Early Help

Our Graduated Response

We follow Lancashire’s graduated approach to ensure children receive the right support at the right time. The diagram below shows how support increases depending on a child’s needs.

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At Penwortham Primary School, we recognise that family life can be complicated and that, at times, children and families may need a little extra support. Early Help means providing support as soon as a concern emerges, at any point in a child’s life, to prevent difficulties from escalating. You can always come and talk to us, we are here to help.

What is Early Help?

Early Help is the support we offer to children, young people and families before problems become more serious. It is based on the belief that children thrive when they have:

  • strong, positive relationships with trusted adults

  • good communication and emotional skills

  • good school attendance

  • a safe and stable home environment

  • parents/carers who feel supported and confident

This aligns with Lancashire County Council’s vision to raise aspirations, build achievement and protect the most vulnerable through strong partnership working.

Our Approach

We use a whole family, strength‑based approach. This means we work with families to identify what is going well, what they are worried about, and what support might help. Early Help is most effective when:

  • support is offered early

  • families feel listened to

  • agencies work together

  • the child’s voice is central

  • support is tailored to the family’s needs

The Role of School in Early Help

Schools play a vital role in Early Help. At Penwortham Primary School, we support families at three levels:

1. Universal Support

Most families manage well with the support of school, friends and the community. Our staff are always available to talk, listen and help.

2. Focused Pastoral Support

Sometimes families experience challenges and may need more targeted support. We can offer pastoral help in school or bring in external agencies where appropriate.

3. Multi‑Agency Early Help

For families with more complex needs, we work with partners through the Your Family’s Early Help Assessment (EHA). This helps us understand the family’s needs, agree a plan of support, and coordinate help through Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings.

Your Family’s Early Help Assessment (EHA)

The EHA is not a referral form. It is a conversation with the family to explore:

  • what life is like for the child

  • what is working well

  • what the family is worried about

  • what needs to change

It includes a family plan and may use tools such as the Family Radar, which helps families understand where they are in the cycle of change.

The aim is simple: the right support, at the right time, in the right way.

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Children and Family Wellbeing Service (CFW)

Lancashire’s CFW Service offers practical support for children, young people and families across the 0–19 age range (25 for SEND). Support may include:

  • parenting help

  • emotional wellbeing support

  • routines and boundaries

  • school attendance

  • family relationships

  • SEND support

  • practical help at home

At Penwortham Primary School, we are supported by our Children and Family Wellbeing Champion, Sarah Davidson, who works closely with many of our families.

For more information and support available through school and wider services please see the following website: Lancashire Family Hubs Network - Lancashire County Council

Early Help Assessment and Plan (EHA/EHP)

How to Access Early Help

If you feel your child or family may benefit from some extra support, please come and talk to us. You can speak to:

  • Miss Penarski – Headteacher

  • Mrs Cunningham – Deputy Headteacher

  • Miss Flint – Learning Mentor

  • Sarah Davidson – Children and Family Wellbeing (CFW) Champion

We will always listen without judgement, take time to understand your situation, and work with you to identify the right support. Early Help is a voluntary, supportive process designed to help families at the earliest opportunity.

After speaking with you, we may:

  • offer support directly in school

  • help you access specialist services

  • complete a Your Family’s Early Help Assessment together

  • coordinate a Team Around the Family (TAF) meeting if needed

Families can also access support independently through the Lancashire Family Hubs Network, which provides a wide range of services for children, young people and parents.

Our Commitment

We are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure every child:

  • is safe

  • is healthy

  • attends school regularly

  • is emotionally supported

  • can achieve their full potential

Early Help is not about judging families, it is about offering support so that children can thrive.