The latest news
Update on Hertfordshire’s Families First Partnership Programme
Building on the back of numerous reviews and policy documents, outlining the need for change, central government issued the guidelines in March 2025 for reforms to children’s social care that it requires all local authorities to make.
Since these were issued, we have been working in partnership across Hertfordshire to co-design a system which incorporates the changes required of us - integrating family safeguarding and early help, enabling us to wrap our services and support around children and families sooner.
In Hertfordshire we have real strength in our partnership and multi-agency approaches in family safeguarding and early help, giving us firm foundations to build upon. Throughout the process of redesign, we have been working closely with partners and engaging with as many organisations and individuals as possible to reshape our services to meet the needs of families in Hertfordshire.
The journey so far
Across the partnership, lead organisations are facing significant challenges which have impacted on our ability to implement the requirements of the reform as holistically as first envisaged. However, we are committed to reforming our systems to better meet the needs of families in Hertfordshire and, ultimately, deliver better outcomes for Hertfordshire’s children.
To overcome some of these significant challenges, we are taking an incremental approach to implementation. We will be testing and refining the new system in one geographical area before rolling out the revised operational systems across Hertfordshire.
What this means for you
The strength in our partnerships will help ensure consistency throughout this period of change, both for our colleagues and the families we work with. As our teams change, we will share details where there is operational impact.
A key part of the reforms will be an increased focus on delivering services within local communities. It will also be a great opportunity for us all to work more closely together, providing the broad range of support available to families in Hertfordshire in family hubs, situated in the heart of local communities.
Support close to home
The process of identifying suitable properties to base our services within local communities is underway. We’re looking to have 24 Family Hubs spread across four regional areas in Hertfordshire; sometimes this will mean that all services (universal, targeted interventions, early help and child in need support) will take place in one location, whereas in some regions these services may operate across a number of sites.
Working together to keep children safe
Our revised model will see multi-agency child protection teams grouped together with family help, retaining and expanding key planks of the family safeguarding model across both teams. Where possible, we will be co-locating our teams and services with partner ones, to ensure families are better able to access the support they need to resolve difficulties early.
If you are interested in hearing more about the programme, and how we are implementing these national reforms in Hertfordshire, please email: FamiliesFirstPartnershipProgramme@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Family Help partnership day
On Wednesday (24 September) we held a collaborative workshop exploring good practice and sharing national and local updates in relation to providing help for families in Hertfordshire.
The Family Help partnership day brought together many of our commissioned services from the voluntary and community sector who work with children, young people, and families across Hertfordshire. More than 100 passionate individuals joined us on the day, representing organisations across Hertfordshire that are dedicated to supporting families.
Attendees heard from national and local speakers in relation to the national social care reforms, the Families First Partnership Programme, the explored the importance of data in understanding need and impact and the event also provided a valuable opportunity to share best practice, network and collaborate with HCC colleagues to develop a whole-system approach to early help.
The event also provided a platform to raise awareness around the launch of the Eastern Region Anti-Racist Practice Pledge; Nasay Franklin, from HCC’s D&I team in children’s services, provided a thought-provoking overview of the background to the pledge and its importance in avoiding bias and inequity.
Following a networking lunch, Narrative Alchemy ltd, led an experiential workshop exploring parental conflict and its impact on children and young people. The session gave professionals working with children and families an opportunity to work together to develop a greater understanding, explore approaches to help minimise the impact of parental conflict and discuss what works to support families around this issue.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Anthony Rowlands welcomed the collaborative approach in Hertfordshire:
“From early years support to mental health services, from housing and education to community outreach—your collective efforts form the backbone of Hertfordshire’s Family Help offer. The breadth of representation in this room is a testament to the strength of our local partnerships and the value we place on working together.
“We know that the challenges facing families are complex and evolving. That’s why days like today are so important. They give us space to reflect, to learn, and to strengthen the ties that help us deliver more joined-up, responsive, and inclusive support.”
Working Together in Early Help Events - book now!
Join us this Autumn for our Working Together in Early Help learning event, which will focus on children and young people’s health and wellbeing. We will have presentations from The Ollie Foundation, First Steps Ed, BeeZee Families and the HCC’s Emotional and Mental Wellbeing in Education (EMWIE) Team and is a great networking opportunity.
This event welcomes internal staff and professionals from partner agencies involved in supporting children, young people, parents, and families
Event locations, dates and times
- Monday 3rd November, 2pm-4:30pm, Three Rivers District Council, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth WD3 1RL Book here
- Tuesday 18th November, 10am-12:30, VENUE: Broxbourne Borough Council, Bishops’ College, Churchgate, Cheshunt, EN8 9XQ Book here
- Tuesday 25th November, 10am-12:30, Bowes Lyons Young People's Centre, Stevenage, SG1 1XY Book here
- Thursday 27th November, 10am-12:30, The DSPL Hub, Fleetville School St Albans, AL1 4LW Book here
Hertfordshire’s Kinship Care Local Offer webpage now live
There are nearly 800 Hertfordshire children living in kinship families in Hertfordshire and around the country. Following national Kinship Care Week (6-12 October), we want to take a moment to recognise and thank the kinship carers who make a lasting difference in children’s lives. Kinship carers are grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and close family friends who step in with open hearts and open arms, often in challenging circumstances, to provide the stability, safety and nurturing that every child deserves.
As part of our commitment to supporting kinship families, we are pleased to share Hertfordshire’s Kinship Care Local Offer webpage. This new online resource provides clear, accessible information and support for kinship families. It brings together practical guidance, services, and advice in one place, shaped by feedback from carers and professionals across Hertfordshire. Please take a moment to explore the site and share it with families, colleagues, and partners who may benefit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/kinship
News from Services for Young People, October 2025
Free October half term activities at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND
During the October 2025 half term holidays Services for Young People (SfYP) is offering free adventurous outdoor activities for young people aged 13-19 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with social, emotional and mental health needs. All the activities develop social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Young people can learn archery, have fun tackling the challenge course, zip across the valley on the zip line, play board games, explore nature in the beautiful woodlands and create their own nature journal.
Putting young people at the heart of service design and delivery
As part of Hertfordshire County Council’s commitment to ensuring that we are listening to the voices of young people with SEND and that they are involved in shaping and improving services to meet their needs, in 2024 SfYP set up ten new youth councils exclusively for young people with SEND. During the 2025 summer term, the youth council members were involved in many consultations, working with senior leaders and professionals to review and give their feedback on a wide range of services across education and healthcare. With the support of SfYP Youth Workers, they also discussed issues important to them, learned new skills and developed their knowledge, confidence and self-esteem.
Raising awareness of SfYP’s support for young LGBT+ people at Herts Pride
Over 100 people visited the SfYP stand at this year’s Herts Pride event in Watford. They were keen to hear about the award-winning SfYP LGBT+ youth work projects that run across Hertfordshire every week, as well as the one-to-one support available at our 11-5 Hubs.
Sexual Health Week 2025: empowering young people with accurate information about sexual health and contraception
While many sexual health services are now available online, SfYP continues to provide face-to-face individualised support specifically for young people. Our trained Advisers and Youth Workers don’t just give young people access to free contraception and testing, they help increase their understanding of healthy relationships and give them the confidence to look after their sexual health and keep themselves safe.
The Bridge Support Group - NEW DATES
What is The Bridge?
The Bridge is a support group designed for parents, carers and young people in school years 6,7 and 8 who are struggling with school attendance. This includes those who are not attending school at all or on a significantly reduced timetable.
Purpose of the Bridge
The group aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where families can:
- Share experiences
- Receive emotional and practical support
- Build confidence and resilience
Topics Covered
- Anxiety and worries related to school
- Friendships and social dynamics
- Pressures
- Health and Wellbeing
- Neurodiversity
- The Future
Who is running the Group?
The sessions are facilitated by Ruth, Alison and Karina from the Intensive Family Support Team, working alongside a range of specialist professionals who offer tailored insights and support.
Session Details:-
The group will run for 12 weeks starting on:
Tuesday 4 November 2025 – 10 February 2026 TERM TIME ONLY12:30pm – 2:30PM
Venue: Breaks Manor, Link Drive, Hatfield, AL10 8TP
To book or for more information contact: Alison.Cowie@hertfordshire.gov.uk; Ruth.Coleman@hertfordshire.gov.uk or Karina.Saunders@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Download the leaflet
Suicide Prevention Pathway
The NHS Learning Hub are pleased to announce a brand-new evidence-based E-Learning module on the suicide prevention pathway. This training is a significant step forward in our collective mission to enhance our support for individuals presenting with suicidality.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. This training has been meticulously co-produced with experts by experience and system partners, ensuring it is grounded in real-world insights and best practices. It is built on the Connect, Prevent, Respond approach, which emphasises the necessity of a structured and evidence-based prevention strategy when connecting with, assessing, and responding to individuals at risk.
Through this training, we aim to establish a common approach to suicide prevention across Hertfordshire. By equipping ourselves with the knowledge and tools provided in this module, we can ensure that we are all working cohesively and effectively towards the same goal: preventing suicide and saving lives.
This valuable resource is accessible to all staff and communities via the NHS Learning Hub or your ESR account.
Suicide Prevention pathway e-learning
Please use and share – this is open to everyone The learning Hub can be accessed by all staff/communities once they have registered and have an account it is free to access .
Join a Family Centre Service Partnership Mtg
Join the Family Centre Service at their forthcoming Partnership Meeting this Autumn – an excellent opportunity to:
- Meet the Family Centre team and learn more about their services
- Connect with other partner organisations across the locality
- Share information about your own service and any new projects or innovations
In addition, the Partnership Network Meetings bring together professionals and organisations to:
- Discuss shared priorities and challenges
- Explore local needs and opportunities
- Strengthen collaboration across services for the benefit of families in our community
Dacorum
Wednesday 5th November 2025, 13:30 - 15:00, Cedar Tree Family Centre c/o The Community Centre, Datchet Close, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7JX
East Herts
Thursday 30th October 2025, 10:00 - 12:00, Beane Valley Family Centre, Watton-at-Stone, WG14 3DA
Hertsmere
Monday 20th October 2025, 13:30 - 15:00, The BECC Family Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 2FD
North Herts & Stevenage
Thursday 6th November 12:30 - 13:30 Bridge Road Family Centre, Stevenage, SG1 2NU
St Albans
Tuesday 4th November, 13:30 - 15:00, Sopwell Family Centre, St Albans, AL1 2LE
Watford & Three Rivers
Monday 29th September 2025, 12:30 - 13:30, South Oxhey Family Centre, Watford, WD19 6NL
Welwyn/Hatfield & Broxbourne
Thursday 20th November 2025, 10:00 - 12:00, Allsorts Family Centre, Waltham Cross, EN7 5FB
Book your free place here: - Family Centre Partnership Mtg
Hertfordshire Sport & Physical Activity Partnership Annual Conference
We are delighted to invite you to the Hertfordshire Sport & Physical Activity Partnership Annual Conference, taking place on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025 at the Fielder Centre, Hatfield.
This year’s theme, “Crime Reduction Through Sport,” will explore how sport can be a powerful, evidence-based tool to prevent and deter criminal behaviour. The conference will bring together leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights, strategies, and success stories.
We’re honoured to welcome keynote contributions from:
- Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire
- Nicholas Buxton, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire
...alongside a range of expert speakers and facilitators.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in two interactive workshops, selected during the booking process.
- Exploring how data can be turned into compelling stories to support positioning and sustainability
- Understanding ACEs, trauma, and adversity through the lens of Doorstep Sport
- Youth Justice in Hertfordshire - a look into joint working
- Place-Based Working - Community Sport & Educational Outcomes
Spaces are limited and demand is expected to be high, so we encourage early registration - and please feel free to share this invite with colleagues who may benefit from attending.
We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an inspiring and impactful event.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Click here to book
Don’t miss these webinars focused on Cost of Living support.
Giving you the tools to make confident, informed referrals when it matters most. Discover the latest services and resources available from Hertfordshire County Council and leading partners including HertsHelp, Age UK Hertfordshire, Citizens Advice, and Hertfordshire Community Foundation.
Whether you're on the front line or behind the scenes, this session will empower you to connect people with the right support at the right time.
This session will focus on:
- Where to go to find support
- Financial support
- Food support
- Energy support
For more details and to register for these webinars, please visit:
Families Webinar Thu, 06 Nov, 13:00 - 14:00 GMT
Older People Webinar Tue, 04 Nov, 14:00 - 15:00 GMT
Free School Meals - New System hosted by DFE
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC)will be introducing a new Free School Meal System (FSM) from December 2025 (planned go live is 09.12.25). The system has been trialled by 35 schools since April 2025 with a positive reaction from these schools. The system is hosted and operated by Dept of Education(DfE).
The attached is an introduction that was sent out to schools, via school bulletin 22.09.25. There will be various other communications sent to school over the coming weeks, informing how to sign up to the system, how to navigate and how to use the system, as well as drop-in sessions at time of go live for schools to ask questions.
All current eligible applications will be migrated over to new system before the December go live so no actions, other than sign up to the system, are required by school. New applicants will apply as at present via HCC FSM web page once the system has gone live.
Check out Hertfordshire's Autumn 25 Parenting and Relationship Courses
You can view the Autumn 2025 Parenting and Relationship Support Offer Newsletter which will provide you with information and details on Parenting Courses and Relationship Support offer. Please can you ensure you cascade to your teams. If you have any questions please email CSStrategic.Partnerships@hertfordshire.gov.uk .
We have listed a few of the current courses below, but please visit the Hertfordshire Directory for the full listing.
Is your Service listed on the Hertfordshire Directory?
Providers, services, groups and individuals can request a login and once approved, they can create a comprehensive listing and receive direct referrals if they wish. This can include key information such as what they do, who they support, when and where they work and their website for more information.
There are some short YouTube videos to help people get started:
There’s also a How to step-by-step guide online
If you have any questions, queries or feedback about the Directory, or need support accessing it, please email:
anne.ardley@hertfordshire.gov.uk or web.team@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Are you a parent or carer with a child aged between 0-14 years old?
Hertfordshire County Council is required to produce an annual childcare sufficiency report that is made available to the public. The report enables the council to understand the current market position across Hertfordshire for childcare. The results of this survey will help us to plan for sufficient childcare places across Hertfordshire for working families.
You can complete the survey here.