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Welcome to the latest edition of the Early Help Newsletter. In this edition you can find information on how Shropshire Council’s Children’s Services have put love back into the system and been awarded with a judgement of Outstanding in a recent Ofsted inspection. There’s also news about how Shropshire has been selected as one of only 12 authorities to transform youth services for young people in Shropshire.
If you have information on your service area you would like to share in the next early help newsletter, please email Kate.Bentham@shropshire.gov.uk or if you know of a colleague who would also like to receive this newsletter they can also email Kate to be added to the distribution list.
‘By treating our children and young people with respect, love and trust and with the right amount of encouragement we can inspire them to dream big, build relationships and connections that matter and together with kindness and a sense of belonging we can do great things.’
Shropshire Council’s Children and Young People’s vision statement
Whether you think a parent or family needs some support, or you are worried a child might be at risk of abuse or neglect, there is only one number you need – 0345 678 9021. From this number you will receive the support you need to get the right help at the right time to support families and safeguard children.
Shropshire Council has is proud to announce that following a recent visit by Ofsted, inspectors have rated its children’s services ‘outstanding’.
The report, published on Tuesday 12 August 2025, scored the overall effectiveness of the council’s children’s service as ‘outstanding’ – the highest score that can be achieved.
The inspection held over a three-week period, included detailed case work analysis, data review, and interviews with partners, children, and families, and assessed the service across four key areas including:
- The impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families – outstanding
- The experiences and progress of children who need help and protection – outstanding
- The experiences and progress of children in care – outstanding
- The experiences and progress of care leavers – good
- Overall effectiveness – outstanding
Ofsted’s findings and judgement have recognised this organisational achievement and highlighted the dedication of the council’s staff, children and young people and their parents and carers, and the ongoing commitment all parts of the council have to children, young people and their families.
Please read the full Ofsted report here.
Shropshire Council has been selected as a pilot Pathfinder area for the Government’s Local Youth Transformation Fund (LYTF) – a move that could transform how the council supports and works alongside young people.
Just 12 councils have been selected to take part in the pilot, meaning Shropshire is one of a small number of councils nationally leading the way in rebuilding more inclusive, youth-led service provision.
Through the pilot the government is investing £8 million over 2025/26 to help ensure a local youth offer which addresses the needs of young people and supports government priorities.
The pilot will be delivered across 2025 to 2026, with all activity ending by 31 March 2026.
Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s deputy Leader and Cabinet member with responsibility for youth strategy, said:
“This is really excellent news, and recognises the council’s renewed ambition and readiness to transform youth services.
“Being selected as one of just 12 pathfinder areas is national recognition that we mean business and want to provide stronger youth services in communities across Shropshire, tackling the issues and creating real opportunities.
“The funding will help to accelerate progress, rather than start from scratch, and support the development of a more connected, community-led system. We’re keen to make good on our commitment to open up the council and embrace stronger links with our partners to deliver that change.”
Helena Williams, youth support manager with Shropshire Council, said:
“Professionally, this is a career-defining moment. It’s the kind of opportunity you hope for, to be part of something that has the power to genuinely transform how we support and work alongside young people.
“To know that Shropshire will now have the backing, the platform, and the freedom to shape something different, something better and with young people at the centre… it’s hard to describe how much joy that brings.
“We have a long road ahead but the work begins now and I can’t wait to get stuck in. To every young person in Shropshire: this is yours. Let’s build something extraordinary.”
As a Pathfinder, there will be an emphasis on working with partners in the voluntary and community sector, and with schools and town/parish councils. Young people will help shape services through new Youth Insight Panels and an Area Youth Assembly/Forum, and a new Strategic Youth Partnership will oversee delivery.
Funding allocations for Pathfinder local authorities will be based on their action plans and local needs assessments, currently being undertaken. Confirmed funding allocations will be shared by the Government in due course
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This new 8-week course will help Mums understand how domestic abuse impacts on them as a parent and how it affects their children.
The course objectives are to empower, support and develop further understanding of their role as a mother in addressing the needs of their children and young people.
To book and secure a place on this course please call 01743 250400.
Every Wednesday from Wednesday 3rd September – Wednesday 22nd October 2025, 09:30-11:30am Venue: Shrewsbury SY1
Facilitated by - Early Help and Support Team with Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service
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The Autum Meet and Chat SEND sessions are starting next month for parent carers of a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?
Parent Carers can join us for an informal drop-in session where they can ask questions, get advice, and explore the support available to them within Shropshire. Speak to a range of professionals who can help with:
- Education, health, and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- School support and advocacy
- Health and Wellbeing for children with SEND
- Social care and family support
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Advice for navigating SEND challenges
Each session will have different professionals available, but parent carers are encouraged to come along, have a chat, and find the help they need!
Visit the Family Information Service (FIS) directory for information on dates and venues.
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Ash Molloy, Family Relationships Coordinator has set up regular lunchtime drop-in sessions, delivered via Teams, which are available to anyone that works with conflicted relationships between parents.
You can drop into any session to discuss a family you’re concerned about or just come along to listen and learn.
If you’re confused whether you’re dealing with Parental Conflict or Domestic Abuse, we can unpick that, or if you’re just stuck and unsure how to move forward, support is available.
2025 drop-in sessions as follows:
If you would prefer a 1-1 with Ash to discuss a particular family, please email ash.molloy@shropshire.gov.uk
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The Parenting Help and Support Line are here for parents with a friendly listening ear and practical advice on everything from behaviours that challenge to sleep issues. No judgment, just support.
Call 01743 250950 Monday - Thursday, 9.30am - 4.30pm or Friday, 9.30am - 3.30pm or email: parenting.team@shropshire.gov.uk
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It’s fair to say that all parents from time to time need some help and support with issues that impact on family life. There is help and support available in Shropshire through our Early Help coffee and chat drop ins – some of which are also stay and play sessions.
You can get free Information, advice and support on all aspects of family life, at our Family Drop-Ins. You can chat, have a cuppa and see how we can help you with:
- Family life
- Parenting support
- Domestic abuse support
- Money worries
- Housing support
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- and much more
To find your local drop in please visit the Shropshire Family Information Service Directory
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It may feel like the school summer holidays have already lasted 3.5 years (rough guesstimate), but there’s still a few weeks to go until school starts again. So have can we stop the boredom and help everyone survive the last few weeks.
Our Family Information Service have been busy gathering information on things to do and places to go this summer holidays.
Our directory has lots of events listed and more will be added over the summer months, keep checking this link.
If parents are looking for holiday clubs to break things up, or childcare, check out our list of local providers. From arts and crafts, animals, STEM clubs or football, there is something for everyone
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Information on the open access clinics run throughout Shropshire by Health Visitors has been updated. You can find out where they are and when they run by clicking on the Shropshire Family Information Service Directory
They offer parents the chance to get their baby weighed but also to access information, advice and support on a range of topics, including:
- Infant feeding and breastfeeding advice
- Child development
- Emotional health and wellbeing
- Parenting and local support groups
- Behaviour
- Sleep
Please promote these great clinics to parents who may benefit from attending. Parents who would like support but are unable to get to a session, can also get help by calling 0333 358 3654 or texting the team on 07520 635212
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Worried about your relationship or feel you’re arguing too much? Not all arguing between parents is harmful but when it’s intense or happens a lot of the time, there can be a negative impact on the children.
If your relationship is going through a difficult phase, you can find ways to argue ‘better’, resolve disputes and reduce conflict at home with our range of free courses, resources and apps. Have a look at the Getting on better pages of the Early Help website.
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NSPCC Learning has published the latest blog in the Why language matters series. The blog explores the ‘baby blind spot’ and the importance of including babies in the language of safeguarding.
It discusses how not including ‘babies’ when talking about ‘children and young people’ can lead professionals to overlook the needs and experiences of babies in safeguarding policy, practice and service provision.
It also outlines the importance of acknowledging the early years and what professionals can do to keep babies in mind.
Read the blog: Why language matters: the importance of including babies in the language of safeguarding
See also on NSPCC Learning Safeguarding and child protection in the early years
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We’ve received some amazing feedback about the work of our targeted Early Help colleagues
Some fantastic compliments for the 0-5 Team
For Jennifer - Jennifer has given us good support and been a happy medium between myself as a parent and nursery. Jennifer has facilitated support with AWM , nursery, and sleep workshop, nice to speak to someone in the middle , been consistent with support.
From Nursery regarding the same family :Thank you Jennifer, for all your support with this situation, you have been great. We have very much appreciated your reassurance that we are doing everything we can to support A and R.
For Debra - We are very happy with the support, helpful information and the way it has been delivered to us as a family, there has been a lot of good things we now know such as support around our finances and rent and water rate arrears from Ben (Employment Advisor) and we are going to continue to get his help.
For Kerrie - made a huge difference with co-parenting getting my son ready for starting school.
For Jo - It has been really nice to have someone to speak to about everything. Felt really supported and listened to every visit.
From a recent Understanding Your Teen course when asked How will you use some of the information at home?
- Be there for My son a lot more emotionally
- I will share with my husband and view my son’s behaviour and responses with more understanding and insight.
- I will be more patient and understanding and not flip my lid so quickly.
- Be more patient and understanding what they are going through developmentally.
- I think it will allow me to step back and remind myself of what I've learnt today. And to not take things personally was a big mic drop moment for me! It's difficult to do but I think that will make a big difference.
- As a child and adolescent counsellor I am grateful that families and teachers are given this informative training. As a mum it's helpful to share those video with my teenagers.
- I found the whole presentation really interesting and there was lots of very useful information. I also found it reassuring to know about the parenting helpline. I think I will definitely be making use of that in the future! Thank you so much.
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