Hello! My name is Neil Gilbride, and I am your new Parent Support Adviser. I hope I can have a couple of seconds of your time to share with you who I am and what my job is.

My Background

I have been working with children and their families for over 7 years. This has included working in many different areas, including special educational needs, profound and multiple disability, vulnerable children and under-achieving and inner city schools. Most of my experience has been in the community, working in a range of voluntary organisations, so I am experienced in working with many different families.

I will be working across 5 different schools in Bexley, and Hurst Primary is one of these schools. Whilst I work with the school, I am still an independent practitioner provided by a charity, School Home Support (www.shs.org.uk).

What is the Point of a Parent Support Adviser

A parent support Adviser’s role is to help ensure two things –

1) That you and the child are both happy at home and school – often the two are very much linked.

2) Helping to encourage parents to become engaged within the school community.

How do we achieve this? By supporting parents – we’re here to listen and work in partnership with you. If there are any problems, then we work with parents and, in co-ordination with other groups and professionals, try to put into place intervention’s which can improve things.

So…What Can I Offer You?

It is my job to act as a link between you and the school, but this can also stretch to other organisations. I can help you with a range of different issues, which include (but most defiantly are not limited to):

• Transition – Moving into the school or out into a new one, or even moving year groups, can be a stressful and concerning time for parents, particularly for parents of children with Special Educational Needs.  I can listen to your concerns and worries and, together, we can work through the process and make a plan to ensure transition is as smooth and pain-free as possible.

• Who do I turn to? You might have questions, or worries at home and your just not sure who you can turn to. Local Council, Voluntary support organisations – there is a wealth of information and different people out there which can help, in often very difficult to find places! Sometimes this could be support I can provide myself. However, if I can’t, I can help you find organisations or individuals who can answer you questions and provide the extra support you might need.

• In addition to parents directly referring themselves to me, I work with the school and, together, we will identify families who might need extra support. This might be to do with attendance or particular behaviour which has been noted as a concern. This would involve working with the family to put intervention into place as early as possible to help get the child back onto the right track.

• Parent Engagement - I also plan to develop new ways of engaging parents within the school community. From coffee mornings, information evenings to standing at the school gate – however, all new ideas are welcome!

• I don’t need to tell you that being a parent can be as much a delight as it can be difficult and stressful. We all go through bad times. My job is just as much about opening my door to you if you just need someone to talk to –whether you just need to vent out or need longer term support, it is my job to be here for you.

How Can You Get in Touch with Me?

If you have anything on your mind and you would like to meet up, I will have a drop in session at a regular timeslot starting soon (Wednesday Afternoon, time T.B.C). Alternatively I will be at the school gate at least once a week both  before and after school, so please do come over and have a chat.

You can also email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and we are in the process of organising a display board near the entrance.

No problem is too big or small and its always better out then in, so please do get in touch and I look forward to hearing from you!