About Jigsaw Family Support
Commissioned Service
Individualised Support
Commissioned Service
We are a commissioned service - referrals are made by commissioners, setting out the focus of work and the anticipated outcomes. Commissioners determine the hours required and so there are no hidden surprises to costs!
Experienced Team
Individualised Support
Commissioned Service
Our team of outreach Family Support Workers and Tutors have a wealth of experience in the field. Not only working with a child or young person, but alongside parents/carers and other agencies or organisations. We are the final piece of the jigsaw in providing a holistic package of support
Individualised Support
Individualised Support
Individualised Support
We understand that every child and young person is unique and experiences their own individualised challenges and barriers to accessing education. Our support is fully personalised - from matching to the most appropriate worker, to the small steps approach we take.
Meet the Team......
Stephen Whitehouse - Director and Family Support Worker
Stephen Whitehouse - Director and Family Support Worker
Stephen Whitehouse - Director and Family Support Worker
Welcome to Jigsaw Family Support, founded in 2016.
I have been supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges for over 20 years.
My childcare career began in 2000 as a Residential Childcare Support Worker at a specialist residential school in Cumbria. Dur
Welcome to Jigsaw Family Support, founded in 2016.
I have been supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges for over 20 years.
My childcare career began in 2000 as a Residential Childcare Support Worker at a specialist residential school in Cumbria. During this time, I developed a deep understanding of SEN and SEMH needs and gained a specialised skillset in supporting children and young people with complex behavioural and emotional profiles.
I have extensive experience working positively with children with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Conduct Disorder (CD), Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD), and Sensory Processing Differences (SPD), as well as attachment difficulties and, more recently, gaming addiction.
Richard Close - Family Support Worker
Stephen Whitehouse - Director and Family Support Worker
Stephen Whitehouse - Director and Family Support Worker
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Laura FitzGerald - Operations Lead and DSL
Stephen Whitehouse - Director and Family Support Worker
Ruth Browny - Outreach Tutor and Deputy DSL
I have over 20 years’ experience working within SEN and children’s services across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. Throughout my career, I’ve supported children and young people with a wide range of Special Educational Needs, championing their voices and advocating for the right support, interventions, and provision to help t
I have over 20 years’ experience working within SEN and children’s services across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. Throughout my career, I’ve supported children and young people with a wide range of Special Educational Needs, championing their voices and advocating for the right support, interventions, and provision to help them reach their full potential. My career has spanned frontline family support, multi-agency work, service development, and extensive safeguarding responsibilities.
I am an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead and serve as the DSL in my current role, ensuring the safety and welfare of children and young people across our service. This includes overseeing safeguarding procedures, advising and supporting staff, and working closely with partner agencies to ensure robust and timely protection for those who need it.
Having transitioned from frontline practice into operational leadership, I now focus on guiding our team, shaping service delivery, and working closely with professionals and parents/carers to achieve the best possible outcomes for every child and young person.
Ruth Browny - Outreach Tutor and Deputy DSL
Stephen Whitehouse - Director and Family Support Worker
Ruth Browny - Outreach Tutor and Deputy DSL
I have over 15 years’ experience working with young people across a wide range of educational and community settings. After leaving mainstream education, I began providing bespoke interventions, tailored experiences, and personalised learning for young people with complex needs, while supporting some of the hardest-to-reach families.
I ho
I have over 15 years’ experience working with young people across a wide range of educational and community settings. After leaving mainstream education, I began providing bespoke interventions, tailored experiences, and personalised learning for young people with complex needs, while supporting some of the hardest-to-reach families.
I hold an NOCN Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (2024) and a PGCE in Primary Education with QTS from Leeds Beckett University (2021). I also completed a BA (Hons) in Primary Education at Leeds Trinity University in 2016, graduating with a 2:1. Earlier in my career, I gained a TESOL qualification in Cambodia, enabling me to support learners with English as an additional language, and achieved a Distinction in my Access to HE Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences at Doncaster College.
Ryan Close - Family Support Worker
Petra Bateman - Family Support Worker
Petra Bateman - Family Support Worker
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Petra Bateman - Family Support Worker
Petra Bateman - Family Support Worker
Petra Bateman - Family Support Worker
I began working with children and young people in 2018 during my social work degree, completing a placement as a Family Support Worker supporting families facing financial hardship, illness, disability, and mental health challenges. I later worked in Child Protection, helping children and families identify their struggles and supporting
I began working with children and young people in 2018 during my social work degree, completing a placement as a Family Support Worker supporting families facing financial hardship, illness, disability, and mental health challenges. I later worked in Child Protection, helping children and families identify their struggles and supporting them to move forward, alongside volunteering at a local children’s centre with young parents.
After graduating, I joined Action for Children, supporting families whose children had speech and language delays, before spending nearly three years as a Project Worker with a charitable trust, supporting young people facing challenges such as low-level mental health issues, social difficulties, and risk of school exclusion or offending.
I now work with Jigsaw Family Support, helping children and young people build confidence, explore their wishes and feelings, and feel empowered about their education and future.
Dee Flyn - Family Support Worker
Petra Bateman - Family Support Worker
Dee Flyn - Family Support Worker
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Petra Bateman - Family Support Worker
Dee Flyn - Family Support Worker
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