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When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, you've probably heard the advice, "Be more confident!" But where does confidence come from, and how can you get more of it? Here are three easy tips to boost your confidence.

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3 tips to boost your confidence - TED-Ed

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When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, you've probably heard the advice, "Be more confident!" But where does confidence come from, and how can you get more of it? Here are three easy tips to boost your confidence.

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The Creative Mental Health Charity PoetsIN™

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A Charity Created For People Struggling With Their Mental Health By Two Poets Who Have Struggled Too.

Download our mental health resources by clicking the button below.

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Proven Programmes to Improve your Mental Health.

Our Creative Mental Health Programme™ is a proven programme that provides the tools needed to enable the individual power over their mental health and wellbeing. That's just one of the benefits of participating in our programmes. Read on:

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99% of our service users have reported a reduction of the symptoms of anxiety and depression, with 100% stating a reduction in stress.

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You don't have to be diagnosed with a mental illness or be struggling with your mental health to get support from us. We provide wellbeing services to keep your mind healthy.

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100% of our service users and community members feel included. We pride ourselves on the INclusivity of our charity and continue to train our team on how to uphold our values.

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We provide a number of support services to those struggling with their mental health
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Front Page - The Creative Mental Health Charity PoetsIN™

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PoetsIN - The Creative Mental Health Charity for those struggling with their mental health, created by those who have struggled with theirs.

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This approach offers practical ideas - take a look!

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Read our 5 Ways to Wellbeing to learn how you could boost your mental health at work. They’re developed by the New Economics Foundation, and rooted in research.

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If you are a child attending school in Bedfordshire and have been helped by a School Nurse, please click the link and tell us what you think - you might need an adult to help you!

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Children's Immunisation and Vaccination Team: Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes | Essex Partnership University NHS Trust

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The Immunisation and Vaccination team consists of Registered Nurses and support staff. The team works in partnership with schools and the local authorities to deliver the commissioned school aged based Immunisation Programme to all children attending schools (State and Independent) and young people who are home educated, across Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

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Central Bedfordshire SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and disability Information, Advice and Support Service) is a statutory service, provided by but working at arm's length from the Local Authority which offers a free, confidential support service for young people with SEND and their parents and carers.

To visit SNAP parent carer forum, please click here.

To view the Central Bedfordshire Local Offer, please click here

To view our 'How We Work Information Leaflet' please click here

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Central Bedfordshire SENDIASS - Central Bedfordshire SENDIASS

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Hello, we are here to help Central Bedfordshire SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and disability Information, Advice and Support Service) is a statutory service, provided by but working at arm's length from the Local Authority which offers a free, confidential support service for young people with SEND and their parents and carers.

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Welcome to the elective home education service. This page provides information for parent's who are considering educating their child at home, as well as on-going guidance for existing home educators. Colleagues in the service respect parents rights to elect to educate their child at home and aim to support them in making an informed decision.

Some parents take a carefully considered decision to home educate their child before they reach school age. Others may decide on this approach, after careful consideration, later on in the child's school career. The reasons for deciding on this approach are many, as are the different styles of the education provided by parents.

Educating a child at home is a great responsibility and involves considerable commitment of time, energy and finance. It is not something that should be taken on lightly but we recognise that when parents do this well children can thrive, be successful in their learning, go on to further and higher education and to have fulfilling careers.

"Parents have a right to educate their children at home, and the government wants the many parents who do it well to be supported. They devote time, financial resources and dedication to the education of their children. Most parents who take up the weighty responsibility of home education do a great job, and many children benefit from being educated at home. Educating children at home works well when it is a positive, informed and dedicated choice." DfE elective home education - departmental guidance for local authorities, April 2019.

We aim to support parents in their choice. We would encourage parents who are considering elective home education as an option for their child to make themselves familiar with the information and guidance provided on this page before finalising any decision.

Parents are advised to read the local authority policy on elective home education Luton Council Elective Home Education (EHE) Policy and to familiarise themselves with the Department for Education (DfE) guidance: Elective home education: Departmental guidance for parents, DfE April 2019. If the child currently attends school we would encourage parents to discuss consideration of this option with the school and to contact our service for an informal discussion.

By law parents and carers must make sure that their children receive a suitable education. By law, the local authority is responsible for ensuring education provided at home is suitable.
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Parents are responsible for ensuring their child is properly educated. While many parents fulfil this responsibility by ensuring their child attends a school parents may elect to educate their children at home. The Education Act (1996) states that:

The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause them to receive efficient full time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude and to any special needs they may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.

A parent electing (choosing) to educate their child at home is responsible for all aspects of the child's learning (even if this is a temporary measure, such as while awaiting a school place). This includes:

Ensuring that the education provided is suitable: there should be a minimum standard even if choosing not to follow the National Curriculum which enables the child, when they become an adult, to function as an independent UK citizen, and beyond the community in which they are brought up if the child chooses to.

Ensuring that the education is efficient: so if it is aiming to enable the child to make good progress across a number of subjects, it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that the education they provides enables this to happen. The parent should be able to demonstrate that the child is making progress in their learning.

Ensuring that the education is full time: the parent should be able to quantify and demonstrate the amount of time for which their child is being educated and this should occupy a significant proportion of the child's life.

Planning a suitable package of education: the parent should be able to demonstrate that the programme of work they have put in place is appropriate to the child's age, level of ability and any special needs they may have.

Providing tuition: this may be the parent teaching the child or providing other forms of tuition such as online schooling, private tutoring or attendance at tuition centres or group activities.

Providing appropriate learning resources: such as laptop, tablet or computer, Internet access, study books and work books, art materials, PE equipment etc. Parents should be aware that resources are not provided by the Local Authority and parents are responsible for funding these themselves.

Is home education right for your child's learning?

Mainstream education and home education both have benefits for the child, which will suit your child and your circumstances best?

Will learning away from their peers be right for the child? Will they respond well to the education that you will be putting in place for them?

How will you provide for social and emotional aspects of your child's development? How will you engage them in social learning and contact with other children? Will you be able to plan a suitable package of education?

Planning for education is the parent's responsibility and ideally needs to start before your child starts being educated at home. On-going planning will be needed to ensure that your child is receiving a suitable education. This can require a significant time commitment from the parent.

How will you provide for your child's physical development?

Will you have sufficient funds to pay for resources, books, subscriptions, stationary, tuition, educational visits, exam fees etc?

When electing to home educate parents take on full financial responsibility for every aspect of the child's education. There are no grants or funding from the local authority of the Department for Education (DfE).

Are you able to make a significant time commitment?

It is important for a parent to be aware of the time involved in planning, identifying resources, teaching and/or supervising the child's learning. Unless subscribing to an online school, tuition centre or private tuition, it will be a long-term commitment whilst your child is being home educated.

Be aware that awaiting a school place may be for an extended period of time. Some parents assume they will get a place within the next term, whereas many awaiting places in oversubscribed schools may end up home educating indefinitely.

Have you read the Department for Education guidance and Local Authority Policy?

A parent needs to be clear about the expectations on them before deciding to choose to home educate. These documents clearly set out the expectations for the parents and the Local Authority's role in monitoring the education being provided.

How will you ensure your child is making progress?

We understand that a parent wants the best for their child, so you will want to consider how you will ensure that they are making good progress across the curriculum. You will need to think about how you'll assess their progress so that you know how well they are learning and what areas they need extra practice or teaching in.

How will the education package you provide impact on your child's choices later in life?

Will they be able to follow GCSE syllabuses? Will you be able to organise and pay for them to be entered for exams as a private candidate?

Can you allocate a satisfactory study area?

Your child will need a space that enables them to be educated efficiently - this may be a dedicated study are that is away from distractions and lots of noise so that they can focus on their learning.

There are many reasons parents consider educating their children at home, such as:

a philosophical view point about education

being unhappy with the school system

a short term plan because a child is unable to go to school, or while awaiting a place in a preferred school

to develop the parent/child relationship

to meet a child's complex or special needs

religious considerations.

Whatever the reasons, if you are considering withdrawing your child from school, contacting the school at an early stage is advisable. You should discuss any concerns you may have about your child's education and your consideration of the option to elect to home educate with the head teacher or senior staff member.

They will be able to talk with you about:

your child's experience in school

the curriculum offered by the school

any concerns you may have about your child's education.

If you are still considering withdrawal you may wish to contact the elective home education service for an informal conversation with a member of the team. They will be able to discuss the responsibilities and expectations for home educating parents.

You may also wish to contact the Education Welfare Officer for the school who will:

talk with you and the school to see if any concerns can be resolved

further explain the process of withdrawing the child from the school roll

offer advice on the expectations for providing education at home.

If you decide that home education would best suit the needs of your child you must inform the school in writing so that they can remove your child from the school roll. While they remain on the school roll, failure to send them to school can result in prosecution for non-attendance. Parents need to be aware that there is no guarantee that the child's school place will still be available if they later decide to return to school.

Informing the school in writing is a simple process and we would ask you to use the withdrawal from school notice, complete it electronically and email it to the school. (Alternatively you can print it out and fill it in by hand before posting or delivering it to the school).

Children with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP)

Where a child has an EHCP we ask that parents contact their allocated officer in the Special Education Needs Assessment Team (SENAT) before they are taken off the school roll. SENAT and EHE officers will meet with the parent to discuss the parent's plans for home education and to ensure that the child's education needs and objectives outlined in the EHCP will be met. The request will then be considered by the SEND Provision Panel before the child is removed from the school roll.

Children who have not yet started school

If your child is not currently attending school, the DfE strongly recommend that you notify the local authority of your intention to home educate when your child becomes of statutory school age, in order to provide you with relevant advice and support.

Under Section 436A"local authorities must make arrangements to find out so far as possible whether home educated children are receiving suitable full time education" elective home education departmental guidance for local authorities, DfE April 2019

The local authority aims to establish positive and supportive relationships with home educating families, recognising the rich and diverse range of approaches, philosophies and methods.

The elective home education service keeps a register of all children whose parents have chosen to home educate them. On receiving notice that a parent has elected to home educate their child, the child will be placed on the register and allocated to an elective home education officer.

The officer will make contact with the family to arrange an initial appointment where parents can discuss the plans they have in place for the child's education. The officer will not give directions on the methods of teaching or resources to be used, but will give support and guidance.

The discussion may include:

parents plans to ensure the child is offered a broad and balanced curriculum

short and long term plans

how the work will be organised

planning for a mixture of work including written tasks and practical activities

provision for physical development

opportunities for mixing with other children of a similar age for education and/or social interaction

possible involvement of a tutor, tuition centre and/or online schooling

how the parent will record and demonstrate progress and how the child will be helped to overcome difficulties in their learning

how the education package will enable the child to access further education, higher education or career opportunities

plans for the child to take exams and how this will be facilitated - including the need to identify a suitable exam centre, and exam fees which can be expensive

This meeting may take place in the family home although meetings can be arranged at alternative venues if parents prefer (or using video calls such as Zoom).

In some cases parents may wish to provide the EHE officer with a written report of the package of education and the child's progress. This report needs to demonstrate that suitable education is being provided.

If the EHE officer is not satisfied that suitable education is being provided, they'll share their concerns and parents will be given a reasonable time to rectify the situation. If the local authority is still not satisfied, parents will be required to register their child at a school.

If your child does not attend school and the standard of EHE provided is not deemed to be suitable, the local authority would be legally obliged to proceed with a School Attendance Order.

This would only happen if the EHE officer was convinced that the parent was not educating the child according to their age, ability and aptitude and if, following a detailed discussion of the issues, the situation was not shown to have improved.

The EHE officer will usually visit families at least every 12 months, although visits will be more frequent if there are concerns. If your child had a statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an education, health and care (EHC) plan while at school then the local authority retains the duty to review the statement/plan and your child's progress on an annual basis.

Parents are not legally obliged to share information with the local authority regarding arrangements for EHE, however if the local authority feels it has insufficient information about the education being provided and it appears that the child is not receiving a suitable education at home it may be necessary to refer the child to the children missing education team who may serve a school attendance order.

The local authority also has a safeguarding responsibility for all home educated children. Should any member of the elective home education service have any concerns regarding a child's safeguarding they are obliged to share these concerns with relevant agencies within the local authority.

Useful links

"Families should be aiming to offer satisfactory home education from the outset, and to have preparations with that aim in view .... there should be no significant period in which a child is not receiving suitable education." Elective home education: Departmental guidance for local authorities, DfE April 2019

Parents aren't required to have a detailed plan covering several years but they should be able to demonstrate that they are committed to their child's education and are systematic in planning an efficient, fulltime and suitable education.

It is advisable that some planning is done in advance of the child being taken off a school roll so that the child can start a suitable home education from the outset. Just as in schools teachers plan in advance so that children can begin their learning from the start of the September term.

Parents will identify a broad range of subjects their child will be taught, and this will include, for the majority of children, English, Maths and Science and opportunities for Physical Development and Social and Emotional Development. Other subjects and learning opportunities may also be included.

They may wish to draw up a timetable so that both parent and child know what subjects to expect each day. This may be flexible and incorporate other learning opportunities and activities.

Planning will need to take into account the age, ability and aptitude of the child and enable the child to be taught efficiently so that they make progress.

Parents may make use of a number of approaches and resources when planning for their child's home education such as:

online schooling

text books, study books and work books

online planning resources

other online resources and educational websites to supplement the learning

networks of other home educating parents for group activities and social and emotional development opportunities

sports and activity centres, classes and groups

private tutors and tuition centres - it is important that parents are aware of the need to select tutors, tuition centres or study centres with care.

Parents may also want to consider how the child's learning will be recorded and organised such as using exercise books, notebooks, files and folders, as well as photographs and digital records of the child's learning. They will also need to consider how their planning will enable the child to make progress throughout the year and how this will be demonstrated.

While parents are not obliged to follow the National Curriculum it may be helpful to refer to this to ensure that the education is suitable to the child's age and ability.

A curriculum is the content of learning that a child is taught. A good curriculum is one which consists of a broad and balanced range of learning opportunities and/or subjects which ensure intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual and physical development.

In maintained, community and foundation schools children aged 5 to 14 are taught National Curriculum subjects of:

Teaching of a foreign language is expected from the age of 7 (Year 3) and Citizenship from the age of 11 (Year 7).

From the age of 14 schools are expected to teach:

English

Maths

Science

Computing

Physical Education (PE)

Several other subjects are included but these are based on the child's options.

In Reception year (after the child's 5th birthday until they transfer into Year 1) schools organise the curriculum around areas of learning, with a balance of teacher led activities, pupil led activities and opportunities to learn through play.

Communication and Language (eg spoken language, being read to, stories, rhymes, role play, vocabulary and language structures)

Physical Development (eg gross motor skills: strength, co-ordination, indoor and outdoor play, stability, balance; fine motor skills: e.g. small world, puzzles, arts and crafts, small tools etc.)

Personal, social and emotional development (eg understand feelings of self and others, interactions with other children, friendship, cooperation resolving conflicts, persistence, patience, looking after body, healthy eating)

Literacy (eg language comprehension - book activities, rhymes, poems and songs, word reading - letter names and sounds, phonics, sight, writing - letter formation, representing words with letters, simple phrases)

Mathematics (eg understanding number, counting, patterns, spatial, shape, space and measures)

Understanding the world (eg past and present, people, culture and communities, the natural world)

Expressive Arts and Design (eg creating with a variety of materials (colour, texture, design), being imaginative (including role play) and expressive including music and movement)

Schools are also expected to teach Religious Education (RE), Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) including Relationships Sex and Health Education (RSHE) and Citizenship.

Parents are not obliged to follow the National Curriculum however the Department for Education states:

"2.10 a. Even if there is no specific link with the National Curriculum or other external curricula, there should be an appropriate minimum standard which is aimed at, and the education should aim at enabling the child, when grown-up, to function as an independent citizen in the UK - and furthermore, beyond the community in which he or she was brought up, if that is the choice made in later life by the child;" Elective home education: departmental guidance for parents DfE April 2019

Many parents use the National Curriculum as a guide to what could be taught, and to ensure their child is not at a disadvantage if they later return to school, enter further education and/or higher education. Parents should consider how to ensure:

development of competence in English and Mathematics

understanding of concepts of Computer Science; use of information technology to solve problems, and that their child is a responsible, competent, confident user of information and communication technology

development of understanding and skills across a range of subjects or areas of learning

personal and social development

physical development

understanding of the world of work.

Parents should also consider how they will provide opportunities for their child to engage socially with other children from their age groups and adults beyond the family unit.

It is the parent's responsibility to decide what to teach and how it will be taught, but it is essential that the parent can demonstrate that the planned education package is appropriate to the child's age, ability and aptitude and any special needs they may have. Children learn in different ways and at different paces, and parents will need to be aware of the progress the child is making in order to motivate and challenge them to achieve.

Parents are not obliged to follow a set timetable in the same way that schools do, however it is important to know what is going to be taught, how and when so that it is possible to monitor the child's learning and their progress.

"A child becomes of compulsory school age from the first of the following dates (31 August, 31 December or 31 March) which occurs after she or he becomes five years old (or if the fifth birthday falls on one of those dates, on that day). The child remains so until the last Friday of June in the academic year in which she or he becomes sixteen. Children may also be educated at home in order to participate in education and training until the age of 18" - DfE Elective home education: Departmental guidance for parents, April 2019.

At 16 she or he must then do one of the following until the age of 18:

stay in full-time education, for example at a college

start an apprenticeship or traineeship

spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training

The elective home education service works closely with the Youth Advice Service. All Elective Home Educated pupils in year 11 are eligible for advice and support from the Youth Advice Service with exploring their options, and are referred to the service during the final half of the Autumn Term unless parents opt out of the offer of support. Find out more about Youth Service

Parents may decide to use private tutors for one or two subjects or to cover a broader range of the curriculum, but there is no requirement to do so. It is important that parents are aware of the need to select tutors, tuition centres or study centres with care; there is currently no requirement for private tutors to undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Tuition centres and other settings may not be regulated in any way so there may be no assurance that they comply with basic standards, such as proper vetting of staff and safeguarding children. You may wish to check references and ask to see a recent DBS disclosure certificate.

Please use our tutor and tuition checklist used to ensure you ask the right questions in order to safeguard your child

Under Section 175 of the Education Act 2002, the local authority has a general duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The local authority has powers to insist on seeing children to enquire about their welfare where there are grounds for concern.

Such powers, however, do not give the local authority the ability to see and question children who are being home educated in order to establish whether they are receiving a suitable education.

The local authority will, nevertheless, aim to discharge its safeguarding functions in relation to home educated children by attempting to engage proactively with all home educating parents and will always seek to see, speak with and ascertain the views of children who are home educated.

Whilst the local authority recognises that children who are home educated are no more likely to be the subject of abuse or neglect than are children who attend school, the local authority nevertheless notes the particular circumstances of home educated children.

Should any safeguarding concerns emerge in the course of engagement with home educating families, or in consequence of a lack of engagement, these concerns will be consulted on with the safeguarding in education officer and, if deemed to have met the threshold of need and intervention, will then be promptly referred to children's social care.

Whilst a failure to respond to the informal enquiries of the local authority will not in itself be seen as evidence of safeguarding concerns, a repeated and persistent failure to respond, together with other contextual information, may in certain circumstances cause the local authority to consider the need for further action.

If the parents of a child who is subject to a Child Protection Plan (CPP) declares an intention to home educate, the local authority will usually oppose this, unless it can be demonstrated that home education will be in the child's best interests and will not prejudice the effective implementation of the child's CPP.

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Local Authority Information Central Bedfordshire

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Local Authority Information Central Bedfordshire

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Children of compulsory school age must receive an education that is efficient, full-time and suitable to the child's age, ability and aptitude, and to any special educational needs which he / she may have.

Most parents choose to send their children to school, but you can teach your child at home. This is called home schooling or elective home education.

If you decide to home educate, you take on all the financial responsibility, including the costs of any exams you enter your child for.

If you decide to take your child out of school, write to the head teacher and notify them of this.
View or download Elective Home Education Policy (PDF)
If your child has special educational needs

If a special school is named on your child's education, health and care plan (EHCP), you must get our agreement before your child's name is removed from the school roll.

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Children of compulsory school age must receive a education that is efficient, full-time and suitable to the child's age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs which he / she may have

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Local Authority information Beds Borough

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Local Authority information Beds Borough

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Parents may choose to educate their children at home rather than at school.

Home education is an option that any family may consider for their children. The reasons for deciding on this approach are many, as are the styles of education undertaken. Whatever the circumstances, we aim to support parents in their choice.

By law, parents and carers must make sure their children receive an education. By law, we are responsible for ensuring education given to children at home is suitable.

The first step to home education

To begin to home school your child you must deregister them first. Send a letter/email to your child's school requesting them to take your child off roll, from a specific date, stating that you intend to home educate them from now on.

Send a copy of the deregistration letter/email is sent to the Elective Home Education Officer at Borough Hall.

The Elective Home Education Officer will make contact with you, when you first deregister your child.

The Elective Home Education Officer is David Roberts. To contact him call 01234 276809 or email ehe@bedford.gov.uk.

National curriculum

The education you provide has to be full time, efficient and suitable.

You do not have to follow the National Curriculum, but you may find it helpful to use it as a framework, both for subjects to include and to get an idea of levels of achievement. The National Curriculum website includes guidance and tools for both Primary and Secondary.

You might follow a timetable that you have devised; most home educators have a "flexible" timetable. You may choose to follow a form of 'discovery' education, in which the interests of your child are the focus. Or you might use mixture of these methods. It's entirely up to you.

If you intend to send your child to school in the future, then it would be wise to be aware of what is taught in school so they are not disadvantaged. There are many textbooks and workbooks based on the National Curriculum and these may be useful.

Exams

It is up to you the parent to investigate and pay for your child's exams. There are some schools in the Bedford local area that will agree for home educated children to sit exams at their school. The schools which offer this are subject to change as it depends on how many of their own students are sitting exams as to whether they can accommodate any more.

Contact the Elective Home Education Officer or other professionals to find out if they are aware of any currently taking students, or please let us know if you have found a school that will.

Sending my child back into school

If you decide to send your child back into school please contact the Bedford Borough Admissions Team by completing an online form. However, there is no guarantee that a place will still be available at their previous school. Please let the Elective Home Education Officer know as well.

Support for parents or carers

Here are some of the ways the Elective Home Education Officer can support parents or carers if they are considering home education as an option:

how to deregister your child from school

advice on different approaches and ensuring that your child receives an education suitable for their age, aptitude and ability

particular advice on contacts around issues of special educational needs. For example, SEND Advice contacts, information on requesting an assessment of needs, careers and counselling contacts

reports may be provided to support parental appeals, for example, admissions or college entry

personal or telephone contact to discuss issues at any time

general advice about the different ways families home educate in Bedford Borough

PLACE Programme

PLACE (Parent-led and community based education) is support for home based learners from early years up to GCSE.

PLACE is a Bedford Local Authority support service for home educating families managed by Biddenham International School and Sports College. To be eligible for the scheme, children should be on the elective home education register of the local authority in which they live.

The PLACE Programme provides significant support for PLACE-registered GCSE students, including part-time specialist support for a number of GCSE subjects and entrance for public examinations.

PLACE also runs a busy enrichment programme for enrolled youngsters from approximately ages four to sixteen and, in addition, provides measures of help and expertise with special needs issues through its partner school.

For further information please contact info@place-programme.org.

Home education resources

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Parents may choose to educate their children at home rather than at school. Home education is an option that any family may consider for their children. The reasons for deciding on this approach are many, as are the styles of education undertaken. Whatever the circumstances, we aim to support parents in their choice.

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This is "Primary School Nursing" by CCS NHS Trust on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

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Information and advice about our services and keeping healthy

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Home - Bedfordshire Luton Children’s Health

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NHS Bedfordshire and Luton Health Hub, NHS help, advice and information for local families.

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Lumi Nova as a game design to help Children in years 3-6 to manage anxiety by working through challenges in a video game format. It requires parent / carers to sign up and set and agree the goals. There are real world challenges that children can practice with parent /carer support.

To sign up click the link

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Lumi Nova is for 7-12 year olds experiencing mild to moderate anxiety. It is not recommended for use with children who have severe anxiety, are in crisis, have suicidal thoughts or are at risk of self harming without clinical supervision. See Instructions For Use .

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Lumi Nova - Free for families in Bedfordshire, Luton, Newham & Tower Hamlets - Lumi Nova: Tales of Courage

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Lumi Nova is for 7-12 year olds experiencing mild to moderate anxiety. It is not recommended for use with children who have severe anxiety, are in crisis, have suicidal thoughts or are at risk of self harming without clinical supervision. See Instructions For Use .

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Children and young people. Report child protection issues, find out about adoption and fostering plus Youth Support Service

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Free educational resources

Looking for free educational resources to help keep children safe? Download and share our free safety fact sheets, use our eye-catching materials to create a colourful display or run a safety workshop for parents with our session plans.

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Child Accident Prevention Trust | A safer world for all our children

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Safety advice Many accidents are a part of growing up. Children need to explore and experiment. But some children suffer the pain of serious accidents that can alter the course of their lives forever. Most of these serious accidents are completely preventable by making simple solutions or changes to routines.

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Choosing the right dog for your family

Having a dog as a family pet can be an amazing experience for children. They can teach children responsibility and empathy, as well as being a great way to get everyone outside, helping to keep the whole family fit and active!

We know that having a dog as part of your family can be amazing for so many reasons, but sadly sometimes accidents happen and children can be seriously injured. One of the main reasons dogs are given up to rescues is because of behaviour problems, which can include aggression. Being able to understand and interact safely with dogs is a very important skill for children to have to keep not only them safe, but also your new four-legged family member.

If you're looking to get a new puppy or dog, it's important to do some research before you commit:

Be honest about the amount of time you've got alongside a busy family - is a dog the right pet for you?

Choose a dog that suits your lifestyle, and that you can fully provide for. Think about their exercise requirements, the amount of stimulation they may need, and their size when fully grown.

For more advice on picking the right pet, take a look at our PetWise Quiz.

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Children and dogs: How to keep them happy and safe

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Our vets give their tips on how to safely introduce children and dogs and teach your children to understand your dog's body language.

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Dermatology Navigation
Being a sun hero is a great idea for children. They can play in the sun more safely and protect their health for years to come.

Skin cancer in children is rare but is increasing amongst younger people. Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, is now more prevalent than most cancers in UK residents aged 15 to 34.

A problem which is likely to have begun when they were even younger and could be prevented by following a few rules:

Wear clothing that protects, choose close weave materials and a darker colour.

Apply water resistant sunscreen, which should be SPF 30+ and UVA 4 or 5 star.

Put on a sun protectant hat, close weave and wide brim, or legionnaire style.

Spend time in the shade. Trees, or umbrellas will be helpful on open ground.

Protect your eyes with good quality sunglasses, wrap around are a fair option.

A tight regime and children's enthusiasm aren't a perfect match. Ideally, sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going in the sun, still better late than never. Long sleeves are useful but a t-shirt is much better than no shirt.

Choose clothes well. If you can see through material, then UV radiation can get through. If you select a lycra swimsuit, this will continue to protect after a swim, most materials offer less protection when wet.

Encourage older children to choose their own sun attire, they are more likely to stick with this. A wrap around sarong might be more cool than having to wear a dress, in vogue sunglasses will be fine, as long as they block close to 100% of UVA and UVB.

Sticking to the core rules where possible helps, along with reapplying sunscreen every couple of hours, or after swimming and making use of shade. Being in the sunshine is fun, a rational approach makes that safe.

Also bear in mind that sunshine itself is not a clear indicator. Cloudy, or cooler summer periods don't mean UV rays have gone away, clouds simply filter the rays to an extent, by no means removing them.

Medical Aspects

For babies under 6 months, the approach needs to be different from the points above. Their skin has not yet developed protection and they should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Protective clothing and shaded prams are useful assets.

Beyond 6 months, a little sun can be fine, although protection still increases to a degree with age, including changes in the eyes. For children under 10 years, sunglasses are especially important to protect their developing eyes.

UVB radiation from the sun is the most efficient way to boost a child's Vitamin D supply. There is still no need to see sunburn, or reddening of the skin. Less than half an hour of gentle to medium sun exposure per day should be fine.

For young children, who are particularly sensitive, a daily supplement of vitamin drops containing vitamin D can be a better option than too much sun.

Not many children have gone through life without sunburn, so please don't worry overly. If this produces longer term changes in the skin, you should then seek professional advice.

In a similar way, if unexplained growths appear on a child's skin, even long after sun exposure, an opinion from a specialist may make sense.

Our children's dermatologists will be pleased to help, although our main message here is about not seeing you. Skin cancer and other issues are almost entirely preventable by adopting sun safety practices.

There's nothing wrong with a little sun, although this holds dangers none of us can see. We hope you and your children have a great time in the open air and stay safe.

For any advice, or to arrange a dermatology appointment, call 020 8441 1043, or send an email via the Make An Appointment button below.

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Sun Safety For Children | Skin Care Network

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Sticking to the five core rules and good clothing selection help children stay safe in the sun. So they can have a great time in the open air.

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you think you or your child have missed any vaccinations

you or your child have a vaccination appointment - but you've missed it or cannot attend

Your GP surgery can book or rearrange an appointment.

It's best to have vaccines on time, but you can still catch up on most vaccines if you miss them.

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A full list of the routine vaccinations offered on the NHS and when they should be given.

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Celebrating 10 years of Talk PANTS!

Pantosaurus has helped 1.5 million parents Talk PANTS and keep their children safe from sexual abuse.

Developed in consultation with children, parents, carers and teachers, Talk PANTS is here to help children understand their body belongs to them, and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.

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Our PANTS activity pack makes it easy to talk to your child about staying safe from harm. With a word search, dot-to-dot and maze game, you can help them learn without using any scary words.

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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How can I support my child with their gender identity? - Support for Parents from Action For Children

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If your child is exploring their gender identity, you might have questions about what it means and how to support them.

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Ways to put yourself first

Give yourself permission

It is very easy, as a parent or carer, to prioritise the needs of your family and others ahead of your own wellbeing. But taking time for yourself is not selfish. Everybody needs space to unwind and relax, and giving yourself permission to take some time to recharge your batteries means that you will hopefully have more energy and patience to meet the needs of your family. Start by trying to give yourself 10 minutes each day where you can just sit down, have a cup of tea and take a breather.'

You often get told to give some time for yourself. This doesn't need to be outside of the house. You can do this however you want, even if its going to the next room and eating some chocolate. '

Be kind to yourself

If you're looking at this page there's a pretty good chance you're struggling at the moment. It may be that you also feel bad about yourself and feel as if you're failing. If this is happening it can help to have a think about how you 'talk' to yourself. We're sometimes much harder on ourselves in our own thoughts than we would be to anyone else we speak to. Imagine that it's a friend who's in your situation right now instead of you. How would you comfort them? How would you encourage them? Can you speak encouragingly to yourself too?
'When things aren't going well, I often blame myself. I'm learning to notice when I do it and to try to be kind and gentle with myself. I tell myself I'm doing my best instead of that I'm failing.'
Ways to get things done

Make a to-do list

At times you might find that your 'list of things to do' can build up. This could be general errands, shopping for vital items, or general admin. If these tasks are weighing on your mind compile a to-do list that you can tick off as you go along prioritising those activities which need to be done that day or week. This includes setting aside quality time with your children and time for yourself. Just seeing everything written down may help make things seem more manageable and identify things which really aren't urgent. And remember it is fine and healthy to sometimes have a downday.
'I've had to learn how to not feel guilty about not getting everything I wanted to get done. A mixture of self-compassion and having realistic expectations to begin with.'
Ask for help

Asking for help from others can sometimes feel as if we're failing as a parent or carer but parenting can be tough and reaching out for support is nothing to feel ashamed of. Whether it's minding your child for a short time to allow you to get things done or running a small errand for you, friends and family will often be happy to help and children and young people can also benefit from knowing there are other trusted adults in their life that your family can turn to. Depending on the age of the child, you can also ask them to complete age-appropriate tasks to help around the house to relieve you of some of the everyday tasks.
'It's so important to take help where you can. Try to be specific about the help you need and when you need it as this will often help others know what is required and how they can help.'
Ways to look after yourself

Maintain energy levels
'Making time to exercise is really important even if its just walking around the block with your baby in a pram.' 'My partner would often have to work late so every now and again I would ask a friend to babysit whilst I slept upstairs knowing my children were safe and entertained downstairs.'
Looking after your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing. A healthy and balanced diet can help how you feel physically and avoiding certain foods can help if you're feeling low or anxious. Regular exercise doesn't need to mean running 5ks but may include regular walks,

or visualisation.

Prioritise sleep
'It's important to have your own voice and to not let others tell you what you should be doing or what you need.'
Balanced sleep is really important for good mental health but it can also be a really useful self-care tool for when you need a break to get away from your thoughts or situation for a bit. Trying to establish good sleep routines for your children can be the first step to giving you time at night to relax and allow you to get a good night sleep for yourself. This may be harder with babies and infants but even with older children you may benefit from allowing yourself a power nap in the daytime whilst they are at school.

Ways to stay connected
'As much as I love my phone and everything I use it for, I feel like I'd be much less anxious without it.'
Check in with friends

Maintaining good relationships with friends and family is one of the most important factors in maintaining good mental health. New 'parent friends' can be great for both you and your children but sometimes old friends are the only ones who you can really confide in, have a laugh with, and make you feel better about yourself. Of course, meeting face-to-face may not always be possible but scheduling a regular call once your children are in bed or doing their homework can make all the difference.
'Doing something that I love and that I've loved since before I had children helps me to feel energised and more 'myself'. It's good to remember who I am outside of being a parent.'
Say 'no' to things

Often when we're struggling, it may feel hard to balance how we're feeling with the expectations that may be placed on us by ourselves or our family. There is lots of advice about setting healthy boundaries and interpersonal effectiveness worksheets online which can help you communicate your needs without seeming aggressive or feeling guilty about neglecting the needs of others. Remember you have the right to say yes or no without having to explain your reasons.

Ways to create free time in your diary

Sometimes a 24/7 engagement with instant messaging and social media can feel a bit relentless and stressful. Some people say they stay on devices out of habit. Just as you might limit your children's time on devices, try to set a time when you will put the phone down and unwind with your family. You can also curate your social media by only following accounts that make you feel good and blocking or ignoring accounts which may make you feel angry, low or depressed. Limiting use of devices can also help you have 'good sleep' which in turn can help with your energy levels and mental wellbeing.

Remember your passions

Before you became a parent of carer, you may have had hobbies or passions which have fallen by the wayside. Finding time to engage in activities which you enjoy can boost your self-esteem and have a positive impact on your own wellbeing. Whether its baking, crafting, creative writing, or drawing and painting, there are many activities you can do at home that needn't cost too much and can give you a sense of pride when the activity is complete. Of course, you may prefer to join a choir or local drama group or even just taking time to listen to music that you like rather than what your kids like can prove beneficial.

Additional support

Whilst self-care is important, it is important to recognise that if you are struggling as a parent or carer with your mental health and wellbeing that you know that there is help and support out there for you. Your GP should be able to offer help and support and, if necessary, refer you to an adult mental health service. Where possible, try to talk to a trusted friend or relative so they are also aware of how you're feeling and can check in on you. The below organisations also offer crisis support for parents and carers:

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Guidance on the importance of self-care for parents and carers

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Give Us Your Feedback - Bedfordshire Parent / Carer

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Give Us Your Feedback - Bedfordshire Parent / Carer

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If you are a parent/carer who has had support from our service, please click the link and give us your feedback.

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Give us your feedback - Luton Parent/Carer

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Give us your feedback - Luton Parent/Carer