Early Help

Early Help is the means of providing help and support to a child, young person or their family as soon as it is identified that they need additional help and support. This could be at any point in a child or young person’s life including pre-birth to 18 years of age (25 years of age for some SEND children) and more than once, as we know children’s needs change as they grow, and their family circumstances change.

Early Help relies upon local organisations and agencies to work together to:

  • Identify children and families who would benefit from Early Help
  • Undertake an assessment of the need for Early Help
  • Provide targeted Early Help services to address the assessed needs of a child and their family which focuses on activity to improve the outcomes for the child

Early Help Assessment

The Early Help Assessment is a tool to assist any professional who is working with children, young people and families. It is NOT a referral form, but gives a framework to consider whilst working in partnership with a child/family.

  • It should be used when presenting or emerging needs are unclear or complex
  • Impact of needs are unknown or signicate and likely to escalate
  • Unclear who or what may help/ further significant information is required

Parental consent is essential to develop an Early Help Plan. If a plan is needed, then the identification of a lead professional may be necessary to co-ordinate the provision of support for the child. This person acts as the single point of contact when other services are involved with that child or family and a joined-up response is required. The choice of lead professional should be informed by the wishes and feelings of the child or young person about who they feel is most appropriate for them.