advice for parents
Nurture, Aspire, Achieve
We pride ourselves on the importance we place on nurturing our children. We believe that children learn best when they are happy, cared for, and when their social and emotional and mental well being is at the heart of everything.
However, we understand that from time to time, children and parents may have concerns or worries that need addressing. Similarly, you may wish to compliment school on something we have, or are doing well.
Please contact: info@gildersomeprimary.co.uk and we will direct your email to the right person to help.
This may be:
- Your child's class teacher
- A phase leader (Mrs Longley, Miss Roclawski, Mr Reid or Mrs Parker)
- A member of the Leadership Team (Mrs Hoyle, Mrs Longley or Ms Ilott)
If you have a preference, please name the relevant person in your email. Alternatively, you could call the office and ask to speak to a member of staff or speak to your child's teacher in person. We will always be happy to help in any way we can.
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SEND - Useful links for parents and carers:
Have you heard of the Leeds Local Offer (SEND)?
The Leeds Local Offer is where children and young people up to 25 years old with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents and carers can find information, advice and guidance about support, services and activities that are available to those living in Leeds.
- Website: leedslocaloffer.org.uk
- Facebook group: @Leeds Local Offer
- Monthly information drop in: speak face to face to SEND services.
- Leeds Local Offer Live: annual market place event with over 50 services.
- Information booklet: an introduction to key SEND services.
For more information about the Leeds Local Offer email LLO@leeds.gov.uk
https://youtu.be/hsjhEwwpHtA
- https://www.leedslocaloffer.org.uk/
- Neurodiversity information hub - MindMate
- Time for young people, Leeds | The Children's Society
Discounts:
- Max Card: Discount Card for families of children with additional needs https://mymaxcard.co.uk/
- Leeds Card: LeedsCard | Leeds.gov.uk Discounts on swimming and other activities
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Support networks for families:
- Little Hiccups is a Leeds based, award winning support group that has been set up by parents who have children with additional needs and disabilities. Little Hiccups – support – share – experience
- Mencap Leeds; Family support and advice Our services - Learning Disability Charity - Leeds Mencap
- Epic Leeds is a parent, carer and families participation forum in Leeds which aims to empower parents, carers and families to work in partnership with services, organisations and professionals.- http://www.epicleeds.org.uk/
- ZigZag Leeds Autism Support Group - www.zigzagautismservices.co.uk
- Leeds CANN – Leeds Children with Additional Needs Network
- Leeds SENDIASS – Facebook page advertise training, information sessions and support for families regarding education
- Lotus Links - support parents of children with anxiety based violent or distressed behaviour. Lotus Links | Leeds Local Offer
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Cluster Support
Morley Cluster Primary Partnership is an early help service which offers short term Family Support, Parenting Courses, Counselling and Therapeutic Support.
Please see the SENDCo for more information.
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Autism Support:
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- https://www.leedsforlearning.co.uk/parent-videos Videos and resource packs
- Neurodiversity Information Hub, the one stop digital information resource for neurodivergence in children and young people across Leeds, and beyond:
- Autism - MindMate – introduction to autism, including our downloadable ‘quick guide’, and book recommendations and recommended external links.
- Autism and Communication - MindMate – detailed, neuro-affirming information on autistic communication and social interaction styles.
- Autism strengths and challenges - MindMate – including downloadable ‘iceberg’ posters showing potential externalised and internalised strengths and challenges experienced in autism.
- Autism and sensory processing - MindMate – sensory processing differences in autism, with a link to our detailed Sensory processing & ND - MindMate page.
- Autism emotions and anxiety - MindMate – find out more about emotions and anxiety in autistic individuals and support strategies.
- Autism assessment and diagnosis - MindMate – assessment and diagnosis of autism, with a link to our ND assessment and diagnosis - MindMate page.
Specific Support in Leeds:
ZigZag Leeds Autism Support is a long-standing group run by autistic parents for other parents and carers of autistic children. They offer advice, information, online support groups, and in-person activities, with no diagnosis required to access their services. They also provide autism awareness training and a peer support network for families. zigzagautismservices@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/zigzag.leeds.autism.support/
Leeds ABC Group: Provides help, support, and advice for parents and families of children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, including support groups and family fun activities.
https://leedsabcgroup.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ABCLeedsGroup/
Daisy Chain – Autism Central Coffee Mornings: These are monthly coffee mornings run for parents or carers of children who are autistic, have ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions. They take place at the Leeds Central Library. The service also runs a drop-in sessions for parents/carers of autistic children.
Carers Leeds website: Carers Advice Line (open Monday-Friday from 9am to 4.30pm; Wednesday 8am-6:30pm): 0113 380 4300 Email: info@carersleeds.org.uk
Leeds Mencap: runs week-long school holiday playschemes for children and young people aged 4 to 18 with autism, learning disabilities, and other complex needs. These sessions take place at The Vinery Centre from 10am to 3pm and cost £20 per day per child. The program features specialist staff, sensory and soft play rooms, adapted cycling, and accessible facilities including a Changing Places toilet. Bookings typically open 8 to 10 weeks before the start date, and places are confirmed by email.
https://www.leedsmencap.org.uk/what-we-offer/groups-and-activities/playschemes/
Autism Speaks ATN/AIR-P Strategies to Improve Sleep in Children with Autism | Autism Speaks
Other Support:
- www.leedsforlearning.co.uk/Page/28038 - STARS Bite sized parents trainin
- Austismcentral.org.uk Run coffee mornings for parents
- STARS Team - Information for Parents and Carers | Leeds for Learning
- What is Intensive Interaction? - YouTube
- How to help your child with joint attention - YouTube
- Complex Communication and Autism (ICAN) video toolkit
- https://www.autismcentral.org.uk/ Run coffee mornings for parents
- Autism Education Trust https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance
- https://www.lighthouseschool.co.uk/Teen-Life/ Teen Life is a six-session programme for parents/carers of autistic young people aged 10 to 16 years. The aim of the Teen Life programme is to bring parents together to share information, experiences and ideas in a structured way. Teen Life emphasises the importance of autistic perspectives, with a variety of videos and quotes used throughout the sessions.
- Think like a pony ThinkLikeAPony
- Autism Angels Autism Angels |
- Spectrum Gaming Home | Spectrum Gaming
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ADHD Support
Leeds MindMate Neurodiversity information hub:
- ADHD - MindMate – introduction to ADHD, including our downloadable ‘quick guide’, different clinical presentations and book recommendations.
- ADHD strengths and challenges - MindMate – including downloadable ‘iceberg’ posters showing ADHD externalised and internalised strengths and challenges.
- ADHD attention types - MindMate – do you know the difference between divided attention and hyperfocus?
- ADHD diagnosis, recommendations and medication - MindMate – detailed daily recommendations following a diagnosis of ADHD and the medication options.
- ADHD and emotions - MindMate – emotions can feel different in ADHD, including rejection sensitivity.
- ADHD language and learning - MindMate – language and learning can also look and feel different in ADHD.