Early Help
At Bradstow School, the wellbeing, safety, and development of every student is our top priority. We recognise that some children and families may need additional support to overcome challenges, build resilience, and thrive. We follow the principles of Early Help, providing timely and targeted support to address needs before they escalate into more serious issues.
What is Early Help?
Early Help means identifying a child or family who may benefit from additional support as soon as a need is recognised. This may include difficulties with learning, communication, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, health, or family circumstances. Acting early allows us to provide support before problems become more complex.
Our Approach
- Tailored Support: We provide personalised interventions and strategies to meet the individual needs of each student, recognising that children with additional needs may require specialist support.
- Local Authority Early Help Services: We work closely with the local authority and use their Early Help services, including multi-agency teams, family support services, and specialist programmes. These services help us to provide coordinated, effective support for students and their families.
- Multi-Agency Collaboration: In addition to local authority support, we collaborate with health professionals, social services, and other agencies to ensure every child receives the right help.
- Early Identification: Staff are trained to recognise early signs of difficulties and are proactive in seeking support from the right services, including the local authority.
- Family Engagement: We actively involve families in identifying needs and accessing support. Parents and carers are provided with guidance, advice, and resources to help them address challenges at home and in the community.
- Monitoring and Review: Support plans are regularly reviewed to ensure they are effective, adapting interventions as children’s needs change.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel supported and valued. By identifying and addressing needs early, in partnership with the local authority and other agencies, we help students to:
- Achieve educational and developmental milestones
- Build emotional resilience and self-confidence
- Stay safe and develop positive relationships
- Access additional services and resources as needed
How to Access Early Help
If you are a parent, carer, or staff member and have concerns about a child’s wellbeing or development, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): [Name] at [contact information]. We will listen, assess needs, and work with you and the local authority to put the right support in place.
