Why is there a need for Early Support in Wales?

Disabled children are a diverse group with changing needs. It is essential that these children have the same opportunities as other children – to have the choices and opportunities that we aspire to for all our young people. It’s vital that they get that support as early as possible. Early intervention not only impacts positively in terms of promoting development, it also challenges any possibility of early decline or regression among children with disabilities. Parents have consistently reported a lack of co-ordination in services, where separate systems operating in the statutory agencies positively stand in the way of parents receiving a joined up service. Parents often become ‘ guerilla warriors’ early on and end up having to coordinate the services that are there to assist them. Early Support aims to ensure that services are better coordinated, with a single point of contact, working in a family and child focused way, in partnership with parents and carers.

How will Early Support help in the better delivery of services ?

Early Support has developed a range of resources and training that are aimed at bringing service providers together to determine what the child and family need and put parents at the centre of the planning process. The development of these resources and the training began in England and it is currently taking place in Wales to ensure the English materials are suitably adapted to fit the Welsh context. However, the materials are not the intervention and Early Support principles and approaches will be gradually introduced in Wales with the support of Early Support consultants across Wales.

What are the Early Support practical resources?

There is a range of Early Support materials and training courses. Early Support materials have been developed to help families and practitioners work together more effectively. The materials include:-

  • Family Pack (including the Family file and background information booklets)
  • Multiagency planning and improvement tool
  • Range of information for parents booklets
  • Developmental journals (for deaf children, for children with Down syndrome, visual impairment and a generic version)

Where can I order materials?

You can order any or all of the Early Support materials by using the order form on this website. Or you can call 0845 604 4648 and request the materials you would like. Alternatively, you can email ESWales@mediascene.co.uk and indicate which of the materials you would like to order. Where possible, try to include the reference number for the materials, which can be found on the back cover of any of the materials. If you wish, you could write to Welsh Assembly Government Publications, PO Box 90, Bargoed, CF81 9YE and ask for the materials you require.

What is the Family Service Plan?

This is one of the main features of the Family file. It supports joint discussion between the parent and the practitioner about what services the family and child need and how the services that are available locally will respond. It offers a real chance at the very beginning of better coordination of services.

Is there any Early Support training?

There are nine different Early Support training courses:-

  • Parents’ workshops - series of 4 workshops aiming to provide information & promote understanding about Early Support. Primarily aimed at parents & other family members.
  • Working in Partnership through Early Support (accredited) - accredited at level 5 (which is equivalent to second year undergraduate standard). It aims to enable parents/carers & practitioners to share language, effective communication, seamless service delivery & work in partnership, in line with Early Support principles.
  • Working in Partnership through Early Support (2-day programme) - aimed at those who will not require accreditation because it is not assessed and isn't attached to a qualification. Like the accredited programme, it aims to support participants in their efforts to put Early Support principles into action.
  • Using the Early Support multiagency planning and improvement tool - one-day course; aims to ensure that practitioners, managers and parents/carers understand the purpose and best use of the multiagency planning and improvement tool.
  • Using the Early Support developmental journals (4 courses) - one-day courses aiming to ensure that parents & practitioners understand the purpose & use of the developmental journals and their aim to enrich partnership working with families.
  • Providing Early Support for children with additional needs- supports participants to work towards a level 4 (equivalent to first year undergraduate standard) award. It is supported by the equivalent of 4 days of training and it aims to provide an overview of the developmental & learning needs of children with additional needs & disabilities.

What do key workers do?

  • Work across agencies to coordinate services, to improve the care and support that disabled children and their families need
  • Help families to access and understand accurate and reliable infomraiton that is provided when the family wants it
  • Support the whole family to identify their strengths and to identify their needs and to work out how those needs could be met
  • Provide emotional and practical support within a supportive relationship, conducted in the spirit of partnership.

Are key workers available in every area in Wales?

Key workers are available in many areas in Wales, but they are not available everywhere. If you want to know if there is a key worker service in your area you could ask your health visitor, your GP, social services or contact your local authority (contact details will be on their website). They should also be able to tell you if you can have access to a key worker.

How can I find out more about what's happening with Early Support in my local area?

Contact your local authority (contact details will be on their website), contact your local Early Support consultant (for contact details click here) or any of the practitioners you are currently working with. If you would be interested in becoming involved in Early Support locally then let your Early Support consultant know. If you are interested in becoming involved in Early Support nationally then please contact us.