At Meadowhead Community Infant School and Nursery, we believe that the earlier we can offer support to children and families, the more effective that support will be. Early Help means providing assistance as soon as a problem emerges, rather than waiting until a situation reaches crisis point.

We recognise that all families need extra support from time to time — whether that's help with attendance, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, financial pressures, housing, or other challenges at home. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure, and we want every family to feel comfortable coming to us.

What Early Help looks like at our school

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead and pastoral team work closely with pupils and families to identify difficulties early and put the right support in place. This might include:

• A conversation with your child's class teacher or another adult in school to talk through concerns
• Support from our pastoral or wellbeing team
• Referral to a specific programme (for example, attendance support, counselling, or family support services)
• An Early Help Assessment, completed with your involvement, to identify needs and coordinate support across different agencies
• Signposting to local services such as housing, financial, or mental health support
• Working alongside other professionals, including social workers, health visitors, or the Local Authority's Early Help team, where more coordinated support is needed

Working together

Early Help is always a collaborative process. We will talk to you openly about any concerns, involve you in decisions about the support offered, and keep you informed every step of the way. Our aim is always to work with families, not against them.

Getting in touch

If you feel your family could benefit from some extra support, or if you have any worries about your child, please don't hesitate to speak to your child's teacher, or contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead directly:

Kerry Crossley our Pupil Well Being Lead on 01254 202600 option 2 or email Kerry.crossley@meadowheadinfants.blackburn.sch.uk

You can also find further information and support via https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/children-families-and-young-people/early-help/early-help-parents-carers-children-and-young-people