Most families, most of the time, live their lives quite happily with little or no outside help. If they need help it is usually provided by universal services, such as schools, doctors, dentists etc. This can include the day-to-day support provided to pupils and their families by our staff within school.
At Claypool Primary School, we understand that sometimes families need some extra help, support and guidance.
Early Help means taking action to support a child, young person or their family as soon as a concern emerges.
To support and advise you during these times the following people are available to help:
Hayley Eckersley – Inclusion Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Amanda Hulme – Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Sarah Worden – Deputy Headteacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Bolton also have an Early Help Team. Every Bolton School has a named Early Help contact. The Early Help contact for Claypool is Hayley Eckersley.
Early Help can be required at any stage of a child’s life, from pre-birth to adulthood and applies to any issues or need that the family can’t deal with alone. Early Help aims to empower families to regain control of their circumstances. Early Help supports families to identify areas that might need further support to be stronger within a family.
What sort of concerns may parents/carers share with us?
These may include a wide range of issues such as: behaviour management, SEN, toileting, establishing routines, mental health, domestic abuse, loss and bereavement, mobility, young carers, housing, debt/financial support, drug and alcohol misuse and any other concerns the family/staff may have that they feel is having a negative impact upon the child/family.
How will we know when early help is needed?
Parents/carers or the child may recognise that support is required or school may identify that there are emerging needs and that external support or services may be required.
How will we support our families?
Children and families will be supported and reviewed regularly via the Early Help Assessment document. The document will be voluntarily completed by the lead professional, parents/carers/child, staff from school and anyone who is supporting the family. The document allows the family to identify areas of strength and current or emerging needs.
Early Help empowers families to make changes for themselves, overcoming any challenges and improve their lives.
Having everyone’s views and sharing all of the current information allows for a coordinated plan and whole system approach.
There is a key named worker who will coordinate the plan, review it regularly and work with the family.