Hi, my name is Gary Fielding and I am the  Pupil and Family Support Worker here at St. Paul's. I have spent the last 21 years working with children and young people in a variety of roles.

 I spent almost 4 years with Lancashire Children’s Social Care as a Residential Childcare Worker. I then spent 11 years at Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School, first as a Learning Mentor then went on to be a Pastoral Head of Year. My wife and I have been fostering for 10 years. I have been in my current role for 7 years.

I have a passion for supporting children and young people to value both themselves and others, achieve their full potential and to support parents/carers in that process.

Aspects of my role  include -

Child Protection Conferences

Initiating Early Help Assessments as Lead Professional

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead 

Attendance/punctuality support

High School transition support

Senior Mental Health Lead

Linking with outside agencies and support groups

Well being support for both children, parents/carers and staff

Attending relevant network meetings

One to one support and group support for pupils using a range of  strategies. Here are some examples of my training to date - 

• Level 4 Business and Management Studies
• Resilience/Aces Training
• NVQ Level 4 Advice and Guidance
• NVQ Level 3 Looking AFter Children and Young People 
• Communicating with Young People Who are Distressed, Angry or Unhappy
• Anxiety in Children and Young People
• Attachment & Trauma 
• Mindfulness for Children Level  3
• Understanding and Promoting Resilience in children and YP
• Certificate in the role of the Designated Mental Health Lead
• Wellbeing For Education
• Money, Debt and Mental Health
• Facilitating a Successful Transition to Secondary School
• Anxiety and Stress management
• Bereavement and Loss Training
• The Impact of Online Behaviour on Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Online Grooming
• Building Bricks Together Therapy Training
• Reducing Parent Conflict

This list is not a definitive list  as every day is different and the role is always developing!

Please feel free to contact me via the school’s phone number or my email g.fielding@st-pauls.lancs.sch.uk  if you think I can help in any way,

Thank you, Mr Fielding.

  PLEASE VISIT OUR WELLBEING PAGE FOR USEFUL AGENCY LINKS AND SUPPORT 

Hello, my name is Ricky Reidy and my role here at St Paul’s is Pupil & Family Support which I began in January 2024.  Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with children, parents, and carers in various capacities.  My journey began as a Teaching Assistant at Darwen Vale High School, where I developed a deep understanding of student needs and the importance of holistic support. Progressing to the role of Pastoral Assistant Head of Year, I honed my skills in providing emotional guidance and fostering a positive learning environment.

Transitioning to the position of Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner with Child Action Northwest, I focused on supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of primary school children in the Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire area. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of counsellors, play therapists, and cognitive behavioural therapists, I provided tailored support to children aged 4-11, empowering them to navigate challenges and thrive.

My role also extended to offering guidance and assistance to parents, recognising the vital role they play in a child’s development. Through my experiences, I’ve cultivated a deep-seated passion for helping children and young people realise their full potential, advocating for their wellbeing and fostering a supportive community where every child feels valued and capable of achieving greatness.

Please feel free to contact me via the school’s phone number or my email r.reidy@st-pauls.lancs.sch.uk if you think I can help in any way,

Thank you, Mr Reidy.