SEND and Inclusion

The Early Help Assessment should be undertaken when there are initial concerns about a child’s development and progress. A child’s strengths and areas of need can be assessed so that the right support can be provided. This should include asking parents/carers what they think, talking to professionals who work with the child, and looking at records and other information. As part of the Early Help Action Plan, you may ask for advice and further assessments, for example from a health professional or Start Well Single Point of Access EYSENDSPOApanel@bolton.gov.uk.

The directory link below shows the local 0-19 Public Health teams linked to schools and settings in Bolton. Each 0-19 team has a team leader that education professionals can contact either by telephone or email to discuss children and families when there is concern or an identified need.

You will need permission from parents prior to contacting the 0-19 service, unless you assess the child to be at significant risk of harm, in which case safeguarding procedures must be adhered to.

Directory of Public Health Nurses Linked to Settings

Early Help Access Point and Targeted Early Help Service   

• Early Help Assessments, updated versions and plans should be submitted to the usual email BoltonISA@bolton.gov.uk. It is essential that when submitting Early Help Reviews, you ensure the EHA has been submitted. This ensures effective version control. 
• Requests to close Early Help Assessments should be submitted to the usual email (as above).
• Enquiries to check if an Early Help Assessment is currently open should also be submitted to the usual email (as above). You will be notified if there is an open EHA, and if there is, you will be provided with details for the Lead Professional. 
• If you require advice or guidance relating to Early Help interventions, please contact BoltonISA@bolton.gov.uk.

If a child has not had an Early Help Assessment you can find further information about starting the process at: www.boltonsafeguardingchildren.org.uk.

You can download a copy of the Early Help Assessment and Action Plan and Early Help Review from the resources section at the bottom of the page - click on the orange button below. 

Early Help Forms

Reviews of Early Help should take place every 8-10 weeks. 

Children under Social Services

If a child is currently under Social Services, then professionals can use the following form instead of an Early Help Assessment: Referral form for children receiving a service from Social Care.

Resources

Early Help Assessment Action Plan (Word Document)

Early Help Assessment Review (Word Document)