Changes to the way Early Help services work with schools

Between June and September of this year the Early Help and Preventative Service consulted with a series of schools about how the partnership that is currently in place could be strengthened. The information and feedback that was received was helpful in assisting the design and focus of Early Help services. There were six areas which were considered and where improvements to the way Early Help services are being made. These are:

1. A schools guarantee has been written and is published on KELSI
2. Details of district contacts with names, phone numbers and email addresses of key people within each district will be available to anyone accessing KELSI
3. Guidance on how to resolve problems and discuss notifications with Early Help staff within each district
4. A set of standards for district meetings with schools which outline how Early Help District Managers will engage with Head Teachers, and how often practitioner events will be held for all partner agencies
5. Single Point Of Contact details. Each school has been allocated an identified Schools Liaison Officer from the PRU, Inclusion and Attendance Service and a worker from either a Unit or an Open Access Service. Early Help District Managers have the details of who these people are.
6. Changes to Secure Kent Workforce Online (SKWO) and the implementation of a new case management system. The schools guarantee means that increased time will be available to schools to inform the notifying member of staff of progress with the family. The new case management system means that from January 2016 each school will receive a monthly report detailing all their young people who receive intensive support.