Strategy and policy

Effective Early Help is proven to minimise the risks faced by children, young people, and their families before problems become more significant and entrenched.

Frontline practitioners across a range of sectors should be clear about their responsibility to:

• identify concerns early
• understand how and when to assess these concerns
• how to provide a timely and effective response

Early Help in Gateshead is everyone's business. 

Read our Early Help Strategy (PDF, 1 MB)

Our Best Start Local Plan

Read about our commitment to improving child development outcomes and ensuring that more Gateshead children are ready for school and learning.

Read our Best Start Local Plan

Other organisations

Early Intervention Foundation  (opens new window)
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)  (opens new window)
Barnardos (opens new window) 
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)  (opens new window)
Childline  (opens new window)
Information Commissioner's Office (opens new window) 

Supporting legislation and policies

GOV.UK: Working together to safeguard children (opens new window)
GOV.UK: Independent review of children's social care: final report (opens new window)
Children's Social Care: Stable Homes, Built on Love - Government consultation response (opens new window)
GOV.UK: Keeping children safe, helping families thrive (opens new window)