Children’s Services & The Early Help Hub
There is a big misconception around this subject.
Many parents for several different reasons are presented with circumstances which sometimes they feel unable to manage.
In addition to this, parents often see this as a failure on their part and are not sure how to move forward.
The immediate thought process is “how do I get help?” or “will Childrens Services have to become involved?”
Below are some frequently asked questions which hopefully will provide a clearer understanding:
Question: What is the Early Help Hub?
Answer: The Early Help Hub is driven by the Family Support Service who are base in Havant. They support families from new additions, up to and including young adult.
Question: My child is regularly causing problems both at home and at school, can these people help me?
Answer: In the first instance, the school will discuss issues with you that are presenting at school, along with any disclosures you wish to make about the home situation. If you agree to a referral being made, the school will do this on your behalf.
The referral is made by way of a form called ‘Inter Agency Referral Form’ being completed. The form is sent to Childrens Services in order that a review can take place.
With this form, the school will include the reason why the referral is being made, along with your views
Question: Are the Early Help Hub and Childrens Services the same?
Answer: No. Following the school completing an Inter Agency Referral Form, if a decision is made for the referral to remain with Childrens Services, a full explanation will be given as to why this is the case.
Both services are here to help and support families through difficult times.
In addition to this, the Hayling College Pastoral Team are always on hand and more than happy to discuss any concerns you may have.
Question: You talk about Childrens Services, does this mean my family goes on the ‘at risk’ register?
Answer: No. The form is reviewed by way of a triage service which Childrens Services coordinate. Upon completion of their review, they will make a decision and refer back to the Early Help Hub for further action.
Question: What happens next with the Early Help Hub?
Answer: The Early Help Hub host a meeting (currently virtual due to the COVID-9 pandemic). The meeting is attended by a number of support agencies who work with the hub, and each agency is given an opportunity to comment on the request being made. The agencies can suggests ideas/ways that they feel they can help the family.
The chair of the meeting will then decide what type of support can be provied to the family, and make contact with you as the parent.
The purpose of the meeting is to ensure that a bespoke package is created.
Question: Who will I speak to?
Answer: A Family Support Worker from the hub will make contact in the first instance to ensure that the fully understand your needs. Generally, this worker will remain as your point of contact throughout the period of support.
Question: Do the school know what is going on?
Answer: Yes we do and we will provide follow up support for your child at school. This will also include liaison with the Support Worker.
Question: What happens about Childrens Services?
Answer: Childrens Services will look at the information provided and make a decision as to whether they will work with the family, or if the family can be referred to the Early Help Hub.
STAFF & FACULTY MEMBERS
