WEEK ONE: Initial visit to family with Organiser. Family referred by Health Visitor; mum a bit depressed; 3 year old girl (I’ll call her K) shows signs of neglect, is withdrawn, not speaking.

WEEK TWO: Took bag of toys and played on floor, talking all the time while mum looked on. Read story of 3 Bears, played out story with teddies. Chatted to mum as K and I played. With help K made 20 piece jigsaw of farm. I-spy game, naming animals.

WEEK THREE: Have gained mum’s trust - allows me to take K to the park. Made daisy chain, fed ducks (something we have repeated often); K’s delight is a joy to behold.

WEEK FOUR: Accompany mum and K to the doctor’s for pre-school boosters. K is slightly anaemic. Talk with mum about healthy eating.

WEEK FIVE: K has started pre-school; becoming sociable - says ‘hello’ to everyone we meet.

WEEK SIX: visit the beach, throw pebbles into the water, collect shells - take home to show mum.

WEEK SEVEN: K’s birthday; made iced cakes together for her birthday tea.

WEEKS EIGHT to SEVENTEEN: similar activities; mum sometimes comes out with us.

WEEK EIGHTEEN: K starts part-time school. Talked with mum about the importance of getting to school on time.

WEEKS NINETEEN TO TWENTY-FOUR; visit and spend time with mum, go and collect K from school together.

WEEK TWENTY FIVE: Organiser reviews the family’s needs in consultation with mum and I. K is making good progress at school and has settled in well; mum seeking voluntary work at local community centre. Agreed that Home-Start is no longer needed. I will continue to keep contact for a few weeks - just popping in to see if they’re OK, maybe take K for a visit to the park once or twice.

WEEK THIRTY: stop visiting / contact.