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Breaking up is hard to do: support for families navigating separation

 

Family separation can be one of the most challenging experiences for both adults and children. In school, we see how changes at home can affect children’s emotions, behaviour and sense of stability. The reassuring news is that help is available, within school, locally in Ealing, and from national organisations specialising in children's mental health and family wellbeing.

Below is a guide to the support you can access during this time.

Support available in school, Learning Mentor support with Mrs Reehal

Our learning mentor, Mrs Reehal, offers both ELSA group sessions and Anna Freud–informed wellbeing groups, providing targeted emotional support to help children feel safe, understood and more confident in school. These groups focus on emotional literacy, mental health awareness, and strategies children can use to cope with challenging feelings.

ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)

ELSA sessions help children explore their emotions, develop coping strategies and build resilience. These groups are for pupils in Years 1, 2 and 3.

Anna Freud Centre–Informed Support

The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families provides high‑quality, evidence‑based guidance on supporting children’s mental health, including managing stress, emotional changes, conflict and building resilience. These resources directly inform the wellbeing groups delivered by Mrs Reehal in school, and they are also available for parents who wish to better understand and support their child’s emotional needs during family change.
Website: https://www.annafreud.org/resources/family-wellbeing/

In-school groups are for pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6. If you feel one of these groups might benefit your child, please talk to your child’s class teacher.

Mrs Reehal also offers informal drop-ins during lunchtime for pupils in key stage 2.

Family Links Nurturing Programme

Families can also access the Family Links Nurturing Programme, a nationally recognised course that supports positive parenting, emotional wellbeing and healthy family relationships. Family Links trains professionals and parents across the UK and offers evidence‑based approaches to improving family life. You can join a Family Links course in school. These are run by Tracy Cherry and Marsha Coppin-Payne.
Website: https://www.familylinks.org.uk/

Website: https://fieldingprimary.ovw6.juniperwebsites.co.uk/news/?pid=217&nid=2

Local support in Ealing

Ealing Parenting Service

Ealing Parenting Service provides free parenting programmes, workshops and guidance, including support with positive parenting, reducing conflict and improving family communication during separation.

Contact Information:

National support for separation and parenting

Family Lives

Family Lives offers compassionate, practical advice on coping with separation, supporting children emotionally and co‑parenting effectively. Their online community helps parents feel less isolated during major family changes.
Website: https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/divorce-and-separation/

Gingerbread

Gingerbread provides expert support for single parents, including guidance on talking to children about separation, understanding their emotional needs and managing new routines.
Website: https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/find-information/managing-separation/helping-children-through-separation/  

Supporting your child emotionally

Children process separation differently and may show sadness, worry, anger or withdrawal. National guidance stresses:

  • open, honest and age‑appropriate communication;
  • active listening;
  • reassurance and consistent routines;
  • recognising and validating emotions;
  • ongoing open conversations can help children feel safe and supported as they adjust.

You’re Not Alone

Separation is difficult, but with the right support, families can adjust, rebuild and thrive. Whether you're seeking emotional support for your child, a parenting programme, or guidance during this transition, help is available.

Clare Haines

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