What on Earth is Early Help?

[microplasticmum]

A couple of weeks ago my sons key worker at Nursery mentioned that if his speech didn’t improve they might need to refer to Early Help. I assumed this would be some specific programme that supports children with Speech Delay or special needs, but in hindsight she did seem slightly cagey and nervous about suggesting it. I googled it out of curiosity today and it seems to be some kind of social services adjacent thing?!

He has a targeted support plan at nursery, we’re waiting on SLT triage, we’re learning makaton to support his speech. Not sure what more we could be doing or how this referral would benefit. I don’t want to seem defensive to nursery, but I really do not want involvement with social care services. We’re a normal family, my son just happens to be struggling with his speech.

Has anyone got any experience of this? Is this the usual path for children with special needs?

Early Help is not directly social care input. Although it can sometimes move on to that. It isn’t part of statutory social care services. It isn’t about you not being ‘normal’ family or saying you aren’t a good parent. It is about supporting DS and the wider family with his additional needs, and providing support in excess of universal services. It is voluntary and your consent is required. What is offered varies but if you are being offered support, I would take it.

I would request an EHCNA if you haven’t already. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

If your area has a Portage service who still supports DC already in nursery, it is worth a referral to them if DS isn’t already under them.

I agree totally with Chasing.

Just wanted to ask if your DC has had a hearing test to rule out Glue Ear and if they’ve had a referral to Occupational Therapy?