other students from their year group and are led through the course by trained members of staff. The feedback we get from these groups is outstanding and many students grow in confidence, resolve issues in their families and see a real change in their self-esteem.
It is a real privilege to work alongside so many students and have input into their lives – through support, encouragement and quality time, it’s exciting to see so many of them grow in confidence and become able to tackle what life throws of them.
If you like more information, then please contact me at the school.