Understanding Early Help

Not every worry about a child is a child protection concern. A family in poor housing, a young carer who's always late, a parent who's drinking too much: these children may not need a social worker, but they do need someone to notice.

That's early help, and this course makes clear where it sits, between the support every child gets and statutory intervention. You'll learn which children are more likely to need it, including young carers, children with SEND and those who often miss school, and why it only goes ahead with the family's agreement.

Above all, you'll know your own part in it. Pass what you notice to your designated safeguarding lead without waiting for something serious, because help that comes early can stop a problem getting worse.