We are very lucky to have secured free provision to run a Sibling Support Group in our school over a period of 5 weeks through March and April. These sessions will be run by a trained professional, Marie Butcher, who works with Rotherham Parents Carers Forum, and she will be supported by Mrs Richmond, our Learning Mentor. The sessions will run over a number of weeks and aim to support children who have a sibling with additional needs. There is much research that shows that siblings of children with additional needs can sometimes worry about their sibling and have a range of emotions about their situation. These sessions will give children a chance to talk and express their feelings about this in a safe and secure way. Please see some information below from Marie, to give you an idea about how the sessions will run. 

 

Sibling Support Group

From experience, siblings do an amazing job in supporting their brother or sister's additional need, there is often some anxiety, questions, worries etc. around this. The group is positive (based on fun activities) and it will allow the young person to discuss their fears but also celebrate their skills and current coping strategies and support them in creating further ones.  Please see below the key things that children will experience if they are part of the support group. 

 

• Meet others in a similar situation.  
• Share experiences and feelings.  
• Learn better ways of managing difficult feelings better!  
• Understand the disability or additional need.  
• Feel better about themselves.  
• Have time out.  
• Celebrate the positives.  
• Make new friends!  
• Last but most importantly have FUN.  

  
Please be reassured that this group would be a safe, non-judgemental space for the children to share their feelings and it is being led by a parent with a child with complex SEND who understands the challenges families in this position face.

 

Whilst we are aware of some families within school who have children with additional needs who we feel this would benefit, we wanted to send this information out to all families in case we are not aware and you think this would be a good opportunity for your child to access support. 

 

If you would like your child to access a place, please get in touch with school via the email address below and we will add their name to the list. Places are limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis. Marie does require us to share your child's name, DOB and postcode to be involved and there will be a form for you to complete to give permission for photographs etc. 

 

office@sitwellinfantschool.co.uk