Early Help Offer

What is Early Help?

At Marsden Heights Community College, we understand that every family can face challenges from time to time.

Early Help is about providing the right support at the right time, so that small problems don’t become bigger ones.

It’s a way of working together to strengthen families, build confidence, and help every child and young person thrive.

Early Help is available to all families, with children or young people of any age, and it’s completely voluntary, you decide if and when you would like to take part.

Why might my family want Early Help?

Families reach out for Early Help for many different reasons, for example:

• Concerns about a child’s behaviour, development, or wellbeing
• Difficulties at home linked to finances, housing, or other pressures
• The impact of domestic abuse, substance misuse, or crime
• Coping with illness, bereavement, or other life changes
• Supporting a child or young person with additional needs or disabilities

Whatever the situation, Early Help is there to make things easier - offering practical guidance, emotional support, and a coordinated plan to move forward.

Who leads Early Help at Marsden Heights?

Miss Aicha Khan, our Family Liaison Officer, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Early Help Lead Practitioner, coordinates all Early Help support within school.

Miss Khan works closely with families, school staff, and external agencies to make sure the right help is in place at the right time.
Her role is to guide families through the Early Help process with compassion, clarity, and consistency.

How can I access Early Help?

If you feel that you or your family could benefit from support, please get in touch with school.  You can contact Miss Khan directly to discuss your concerns and explore what kind of help might be available.

Tel:      01282 683060 – extension number: 22005
Email:  akhan@marsdenheights.co.uk

What happens when I ask for Early Help?

When you reach out, Miss Khan will arrange a time to talk, either during a home visit or a meeting in school.  Together, you’ll discuss what’s going well and what might be causing difficulties.

From there, an Early Help Assessment (EHA) can be completed to identify what kind of support would be most helpful.

This assessment is simply a conversation to understand your family’s needs and strengths - it’s nothing to worry about, and you remain in control every step of the way. 

Children and young people are also encouraged to share their views so that their voice is heard.

What happens next?

Every family’s journey is unique.   If additional support is needed, a Team Around the Family (TAF) meeting may be arranged.

This brings together professionals involved with your family to agree on the best plan going forward and to make sure progress is reviewed regularly.

Early Help is consent-based - if you decide to withdraw consent, the process stops immediately.

Sharing Information

Your information is treated with care and confidentiality.

Details are only shared with your permission unless there are safeguarding concerns, such as:

• A child or adult being at risk of harm, or
• Information that may help prevent or detect a serious crime.

Children’s Social Care will only become involved if there is a significant safeguarding concern or if circumstances change substantially.

Your Choice, Your Journey

Early Help is here to empower, not intrude.  If you’d like more information or think your family could benefit from support, please contact Miss Khan.