The Somerset Early Help Advisory Service (SEHAS) supports early years professionals to provide appropriate intervention early in the life of a child.

They support early years educators to deliver and develop effective practice around early help to children and families in Somerset. Sharing Knowledge, guidance, advice and delivery high-quality training.

Their main focus is to improve outcomes for children, providing advice and support to early years settings to help build their capacity, knowledge and confidence. The service has developed and built on existing resources already provided through the English is an additional language (EAL) Advisory Service, including resources and signposting to help:

• support children and families facing specific challenges and to confidently provide early intervention where required
• support children’s emotional health and promote wellbeing in the under-fives
• support children’s preparation for school
• narrow the gap between EAL learners and their peers

Somerset early help information leaflet July 2024

The Alliance is also delivering free Moving on up! train the trainer sessions for early educators. We will give you resources and support to deliver a family learning programme to families in your setting, providing key messages as well as sharing home learning activities about supporting the transition into school.

Use this link to see dates for 2025 and to book your free place: Moving on up – supporting families to transition to school | early years alliance

They are a team of two, covering all of Somerset: Sharon Bond in the West and Louise Campbell-White in the East. They work year-round with flexible hours, allowing them to meet providers outside of core childcare hours, including evenings and weekends. Their approach is informal—there’s no referral process; simply get in touch!

Louise covers South Somerset and Mendip – 07398 254756 or 01392 304484

Sharon covers West Somerset, Taunton, and Bridgwater – 07562 685412 or 01392 304573.

Email us at earlyhelpsomerset@eyalliance.org.uk

The Somerset Early Help Advisory Service is in partnership with the Early Years Alliance, and commissioned as a part of Connect Somerset.

About Connect Somerset

Connect Somerset is a partnership between Somerset Council, Somerset NHS, Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprises (VCFSEs), schools, colleges, and early years settings, which aims to make it easier for Somerset residents to get the help they need and to get it early.