St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
Family Help (Formerly known as Early Help)
Family Help at Saint Patrick's Catholic Primary School and Nursery
At Saint Patrick's Catholic Primary School and Nursery, we understand that every family may need additional support from time to time. Family Help is the new term used nationally to describe the support available for children, young people and families when extra help is needed. It replaces what was previously known as Early Help.
Our aim is to work alongside families, offering advice, guidance and access to services that can help children thrive both at home and at school.
Food Bank and Emergency Support
We can refer families to Telford Crisis Support, which can provide temporary assistance with:
- Food
- Toiletries
- School uniform
- Financial advice and support
- Gas and electricity support
- Household essentials
- Other emergency needs
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the school confidentially and we will be happy to help.
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Supporting children's emotional wellbeing is a key priority at Saint Patrick's.
We can make referrals to the Mental Health Support Team (MHST), which is part of BeeU. Support may include:
- Managing worries and anxiety
- Emotional wellbeing support
- Behavioural challenges at home
- Parent support and guidance
- Direct work with children where appropriate
In school, we also have a trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) who works directly with children to support their emotional wellbeing, confidence and resilience.
Attendance Support
If your child is experiencing attendance difficulties, we can provide support through our Educational Welfare Officer (EWO).
Support may include:
- Attendance concerns
- School avoidance or emotionally based school refusal
- Medical attendance issues
- Family circumstances affecting attendance
- Support plans to improve attendance
The Educational Welfare Officer can meet with families at school or, where appropriate, at home.
Health Support
We can refer families to the School Nursing Team for advice and support relating to a range of health concerns, including:
- Healthy lifestyles
- Sleep difficulties
- Continence issues
- Emotional wellbeing
- Medical conditions
- General health advice
Behaviour Support
We can refer children to the Behaviour Support Advisory Team (BSAT) where additional support is required.
The team works with schools and families to improve:
- School engagement
- Behaviour
- Emotional regulation
- Learning outcomes
- Attendance and participation
Strengthening Families
We can help families access support through Strengthening Families, which provides comprehensive support to children and families across Telford and Wrekin.
Access to this service is usually through a Family Help Assessment, which school staff can support families to complete.
School Uniform Support
We understand that school uniform costs can place pressure on some families.
Our PTA regularly runs pre-loved uniform sales, with items typically available for:
- £1 per item
- 3 items for £2
Pre-loved Saint Patrick's uniform can also often be found through:
Severn Hospice
- Wellington Town Centre Store
Family Connect
We can refer families to Family Connect on:
01952 385385
Family Connect provides advice, guidance and access to services for families who may require additional support or are facing significant challenges.
Wraparound Care Support
Children who are eligible for Pupil Premium can access our Breakfast Club and After School Club free of charge.
Where families are experiencing exceptional circumstances or financial hardship, additional support may be available. Parents are encouraged to discuss their situation confidentially with Mr Hawes, Headteacher.
St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)
We can signpost families to the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) at Saint Patrick's Church.
The SVP is a parish-based charity that supports individuals and families in times of need and may be able to offer assistance with:
- Food
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Transport
- Household essentials
- Emergency support
How to Access Support
No problem is too small, and asking for help is a sign of strength.
If you feel that your family would benefit from support, please contact the school office or speak to a member of staff. All discussions will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
Together, we can help every child and family flourish.
"We work, we love, we learn, we pray, we spread the Gospel message every day."
Information - Telford and Wrekin Family Hubs
Family Help
At St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School, we understand that family life can sometimes be challenging and that, from time to time, families may need additional support. Family Help is a way of accessing extra support for you, your child or your family at the earliest possible opportunity, rather than waiting for difficulties to become more serious.
Family Help is designed to provide the right support at the right time. Support can be accessed from a wide range of services and organisations, all working together to meet the needs of your family. At St. Patrick's, we can help connect families with appropriate multi-agency services and support networks. Early intervention can often prevent problems from escalating and help create positive outcomes for children and families.
We offer both universal and targeted support to promote the wellbeing, safety and success of every child and family within our community.
What is a Family Help Assessment?
A Family Help Assessment is a voluntary process that helps identify the strengths, needs and circumstances of a child and their family. It involves working together with parents, carers and children to understand what is going well, any challenges being faced and what support may be beneficial.
The assessment may be reviewed and, where appropriate, referred to local Family Help services, Family Hubs or other support agencies to determine whether additional support from an allocated worker would be helpful.
An Allocated Worker May Be Able to Support With:
- Parenting support and advice
- Employment and training opportunities
- Financial advice and guidance
- Emotional health and wellbeing
- Accessing specialist services and support networks
- Practical support for families facing difficulties
How Does It Work?
With your agreement, one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) will meet with you to discuss any concerns and identify the support that may be needed for your child or family. Your child's views will also be sought where appropriate.
The information shared during these discussions is recorded and used to help identify the most appropriate support and services.
How Will Family Help Support My Family?
Family Help is intended to provide support before concerns become more significant. In some cases, a simple solution or short-term support may be all that is needed. In other situations, additional services may be identified to provide more targeted assistance.
Family Help enables professionals working with your child, such as teachers, health professionals and support workers, to work together effectively and ensure that support is coordinated around the needs of your family.
The aim is to:
- Improve outcomes for children and families.
- Provide support at an early stage.
- Reduce barriers to learning and wellbeing.
- Strengthen family resilience.
- Ensure children receive the help they need when they need it.
What Happens Next?
Following the assessment, and with your consent, relevant professionals and agencies will work together to provide the support agreed for your child and family.
Any information shared will be treated sensitively and confidentially and will only be shared with professionals who need the information to provide appropriate support. Information will only be shared with your knowledge and agreement, unless there are safeguarding concerns that require otherwise.
If you feel that your family may benefit from Family Help support, please speak to a member of staff or contact the school office. We are here to help and support all our families when they need us.