What we nourish today, will flourish tomorrow

Early Help Offer

Here at Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School, we understand that from time to time family life can have its complications. There may be times when just a little extra support can help a family to get things back on track.  Early Help means providing support as soon as a problem emerges, at any point in a child’s life.  If ever things are not right at home, please come and talk to us.  Below is a list of the support and services that form part of our Early Help offer.

• Staff visible on the playground every day as a first point of contact
• Ease of communication with class teacher (Dojo/Tapestry) or by making an appointment to meet after school
• Thrive approach used to promote well-being and positive mental health
• Robust behaviour policy with built in flexibility to support those pupils for whom behaviour is a challenge
• Mrs Gibson is our Pastoral Support Lead and trained THRIVE Practitioner and Mental Health First Aid trained; provision of tailored one-to-one and small group nurture support as required
• Early Bird Club (daily morning low cost wrap around care) available daily from 8 a.m. until the start of school
• Late Bird Club (daily afterschool low cost wrap around care) available from Monday - Friday after school until 5 p.m.
• Lunchtime Activities supported by trained members of staff
• PSHE programme based on emotional literacy and mindfulness (JIGSAW), delivered weekly
• Our curriculum has a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and its benefits for pupil well-being
• Strong safeguarding culture - three members of staff are trained DSLs
• Robust system for recording, sharing and monitoring concerns regarding pupils (including safeguarding as a standing item on weekly staff meetings/bulletins)
• EHA (Early Help Assessment) referrals made to support families 
• CAMHS (Child & Adult Mental Health Services) referrals made to support children’s mental health needs
• Links on school website signposting organisations/charities offering support to parents and families
• Signposting to external agencies: SEND support groups, Triple P Parenting Courses etc.
• Referral to outside agencies: Dyslexia Outreach team, Speech and Language, Acorn Trees Educational Psychologist Team
• Interventions tailored to support children with identified learning needs
• Regular opportunities for parents/carers to come into school to share and celebrate learning 
• Links to out-of-hours support for parents on website
• Fortnightly newsletter gives contact details of parenting support agencies (ChatHealth and Parenting and Family Support)
• Regular online safety learning (complimented by annual recognition of Safer Internet Day with workshops run by the Year 6 Online Safety Champions)
• Biannual Childline assemblies (‘Speak Out Stay Safe’), complemented by additional age-appropriate, learning about safe relationships and trusted adults
• Active School Council to seek pupils’ views
• Financial support for trips, uniforms, residential trips, clubs etc. (pupil premium funding)
• Robust system for monitoring attendance and punctuality – Educational Welfare Officer support
• Support for parents and carers to complete forms as required
• Termly Coffee Mornings for parents and members of the local community (social event)