Every family experiences difficulties at times. Being a parent is hard work, and there is no instruction manual. Sometimes, you or your children may need some extra support. This may be before your children are born, when they are very young, or throughout their school years. There is nothing to be ashamed of in asking for help.

In Suffolk, Family Help is the new approach to providing coordinated support to children, young people and their families, building on the previous Early Help and Family Support services. Since September 2026, the service has been working to make it easier for families to access the support they need without having to navigate multiple services or repeatedly explain their circumstances.

Family Help brings professionals together to understand each family’s circumstances, recognise strengths and identify where additional support may be beneficial. Where appropriate, families receive one assessment, one family plan and a dedicated practitioner to coordinate support. The aim is to provide the right help at the right time, preventing difficulties from escalating wherever possible.

Support may be available for a range of concerns, including:

• Parenting and family relationships.
• School attendance, learning and education.
• Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Emotional wellbeing and mental health.
• Healthy lifestyles and behaviour.
• Family circumstances and other challenges affecting children’s wellbeing.

Family Help is based on working in partnership with children, young people and their families. Your views, experiences and wishes are important in deciding what support may be helpful.

Suffolk’s Integrated Front Door brings together the initial consideration of children’s needs and helps ensure that concerns are directed to the appropriate service. The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) brings relevant professionals together to share information and help determine the most appropriate response when safeguarding concerns are raised.

This approach supports better coordination between family support and safeguarding services, helping children and families receive an appropriate response to their circumstances.

Where a family needs additional support, professionals may help connect them with Family Help or other suitable services. Where there are concerns that a child may be at risk of significant harm, safeguarding procedures must be followed.

If you have a concern about your child or your family, please speak to us. We can listen, discuss what is happening and help you explore the available options.

If you feel that you or your family would benefit from additional support, please come and have a confidential conversation with us at school.

You can speak to:

• Louise Worth– Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Eluned Beaumont-George – Assistant Headteacher and Alternative DSL.
• Joanne Deaves – Headteacher and Alternative DSL.
• Lynette Cherrington – Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).
• Your child’s class teacher.

We will listen to your concerns, discuss what support may help and work with you to identify appropriate next steps.

If you feel that you and your family would benefit from additional support, please contact the school. We will be happy to discuss your concerns and help you explore the support available.

You can also find information about services for children, young people and families through Suffolk County Council’s Parent Hub.

The safety and wellbeing of every child is our priority. If you are worried that a child or young person may be experiencing abuse, neglect or significant harm, this must be treated as a safeguarding concern rather than solely as a request for Early Help.

If you have an immediate safeguarding concern about a child in Suffolk, contact Customer First on 0808 800 4005. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

You can find further information about reporting a safeguarding concern on the Suffolk County Council website⁠.

Working together, we can help ensure that every child receives the support they need to feel safe, succeed and reach their full potential.