Every family is unique, and everyone can experience problems that are difficult to deal with without help. Professionals such as teachers, health visitors or children's centre staff can help you get the right support. You may feel your family would benefit from help from a particular service to help solve an issue. The school can refer to outside agencies to help you access the service and get the support you need. 

We are committed to providing Early Help support for families where needed. All Early Help information is confidential and will only be shared with people or services with your consent. If you would like to discuss support in any area please don’t hesitate to speak to any member of staff.

How can the school help? 

• Time to talk - there is almost always a member of staff available if you need time to talk. Children also have time to share any worries through the teaching staff, during "soft landing" time before registration and through our Learning Mentor sessions 
• Co-operation with Operation Encompass and other safeguarding agencies.
• Support to sign up for pupil premium funding and free school meals
• Pre-loved uniform sales
• Learning Mentor and external school counsellor sessions
• Referral to outside agencies such as the Primary Mental Healthcare Worker, Barnardos Thrive, the School Nurse and signposting to support such as SENDIAS
• School food bank and referral to local external food banks
• Sign-posting to groups and courses such as the Triple P Parenting Course and the Inside Out program for self-esteem

What is the Early Help Assessment process?

You may be offered an Early Help Assessment. This is a structured plan to provide you and your family with support. Professionals will work together with you and your family to prevent problems from getting worse.

The EHA:

• Is a voluntary process; you and your family choose to be involved in the process and can withdraw consent at any time.
• Involves completing an assessment with you and members of your family to find out what your problems are and decide on what help is needed.
• Is a shared assessment so you won't need to repeat yourself to different professionals.
• Is an action planning process - you'll agree the next steps and actions with the professionals who are part of the process.
• Is led by a 'lead professional' who co-ordinates the Early Help support package.
• Termly Family Hub drop in event with professionals from a range of support services

Parents/carers can also seek further support through the Children and Family Wellbeing Service, who offer a fantastic range of events and support through the Family Hubs network. See their website for information on support for anything from debt, conflict resolution and emotional well-being to activities for under 5s and infant feeding support.

Children and Family Wellbeing Service

Preston East Children and Family Wellbeing Service
Brookfield Primary School, Watling Street Road, Ribbleton, Preston, PR2 6TU 
Tel: 01772 539420
www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/children-and-family-wellbeing-service/