Step 1: Identification and decision on what response is needed
practitioner observes or is informed that the child/family has a need
practitioner may need to speak with their line manager, safeguarding lead, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to help identify the way forward
if the needs can be met by practitioner’s own setting's Early Help Offer, organise the support directly
Is there an additional identified need (Level 2 and 3) for Early Help Family Support that can't be met by the professional or any other service? Read more about Level 2 and Level 3 needs in the Levels of need Guidance.
If yes, request services from Early Help Family Support by completing an online form at: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/requestfamilysupport Continue supporting the family and work with other professionals, as necessary.
Step 3: Create a plan
using the assessment, create a support plan along with the child/young person and their family. Identify SMART actions to achieve the outcomes or goals (for example, attending a parenting course)
involve other agencies if additional needs are identified as part of the assessment
if more than one agency is involved, agree who the lead professional will be (this may not be the person who wrote the assessment)
set a date to review the plan
share the plan with the practitioners who attended the Team Around the Family (TAF) meeting as well as the child/young person and family
Step 4: Meet the needs in the plan
everyone has a responsibility to carry out their agreed actions from the plan
conversations can take place between meetings as required to progress the plan
Step 5: Review progress
Team Around the Family (TAF) meeting (or telephone call) every 6-12 weeks to review the plan, this might be a conversation between a single agency and the child/young person or family
the review is led by the lead professional
the lead professional and other agencies involved review whether there has been 1) positive change 2) no change/improvement or 3) deterioration or concerns increased
the decision is made to continue as is/amend the plan/to end the plan as the needs are fully met, or to end the plan and a single agency will meet the need or that only universal services are required
if the plan continues, further reviews take place
if the plan is not progressing, review and update the assessment, develop a new plan, and consider who else may need to be involved
the review can be brought forward if the plan is not progressing, or the needs escalate
Step 6: End of the plan
when the child/young person, family and the Team Around the Family (TAF) meeting agree that the needs have been met, the plan will end and all those involved should be informed
complete closing summary and submit to the Early Help Assessment Portal
submit the closing summary to the portal, retain copies for your own records
the child/young person and family have clear information about where they can access support moving forward or if their needs change – signpost to Virtual Family Hub