Children’s Single Point of Access

What our service does

Children’s Single Point of Access serves as the first point of contact for children, families, and partner agencies, ensuring they receive the appropriate support at the right time. Acting as a front-door service—commonly known elsewhere as a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)—we work collaboratively with partners to assess, screen, and respond at the earliest stage of need. We play a key role as the gateway into Children’s Services, while also remaining a visible, accessible source of help and guidance for those seeking support and help.

Job types in this service

Early Help Practitioners
Ensuring that families and partners are able to access our many early and supportive targeted support for the presenting need.
Social Workers and Higher Specialist Social Workers
Working closely with our statutory partners and families to ensure that presenting need is addressed in the right way, with the right person and being highly skilled in managing risk and supporting the appropriate people to keep children safe.
Assistant Team Managers
Ensuring that CSPoA promotes the highest standards of practice in social work, and ensuring that the right decisions are made at the right time.

What our team has to say

CSPoA is a fast-paced and highly valued service within Reading Children’s Services, dedicated to ensuring families have a positive first experience with Children’s Social Care. No two days are the same, with new challenges and opportunities to support people every day. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy tackling complex situations, and value making informed, impactful decisions, CSPoA could be the ideal place for you.

Last updated on 28/10/2026