Frequently asked questions

1. Who can make a referral to the community support service?

As an integral part of the Edinburgh's Early Intervention Strategy referrals are made via City of Edinburgh Social Care direct and allocated through the Early Intervention and Social Work Practice Team allocation meeting which is attended by the Service Manager. Many of these referrals are made after multi-agency Child Planning Meeting (GIRFEC) which are held in schools, but other referrals can be made by single agencies e.g. Education Welface, Health Visitor. However in all cases there should be a discussion with the family prior to a referral and it has been agreed that the child would benefit from additional support in school, at home and or community.

2. What happens next?

If it is agreed that the community support service would be the most appropriate resource, we will then meet with the parent and child to discuss what they feel are the main issues that need to be addressed. We will also meet with the class teacher to identify the main areas where the child needs assistance to cope in school.

3. How often will I receive a service?

This will be agreed with the parent and the class teacher. On average the child is seen in school twice weekly.

4. Who works for the community support service?

The team is made up of teachers, social workers, qualified project workers, support workers and volunteers (managed by our volunteer co-ordinator). As a result of this multi-disciplinary approach we are able to offer a range of services - see what we do.

5. What schools do you work with?

We work with Sighthill, Clovenstone, and Canalview Primaries in South West Edinburgh and Pirniehall, Craigroyston, St Davids and Forthview in North Edinburgh.

6. Do you work with nursery aged children?

On occasion we will work with individual children who will need additional support with the transition to primary school and in the past we have provided class support.

7. Who will know I receive help from the service and who is likely to be involved?

Any referral is made to the servicewith the families consent. Often families are involved with other support services and would ask their permission to contact these people if this was relevant to the work we do. The team do work together with a range of professionals with the aim of providing better services to children and families. Our team is also committed to protecting children, this means that if we have any concerns about a child’s safety/care, we have a responsibility to share this with the local children and families social work team.