An experienced family worker in Solihull has said the "clock ticks" for children at the start of each school day as she helps families battling addiction, poverty and abuse. Sarah Clarke has worked as a family support worker at St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School in Smith's Wood, north Solihull , for 18 years. As the school's sole family worker, Sarah's time is taken up with "checking, monitoring and safe guarding" its 215 pupils, 53 percent of whom are on free school meals.
The school's vast playground and playing field is a rarity in this area and welcome break for families living in nearby tower blocks and on the estate. "Schools are very stretched, that's reflected by the current climate" said Sarah as she helped at the school's HAF club (holiday activities and food club). The local authority funded club is a lifeline and with 70 registered children it is also a way for teachers to keep an eye on families they may worry about.
Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency Child poverty is soaring in Birmingham and without urgent change, will only get worse. Having worked with charities and community groups, BirminghamLive is campaigning for the following changes to start to turn the tide: End the two-child benefit cap Provide free school meals to every child in poverty Create a city “aid bank” for baby and child essentials Protect children’s and youth services Create permanent, multi year Household Support Fund and give more Discretionary Housing grants Set up child.
