For parents, carers and families
You know something isn’t right. We are here to help you work out what to do next.
Whether your child’s school has suggested support, or you have concerns of your own, this page will help you understand what working with EMspace looks like, and what it means for your family.
EMspace has relocated to the East Midlands and is now building new school partnerships in the region. Not sure whether we cover your area? Get in touch.
Before anything else
This is not a punishment. And it does not mean something is seriously wrong.
When a school suggests emotional wellbeing support for a child, it can feel alarming. Parents sometimes worry it means their child has a serious problem, or that the school is passing them on to someone else. Neither of those things is true.
What it usually means is that a member of staff has noticed something, a change in mood, difficulty in friendships, or a pattern of behaviour, and they want to do something about it early.
EMspace works alongside families, not instead of them. We believe that to help a child, we need to help everyone around them too.
- Your child will not be forced. We cannot and do not force children to take part. We introduce the idea gently and only proceed when they are willing.
- You will be kept informed. You will receive regular updates throughout the process. Nothing significant happens without your knowledge.
- This is early help, not crisis care. EMspace works at the early intervention level, supporting children before difficulties escalate, not as a last resort.
We firmly believe that to help your child, we need to help you too. You are not on the outside of this process, you are part of it.
Questions parents often ask
What families usually want to know first
Why has the school suggested this for my child?
Schools refer children to EMspace when they notice something getting in the way of learning or wellbeing. A referral is a sign that your school wants to help, not that your child is in serious trouble.
Does my child have to take part?
No. We ask that the school explains the proposed support to your child before the first meeting, and that you discuss it with them at home. We only proceed when the child understands and agrees to what is being proposed.
What will the sessions involve?
Sessions are 1:1 with your child and an EMspace practitioner, usually at school. They follow The Journey framework, a structured but flexible approach that moves at your child’s pace, and may involve conversation, activities or games.
How long does it last?
Most interventions run for around 12 weeks on average, though this can vary. The duration is agreed at the start, so you will always know what to expect. There is a clear closure process at the end, including a letter summarising progress.
Will I know what is said in sessions?
Your child’s sessions are confidential, which is important for building trust. However, you will receive regular updates on progress, and any significant concerns would always be shared with you.
What if I have concerns or want to stop?
You can contact EMspace at any point. We will always listen to your concerns, and you are free to pause or end the support at any time.
Getting ready
How to prepare for the initial meeting
Discuss the proposal of support, the referral, with your child before the day of the meeting, and try to remember that it is only a “proposal”.
We cannot force children to take part in therapeutic work, and attempting to do so, even with threats of necessity, will have negative effects. Instead, try saying something like this to your child:
“Your school and I think it would be a good idea if you had someone who you could talk to in school, who can understand how you are feeling and help you to make the right choices. This is not a punishment, but to try and help you.”
Try to have an idea in your head of what your goals and priorities are from the support being offered, and help prepare your child by asking them: “What do you find really hard, and what would you like help with?”
Remember that while there may be lots of things you want to see change, everything cannot be done at once. It is better to agree one or two main things to focus on first. If we can work on those, we can use the same principles to work on others afterwards.
What EMspace is built on
25 years of practice, a West Midlands track record
Rob Aymer has worked directly with children and young people for more than 25 years. Between founding EMspace in 2016 and relocating to the East Midlands, EMspace worked with seven primary and secondary schools in the West Midlands. We are now building new partnerships with schools in Derby, Nottingham and the wider East Midlands.
“Every pupil who has been referred to EMspace has wanted to attend the regular sessions and has given positive feedback themselves. Both practitioners have worked hard to engage with parents as well, which has been most useful. I would recommend the service.”
Get in touch
Ready to find out more?
Whether you want to refer a young person, ask about partnering as a school, or just have an initial conversation, we are here. We reply within two working days.
Mentoring referral
Ready to refer a young person? We will respond within two working days.
Email us to referPartner with us
A school or trust in the East Midlands interested in working with EMspace.
Start a conversation