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Family Liaison Officer – Supporting Our Smithdown Families

Together We Grow

 

Hello, my name is Jan Ireland, and I am the Family Liaison Officer here at Smithdown Primary School.

My role is to work alongside parents and carers in an engaging, supportive and non-judgemental way, helping to build strong partnerships between home and school.

I can provide information, guidance and practical help for families on a wide range of issues — from accessing local services and completing forms, to finding courses and community support.

If you would like to talk, please feel free to contact me on 0785 255 7623 or speak to me at school.

Together, we can make sure every child and family has the support they need to thrive.

Parent and Toddler Group

Our popular Parent and Toddler Group runs every Wednesday morning from 9.00am – 10.00am in school.

Come along with your toddler to enjoy:

• Fun play activities

• Arts and crafts

• Story time and singing sessions

• A chance to meet other parents and make new friends

It’s a warm and welcoming space to play, learn and share ideas with other families.

Why Singing Matters

Singing with babies and toddlers is one of the best ways to support their development — and it’s great fun too!
Here’s why it’s so powerful:

🎵 Singing makes you happy – It releases feel-good hormones that boost mood and positivity.
💪 Singing supports health – Research shows it can improve mental wellbeing and even strengthen the immune system.
🗣️ Singing develops communication – For babies, it builds the foundations of language; for toddlers, it strengthens lips and tongue muscles for speech.
🧠 Singing boosts brain development – Songs help build memory and strengthen important brain connections.
🤸 Singing builds coordination – Action songs develop gross and fine motor skills while having fun together.

Courses and Family Learning Opportunities

Throughout the year we have a range of family activities and courses  — opportunities that help parents learn new skills and share quality time with their children. Courses that we have run/may be available ths year:

ESOL Classes

English language support for parents and carers who speak other languages — helping you improve your English and confidence in everyday communication.

English Conversation Classes

Friendly, informal sessions to help you practise speaking English, meet other parents and gain confidence in conversations.

Reading Is Fun

A 10-week accredited course provided by Adult Learning.
Parents learn how to support early language and a love of books at home using creative activities and storytelling.

Families Connect

An 8-week Save the Children programme for parents and their Reception-age children.
Together, families explore fun, practical ways to support social and emotional development, maths and English, with resources provided to continue learning at home.

Yum, Yum Yummies Cookery Course

A hands-on cookery and healthy eating course for parents and children in Nursery.
Learn simple, nutritious recipes and enjoy cooking together.

Road Safety Reminder

Please take a moment to read the letter from the Liverpool City Council Road Safety Team regarding parking near school. Road Safety Team at Liverpool City Council. 

At Smithdown Primary School, we value our partnerships with parents and carers. By working together, learning together, and supporting one another, we can make a real difference — because Together We Grow.

 

 

Liverpool’s Early Help Directory

For more information about local services available to children, young people and families across Liverpool, click here

 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Please click the image below for links to free online lessons!