Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) is an approach from Scottish Government that sets out how schools and other services should work with children and their families. GIRFEC is all about ensuring that children get the help they need when they need it – the right help at the right time. The ‘named person service’ is part of our local GIRFEC approach and how we support children and young people in Dumfries and Galloway.

For you and your child, GIRFEC means that you are the expert on your child and what you think matters. Getting it right for every child means that the school will always seek to involve you, to listen to your opinions and take them seriously.

Every child will have someone in the school who can be the point of contact.

The named person function is there if needed, but children and families do not have to make use of their named person, and many children and their families will never need to do so.

• In primary schools the named person is likely to be the Head teacher or the deputy head teacher. In secondary school it is likely to a child’s pupil support teacher. These are members of school staff who already have existing roles in providing help and support to children and their families.
• If your child has complex needs and needs help from several different services, GIRFEC means that all these services must work together for you and your child. In these instances, a ‘lead professional’ will be agreed from within the network of practitioners who are working with your child and family and this person will coordinate the support for your child.

For more information on Getting it Right for Every Child in Dumfries and Galloway visit our dedicated GIRFEC website.

Local information can also be found on the Dumfries and Galloway Council website.

National information can be found on: https://www.gov.scot/policies/girfec/

For any local enquiries please email GIRFEC@dumgal.gov.uk