Our story

  • A Connect-Ed partner since 2017
  • Primary School: Ages 4-11

”Connect-Ed plays a crucial role in our school community. We deeply appreciate the support and flexibility provided by Fleur, our therapist, and Teresa, our Service Manager. Teresa collaborates closely with us to address the challenges we face, crafting a bespoke service tailored to our needs.“

Nicola Brown, Deputy Headteacher of Cannon Lane Primary School, Harrow.

Fleur is part of the Cannon Lane team 2 days per week. Working with children 1:1 is a key strength; however Fleur also runs a drop-in lunchtime session for Year 6s. They’re being prioritised as they are going through a transition year to secondary school.

Each week children are asked to sign up for the lunchtime sessions and may require 1 or more sessions. It’s a great tool that helps the therapist identify any concerns that the school needs to be aware of and whether additional 1:1 support is required.

Fleur is an art therapist; she uses a range of creative and playful approaches in sessions which work well with the children.

”The Connect-Ed service has grown stronger over time, continually evolving to meet our school’s requirements. Our children benefit greatly from having an on-site therapist, and our relationships with parents/carers have strengthened through recent workshops.“

Nicola Brown, Deputy Headteacher of Cannon Lane Primary School, Harrow.

Teresa has worked closely with the Deputy Head and Learning Mentor to develop a bespoke series of workshops aimed at the parents/carers to provide them with a tool kit to help support their children. Topics included:

• Looking after our Mental Health as a parent/carer
• Supporting children/young people’s emotional wellbeing and helping them achieve their full potential

These workshops have played a crucial role in fostering an understanding of the importance of a parent/carer looking after their own mental health as well as their child’s wellbeing. They’re held directly following school drop-off and have proved extremely popular – currently on their 3rd run.

Connect-Ed is helping to normalise the role of a therapist and the importance of mental health and wellbeing with the children and the parents/carers. The review process is also important and is managed as a team with the therapist, Service Manager, and the school.

Everything Connect-Ed does is designed to work in synergy with other services, particularly those run by the school’s own Learning Mentor; such as Elsa and the Rainbows bereavement support programme.

Cannon Lane have seen significant bereavements in the school and Connect-Ed has supported the school community throughout. From 1:1 support for the children who have experienced the trauma, to the Service Manager leading a reflective session with staff, allowing them the space to recharge and gain strength to work with the children.