Our Early Support programme is part of Community Services for Younger Children and sits within the Early Years and Inclusion Team. It is an innovative family focused approach, designed to ensure that families with very young disabled children receive well co-ordinated care and support. Early Support promotes and enhances Working in Partnership with parents, carers and professionals. A tool kit and supportive information is provided through the Early Support Co-ordinator or via the Early Support Website.
A sub-group of the Disability Collaborative, the Early Support Focus Group meet bi-monthly to consider the impact and progress being made. Parents are active members of both groups and their views are heard and valued.
In a joint letter, from the Department for Education and Skills Department of Health, being sent to all local authorities and health services, Ministers have endorsed Early Support as a key Government priority. They have made clear their expectation that the approach, materials and training will be used everywhere.
The Early Support Co-ordinator leads the implementation of the programme across all services. We have strategic agreement that North Lincolnshire will embrace the Early Support principles as part of agencies working together with families.