At St Mary Immaculate, the health and wellbeing of our families and children is of paramount importance.
We recognise the impact these can have on home life. We all understand that life is a journey and sometimes there are bumps in the road and we are here to help families navigate the challenges that they may come up against. By working together, we can develop links between home and school, providing early support to help with things before they might escalate.
What is Early Support?
Our team can provide an ‘Early Support Offer’ for families with help, guidance and information to help make informed choices for the best outcome. We are here for all families who would benefit from advice and support, no worry is too small- even if it is just to listen. By working together, we can help provide the right support at the right time as early as possible, making sure every child continues to thrive both at home and in school.
Early Support…
• is for children of all ages and not just the very young
• can be provided at any point of need
• can be very effective in supporting a child, young person and/or their family to step down from statutory services as well as preventing the escalation of issues
• is important because there is clear evidence that it results in better outcomes for children
Early Support is a term that describes much of the everyday work of schools.
The Role of Schools
Day to Day Support
Most families, most of the time, can get on with their lives quite happily with little or no outside help. If they need help it is usually provided by universal services, such as schools. This can include the day to day support provided to children and their families by staff in school.
Focused Pastoral Support
All families can have times, however, when difficulties arise and they either may not recognise it or may not know how to start putting things right. Without the right support early on, situations can get worse very quickly. Schools play a role in supporting families to address these difficulties through more focused pastoral support, which might include bringing in support via an external agency. At St Mary Immaculate, our pastoral support is led by Mrs Brooks. Mrs Williams also supports families through her work as SENCO. Mrs Brooks and Mrs Williams liaise with the Warwickshire Early Support Service regularly.
Family Help Assessment
For those children and families whose needs and circumstances make them more vulnerable, or where schools need the support of other agencies to meet the needs of the family, a coordinated multi-agency approach is usually best. In Warwickshire this is achieved through undertaking a Family Help Assessment and assigning a Lead Practitioner to work closely with the family to ensure they receive the support they require. Schools are a key partner in any multi-agency work to support families.
Family Information Service (FIS)
Watch the useful video below, which details information and support that the Family Information Service can signpost you to. Click the link to visit the Warwickshire Family Information Service (FIS) website.
What does the Family Information Service (FIS) do?
You can also contact the Family Information Service by phone (01926 742 274) for advice and guidance on a wide range of subjects including:
• Housing
• Finance
• Childcare
• Parental conflict and contact
• Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Family Support Worker Helpline
Contact the Early Help Family Support Work service for advice and guidance on:
• Parenting and all aspects of family life
• Children and young people’s behaviour
Family support workers are available across Warwickshire to listen, support and offer advice and guidance to families and professionals.
To speak to a family support worker over the telephone, call 01926 414144 option 1, then option 2, Monday to Friday between 9am – 4pm. They can also offer some face-to-face consultations.