Baby care – home visiting support
This is part of our Family Support Offer and provides additional support for the care of a new baby. It may include safe sleeping, coping with crying, help with feeding, understanding and responding to baby cues and baby development.
Baby’s first friends
These sessions are held in our Children’s Centres. They are for babies and their parents to support baby development and communication skills. It’s also a chance for parents to meet, make friends and build support networks. Baby’s first friends is delivered in partnership with the health visiting team who attend the sessions on a regular basis.
Coping with crying
Coping with crying is a short film which has been developed by the NSPCC. It provides information on how to cope with a crying baby. The film is shown during home visits and is part of the antenatal programme delivered in the Children’s Centres. Having a new baby can be a stressful time and parents can find the first few months difficult. The film includes parents talking about their own experiences and their coping strategies plus information, tips and advice from health professionals. The film is available for all expectant and new mums and dads, carers and grandparents. If you would like to see the film please contact your nearest Children’s Centre or phone 01724 742500 or 01724 297000. For help and advice please contact the Children’s Centre team.
Stay and Play sessions
Stay and play sessions are for children and their parents or carers. They support child development, communication and social skills. You don’t need to book and the sessions are free.
Play and development support
Play and development support is part of our Family Support Offer and available on request. Individual and tailored support for parents to help with children’s personal, social and emotional development and their communication and language skills. This also supports understanding of child development and behaviour concerns. Sessions may take place in the home or in Centres on a one to one basis.
Family play sessions
Family play sessions are part of our Family Support Offer. They are smaller invitation only sessions for parents and children who may find attending a larger group difficult and may benefit from more specific help.
Childcare funding for two year olds
Free childcare funding is available for up to 15 hours for families who qualify. Parents can call into the centres to check if they qualify and to apply for the funding. More information is available on our two year old funding page or by calling the Family Information Service on 01724 297000.
Two year development check
Childcare providers and health visitors review children’s progress at two years. The review highlights children’s strengths and identifies any areas for future development. For more information contact your childcare provider, health visitor or local Children’s Centre.
30 hour childcare for three and four year olds
15 hour child care funding is available for all three and four year old children. Working parents may qualify for an additional 15 hours free childcare. For more information contact the Family Information Service on 01724 297000 or use the Government’s childcare calculator.
Over fives
Over fives are welcome to attend activities in the centres in school holidays or at weekends with their parents or carers.