Supporting your child's journey in education
What is HEALS?
HEALS stands for the Hackney Education Alternative Learning Service. More than just a new name, HEALS is our commitment to doing things differently for children and young people who are facing barriers to their learning.
We know that for some children, the path through school isn't always straightforward. Whether it’s due to social, emotional, mental health or physical needs which can impact on school attendance, some students need extra support to stay connected to their education and their friends.
HEALS brings together specialist teams - including experts in mental health, teaching, and special educational needs - to work as one "wrap-around" service.
Our goal is simple: to make sure your child receives the right support, in the right place, at the right time.
Why are we doing this?
We want every child in Hackney to feel they belong in their school community. In the past, support was sometimes fragmented, making it hard for families to navigate the system.
HEALS changes this by:
- Focusing on prevention: We are working more closely with schools to step in early, before a situation reaches a crisis point
- Listening: We are listening to families’ lived experiences to restore, where needed, and strengthen the relationship between our community and education services
- Putting your child at the centre: Every decision we make is driven by what will best support your child's wellbeing and their future
Current offer and support
The full HEALS offer is developing and growing, but currently schools are able to access the following.
Social, emotional and mental health support
Social, emotional and mental health support helps to tackle barriers to education. This includes specialist social, emotional and mental health outreach focusing on classroom practice and teachers, family support and one to one and peer-based support for individual children.
Specialist attendance officer
All schools have access to a consistent local authority specialist attendance officer who is familiar with their children and families. They are able to give advice and guidance around supporting good attendance, undertake in depth work with children and their families and teachers to better understand their needs and create a plan to meet them.
Short term, off site alternative provision
Short term, off site alternative provision placements are designed to offer intensive access to the curriculum to address learning gaps, alongside bespoke pastoral plans to enable the child to make a safe and successful transition back to their home school. There is no cost attached to these for targeted year groups, however schools may incur a charge in non-targeted year group placements.
One to one and small group tuition
One to one and small group tuition for children too unwell to attend school. Specialist safeguarding advice, guidance and planning support to ensure children are able to learn safely in and benefit from a school environment with their peers.
Team around the school
Schools also have access to their own 'Team around the School' which is made up of various professionals such as Educational Psychologists, Specialist Teachers, Young Hackney workers. They can use their named professionals to plan and access personalised support for the children and young people in their care that need it.
Partnering with your child's school
If you are concerned about your child’s attendance, wellbeing, or if they are facing barriers to learning, your child's school is your first and most important partner.
Hackney’s schools are supported by the HEALS (Hackney Education Alternative Learning Service) framework. This means your school has access to a wide range of specialist support, including:
- Early Intervention: Practical strategies to support your child’s engagement within the classroom
- The Team Around the School (TAS): A multi-disciplinary group of professionals, including educational psychologists and health partners, who work together to support schools and families
- Specialist advice: Guidance on inclusive practices to ensure your child remains successfully in school with their peers.
How to get support
We encourage you to contact your child’s headteacher, SENCO, or class teacher as soon as possible if you have concerns. By working together early, we can:
- Understand the specific barriers your child is facing
- Put in place a tailored package of support within the school environment
- Ensure your voice and your child’s voice is at the heart of the plan
More information can be found on the Hackney Local Offer: