In Lancashire Schools can provide children and families with Early Help

Duke Street Primary School provides Early Help through..

  • Day-to-day support: We offer universal services to families, helping them with everyday challenges and being the first point of contact for help.

  • Pastoral/Outreach care: We provide focused pastoral support for families experiencing difficulties, and can help to connect them with external agencies when needed.

  • Identifying needs: We are proactive in spotting when children and families need support, often addressing concerns about behaviour, attendance, and mental health and wellbeing.

  • Multi-agency coordination: We work with other agencies through the Early Help Assessment (EHA) process when families require more coordinated support. This involves assigning a Lead Practitioner to work with the family and ensure they receive the help they need.

  • Partnership and information: We are key partners in multi-agency work, ensuring families receive support by connecting them with services and acting as a bridge to other resources, such as the Children and Family Wellbeing Service (CFW). 

The Early Help Assessment (EHA) in Lancashire

  • Coordination: An EHA is a coordinated, multi-agency approach used when a family's needs are more complex.
  • Lead Practitioner: A Lead Practitioner is assigned to act as the family's main point of contact. Schools are key partners in this process.
  • Team Around the Family (TAF): A TAF meeting brings together professionals and the family to discuss what is working well and what support is needed. Schools can host these meetings.
  • Support for the whole family: The EHA approach addresses the needs of the whole family, with the consent of the family members involved. 

How to get support

  • Contact the school: Families can contact the school office to request a meeting or a telephone call to discuss what support is available.

  • Talk to the school's Outreach staff: Parents can speak to the school's DSL or another designated member of staff about any worries or concerns.

  • Explore local offers: School can provide information on local support services and what is available, when and where.