Early Help
At Northleaze CofE Primary School, we believe that every child and family should receive the right support at the right time.
Our early help approach is designed to identify and respond to concerns as early as possible, ensuring that small worries do not become bigger challenges. We work closely with families to provide support at any stage of a child’s development.
We are committed to ensuring that all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), are able to thrive, achieve well and feel safe, supported and valued throughout their time at our school.
Early help at Northleaze is based on strong relationships, early identification of need and effective partnership working with families and external agencies.
What is Early Help?
Early help means providing support as soon as a concern emerges, at any point during a child’s life.
Family life can sometimes be challenging, and it is important to know that you are not alone. If you ever have worries about your child or your family situation, please talk to us—we are here to help.
Safeguarding and supporting children is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff at Northleaze are committed to listening, supporting and responding appropriately.
Support for All Families
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and approachable school community.
- We operate an open door policy, offering opportunities to speak with staff before or after school, by phone or through arranged meetings.
- Strong relationships with families enable us to respond quickly to any concerns.
- Regular opportunities for communication include Parents’ Evenings, SEND review meetings and informal conversations.
- Through our curriculum, including PSHE and collective worship, we teach children how to:
- stay safe
- understand their emotions
- build positive relationships
- ask for help when they need it
We encourage all children to talk to trusted adults in school if they have any worries.
Targeted Support
Some children and families may benefit from additional support for a period of time.
At Northleaze, we work closely with families to offer tailored help, which may include:
- support with routines at home
- behaviour or emotional wellbeing guidance
- help with learning or engagement
- advice around online safety
- support for social, emotional or mental health needs
We may provide targeted interventions or personalised support programmes to meet individual needs. For children with SEND, this may include structured targets and regular review meetings with parents and carers.
Where appropriate, we may complete an Early Help Assessment together with families to identify needs and coordinate support.
Working Together
At Northleaze, we believe that strong partnerships between home and school enable children to flourish.
If you are worried about anything—no matter how small it may seem—please talk to us. By working together, we can ensure that every child feels safe, supported and able to shine.
Working with Other Services
We know that working in partnership leads to the best outcomes for children. Our school works alongside a range of services to ensure families receive the support they need.
These may include:
- School Health Services
- Educational Psychology
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Behaviour Support Services
- CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
- Young Carers services
- North Somerset SEND Team
- Police Community Support Officers
- Domestic abuse support services
Our strong partnership work helps us ensure early identification of needs and effective support for families.
We work closely with a range of local services to ensure that children and families receive the support they need. Below are some key services you may wish to contact directly, or we can help you access these services
Additional Support and Signposting
We can also help families access further support, including:
- mental health and wellbeing resources
- parenting advice and programmes
- financial support services
- food banks
- housing support
- domestic abuse services
Key contacts and support:
Northleaze CofE Primary School
If you need support or would like to speak to someone, please contact the school office: 01275 540077
Parenting Support in North Somerset
The Parenting Village
North Somerset Council runs a range of parenting support opportunities, including The Parenting Village – a welcoming, informal drop-in designed to support parents and carers.
The Parenting Village offers:
- a relaxed and friendly environment to meet other parents
- access to experienced parenting practitioners
- advice, reassurance and practical tips
- opportunities to connect with local services
- a listening ear when things feel challenging
No appointment is needed – families can simply drop in at a time that suits them.
Sessions are open to parents and carers of children of all ages, and children are welcome to attend alongside you.
These sessions are a great opportunity to:
- share experiences with others
- ask questions about behaviour, routines or wellbeing
- access support early, before concerns become more difficult
Where and When
One of the regular sessions takes place at:
Clevedon Parenting Village Session
Clevedon Library - 37 Old Church Road, Clevedon, BS21 6NN
- Third Monday of each month
- 9:30am – 11:00am
Health and Wellbeing
Health Visiting Service (0–5 years)
- Phone: 0300 125 5060
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
- Phone: 0300 125 6700
- Support for children and young people experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties.
Additional Family Hubs
Castle Batch Best Start Family Hub (Children’s Centre)
- Phone: 01934 427242
- Email: castlebatchadmin@n-somerset.gov.uk
Parenting Support / Parenting Village
- Email: parenting.groups@n-somerset.gov.uk
- Free drop-in sessions offering advice, support and a listening ear for parents.
Domestic Abuse Support
Next Link Domestic Abuse Service
- Helpline: 0800 470 0280
- Support available for anyone affected by domestic abuse across North Somerset.
North Somerset Domestic Abuse Support (Cranstoun)
- Phone: 01934 318490
Young Carers
Young Carers Support (Alliance Homes)
- Information: Young carers support
Counselling and Emotional Support
In Charley’s Memory (Counselling Service)
- Phone: 01278 557490
- Website: Visit In Charley’s Memory
- Provides counselling and mental health support for young people (11+).
Additional Support
24/7 Mental Health Support Line (BNSSG area)
- Phone: 0800 012 6549
NSPCC Helpline
- Phone: 0808 800 5000
Childline (for children and young people)
- Phone: 0800 1111
