Effective Support for Children and Families in Somerset
Updated: February 2026
This guidance aims to assist professional assessment around the provision of effective support for children and families in Somerset. It covers unborn babies, children and young people aged 0 -18 years, (up to age 25 with special educational needs and disability) and should be used alongside statutory guidance for each agency.
Latest updates include:
- clearer and more detailed indicators under each domain of the assessment triangle
- stronger focus on Early Help and consistent use of tools
- improved clarity on thresholds and expectations
- expanded sections on child exploitation, domestic abuse, child sexual abuse and pre-birth with new ‘Things to consider’ guides
- updated contact information and resource signposting with better accessibility through visual design, QR codes and summaries
- clearer procedural guidance for referrals and decision‑making
To download this document, please click the link below.