SILC Cluster

How referrals to the SILC Cluster work

The SILC cluster cannot take direct referrals from children, young people, parents, or carers. 

Referrals come from:

• Our SILC schools
• MindMate SPA
• Social Care Front Door
• Individual social workers

MindMate SPA

When a referral goes to MindMate SPA, a mental health worker looks at it. 

If your child does not need mental health support, but goes to one of our schools, MindMate SPA may send the referral to the SILC cluster. 

This will only happen with your consent.

Social Care front door

When a referral goes to social care, a social worker checks it. 

If social care is not needed, but your child still needs help, the worker may suggest a SILC cluster referral. 

This will only happen with your consent.

Schools

Each SILC school has a pastoral officer. 

They may start an early help plan to support your family. 

As part of this plan, they may talk to you about a SILC cluster referral. 

This will only happen with your consent.

Social workers

If your child has a social worker, they may suggest a SILC cluster referral. 

The social worker will need to fill in a SILC cluster referral form with your consent.

What happens next?

• MindMate SPA or social care will share the referral with our team.
• If the referral is from school or a social worker, we need a completed referral form.
• The form explains what help is needed.
• We use this to make sure the right support is given at the right time.

Referrals are discussed at our monthly Support and Guidance meeting (term time only). 

The SILC cluster team and school partners attend. 

Each case is reviewed, and outcomes are recorded. 

Families will be told the outcome after the meeting. 

Consent is needed before your referral is discussed.

How to ask about a referral

If you want a referral, speak to your school’s pastoral staff. 

If you are not sure who this is, contact your school or email Cluster@westsilc.org with your question.

We cannot accept referrals or talk about individual cases directly.

Our outreach staff support families and schools. We work together to understand a child’s needs and make a plan. 

This can include:

• Working directly with children
• Supporting family members
• Talking to other services

We focus on:

• Gathering information
• Finding and building on strengths
• Helping with learning and skills
• Giving advice and signposting to other services

We offer practical and emotional support. 

We help children and the adults around them set goals and take small steps to reach them.

Why school attendance matters

Going to school helps children learn and grow. It builds skills, friendships, and confidence. It gives children experiences that help them reach their full potential.

Parents and carers

Parents and carers must make sure children go to school regularly and on time. Sometimes attendance drops for different reasons. If this happens, the SILC cluster can help.

How we support attendance

We work with the child, family, and school to improve attendance. 

Our support is:

• Flexible
• Personal to the child’s needs
• Always with family consent

We offer different types of help. This can include a full support package or advice about other services.

How to get help

Schools can refer to SILC cluster attendance support directly or through the Support and Guidance Panel. If a child is missing school, quick action helps. If you are worried about attendance, speak to your school first.

Working together with families

We want to work with families to make our SILC cluster services better. We also want to hear your ideas and feedback. 

We also want to create a Parent Carer Forum so families can have a stronger voice.

Have your say

Would you like to:

• Share your views on our services?
• Work in partnership with us?
• Find out more about the Parent Carer Forum?

If yes, please email us at Cluster@westsilc.org

Consent and information sharing

We need your consent to work with you. The SILC cluster is not a statutory service, so you do not have to accept the support we offer. Consent is needed to share information. Sharing information helps us give the best support for your child.

How we use your information

If you give consent, you agree that your information can be shared with:

• The SILC cluster team
• Other partners who need to help

All information is stored safely and electronically. We follow GDPR rules for storage and retention.

Northpoint Wellbeing

Northpoint Wellbeing is a charity that helps people feel better emotionally. They provide therapy in some Leeds schools. Northpoint is funded by Leeds NHS and local schools.

What is Therapy?

Therapy is a safe and private time to talk. You can talk about anything that is worrying you. A therapist will listen and will not judge you or tell you what to do. It is your time and space.

How to see a Therapist

If you want to speak to Northpoint or see a therapist:

• Talk to a teacher or school staff
• Ask them to refer you to the service

There may be a wait, but you will be told how long.

More help online

You can also visit the Northpoint website for tips and advice. It has useful information on many topics.

Contact us

If you want more information about Northpoint services, email the SILC Cluster at Cluster@westsilc.org.