Early help programmes and advice

Early Help is about taking action early and as soon as possible to tackle problems emerging for children, young people and their families.

Early Help means providing support as soon as possible to help families cope with difficulties and working together with other services to prevent bigger problems emerging.

Support can come from a range of services and organisations, for parents, children and young people of any age. Our aim is to provide the right action at the right time with the right support.

Please see the Early Help Handbook (PDF) which provides lots of information on Early Help from What is an Early Help Assessment?, Graded Care Profile 2 to Motivational Interviewing and much more.

You can also see our Early Help Strategy 2022-27 (PDF).

Early Help programmes

We work together with other services to prevent bigger problems emerging. Specific types of support are on offer:

• Education Support provides careers education, information, advice and guidance to young people aged 16-19, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs (SEND). 
• Inclusion support provide support to pupils, and their families, who are at risk of permanent exclusion from school, or have been permanently excluded.

General family information and advice

Family Information Service provides free and confidential information and advice to help you in your family life. Find childcare, children's activities, sport and leisure services, family support groups or services for children with a disability.

Local Offer directory has a focus on children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, but also has lots of information for all families about childcare settings, childminders and early help support for all families.