Bolton Start Well

Dear colleagues,

We have become aware of a misunderstanding regarding the submission of Early Help Assessments and other associated documents (reviews and closures) to the Single Central Database via boltonISA@bolton.gov.uk

It is essential that all steps are followed for ALL Early Help Assessments, Reviews and Closures:

1. Before starting an Early Help Assessment, an enquiry to the database to check if an assessment already exists. 
   1. If an assessment is already open, you will be signposted to the existing Lead Professional. 
   2. If an assessment is not open you will be advised as such, and you can go ahead and start the assessment with the family.
2. Once the assessment is completed, submit a copy to boltonISA@bolton.gov.uk.
3. Undertake reviews in a timely manner (timescales aligned to family needs), and send review documents to boltonISA@bolton.gov.uk.
4. If at any time the Lead Professional changes, email boltonISA@bolton.gov.uk to advise who the new Lead Professional is, and confirm their contact details.
5. When the Early Help Assessment is closing, email boltonISA@bolton.gov.uk to advise that it is closing; include the reason for closure. 

The Single Central Database for Early Help Assessments plays a key role in early safeguarding, allowing us to link practitioners together to wrap support around a family, and allowing practitioners to work with multiagency colleagues who are involved with the family. 

Without communication with the database, there is a risk of duplication of assessment resulting in the work to support a family not being joined up and information sharing doesn’t happen as it should. 

Furthermore, where families do require a referral to Children’s Social Care, social workers are able to make informed decisions if they have access to early help information, preventing the family from needing to tell their story again. 

If you have Early Help Assessments and Reviews that you have not submitted to the database, please do so by sending to boltonISA@bolton.gov.uk.  It would also be advisable to consider the Early Help Assessments you currently have open, and look to close those where it is appropriate. 

If you have any questions about the process, please contact the Early Help Access Point on 01204 331501 or email earlyhelp@bolton.gov.uk 

Nicola Murphy

Strategic Lead, Targeted Early Help

Directorate of Children’s Services