Early Help and Family Support
Early Help is about ensuring that children, young people, and families receive timely support as soon as challenges arise—before they escalate into more significant difficulties. At Dallas Road, we follow the Lancashire County Council Early Help guidelines, providing a thoughtful, preventative safety net for families who may benefit from additional support.
What Is Early Help?
Early Help is support offered to children and families from birth to 18 years old. It is designed to:
- Address concerns early, before they worsen
- Improve wellbeing, school engagement, and family stability
- Support families in stepping down from statutory services where appropriate
- Build resilience through strong relationships and appropriate protective factors
Common situations where Early Help may be useful include:
- Emotional or mental health concerns
- Behavioural difficulties
- SEND or disability-related challenges
- Bullying or struggles with peer relationships
- Family conflict, housing difficulties, bereavement, or financial pressure
- Concerns affecting school attendance or engagement
Why Early Help Matters
In Lancashire, all partner organisations dedicated to children and families work together to raise aspirations, celebrate achievements, and protect the most vulnerable. Early Help is rooted in the belief that children thrive when they have access to:
- Positive relationships with trusted adults
- Strong communication and literacy skills
- Regular and consistent school attendance
- Parents or carers who are supported, empowered, and engaged
Early intervention prevents difficulties from escalating and promotes better outcomes for children both in and outside school.
Our Approach at Dallas Road
We understand that family life can be challenging, and that it is perfectly normal to need extra support from time to time. Dallas Road offers a compassionate, holistic Early Help approach that considers the needs of the whole family.
Key Personnel
- Mr Newton - Headteacher
- Mrs Long – Pupil Support Manager
- Miss Fyfe – SENCO
- Mrs Fairclough - Deputy Headteacher
These staff members lead our Early Help support and can guide families through next steps.
Our Five Early Help Commitments
Dallas Road is committed to:
- Ensuring pupils, parents/carers, and staff understand the Early Help support available
- Strengthening multi-agency working across partner organisations
- Keeping our Early Help approaches up to date with local and county guidance
- Supporting personal development and wellbeing
- Providing whole-child pastoral care rooted in our school values
Levels of Support
- Day-to-Day Universal Support
Most families will access support through universal services such as school. Teachers, pastoral staff, and support teams work together to:
- Welcome children into school each morning
- Maintain daily check-ins for vulnerable children
- Keep communication open through platforms such as Seesaw
- Meet with parents when needed to discuss concern
- Focused Pastoral Support
Some families may experience challenges they find difficult to recognise or resolve. In these cases, Dallas Road staff can provide more focused pastoral support, which may include:
Referrals to external agencies
Enhanced communication and monitoring
Tailored strategies to support behaviour, attendance, or emotional needs
- Early Help Assessment
When multiple concerns are present or external agency involvement is needed, we may suggest completing an Early Help Assessment (EHA).
This involves:
- Conversations with the family about strengths and areas of difficulty
- Understanding the wider family context (with consent)
- Identifying positive changes that can support improved wellbeing
- Coordinated partnership support via Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings
A Lead Practitioner is assigned to support the family and ensure the right services are involved.
What Dallas Road Can Offer
We provide a comprehensive range of Early Help support, including:
A listening ear for both children and parents
Advice and strategies for behaviour or attendance concerns
Access to specialist therapeutic interventions delivered in school by trained staff
SEND guidance and signposting to specialist support
Parenting support referrals
Signposting to clubs and activities supporting mental and physical health
Support accessing free school meals
Information on local food banks and charities offering household help
Links to external agencies, including: School Nursing Team, CAMHS, CANW, NEST
Contact details for services supporting housing, finance, and mental health
Specialised learning plans for pupils with specific needs, regularly reviewd
How to Get Support
If you have any worries or concerns about your child—whether related to behaviour, home life, mental health, attendance, or general wellbeing—please speak to us.
We are always ready to help.
Contact Us
- Phone: School Office 0152464520
- Email: enquiries@dallasroad.lancs.sch.uk or head@dallasroad.lancs.sch.uk
Useful Links to Early Help Support