This Portal will help to streamline communication between families, professionals and Shropshire Council. The public-facing portal allows users to securely submit key forms; this includes Early Help (EHAST) referrals and non-urgent Safeguarding concerns. Please note we are not proposing any changes at this time to the current pathway to targeted early help. 

A Professional will need to register once to start using the Portal (not every time) and it is very straightforward to use.

The Portal will enable people to contact Shropshire Council at their convenience, not when our opening hours allow and they will reduce the need for paper-based communication and documentation, which can be prone to errors, delays, and losses.

This Portal will support Compass and EHAST colleagues to ensure the correct information is gathered as efficiently and effectively as possible, therefore ensuring the decision making based on this info, will lead to suitable, timely help and support for children and young people.

Please note, that this has now replaced the MARF (Multi-Agency Referral Framework) 

The Portal can be found on the SSCP website and the Safeguarding and Early Help pages of the Shropshire Council website. This is the link  earlyhelp.shropshire.gov.uk

There is a recorded webinar that took place last week which provides further guidance: Children's Referral Portal Guide

The Families First Partnership (FFP) programme aims to make it easier for families to get the help, support, and protection they need, with a strong focus on early support to stop problems before they get worse.

How does it work? There are four main areas.

(1) Family Help (FH) is strengthened by local (2) Multi-Disciplinary (MDTs) teams who work together to support families and stop problems from escalating.

(3) Families are involved in making decisions, and their wider family and friends also help.

When there is a crisis, specialist teams called (4) Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPT) step in. They are experts who offer advice and support to the care team.

The goal is to have Family Help Lead Practitioners (FHLPs), supported by these expert Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs), working directly with families. Social workers called Lead Child Protection Practitioners (LCPPs) are part of this support.

If there are child protection concerns, Family Help Lead Practitioners maintain their relationship with the family and continue to co-ordinate their support. If there is a serious risk, the Lead Child Protection Practitioners will make statutory child protection decisions, with input from the wider team Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPT), but the Family Help Lead Practitioners (FHLP) stays involved with the family.

This approach means there will be child protection experts throughout the whole system of Family Help and multi-agency child protection, so the right action can be taken whenever there are concerns.

Some of the themes we will be working on over the next few months include:-

• Places and spaces - Create accessible co-located hubs that provide the right support to meet their needs
• Children, young people and families voice - The voice and experience of children, young people and families especially those who are most likely to experience disadvantage influence and shape the way we work together. These relationships are built on trust
• Data, Systems and Outcomes - Enable seamless systems that support the system to share information, make decisions and measure outcomes
• People and Practice - Create a skilled, valued and trauma aware workforce that works collaboratively.
• Commissioning - Ensure a Joint Commissioning approach that meets our statutory requirements

We’ll keep you up to date with developments and how your role is key to delivering the reforms of supporting to children, young people and families in Shropshire.

Our Family Information Service has been busy finding information on things to do and places to go for children and families during this February’s half term.

Have a look at their online directory to see what’s on for families in Shropshire  Information to help families in Shropshire

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.

The Parenting Team will be delivering free SLEEP TIGHT groups in February 2026

These 5 week workshops cover:

• Recognising the role of sleep hygiene to improve sleep
• Identifying causes of sleep issues and appropriate practical strategies to try
• Completing sleep diaries and identifying potential sleep issues

For the dates and venues please see the Family Information Service Directory - Information to help families in Shropshire

The Parenting Help and Support Line are here for all parents, including those parent carers of children and young people with SEND, 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

The February 2026 edition of the Family Information Service newsletter is out now! In this edition, you'll find information on:

• Fun for all the family this half term
• Clubs to keep the kids busy
• Coffee and chat stay and plays
• Drop in clinics for 0-5 year olds
• Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) support
• Advice and support for your child’s development
• Local childcare for all ages
• Struggling with childcare costs? You’re not alone
• Newsletter feedback

You can view it here: Shropshire Family Information Service Newsletter - February 2026

Like what you see? Subscribe to future editions here: Sign up to the Family Information Service newsletter

The spring term Meet and Chat SEND sessions start this 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.

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.

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.

Kids Shropshire Universal Autism Support Service provides free, early intervention and person-centred support for families with autistic children and young people aged 0–19

No diagnosis is needed to access their services. They support families with neurodiverse children, including those with ADHD and PDA. They hold regular training sessions, coffee mornings and family events.

They aim to:

• Improve understanding of autism
• Share practical support strategies
• Enhance emotional wellbeing and quality of life

To access the service complete a self-referral form which can be found on their web page, it is a quick and easy form:  Shropshire Universal Autism Support Service - Kids   you will also find information of their up and coming training and events.  Once parent carers have completed a referral form they will be sent a link to book a telephone appointment.

You can also be part of their community by following them on Facebook:  Kids Shropshire Facebook Page   

A young carer is a young person aged from 5 to 17 years of age who helps to look after (or ‘care’ for) a family member who has a physical disability, mental illness, or alcohol/drug addiction. There are around 650 known young carers in Shropshire, but there are probably lots more children and young people who are caring, but just see this as being part of a family.

Helping to look after or ‘care’ for someone can be rewarding, but tiring too. It can affect schoolwork and seeing friends, and knowing who you can speak to is really important.

Young carers may:

• Feel lonely or not be able to join clubs or after school play dates
• Feel tired from having too much to do
• Worry about time to do homework
• Feel worried about fitting everything into the day – caring, school, homework
• Feel they don’t fit in – they feel different to other young people
• Being bullied at school

Young carers tell us they want to be treated like any other child or young person.

The Shropshire Young Carers service holds monthly young carer groups across the county and hosts various activities during school holidays. We aim for the young carers to have fun, do crafts and games, but also relax with other young people who will relate to their own situation. Our focus is respite and support for young carers.

You can find out more about the Young Carers service on the Early Help website

To refer a young person to the Young Carers service, please gain agreement from the family and call EHAST on 0345 678 9021

Please find below a link to a resource offering support and advice for young people aged 13 and up, experiencing parental separation.

Split Happens is a safe, supportive online space to find answers and advice and to feel heard. Whether it's recent or something they’ve been dealing with for years, Split Happens are here with real answers, support, and stories from people who've been through it too.

Split Happens | Support for young people with separated parents

Please find a link to the latest copy of the Together Reducing & Ending Exploitation in Shropshire (TREES) newsletter.

There is also a new updated version of the CE Risk Assessment – please use this version going forward when submitting a referral. CE risk assessment.

Book time with the TREES team, Early Help, Police and other agencies to discuss any concerns with a young person based in Shropshire that you are supporting. CE consultation sessions.

You can also access a variety of leaflets aimed at

• Young People
• Parents
• Local Communities
• Care providers

You can find out more on the Shropshire Exploitation website: Child exploitation website

Language is more than words — it reflects our values and shapes identity. For neurodivergent children and young people, the language used around them can either help them feel included and respected or cause them to feel excluded and stigmatised.

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin's Neurodiversity Workstream advocates the use of neuro-affirmative language — language that's respectful, inclusive and supports an individual’s right to be themselves without pressure to ‘conform’ to neurotypical expectations. The Neuro-Affirming Language Guide has been produced to help create environments where neurodivergent children and young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

This guide is for everyone. When we change our language, we change lives.

People working in children’s services, education, health, or social care — share it with your team, start conversations about how language shapes practice and commit to ongoing reflection and learning

Parent carers — are encouraged to share this guide with those supporting their child

Led by educational psychology services across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, this resource was co-produced with colleagues from 0-25 and adult services through a multi-disciplinary approach involving: neurodiversity practitioners, social care and health professionals, speech and language specialists, and individuals with lived experience.

The latest edition of our SEND newsletter has been issued and can be found on the SEND Local Offer.   This newsletter is for parent carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and the practitioners who support them. It includes

• Where to get help and support
• Hints and tips
• Things to do and activities
• Training and Courses
• Shropshire SEND – News and Developments

Please share with any families you are supporting who have children and young people with SEND.

To be added to the distribution list please email Local.Offer@Shropshire.gov.uk

A new model for children and young people’s emotional wellbeing, mental health and neurodevelopmental services is being launched in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin (STW) from 1 April 2026.

At its core:

• Emotional wellbeing and mental health services for CYP aged 0-25 and their families with ongoing support where needed for young people up until 25 years of age
• Neurodevelopmental assessments for children (autism for 5–18-year-olds, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for 6–18-year-olds)
• Community Eating Disorder Services for 0–18-year-olds

Find out more about what’s changing in this guide.

Please have a look at the Spring newsletter from Togetherness.

It has bite sized videos, articles and signposting to online learning pathways on a variety of topics. From exams and teenager, sleep issues to anxiety.

If you are working with parents/carers who like to read or watch things about topics, this might be useful resource you could look at together.

Also remember the power of reassurance that comes with knowing ‘you can’t be the only one struggling with this, as they wouldn’t create a newsletter or video otherwise’

Togetherness for better emotional health

Pathfinder is mainly aimed at young people aged 15-17 yo and runs through the school holidays.

The course aims to make drivers safer at 17 and reduce the number of accidents and deaths in young drivers.

The course is for the young person and their parent/guardian learning, working together, having fun and building understanding in a safe and supportive environment.

Course costs aren’t a barrier to participation with places subsidised for young people in Shropshire.

Find out more on their website or through this flyer DL_Roll_Fold_Flyer

The Shropshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy, developed by the Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board and Shropshire’s Lived Experience Advisory Group, has been released for public consultation.

The consultation period will run from today, February 2, 2026, until March 2, 2026. We would greatly appreciate it if you could circulate this strategy within your networks.

The link to have your say is: https://getinvolved.shropshire.gov.uk/consultations/draft-shropshire-domestic-abuse-partnership-strategy-2026-2029/

Training opportunities for anyone working with or supporting children, young people or their families in Shropshire local authority area

NEW: Child Sexual Abuse and the CSA Pathway

Learning Outcomes: 

• Have a greater understanding of Child Sexual Abuse
• Recognise signs and indicators of Child Sexual Abuse
• Gain an awareness of the National and Local statistics around Child Sexual Abuse
• Be introduced to the Child Sexual Abuse Pathway and understand its purpose in guiding professionals
• Understand the importance of communicating concerns of Child Sexual Abuse and how to respond.

Mon 20^th April OR Wed 1^st July OR Thurs 8^th October from 9.30am to 12.30am at The Lantern

Further information and to book your place visit Leap here

Monday 9^th March – Domestic Abuse and the Impact on Children & Young People

09.30 – 13.30 The Lantern, Shrewsbury

Aims to: Increase your knowledge around the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people living within the household and outline support available for families.    

Learning outcomes: 

• What is domestic abuse - recap  
• What the legislation says  
• The impact on children  
• What is trauma  
• Signs and behaviours shown   
• How to support children and young people living through this  
• Support available for children, young people and families.

Audience: Individuals working to support adults, children and/or families

Cost:

Group 1 - £50                    Group 2 - £73.50                             Group 3 - £50

Group 3 prefunded places (no cost) are only available to Shropshire Council staff on this training module.

Click here for further information and to book a place on this training.

Click here for information on our Group pricing structures

Thursday 19^th March – Raising Awareness in Safeguarding Children & Young People

12.30 – 16.30 via Microsoft Teams

Aims to:

• Increase your understanding of safeguarding children

Learning objectives:

• Recognise the different categories of child abuse and the possible signs and indicators
• Understand how child development may be impacted on by abuse
• Recognise own safeguarding roles and responsibilities
• Be clear about what to do if concerned about a child
• Be clear about how to respond to a child
• Understand the importance of safe working practice
• Recognise the role of different teams 

Audience: Open to anyone working regularly with children, young people or their families. Education and Early Years establishments should book this level of training through the Education Team here

This training should be refreshed every 3 years as a minimum.

Cost:

Group 1 - £32                    Group 2 - £50                    Group 3 – prefunded (no cost)

Click here for further information and to book a place on this training.

Click here for information on our Group pricing structures

Thursday 26^th March – Introduction to Early Help and Thresholds

12.30 – 14.30 via Microsoft Teams

Aims to:  Give an overview of the Early Help system in Shropshire Local Authority area.

Learning outcomes: Attendees will gain understanding of:

• The Early Help system in Shropshire Local Authority area.
• The roles of different services and professionals within the system.
• Where to find information on Early Help services and referral pathways.
• Where to find information around Thresholds for different levels of need.  

Audience: Any professional working with children, young people or their parent(s) in Shropshire Local Authority area.

This training has been pre-funded (so no cost) for anyone working with children, young people or their parents in the Shropshire Local Authority area.

Click here for further information and to book a place on this training.

Any questions regarding any of the courses above please email joint.training@shropshire.gov.uk

Join the Joint Training mailing list

Sign up to the Joint Training mailing list to receive our regular newsletter, updates on upcoming courses and other important information. To do this, simply click on this link:-  SIGN UP to Joint Training updates

Some great feedback for Jo, Family Support Worker in the North

Over the past 12 weeks, Jo has provided outstanding support to me and my three children. From the very beginning, she showed genuine care, professionalism, and dedication in understanding our family’s needs and ensuring that we received the right help.

One of Jo’s greatest strengths has been her ability to bring all the different services together effectively. She coordinated communication between our BeeU worker, the schools, the children’s father's probation worker, and the Educational Welfare Officer, making sure everyone was on the same page and working towards the same goals. This joined-up approach made a huge difference in how supported we felt as a family and helped ensure that progress was made in a consistent and balanced way.

Jo was always approachable, reliable, and proactive. She made sure that I was included in all decisions and that my voice—and the children’s voices—were always heard. Her calm and supportive manner created a sense of trust, and her ability to bring professionals together helped reduce my stress and made everything run more smoothly. We’re very grateful for Jo’s time, effort, and kindness. She has made a real difference in our family’s journey, and her work has helped us move forward in a much more positive and stable direction.

Compliment for Helen, Play Practitioner

X has really valued the time he has spent with Helen. He is calmer and able to better express his feelings. Having consistency and continuity in the support provided by Helen has made a lasting impact. X has only positive things to say. Having Helen’s support has been very valuable to us as a family and we have all enjoyed talking with her. This input was especially felt around moving schools and the emotional upset in the lead up to the move. Having the persistent support was very reassuring for all the family.

Feedback for Philippa, Family Support Worker in the south – and for Emily, in our Young Carers service

I cannot fault Philippa at all she is amazing. I also cannot thank her enough; over 8 years of trying to sort everything ourselves, Philippa pulled a team together in 12 weeks and got things moving. She's also made sure that our older girl got help too. The amount of help she has given has been unreal. Initially I was 'oh 12 weeks we won't get anything done. With Philippa I said I didn't know what help we needed; discussed through with Philippa and she advised what she thought needed to be done to help our family. TAFS were so supportive. Kate is also helping x age 3, x and x age1  not just x age 8. The support from early help has helped to give x a future.

Philippa highlighted 'stuff' that I hadn't cottoned on to; like 'amount of things we were doing that isn't normal’. She passed EHA on to relevant people. Challenged other professionals when HV's not completed - she was someone who 'has got your back'. Philippa not patronising at all - we have been fighting for so long and to have everyone come together - she listened to us as parents and challenged when other professionals were saying she as a Mum hadn't done something when the professional had said they would- Philippa had it clearly recorded. I have been trying to get an EHCP for 3 years - Philippa come in bang bang get in being signed off. Would like Philippa if needed support again. Discussed process and would endeavour to do this but could mean delay but I would communicate x age 10 loves going to Young Carers- she has said she prefers Young Carers to dance so doesn't want to go back to dance. x really likes Emily.

Compliment for Claire FSW in the North Team

This is particularly great feedback as it had initially been difficult to engage the family in the offer of support

Mother: Having the support from Claire has been very helpful-we don't know where we would have ended up without her. Claire has fought for us, listened to us, not judged us, taken time to understand and help us.

We all feel like we have got something from it (the help). The help was for D but Claire has helped us all. L feels like she has been seen and heard and has what she needs-now she's going to school. I can see things are better for her now. I feel stronger and more confident. Claire has listened to me and helped me to reflect . I know I've made mistakes but now I am determined not to make the same ones again.

D was lost-now hopefully with TMBSS things will get better for her. I feel like she has a chance now. She's been out of school for months and without Claire I feel she would have been allowed to be lost from education.

Things have changed for the better in many ways- now we can see there is light at the end of the tunnel-there is hope.