Early Help

Early Help

Every family goes through challenging times at some point. Early help means we will work with you and your family to try and overcome any problems you may be facing. We provide help for families as soon as problems start to emerge or where it is likely that issues will impact negatively on children’s outcomes.

The help is always consent based and your choice whether to have it or not.

If you feel like you or your family needs some help, please get in touch with the office to make an appointment with Mrs Stephens, who works with families to provide the support they need.

Support for families comes in many forms:

Day to day support

Most of the time, families can get on with their lives with little or no outside help. If they need help it is usually provided by universal services, such as schools or doctors.

Support in/from school

Some families need support with their child and we can offer this within school with our pastoral care. In school, we can offer emotional support sessions with our Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)and also offer behaviour support. Mrs Stephens is also our new Senior Mental Health Lead within school who will help with aspects of emotional and mental health wellbeing for both pupils and parent/carers. If you feel like your child needs some support in school, please let your child’s teacher know or contact Mrs Stephens for a confidential chat. We also work closely with the Children and Family Wellbeing Service, who run regular session in schools targeting the needs of the children.

Sometimes, families can have times when difficulties arise and not know how to deal with them. School can play an important role in helping families put these issues right. As a school, we also have links with other agencies, who we can gain support for your family and children.

Early Help Assessment

For those families that have circumstances that make them more vulnerable and where school need the help and support of other agencies to meet the needs of the family, we can offer to complete an Early Help Assessment. This is achieved by having a lead practitioner, usually a family support worker, work closely with the family to ensure they receive the support they need. If you feel your family would benefit from an Early Help Assessment, please make an appointment with Mrs Stephens.

Below is a table of links and contacts for early help that is available to all parents and carers. Please ask if you would like any more information.

Bereavement

Debt advice, benefits advice and support

Carers

Disabilities/SEND

Addiction – Drug/Alcohol and Substance Misuse

Food banks

Health and wellbeing

Housing Advice and homelessness

Unfortunately, there are no emergency hostels in the Ribble Valley but contact Shelter 0808 271 6768 for general housing advice and hostel vacancy information 24 hours a day.

Mental health

Victim Support