Early Help
Early Help Statement
At St Thomas à Becket CE Primary School, we are committed to identifying needs early and providing timely, effective support for our children and their families. By working closely with parents, carers and a range of professionals, we ensure that every child feels safe, supported and able to thrive. Our Early Help approach means that concerns are addressed as soon as they arise, allowing us to put the right help in place at the right time.
First Point of Contact: Class Teacher
Your child’s class teacher is your first point of contact. Teachers monitor the wellbeing of all pupils and work with other staff to ensure support is put in place as soon as a need is identified. Where further help may be needed, the class teacher will discuss next steps with the school SENDCO.
Support from the SENDCO
Parents and carers may be invited to meet with the SENDCO to discuss concerns, explore what is working well, and consider whether further assessment or referral to external agencies would be helpful. The SENDCO can offer advice, guidance and support with referrals.
Specialist Education Services
We work with Wiltshire Council specialist teams who provide advice and support for children with needs related to social, emotional and mental health; communication and interaction; cognition and learning; and physical or sensory development. These services work alongside our Assess–Plan–Do–Review cycle.
Speech and Language Therapy
Our school works with COMMUNICATE, a private speech and language therapy service, which provides regular assessment and monitoring. School staff deliver ongoing sessions between visits. Therapists can also advise on NHS referrals.
ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support)
Our trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) works with children who need help understanding and managing their emotions, building confidence and developing social skills.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility at our school. We have a detailed Child Protection Policy, three Designated Safeguarding Leads and a Designated Safeguarding Governor. Staff receive regular training, and we always act in the best interests of the child.
If you believe a child is at risk of significant harm, please contact the relevant safeguarding services or emergency services immediately.
School Nursing Team
Our named school nurse and health team support children with specific medical and wellbeing needs, provide advice to families, and deliver aspects of the Healthy Child Programme for ages 5–19. They play an important role in early identification of health-related concerns.
Early Support Assessment (ESA)
When a family would benefit from coordinated support from more than one agency, we may offer an Early Support Assessment. This is a strengths-based, family-friendly approach designed to identify needs, empower families and prevent difficulties from escalating.
Attendance Support
Attendance is monitored by the headteacher, and our Educational Welfare Officer works closely with families to promote and support good attendance.
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
For children with more complex needs, an EHCP may be developed to outline strengths, challenges and the provision required to support progress. The school works with families and external professionals throughout this process.
Support for Young Carers
We recognise that some children take on practical or emotional caring responsibilities at home. We ensure that young carers are identified, supported and offered access to additional help where needed.
Continence Service
Specialist continence nurses support children and young people aged 4–25 with SEND who experience continence difficulties.
Autism Support (SWAPP)
We work alongside the SWAPP programme, which helps parents and schools develop a shared understanding of autism, covering communication, sensory differences and behaviour.
Wiltshire Speech and Language Therapy Service
In addition to our private provider, Wiltshire SALT supports children with speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties, including needs related to voice, stammering and understanding.
Wellbeing and Mental Health Support
The Wiltshire Children and Young People Wellbeing Service offers evidence-based interventions for children experiencing emotional or low-level mental health needs, along with advice, guidance and positive activities.
Parenting Support
Families can access a range of parenting programmes including Triple P, “Being a Parent,” and “Time Out for Parents.” These programmes provide practical tools and strategies to support children’s behaviour, emotions and development.