Early Help/Team Around Family

[ConfusedParent]

Hope someone can put my mind at ease

I've been asked to attend a Team Around The family meeting at my child's school due to attendance concerns

Can anyone tell me, is Team Around The Family the same as Child in Need/Section 17?

I've read some scare stories online and now I am both worried and confused

Thanks in advance

[Skysie98]

Team around the family I believe is the same as team around the child.
It's basically a meeting where all the support people around the family is there to see what can be done to help.

I have regular ones for my daughter and it's just to see how they can support you as a family.

I think that's right anyway.
Hopefully suzie can reply as well and confirm.

[ConfusedParent]

Thanks for your reply

From what I understand then, and correct me if I'm wrong, but there isn't social services involvement for Team Around The Family, and it's not the same as Child in Need?

Thanks again for replying

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Hope someone can put my mind at ease

I've been asked to attend a Team Around The family meeting at my child's school due to attendance concerns

Can anyone tell me, is Team Around The Family the same as Child in Need/Section 17?

I've read some scare stories online and now I am both worried and confused

Thanks in advance

Dear ConfusedParent

Thank you for your posts and welcome to the Board.

A team around the child meeting may have been proposed because of the attendance issues you have mentioned and the person who suggested the meeting and/or professionals at school may want to speak with you to discuss how you might be supported. They (and any other professional you want present) should listen to what you say you might need to help your child attend school and find the ‘right’ support that will help you (and your child) achieve your goal. This Government guidance called Working together to improve school attendance may be helpful to you.

A description of child in need (support) can be found here on our website.

Best wishes
Suzie