When a child has complex needs or multiple disabilities there may be a large number of people providing services for them. From birth to five the Surrey Early Support Service brings together parents/carers, health, education, social care and the voluntary sector. They coordinate services and make sure everyone involved is aware of the overall needs of the child and the family. The more services a family uses and the greater the number of people who are involved, the more likely it is that they can help.

Who is it for?

Surrey Early Support Service (SESS) is for families who need extra help to raise a young child with disabilities and special needs and anyone who works regularly with these children and their families.

We accept disabled children aged from 0 to 5 years, who live in Surrey. Children are defined as disabled in Together From The Start if he/she:

• Is experiencing significant developmental impairment or delays, in one or more of the areas of cognitive development, sensory or physical development, communication development, social, behavioural or emotional development, or
• Has a condition, which has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay.

We use an eligibility matrix to work out the level of support a child and family will get. The children with the most complex needs are offered full support. Children with less complex needs will get a lower level of input. Children can move between the levels if appropriate.

Children no longer meet the Early Support Service's criteria if:

• the family move out of Surrey
• the child's needs change and they no longer meet our criteria
• the child reaches the end of reception
• parents no longer wish to use the service

How do they help parents/carers?

They try to reduce the need for parents/carers to explain their situation more than once. They do this by making sure that parents or carers and voluntary agencies work together from the beginning.

A Family Service Plan resulting from a 'Team Around the Child' meeting may also be produced. This plan improves the coordination of services across the agencies, makes sure need is identified earlier, interventions happen sooner, and support is continuous, especially when the family have a named key worker. Parents say that they feel more confident and empowered when they are involved in the decision making process.

How do Surrey Early Support Service coordinators support parents?

According to the level of support offered they help the family to receive:

• Information about the child’s particular disability.
• A Family Service Plan, to help coordinate support for the family.
• Details of what to expect from the professionals involved.
• An explanation of the role of the non designated key worker.
• Support around an identified service that may be available for the family.

Please contact the Early Support team directly for more information about the role of the Keyworker and what it entails.

How are children referred to Surrey Early Support Service?

Referrals can be made by health professionals, early years services, education and parents/carers. Please note that the Early Support team now operate a waiting list.

For professionals

Referrals must be made using a Common Assessment Framework.

For parents

To make a referral, download and return the early support referral form by email or post to the Surrey Early Support Service.

Contact us

Email: earlysupport@surreycc.gov.uk
Tel: 0300 200 1004
Address: Surrey Early Support Service, Early Years and Childcare Service, Fairmount House, Bull Hill, Leatherhead KT22 7AH