We’re here for the whole family, not just the children. Our family support team can help with everything from attendance and wellbeing to signposting services or simply offering a listening ear. If you ever need support, advice or a friendly chat, we’re always here to help.
Practical, confidential support for parents and carers — from wellbeing and behaviour to attendance, finances and safeguarding. If it matters to your family, it matters to us.
Meet the Team
Getting Help
- 1. Talk to us: Pop into the office, catch us on the morning playground duty, or email admin@astreacastle.org to make an appointment.
- 2. Agree a plan: We will decide together what would help- from a one-off chat to a short programme or an Early Help Assessment (with your consent).
- 3. Review: We will check in, celebrate progress and adjust support if needed.
Safeguarding
If a child is in immediate danger call 999.
If you are worried about a child and wish to speak to someone at Doncaster Children’s Service, you can contact them by calling 01302 737777. If in the evening or at weekends call 01302 796000.
Safeguarding concern – Child at Risk – City of Doncaster Council
Other useful contacts include: the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or Childline on 0800 1111.
Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Attendance Support
Wellbeing & Mental Health
Looking after your family’s wellbeing starts with looking after yourself. We know that parenting can be both rewarding and challenging, and we are here to offer a listening ear, guidance, and links to local and national services that can help.
How We Support Families
- Emotional Wellbeing Advice: Practical strategies to support children’s emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience at home.
- Parent Workshops: Sessions on topics such as anxiety management, positive routines, sleep, and online safety.
- 1-to-1 Support: Our Family Support Worker can meet with you to talk through any concerns and help you access the right services.
- Referrals and Signposting: We work closely with local health and community partners to ensure families get the right help at the right time.
Local Support in Doncaster
If you live in Doncaster or the surrounding area, there are several local services that offer wellbeing and mental health support for parents and children:
- Doncaster Mind — https://www.doncastermind.org.uk/
Offers adult and youth mental health services, wellbeing sessions, and peer support groups. - With Me In Mind — https://withmeinmind.co.uk/
Provides support for children and young people’s emotional wellbeing, with advice for parents on managing worries and accessing help through schools. - Doncaster Council Early Help (Family Hubs) — https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/family-hubs
Family Hubs across Doncaster offer parenting courses, drop-ins, and emotional health support for parents and carers. - Doncaster Talking Therapies (NHS) — https://www.talkingsense-doncaster.nhs.uk/
Free, confidential NHS support for adults struggling with stress, low mood, or anxiety. - Kooth — https://www.kooth.com/
Online mental health and wellbeing community for young people aged 11–25. - Home – Togetherness
When to Ask for Help
If you or someone in your family is struggling with their mental health, please reach out early, you don’t have to wait for a crisis. Speak to your GP, contact our Parent Support Advisor, or explore one of the Doncaster services listed above.
Urgent Support
If you believe someone is at immediate risk, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. For 24-hour advice and support, you can also contact:
- NHS 111 — For urgent medical advice.
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free from any phone)
- Shout: Text 85258 for free, confidential mental health support via text.
Get in Touch
If you would like to speak with someone in school about wellbeing or mental health support, please contact our Pastoral Team at admin@astreacastle.org or through the school office. All conversations are confidential and handled sensitively.
Keeping Children Safe Online
The internet is an amazing resource for learning, creativity, and connection but it also comes with risks. We want to help parents feel confident about supporting their children to use technology safely and responsibly at home.
Our Approach in School
We teach online safety as part of our computing and PSHE curriculum, helping children understand how to:
- Protect personal information.
- Recognise and report cyberbullying.
- Spot fake news, scams, and unsafe content.
- Use age-appropriate apps and games.
- Treat others with kindness and respect online.
How Parents Can Help at Home
- Talk openly: Regularly discuss what your child does online — the apps they use, games they play, and who they talk to.
- Set boundaries: Agree on screen time limits, bedtime rules, and areas of the home where devices can be used.
- Stay informed: Check the age ratings and safety settings on social media, gaming, and streaming platforms.
- Use parental controls: Enable filters and privacy settings to reduce access to inappropriate content.
- Encourage balance: Promote offline hobbies, family activities, and tech-free time together.
Useful Resources and Links
- National Online Safety: https://nationalonlinesafety.com/ — Free guides for parents on apps, games, and trends.
- ThinkUKnow (CEOP): https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ — Government-backed site with age-appropriate advice and reporting tools.
- Childnet: https://www.childnet.com/ — Tips, conversation starters, and resources for families.
- Internet Matters: https://www.internetmatters.org/ — Practical advice on parental controls and online wellbeing.
- NSPCC – Online Safety Hub: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/ — Guidance on keeping children safe across social media and messaging apps.
Reporting Concerns
If you are ever worried about something your child has seen or experienced online:
- Report it to the platform or app immediately.
- Speak to your child’s class teacher or the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Contact CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) at https://www.ceop.police.uk/ if you believe a child is at risk.
Parent Guides & Workshops
We regularly share Online Safety Information with parents, covering topics like gaming, social media, and online reputation.
Cost of Living & Practical Support
We understand that managing family finances can be challenging, especially with the rising cost of living. Our team is here to offer practical guidance, signposting, and support to help ease financial pressures and ensure children have everything they need to thrive at school.
How we can help
- Free School Meals: We can help you check eligibility and complete applications quickly and confidentially.
- Uniform Swap Shop: Good-quality pre-loved items available for families to donate or collect discreetly.
- Grants and Benefits: We can signpost you to local or national schemes that offer help with household bills, travel, or activities.
- Emergency Support: If you’re experiencing sudden financial difficulty, please contact us — we may be able to access short-term help or connect you with trusted community partners.
Useful Links
- Citizens Advice — Free advice on benefits, debt, and budgeting.
- GOV.UK Cost of Living Support — Government help with energy, childcare, and transport costs.
- Turn2us — Search for grants and financial assistance near you.
- StepChange — Free debt advice and management plans.
- South Your Place Hub – YourLifeDoncaster
Early Help Pathway
Early Help is a voluntary, strengths‑based way of supporting families. With your consent we can complete an assessment, plan next steps and coordinate agencies. You will always have a copy of the plan and be central to decisions.
Confidentiality
Conversations with our Pastoral team are confidential. If we are worried that a child is at risk of significant harm, we must share information with safeguarding partners in line with our policy. We will always aim to discuss this with parents first.