Providing early help to our children and families at Norton CEVC Primary School means we can be more effective in preventing problems from affecting a child’s ability to thrive and be successful.  Early help means providing support as soon as a problem emerges, at any point in a child’s life, from the foundation years through to Year 6.

At Norton CEVC Primary School, we understand that every family is unique with its own combination of strengths and weaknesses. Any family can get overwhelmed by what seems like endless challenge when it comes to juggling money, school, relationships and each other's needs. And sometimes families are disrupted by a change in circumstance such as a mental or physical illness, a job loss, or moving. Even "joyful" events such as a wedding or a new job can bring unexpected problems. To support and advise you at such times we have an Early Help Offer. Please see the information and links below for details of the range of ways in which we can assist or help you to find the support that you need.

What is Early Help? The purpose of early help is to prevent issues and problems becoming serious and harmful to a child or young person, their family and community. When children and families need this extra support, they often need it quickly. Provision of early help support can be at all stages of a child's life: pre-birth, during pregnancy, childhood or adolescence.

What does Early Help include?

Support for pupils which includes:

· Promoting good attendance and punctuality.

· Promoting self-esteem and confidence.

· Promoting positive behaviour and positive attitudes to learning.

· Providing individualised support.

Support for families which includes:

· Providing information and signposting to other services in the local area.

· Liaising with a range of external services such as housing and Family Support Workers.

· Assistance in completing paperwork and forms e.g. housing, foodbank vouchers, attendance and support at school and other agency meetings.

· Advice and support in promoting positive behaviour at home.

· Guidance with career and personal development and access to training and workshops in school.

Who provides Early Help support in school?

The answer is any member of staff; usually, the class teacher in the first instance as they have most contact with the children. All staff receive safeguarding training to ensure that advice given is in the best interests of keeping children safe. The school telephone number is 01359 230520, alternatively there is always a teacher on duty in the morning as well as an ELSA trained teaching assistant to offer guidance.