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Social workers introduced in seven Staffordshire schools

Social workers have begun specialist placements in seven Staffordshire schools as part of a pilot scheme to reduce the number of referrals for specialist help.

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Staffordshire County Council is one of several authorities taking part in the national trial to identify need early and provide young people and their families with the necessary support.

Each of the seven schools will have its own dedicated worker, who will be present four days a week.

As well as integrating into a school’s daily life, the social worker may also work with the secondary’s feeder primary schools.

Social workers will build up the school’s knowledge of what support is available to children and families in the area and further afield, as well as multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.

Mark Sutton, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We are committed to keeping families together when it is safe to do so by focusing on prevention, early intervention and keeping more children out of care.

“This initiative can play a part in that by allowing us to provide support to reduce the number of children being referred for Child Protection and Child in Need concerns.”

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