About Our School
Find out about our school and classes; staff and governors; safeguarding and our latest OFSTED report.
What is Early Help?
Early Help means providing help for children, young people and families as soon as problems start to emerge or where it is likely that issues will impact negatively on children's outcomes.
Early help...
Is for children of all ages and not just the very young,
Can be provided at any point of need and;
Can be very effective in supporting a child, young person and/or their family to step down from statutory services as well as preventing the escalation of issues.
Is important because there is clear evidence that it results in better outcomes for children.
Early help is a term that describes much of the everyday work of schools.
Our School's Early Help Lead is Mrs K Venskus. She can be contacted by ringing the school on 01332 840305 or by emailing enquiries@duffieldmeadows.derbyshire.sch.uk with the subject FAO Mrs Venskus. Mrs Venskus will be able to answer questions you may have regarding our Early Help Offer or how we may be able to support your family.
The Role of Schools
Day to Day Support
Most families, most of the time, can get on with their lives quite happily with little or no outside help. If they need help it is usually provided by universal services, such as schools. This can include the day-to-day support provided to pupils and their families by staff within the school.
Focused Pastoral Support
All families can have times, however, when difficulties arise and they either may not recognise it or may not know how to start putting things right. Without the right support early on, situations can easily get worse very quickly. Schools play a role in supporting families to address these difficulties through more focused pastoral support, which might include bringing in support via an external agency.
Early Help Assessment
For those children and families whose needs and circumstances make them more vulnerable, or where schools need the support of other agencies to meet the needs of the family, a coordinated multi-agency approach is usually best. In Derbyshire this is achieved through undertaking an Early Help Assessment and assigning a Lead Practitioner to work closely with the family to ensure they receive the support they require. Schools should be a key partner in any multi-agency work to support families.
What is a 'Team around the family' meeting?
The family and workers involved come together to make a support plan. This is reviewed at regular intervals to ensure that progress is being made for your family and that the right support is in place. At this meeting, you'll choose a 'lead worker'. This can be any one of the people working with your family – you might choose the worker you see most often, or the person you find most approachable. Your lead worker will arrange the review meetings and be someone you can speak to at any point about any concerns or issues you and your family are experiencing.
How can I find more information about help and support available?
Derbyshire County Council Early Help
If you would prefer to talk to someone, please make an appointment to see Mrs Venskus. Mrs Venskus is our Early Help and Pupil Premium Lead.
Useful Links:
Derbyshire 'Mental health support line' now Freephone number and 24/7
The Mental health support line available for Derbyshire people of all ages who are experiencing increased mental health needs during the coronavirus pandemic can now be accessed via FREEPHONE 0800 028 0077. Provided by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust the support line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Amber Valley Community Updates
Action on domestic abuse -If you are experiencing domestic abuse, help is available.
Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline advisors can chat to you discreetly and provide you with emotional and practical support.
The helpline is open from 8am-10pm Monday to Friday. Call 08000 198 668 or text 07534 617 252.
The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 365 days a year – call 0808 2000 247.
For those who are in immediate danger, please do not hesitate to call 999.
https://www.theelmfoundation.org.uk/
