FAQs

Why would I seek early help?

It could be that you’re worried about your child’s health, development or behaviour, or perhaps because you are caring for a disabled child. Maybe your child is affected by domestic abuse, drugs or alcohol. Perhaps your child is a carer for other people.

Who do I ask?

Have a chat with Alex or any member of school staff, a support worker or health professional – they can help you look at what types of support are available and who might be able to help. 

What happens if I ask for an Early Help Assessment?

You will be fully involved and we will listen to you. It may be that we just talk to you and point you to the support you want. If it’s a bit more complicated, we’ll need to ask you for more information that we’ll write down or type. This is so we can get the right information and share it (with your consent) with people who need to know, so we can better understand your circumstances and match up services that would help you the most. You’ll get a plan showing what you want to achieve and the support you need.

What sort of services or help do I get?

It will depend on what you need and might include services you already get. We will agree it with you and make sure it all joins up. Here are a few examples:

• Stay and play
• Library sessions
• Parenting groups
• Domestic violence support
• Youth support
• Welfare Benefits advice
• Adult learning
• Housing advice
• Debt management
• GPs
• School nurse
• Health visitor

Can I say no to an Early Help Assessment?
Yes, you can, but we would like to stay in contact with you in case your circumstances alter or you change your mind. We will continue to monitor your child in school and will speak to you again if we feel support is needed immediately.

What is the Graded Care Profile?

The graded Care Profile is another tool that we might use to help us work together to identify how things can be made better for your child.   

Does any of this mean Social care will get involved?
No. If in the future your circumstances change and it becomes a possibility, we will keep you involved and work with you so that you understand what is happening and why.

What happens when I stop receiving early help services?
We want you to become confident and able to find your own solutions and take responsibility for your family. You can continue to use all services that are open to families and children and if your needs change again, then please ask us for further help, as soon as you need it.

Do school offer any positive parenting groups?

Yes, we are currently offering the Solihull Approach Parenting Group to support parents in understanding their child's behaviour.