Early Help refers to the offer of any information, advice or support to children, young people and their families as soon as possible in their lives, or when issues emerge, to help prevent problems from escalating. Our Safeguarding Team meet each half term to identify any children and families who would benefit from early help. It allows them to access services in the school and beyond to support identified vulnerable pupils.

Listed below are some of the services the school can offer you:

  • Sign post local support groups, websites or other agencies that may be able to offer support to families
  • Early Help Assessment (EHA) - an EHA involves listening to you to find out what help you need and talking about what is working well in your life. Based on what you say and what help you would like, a plan is formulated so that professionals can work together to make sure you get the right sort of help. A member of the SLT will meet with parents/carers to carry out EHA.
  • Arrange for children to work with the school's Play Therapist.
  • Hold family support meetings – some parents/carers don’t feel comfortable having a Family Outreach Worker so we offer family support meetings through school. A member of the SLT will lead the meetings, inviting the relevant agencies so that we can all work together to give you and your family the support you need.
  • Refer to outside agencies such as: Family Outreach Team, parenting courses, our School Health Advisor, Warrington Youth Club, St Joseph’s Family Centre and local children’s centres.
  • Support to complete forms and other paperwork such as: admissions to high school and Disability Living Allowance.

We know that children, young people and their families have different types of needs and sometimes they may require extra support. One way this extra support can be provided is through an Early Help Assessment.

The Early Help Support Team's role is to provide information, guidance and support to professionals who are working with children, young people and their families.

An Early Help Assessment benefits a child, young person or family because it:

  • helps to identify needs at an early stage
  • is strengths- and evidence-based
  • is personalised and
  • is multi-agency in its approach

An Early Help Review/Closure Plan complements the assessment by ensuring the correct level of support is provided for an individual/family at the right time. This allows for service provision to be regularly reviewed to ensure it continues to meet need and prevents needs escalating.

To find out more about the service of Early Help through Warrington Borough Council please visit the My Life Warrington Service via the button below.