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Early Help at St. Bernadette’s

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At St. Bernadette’s, we are committed to supporting every child and family. We know that from time to time, families may need some extra help or advice. Early Help is about getting the right support, at the right time, before worries become bigger concerns.

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Asking for help is a positive step, and our school team is here to listen, support and work alongside you.

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What is Early Help?

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Early Help means providing support as soon as a need or concern is identified. This could be support for your child in school, or wider support for your family through the Local Authority and partner agencies.

There are two types of Early Help that families may hear about:

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Early Help in School

Support provided by school staff to help your child with their learning, wellbeing and school life.

Early Help from the Local Authority
Support provided by the council and partner agencies to help your whole family.

Both types of Early Help are valuable and can make a big difference.

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Early Help in School

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Early Help in school is focused on your child’s education, wellbeing and experience in school.

This support may help with:

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• Learning needs

• Attendance

• Friendships

• Behaviour in school

• Emotional wellbeing

• Changes at home that may be affecting school life

• Confidence, self-esteem or anxiety

• Communication between home and school

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Support in school may include:

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• Regular check-ins with a trusted adult

• Pastoral support

• Support with friendships or behaviour

• Adjustments in class

• Referrals to school nurse

• Meetings with parents and carers

• Signposting to other services if needed

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School-based support is usually flexible and can often be put in place quickly.

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Early Help from the Local Authority

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Sometimes families may need wider support that goes beyond what school can offer. Early Help from the Local Authority is focused on the whole family and may involve other professionals or services.

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This support may help with:

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• Family routines and behaviour at home

• Parenting support

• Housing worries

• Financial concerns

• Emotional wellbeing

• Health needs

• Speech and language support

• Special educational needs

• Access to community services

• Support during difficult family circumstances

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This support is planned with families and may involve a team working together to help for as long as needed.

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How We Work With Families

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We believe that the best outcomes happen when school and families work together.

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Early Help is:

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• Supportive

• Voluntary

• Based on your family’s needs

• Planned with you

• Treated sensitively and confidentially

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We will always talk to you about any concerns and work with you to decide what support may be helpful.

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When Should I Ask for Help?

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You do not need to wait until a problem becomes serious. You can ask for support whenever you feel your child or family may need some help.

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You may wish to speak to us if:

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• Your child seems worried, anxious or unhappy

• Attendance is becoming difficult

• Your child’s behaviour has changed

• Your child is finding friendships difficult

• There have been changes at home

• You are finding routines or behaviour difficult at home

• You are worried about your child’s wellbeing

• You are unsure where to go for advice

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Who Can I Speak To?

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If you would like advice or support, please speak to our Pastoral Team:

Miss Finn
Mrs Canning
Mrs Taylor

You can also speak to any member of the Leadership Team.