Early help is a way of accessing extra support when you, your child or your family needs it, at the earliest possible stage, rather than waiting until things get worse.

It is designed to give you the right help, at the right time. You can receive support from a wide range of services and organisations that can work together to provide the right support for your family’s needs. At St Patrick's Catholic Primary we can connect families with other multi-agency initiatives to support the family. This early intervention can usually prevent issues from escalating and causing further difficulties in the future. We offer universal and targeted/specialist services to help create a brighter future for your child/ren and family, promoting overall welfare.

What is an Early Help Assessment?

An Early Help Assessment is a way of working with children and young people. It is a voluntary process, and it involves listening to you and your child to find out your child’s needs and what is working well in your child’s life and your family life. This is reviewed and if needed sent into Strengthening Families to see if an allocated worker is needed to support you in the home.

A Strengthening Families workers can support you with the following:

• Parenting
• Employment
• Finance
• Emotional Health and Wellbeing
• Opening doors and providing access to other services

How does it work?

With agreement, a DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) from school will ask you some questions to find out what help and support your child might need. They will also talk to the child about their view. This information is recorded on a form as you talk to the DSL.

How will the Early Help Assessment help my family?

The Early Help Assessment (EHA) exists to help you support your child. It can lead to a quick solution or help to identify extra support if needed. The EHA will ensure that everyone involved in your child – such as teachers and health visitors – work together to support your child. The EHA will help your child receive the right support at an early stage before their needs increase.

What happens next?

Based on the information you and your child provide all agencies can support your child will work together to provide the support that your child and family needs. The information that you and your family provide will only be shared with the people who need to know and only with your agreement.