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

It’s fair to say there’s lots happening in children’s services at the moment. There’s the introduction of the Family First Partnership (FFP), the Best Start in Life programme and a transformation of youth services.

We want to make sure that you are kept up to date with the changes that are happening in Shropshire as we implement these transformation programmes.

Below is a link to a short briefing which sets out what you need to know, what you need to do and what to keep an eye on.

At the end of the briefing there is also a link to a Padlet, which gives you access to some of the key national and local documents. There’s also a section for you to ask a question and to get involved in the work that is taking place.

Have a look at the Children's Services Change & Transformation : March 26 Update

The Parenting Team will be delivering free Understanding Your Child and Understanding Your Child SEND – from toddler to teens - groups from April 2026

These 10 week groups aim to:

• Promote understanding of children’s behaviour within the context of developmental issues
• Promote the development of parent/child relationship
• Increase confidence and self-esteem in both parents and children
• Give parents a strategy for repair when things go wrong
• Promote reflective, sensitive and effective parenting

For the dates and venues please see the Family Information Service Directory -

Information to help families in Shropshire

The Parenting Team will be delivering free SLEEP TIGHT groups from June 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 – Sleep Tight Workshop

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.

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.

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 head to the children’s referral portal and through the Requesting Help and Support for Children/Families option. The Portal can be found on the SSCP website and the Safeguarding and Early Help pages of the Shropshire Council website Shropshire Council Early Help Portal

Our Family Information Service (FIS) has been busy gathering information on things to do and places to go during the Easter school holidays.

Our Family Info Directory is full of activities, events and fun things to do. Follow the link below to find out what is happening in your area. Things to do this Easter Holidays

There’s also information on easter egg hunts too.

Shropshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is still open for bookings.

Your child aged 4 (reception class age) to 16 can get a FREE place:

• If you get benefits-related free school meals, or
• Have been referred by a professional

A number of holiday clubs are able to offer places to children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

Some holiday clubs also offer additional paid places, that are available to those not eligible for HAF, so it's worth taking a look if you need childcare or activities to keep your children busy during the holidays.

HAF holiday clubs | Shropshire Council

You and me, Mum is an 8 week course to help mum’s understand the impact domestic abuse can have on them and their children. The course aims to empower, support and develop further their understanding of their role as a mother in addressing the needs of their child or young person.

The You and Me Mum group will run from Wednesday 15th April 2026 – Wednesday 11th June 2026 at 09:30-11:30am. (It will not run during half term on 27th May 2026) Venue in SY1.

If you know someone who is interested in attending the groups, or wants to find out more, please call 01743 250400

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

A new free online pathway has been added to the Togetherness Multi-User-Licence: Understanding your deaf child for hearing parents

Understanding your deaf child for hearing parents - Togetherness

This pathway is for hearing parents who have a deaf child. Over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents. This pathway is short and focusses on understanding particular issues that hearing parents with a deaf child may have. However, your child is first and foremost a child and we recommend that you complete the longer pathway first, 'Understanding your child: toddler to teenager' or, depending on your child 'Understanding your child with additional needs'. We will refer back to this, particularly to reciprocity.

The pathway explores ideas how to support children’s needs e.g. how to communicate as a family at the diner table to ensure everyone can enjoy the time together, or adjustments at school and building self-confidence in the child.

It includes helpful links such as for the National Deaf Children's Society and information on sign languages. It looks at why tiredness and listening fatigue are common issues for deaf children and how parents/carers can support their child.

This online learning pathway might be an invaluable addition for families where a child is deaf. We know that having specific resources, tailored as much as possible to the specific family circumstances, contribute to a better positive impact and inclusivity.

A new NHS-led service for children and young people in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin with mental health, emotional wellbeing and neurodevelopmental needs will be launched on 1 April across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

The new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) will be delivered by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) and will replace and expand on the current BeeU service. It has been shaped by extensive engagement with children, young people, families and professionals.

The new model responds to the changing local needs of children and young people aged 0-25 experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties, and prioritises easier access, earlier support and more joined-up care to ensure the right help is available at the right time.

It also seeks to reduce inequalities in access, outcomes and experience, especially for vulnerable groups, including children in care and those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).

To find out more about the new service please click here - Emotional wellbeing and mental health - new service | Shropshire Council

The new online referral form is now live and can be accessed here https://www.tfaforms.com/5185489

It can be used by young people, concerned others and professionals so please spread the word and use it yourselves, instead of submitting a SMARTER screening tool. 

We Are With You Shropshire’s provide free and confidential support to young people around drugs and alcohol by offering a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space to talk. They work with people on their own goals, whether that’s staying safe and healthy, making a small change or stopping completely.

This service is for anyone who:

• Is under 19
• Is aged 24 and are a care leaver
• Is living in Shropshire
• Would like to make some changes around their drug or alcohol use

Find out more about the We Are With You Shropshire’s support for young people. Services for Young People | WithYou

Our Family Information Service have been busy developing a series of videos to support parents in choosing quality childcare.

The videos include

1. Short overview on choosing quality childcare and how the FIS can help
2. Hints, Tips and Questions to ask when choosing the Right Childcare
3. Help towards the costs of paying for Childcare
4. What Different Types of Childcare are there?
5. Choosing Quality Childcare Video

Please share with any families who are looking for childcare.

Families can email ShropshireFIS@shropshire.gov.uk for a list of registered childcare providers.

The March 2026 edition of the Family Information Service newsletter is out now! This month we are focusing on things to do during the school easter holidays, there’s also other family information in there, such as making healthier food choices, support for mums who are experiencing domestic abuse, an update on the new CAMHS and much more. You can view it here: Shropshire Family Information Service Newsletter

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

The March edition of the Shropshire SEND newsletter is now available, bringing news and information to our SEND community – whether you are a parent carer or a practitioner supporting them. You can read the latest newsletter here - Shropshire SEND Newsletter - March 2026

Please share with parent carers of children and young people with SEND

Channel 4 has aired a documentary telling the story of Molly Russell who took her own life at 14-years-old after accessing harmful online content relating to self-harm and suicide on social media.

Through Molly’s story, the film highlights the broader issue of harmful online content and the role that platform design and economic business models play.

The Molly Rose Foundation has launched a campaign calling on the government to end algorithms that target harmful content towards young people and to take action against big tech companies to ensure they make safety and wellbeing a priority.

There are also supporting resources for parents to talk to their children about Molly’s story and harmful online content. 

Watch the documentary: Molly vs the Machines

Access the campaign resources: Live Long & Stay Strong - Molly vs The Machines

See also on NSPCC Learning  The impact of harmful online content on children

Click here for information on our Group pricing structures

Child Exploitation Awareness

Monday 11^th May – The Lantern – 9.30 to 11.30

Thursday 9^th July – Teams – 13.30 to 15.30

Aims to: Enhance knowledge and practice for those working with children at risk of exploitation.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the signs, indicators and trends of modern exploitation.
• Understand Shropshire’s exploitation profile.
• Explore the impact of ACEs, trauma, grooming and drug/alcohol use.
• Consider use of appropriate and effective language with working young people.
• Accessing, referring or signposting to the right services when help is needed.

Face to Face Cost: Group 1 £0                             Group 2 £41.50                              Group 3 £0

Online Cost: Group 1 £0                           Group 2 £35                     Group 3

Agencies in Group 1 and Group 3 receive pre-funded places (so no cost)

Click here for further information and booking details

Child Exploitation Advanced

Tuesday 16^th June – The Lantern - 14.00 to 16.00

Aims to: Enhance knowledge and practice for those working with children at risk of exploitation.

Learning objectives:

• Today is not designed as an entry-level exploitation training (see information in audience section below).
• Explore practical methods of offering support and engaging in meaningful interventions with young people.
• Explore how to complete high-quality CE risk assessments.
• Understand latest themes & trends with child exploitation (especially evolving use of technology).
• Refresh knowledge of statutory safeguarding duties and the law.
• Understanding triage outcomes and how thresholds are met.
• Identify when, why and where to signpost or where to get support.

Cost: Group 1 £31.00   Group 2 £41.50               Group 3 £31.00

Shropshire Council staff only have pre-funded places (so no cost)

Click here for further information and booking details

Child Sexual Abuse and the Child Sexual Abuse Pathway

Wednesday 1^st July – The Lantern - 9.30 to 12.30

Course Aim:  To provide a greater understanding of Child Sexual Abuse and the Pathway to follow in Shropshire.

 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 used in Shropshire and understand its purpose in guiding professionals
• Understand the importance of communicating concerns of Child Sexual Abuse and how to respond.

Cost: Group 1 £0                          Group 2 £59                     Group 3 £0

Agencies in Group 1 and Group 3 receive pre-funded places (so no cost)

Click here for further information and booking details

Coercive Control and Trauma Informed Practice

Friday 22^nd May – Lantern – 9.30 to 13.30

Thursday 2^nd July – The Guildhall – 9.30 to 13.30

Aims to: Increase your understanding around what coercive control is, the tactics that may be used by an abuser and how to adopt a trauma informed approach. 

Learning outcomes: This training module will look at:-

• What is domestic abuse - recap  
• What is coercive control  
• What the legislation says  
• The impacts on a person  
• What is trauma and how it can impact a person  
• How we can work in a trauma aware and informed way  
• Support available to victims and perpetrators.  

Cost: Group 1 £57                        Group 2 £76.50               Group 3 £57

Shropshire Council staff only have pre-funded places (so no cost)

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

Domestic Abuse and the Impact on Children

Thursday 16^th April – The Lantern – 9.30 to 13.30

Tuesday 23^rd June – The Guildhall – 9.30 to 13.30

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: This training module will look at:

• 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.

Cost:    Group 1 £57                     Group 2 £76.50               Group 3 £57

Shropshire Council staff only have pre-funded places (so no cost)

Click here for further information and booking details

Domestic Abuse Confident Intervention: tools to safely support domestic abuse victims

Friday 17^th April – Guildhall – 9.30 to 13.30

Thursday 18^th June – The Guildhall – 9.30 to 13.30

Aims to: Increase your confidence in assessing and understanding the risk to victims of domestic abuse who you are working with and in helping to get the correct support in place.    

Learning outcomes: This training module will look at:-

• What is domestic abuse - recap  
• What is a DASH risk assessment   
• How can a DASH be used in your roles  
• What is MARAC   
• Support available to victims and perpetrators
• Attendees will take away practical tools on best practice to complete and understand risks of Domestic abuse.

This session is delivered along with lived experience and provides an interactive real-life scenario between worker and Domestic abuse victim.

Cost: Group 1 £57                        Group 2 £76.50               Group 3 £57

Shropshire Council staff only have pre-funded places (so no cost)

Click here for further information and booking details

Introduction to Early Help & Thresholds

Tuesday 19^th May – The Lantern – 12.30 to 16.30

Thursday 13^th August – Teams – 10.00 to 12.00

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.

Cost: Group 1 £0                          Group 2 £0                       Group 3 £0

All agencies have pre-funded places (so no cost)

Click here for further information and booking details

Raising Awareness in Safeguarding Children & Young People

Tuesday 19^th May – The Guildhall – 12.30 to 16.30

Tuesday 7^th July – Teams – 9.30 to 13.30

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 

Face to face cost: Group 1 £44                             Group 2 £59                     Group 3 £0

Online cost:  Group 1 £39                        Group 2 £52                     Group 3 £0

Shropshire Council staff, Shropshire Community Health Trust staff, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin ICB and GP practices, volunteers working within social care of health with Shropshire Local Authority families have pre-funded places (so no cost)

Click here for further information and booking details

Schools and Early Years settings should book this training module through Education Department here

Understanding and Working with Neglect in Children and Young People

Monday 8^th June – The Lantern – 9.30 to 12.30

Thursday 16^th July – The Lantern – 9.30 to 12.30

Course Aim: To enable front line practitioners and volunteers to recognise and respond to neglect in Shropshire.

 Learning Outcomes: 

• Understand the term ‘Neglect’ and how it impacts Children and Young People.
• Identify the signs and indicators as well as the different areas of Neglect.
• Consider factors which may lead to Neglect.
• Be aware of tools and pathways to aide in the finding and reporting of Neglect in Shropshire.
• Learn from Local Safeguarding Practice Reviews.

Cost: Group 1 £0                          Group 2 £59                     Group 3 £0

All agencies in Group 1 and Group 3 have pre-funded places (so no cost)

Click here for further information and booking details

Click here for information on our Group pricing structures

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

Compliment for Dulcie– Family Support Worker – Central Team

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible support Dulcie has provided to my family as our Early Help Practitioner. Throughout what has been an extremely challenging time, Dulcie has shown unwavering professionalism, compassion and genuine care. She has taken the time to truly understand our situation, listen without judgement and ensure that both my child’s needs and our family’s wellbeing remain at the centre of every conversation.

 Her communication has been clear, consistent and proactive, helping to coordinate professionals, advocate for appropriate support and ensure that actions move forward rather than remaining as conversations. At times when systems have felt overwhelming, Dulcie has provided reassurance, practical guidance and a calm, solution focused approach that has made a real difference to our daily lives.

 What stands out most is her dedication , she goes beyond basic expectations, follows things through every time and makes families feel seen rather than processed. Her support has helped reduce stress, improve communication between services and ensure that my child’s voice and needs are recognised.

 Early Help done well, changes outcomes, and Dulcie represents exactly what that should look like. I am extremely thankful for her commitment, kindness and professionalism, and the positive impact she has had on our family.”

Feedback from a dad for Becky - Family Support Worker for the central team.

I absolutely felt listened to by Becky, Early Help has been much better than my previous experience with professionals, you've listened to me and my children.

Becky has been really patient, especially with XX who is 'switched off'. Becky has been absolutely brilliant, very kind, thoughtful, incredibly good at organising. XX has said that Becky's visit was refreshing because she really listened to him.

The process has helped the boys develop trust in adults and professionals. It's been so helpful for me to talk to Becky, I feel able to talk to professionals now also. 

One of the biggest help was getting the boys into GP, I know that she did a lot of coordinating.   

The lady that came with Becky to visit (Emily) was also lovely and really patient. I think it's good that you're getting feedback from families to help your work.  I think your team is top notch!

Some great feedback once again for Philippa, Family Support Worker in the South

Mum

Philippa encouraged and managed to get XXX to speak; it was so heartwarming, she began to trust her and then she had to go. Philippa is a credit to you all. The support she gave was even down to me- she could see I was struggling due to our difficult with the situation, advised me to also look after myself. I went to GP and had their support. Even asked if XXXXX was ok and if he needed any help she could assist and guide. - XXXXX doesn't live at family home now but she did meet him once when he visited (I think it was once) no and that he could access help. XXX wanted Philippa to go with her on her first day to the Marches . Dad

She (Philippa) was just great support us as a family and separately- making sure we were all ok. Philippa didn't judge me about my background of criminality and alcohol use. She was very different to all the other professionals. Lots of phone calls. At a meeting it was discussed that a welfare check needed to happen - I took it the wrong way and was negative in the meeting but Philippa called me after and discussed how school need to do welfare checks- we got on great after that.

12 year old Young person

It's been really good working with you and it's helped me become more confident in explaining and sharing my feelings. I hadn't wanted to move schools at first, but talking it through together has helped me understand the reasons behind the move, and I now feel excited about it. When I first started working with you, I wondered whether you were a social worker after what had happened, which made me reluctant to talk openly at first. Over time, I've realised how helpful it is to open up and how much better it has made me feel and I'm Ok now about having support at my next school- it would be good. Thank you.

Feedback for Natalie, Family Support Worker in the North

Mum - Thank you Natalie. It has been nice to talk through my worries around school fines etc. It can be lonely when you are not sure what to do. The children have enjoyed talking to Natalie and they knew she was here to help. I am hoping things continue to improve once Natalie closes but I will know to find her in the library at Ellesmere for the drop ins.

 YP - I felt like Natalie has helped me.