What is Early Help?
Early Help is an approach used to identify and support children and families who may benefit from additional help at an early stage. The aim is to address concerns as soon as possible so that small difficulties do not become bigger problems.
At Someries Infant School and Early Childhood Education Centre, we work closely with children, parents and carers, and other professionals to ensure that support is available when it is needed. This may involve listening to concerns, offering advice, or signposting families to appropriate services and organisations that can provide further support.
Early Help is based on partnership working, open communication, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Early Help Offer and 'Circle of Support'
Our Early Help Offer outlines the ways in which the school may support children and their families. This includes a range of pastoral, wellbeing, and educational support designed to remove barriers to learning and promote positive outcomes.
We refer to this support as our Circle of Support. This approach brings together the different types of help that may be available within school or through collaboration with external professionals and services.
The aim of our Circle of Support is to ensure that children and families receive the right support at the right time. The full Early Help Offer document provides detailed information about the support available and the processes we follow to identify needs and provide assistance.
Parents and carers advised that our Early Help Offer and Circle of Support is an approach that we use and not a service.
For further information, please view our Early Help Offer below.
OUR EARLY HELP SELF-REFERRAL FORM GUIDANCE
We appreciate the time parents, carers or family members take to complete our Early Help Self-referral Form. A member of the school’s safeguarding team will review the information you have provided and may contact you if further discussion would be helpful.
Please be aware that the school’s Early Help Offer and Circle of Support is an approach that we use and not a specific service. Submitting this form does not guarantee that support will be provided. The information shared will be considered carefully and the school will determine whether any further action is appropriate.
Unless a safeguarding concern or identified need requiring further support is identified, this referral may not progress further. However, if we believe that advice, guidance, or signposting to other services may be beneficial, we will endeavour to share this with you.
If you have immediate safeguarding concerns about a child, please contact the appropriate safeguarding services or emergency services.
Luton Council's Family Partnership Service
Luton Council’s Family Partnership Service works with families to provide support when parenting or family life becomes challenging. The service focuses on helping families make positive changes, build on their strengths, and create a stable and supportive home environment for children. Support may include guidance with parenting, preparing children for school, help during significant life changes such as the arrival of a new baby, and advice where families may be experiencing emotional, relationship, or wellbeing difficulties.
The service is voluntary and works in partnership with families to develop a plan that meets their needs. A dedicated worker may be allocated to support the family and work alongside them, and other professionals where appropriate, to achieve positive outcomes for children.
Further information about the Family Partnership Service, including how to request support, can be found using the link below.
Luton Family Hubs provide a network of local services designed to support families from pregnancy through to when children are 19 years old (or up to 25 years old for young people with special educational needs and disabilities). The hubs bring together a range of services in one place, making it easier for families to access information, advice, and practical support when they need it.
Families can access friendly professionals and community specialists who offer guidance, activities, and sessions for parents and children. The hubs aim to support children’s development and wellbeing while helping parents and carers feel confident and supported in their parenting journey.
Further information about Luton Family Hubs and the support available can be found using the link below.
School Nursing Newsletter
Bedfordshire and Luton’s School Nursing Team now produce a termly School Nursing Newsletter for families. You can read their most recent newsletter below.
