Early help
Support provided to families as soon as problems emerge, before concerns escalate to statutory intervention. Schools, GPs, and other professionals can lead or refer to early help services.
In plain English
Support provided to families as soon as problems emerge, before concerns escalate to statutory intervention. Schools, GPs, and other professionals can lead or refer to early help services.
Why it matters
Early help reduces the chance that problems become child-protection cases. It is voluntary, family-led, and usually shorter than statutory work. Parents can ask their school or local family hub for an early-help assessment.
Sources
- Early help: statutory framework— GOV.UK
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17