At Willersey Church of England Primary School, we understand that all families may need additional support at different times in their lives.

Early Help means identifying and providing support as soon as a problem emerges to improve outcomes for children and families. Early support can prevent concerns from becoming more serious and ensures that children receive the right help at the right time.

In Gloucestershire, families are best supported by the professionals who already know them, such as school staff, alongside other agencies where appropriate.

• Gloucestershire Early Help website
• Families First website

We aim to work in partnership with parents and carers to support children's wellbeing, attendance, learning and emotional development.

Support available through school may include:

• Listening to children and families and identifying concerns early.
• Regular communication between home and school.
• Pastoral support for pupils.
• Support with attendance concerns.
• Emotional wellbeing support.
• Advice and signposting to other services.
• Working alongside external agencies when additional support is required.
• Coordinating an Early Help Assessment where appropriate.

If you are worried about your child or your family circumstances, please contact us.

• Early Help Lead: Mr Mark Jackson
• Role: Head Teacher
• Telephone: 01386852646
• Email: admin@willersey.gloucs.sch.uk

Any conversation will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

If a family would benefit from more coordinated support, the school may discuss completing an Early Help Assessment with parents and carers.

This process:

• Identifies strengths and needs;
• Ensures families have a voice in planning support;
• Brings professionals together where appropriate;
• Helps families access the right services at the right time.

Parental consent will always be sought unless there are safeguarding concerns.

Families may benefit from support with the following:

• Parenting and family relationships:https://www.glosfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/kb5/gloucs/glosfamilies/family.page?familychannel=1_6
• Children's emotional wellbeing:Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service - CAMHS > Glos Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
• Behaviour at home or school:https://www.glosfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/kb5/gloucs/glosfamilies/service.page?id=gWdFw4QY4pI
• Attendance concerns:https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-attendance-and-exclusions-and-welf…
• Sleep routines:  Sleep issues > Glos Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
• Housing difficulties:https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/your-community/refugee-support/homes-for-ukraine/housing/
• Financial worries:https://cdn.sanity.io/files/vujd5l5m/advice-production/161f4271fadcff73aac5f63051ce5d413100cda4.pdf
• Bereavement:  https://coroner.gloucestershire.gov.uk/bereavement-support/
• Domestic abuse:  Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service
• Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND): https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/special-educational-needs-and-disability-…
• Accessing community services
• Difficult life events or changes within the family: https://www.glosfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/kb5/gloucs/glosfamilies/service.page?id=usXltuW3K8Q

In Gloucestershire, services work together using a Graduated Pathway of Early Help and Support to ensure children and families receive the most appropriate level of help.

Most children and families' needs can be met through:

• Universal Support – services available to everyone.
• Additional Support – help from more than one service working together.
• Intensive Support – coordinated Early Help services.
• Specialist Support – where statutory intervention may be required.

Our school follows Gloucestershire guidance to identify needs early and work collaboratively with families.