My name is Mrs Amanda Hammond, and I am the Learning Mentor here at Purford Green Primary Academy. 

As a Learning Mentor I work with pupils to help them address emotional barriers (and potential emotional barriers) to learning through supportive one-to-one relationships and sometimes small group work. I help pupils to develop their coping strategies, enhance their motivation, to raise their aspirations and to encourage them to re-engage in learning. I also support children who may be experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, mental health issues, relationship difficulties, bullying, peer pressure or family issues and concerns. 

I am a trained Mental Health First Aider and have extensive training in Play Therapy, bereavement support, mental and emotional health and challenging behaviour. I work closely with the Inclusion Team. I am also the Young Carers Operational Lead within school. 

For parents I offer a place to talk, a listening ear, short term confidential and impartial advice/support regarding relationships within the family, or any other concerns/issues. I also offer support with completing forms or applications for benefits. I am J9 trained. If I can’t personally help, I will signpost parents to agencies who can. 

I am available every morning,  if you would like to make an appointment, please contact me through admin@purfordgreen.essex.sch.uk or by calling the school office. 

For further support there is an amazing community resource to find information about local health and wellbeing services. A library of services available to parents/carers to self-refer. Frontline