We are committed to providing early help and support to children and families as soon as concerns are identified, helping to prevent difficulties from escalating and ensuring that children receive the right support at the right time.

We have a small but highly experienced team of staff who have undertaken additional specialist training to support vulnerable children and those experiencing social, emotional, behavioural or wellbeing difficulties. These staff act as positive role models and are given dedicated time to develop trusting, supportive relationships with identified pupils. Through these relationships, children are encouraged to share their worries and concerns, develop strategies to manage their emotions and build resilience when facing challenges.

The Senior Leadership Team has significant experience in working with and supporting families. We recognise that children achieve their best outcomes when schools and families work together effectively. We maintain strong relationships with a range of partner agencies and services, enabling us to provide advice, guidance and appropriate signposting for families who may require additional support. Areas of support may include, but are not limited to:

• Domestic abuse and relationship difficulties
• Family breakdown and separation
• School attendance concerns
• Housing and homelessness issues
• Financial hardship and debt
• Abuse and neglect
• Parenting support and behaviour management
• Bereavement and loss
• Bullying
• Online safety and digital wellbeing
• Emotional health and mental wellbeing

OM Wellbeing works in partnership with the school and visits regularly to provide support for parents and carers through one-to-one consultations and workshops. In addition, our Mental Health Support Team (MHST) offers advice, interventions and signposting to children, families and staff where appropriate.

All staff receive training in trauma-informed practice to ensure they understand the impact that adverse experiences can have on children’s development, behaviour and wellbeing. We also have trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) and Trauma Informed Schools UK (TISUK) practitioners who provide targeted support to pupils, helping them to understand and regulate their emotions, develop coping strategies and overcome barriers that may affect their learning, relationships and overall wellbeing.

Through our early help offer, we aim to create a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive.