Routes of Support

Families First Support at Moorcroft Wood Academy

What is Families First?

Families First (previously known as Early Help) focuses on taking action early to provide support when families or children are experiencing difficulties. This support can be offered at any stage of a child or young person’s life. The earlier a family receives support, the sooner they can improve their circumstances and reduce the likelihood of needing more intensive or prolonged intervention.

Families First aims to identify what is working well within a family, alongside any worries or challenges they may be facing. It builds on existing strengths while recognising areas where additional support may be beneficial. The approach brings together professionals from different teams and services to work collaboratively with the whole family. Its central purpose is to improve outcomes for children and help families overcome difficulties.

Support through Families First can be provided in both simple and highly complex situations. This includes responding promptly when a child is at immediate risk of harm or has significant and complex needs, as well as offering advice and guidance where lower-level support is required.

Why would I need support through Families First?

Families First can support you with a range of concerns, including:

Worries about your child’s health, development, or behaviour
Concerns about how your child is doing at school
Financial or housing difficulties
Challenges your family may be facing due to domestic abuse, drugs, alcohol, ill health, or crime
Advice and guidance on finding solutions to problems, including support from relevant professionals or services

This support is designed to help families address difficulties early and build on their strengths.

Who do I ask for help?

You can speak with someone you know and trust at the academy, or email .

With your consent, we can also liaise with other agencies to ensure that you and your family receive the right support and services from the right people, at the right time.

Our aim is to address any needs early, preventing situations from escalating or requiring more intensive support.

You can also contact your local Family Hub and ask to speak with a Duty Worker, who can provide advice about Early Help and how it may support you. More information is available on their website: https://www.walsallfamilyhubs.co.uk/ or by calling 01922 654589.

What might we offer in response to your concerns?

Contact with our Senior Mental Health Lead
Referrals to other agencies, such as Speech and Language Therapy
Parent Information Sessions (academic and pastoral, e.g., phonics or maths workshops)
Access to the Government Fruit and Vegetable Scheme
Pre-loved Uniform
Curriculum provision and additional support from outside agencies to help children learn how to keep themselves safe

These options are designed to provide practical support for both children and families, addressing academic, pastoral, and wellbeing needs.

Who might Moorcroft Wood refer to?

The Families First Team at the Family Hubs
Children and Young People's Services
County Inclusive Support Service (CISS)
Counselling Services
School Nurse
Speech and Language Therapist
Educational Psychologist
Young Carers
SENDAT
SENDIAS
Local Authority Family Services Team

If Early Help is appropriate, our staff will work with these agencies to set up an inter-agency assessment called My Family.

Our staff will work closely with you to review your family’s needs. If concerns do not improve, the school may consider a referral to Local Authority Children’s Social Care. All interventions will be carefully monitored and reviewed, with your family remaining at the heart of everything we do.

For the most up-to-date procedure for Early Help Assessments in Walsall, please follow this link: Walsall Early Help Procedures

If you have any queries or would like to discuss your situation with our pastoral team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team or by emailing