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Babies and young children can become ill in very hot weather. Get NHS information on out how to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and sunburn.

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Advice and support for your child’s development

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Parents are their children's first educators and the relationship between parent and child is so important. There are lots of ways you can support their development at home or when you are out and about.

There is information here that can help you with ideas and explain how it supports your child's development.

There are also lots of ideas on the BBC Tiny Happy People website. Follow the link below to see more,

https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/activities

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Fun things to do with your child to help with their communication skills. Almost any daily activity is a chance to talk, bond and have fun with your child.

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Lots of behaviours that children display are 'normal' for their age and stage of development. Some can be easy to navigate but other times, it can be a bit more tricky! There are lots of tips and tricks available to support. See some of the information below.

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As a resident of North Tyneside, you are able to access the online Togetherness resources. This resource is about child development from conception up to 19 years old, and relationships and can be accessed for free using the code 'QUADRANT'

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We love to see Dad's at all of our sessions. Dad's involvement in their child's development is just as important as Mum's.

You can visit the Fatherhood Institute website for more information on how your input as Dad supports your child as they learn and grow.

https://www.fatherhoodinstitute.org/

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If you are a dad-to-be, why not come along to one of our Dad talk sessions. Lots of information available,

-The Importance of dad

-The rollercoaster of change

-Where to get help and support

plus more.

Scan the QR code on the flyer and sign up for our next session.

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We have lots of different services available to parents of children with SEN in North Tyneside.

The North Tyneside Parent Carer Forum also has lots of information available.

https://ntpcf.co.uk/

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We are here to represent the collective voices of Parent Carers

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The north east Autism society run groups in our Howdon and Riverside Hubs, you can contact Rebecca Weatherstone for more information on,

Rebecca.Weatherston@ne-as.org.uk

Have a look at their website for more information,

https://www.ne-as.org.uk/

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In early years practice, we use the Early years foundation stage (EYFS) as a guide for child development.

There is also a version available to you as a parent.

https://foundationyears.org.uk/files/2021/09/What-to-expect-in-the-EYFS-complete-FINAL-16.09-compressed.pdf

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Our Early Years Inclusion service also has information and support available to parents on their own Padlet.

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Padlet - Parent Advice Early Years Inclusion Service

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What is a schema? Discover what a pattern of behaviour is and how to support, enable and develop children’s schemas.

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Post Covid-19 there is still a delay in children's speech and language development. There are lots of ways as a parent you can support with this.

We work closely with the 0-19 children's public health team and speech and language therapy to ensure we all use the same strategies across services to help children's speech and language to develop. You can use these strategies at home too.

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The National Literacy trust has lots of resources and ideas that you can use to support language development while you are doing your day-to-day routines.

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Free and subscription resources for professionals.

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I was a bit scared when we found out we were having a baby, obviously happy, but a bit scared and in the beginning I was a bit clueless. The child development part is my favourite bit, but there's things in there, like things about mental health, that I didn't know about and that I didn't know you needed to know about.

Ross, 22

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DadPad | The Essential Guide for New Dads | Support Guide for New Dads

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Developed with the NHS, DadPad gives new dads and dads-to-be the knowledge and skills needed to gain confidence and give their baby the best start in life.

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Singing to babies and children is an important part to brain development. Even during pregnancy, babies are able to hear their mothers singing from inside the womb. Singing also helps with children's language development allowing them to pick up on intonation and patterns of talking.

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Baby singing: How does singing help a baby’s development?

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Learn what makes babies react to different songs and singing voices and hear why singing to babies from a very young age can be important for your baby’s development.

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Outdoor play is such an important part of children's development. It can provide many different learning opportunities that can't be given indoors. It encourages children to be physical in different ways providing opportunities for them to develop in this area.

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The benefits of outdoor play in the early years

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Now more than ever, we must recognise the importance of outdoor play when it comes to the impact it has on early years development.

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Minds matter: how to embrace all that the great outdoors has to offer while keeping your children safe

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Jacqui Thompson, Liability and Safeguarding Risk Consultant at RSA Insurance, provides her top tips on ensuring your children are kept safe when playing outdoors.

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It's a good idea to keep children in the shade in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest - try and get into the habit of heading indoors between 11am and 3pm, or use a parasol or a play tent to provide some shade.
2. Use a good suncream
Make sure your little one wears sunscreen that covers any exposed skin - use plenty, and don't forget their shoulders, the back of their neck, the tops of their ears, nose and cheeks and the tops of their feet. Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15, and at least 4 stars for UVA protection.
3. Keep topping up the suncream
Try and put sun cream on your child at least half an hour before heading out to play - remember that you'll need to put more on throughout the day, especially if they've been swimming or paddling.
4. Always pack a sunhat
It's a good idea for children to wear a floppy sunhat that protects their face and neck whenever they're out in the sun. Wearing a hat yourself can really encourage your reluctant toddler to follow suit - and hats with chinstraps can be very useful if your child likes removing their hat!
5. Drink lots of water
Give little ones access to water throughout the day, especially in warm weather. Encourage them to drink regularly - particularly when they've been running around.

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CBeebies House - Tips for staying safe in the sun

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Whether you're heading to the beach, playing in the park or out in your own backyard, it's really important to think about sun protection for little ones. Follow our tips on sun safety for kids and make sure everyone enjoys the sunshine safely when you're out and about.

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The Wildside have sites at our Shiremoor and Riverside Family hubs and provide a range of different sessions. You can contact them using the information on the flyer to ask about cost and booking.

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Guidance on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system for children and young people aged 0 to 25, from 1 September 2014.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This statutory code contains:

details of legal requirements that you must follow without exception

statutory guidance that you must follow by law unless there's a good reason not to

It explains the duties of local authorities, health bodies, schools and colleges to provide for those with special educational needs under part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

The code, which applies to England, is for:

headteachers and principals

governing bodies

school and college staff

special educational needs (SEN) co-ordinators

early years providers

other education settings

local authorities

health and social services staff

Other SEND guides are also available.

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

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Guidance on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system for children and young people aged 0 to 25, from 1 September 2014.

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Apply Online Poster (V2) (Generic QR) (bleed) - 03.2023

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Information about health visiting and school health services.

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Mini Movers is for children aged 2 to 4 years old and is a great opportunity for them to be active and try healthy foods.

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Active Bump, Birth, Baby is a schedule of programmes designed specifically for pregnant women and new mams in North Tyneside.

Made up of a variety of antenatal and postnatal sessions, led by specialist instructors, all of the programmes are fun, friendly and most importantly sociable!

Each of them have been created to support and encourage mams (and mams-to-be!) to be active, no matter what stage of their journey they are on. There's also plenty of advice and tips on healthy eating - sometimes we even throw in a free snack for you and your little one.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch by calling 0191 643 7171 or by emailing active@northtyneside.gov.uk.

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Bump, Birth, Baby - Active North Tyneside

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Active Bump, Birth, Baby is a schedule of programmes designed specifically for pregnant women and new mams in North Tyneside. Made up of a variety of antenatal and postnatal sessions, led by specialist instructors, all of the programmes are fun, friendly and most importantly sociable!

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The idea is a simple one, for dads to get out of the house and meet up with other new dads - whether it’s to help the little one doze off, to meet other dads or to break up the day when you’re in charge of childcare!

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Relatable parenting stories, fun videos and quizzes to try if you have five minutes to yourself!

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Cedarwood is run by a dedicated team from the community who care passionately about helping those in the Meadow Well area in North Shields.

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In 2017, we took over management of the building formerly known as Howdon Community Centre and rebranded it to Howdon Community Hub. Today, the Hub is a home with deep roots in our community; a foothold that allows us to have an impact in many different ways for residents from all walks of life.

Howdon Community Hub offers:

A vibrant timetable of activities and sessions for all ages, facilitated both by our staff and local businesses and organisations.

Howdelicious Café and Catering: offering delicious and affordable drinks and food, as well as external catering for all occasions.

An outdoor MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area), facilitating a range of sports sessions as well as private hire. Perfect for a kick about!

A thriving garden area, with a large polytunnel and shed for our regular gardening clubs. We're always on the lookout for green-thumbed volunteers!

A fully equipped Gym, with single sessions costing only £2.50 and memberships £15 per month. Our Gym is perfect for those looking to get back into exercise, or fit a quick session in around a hectic life. For those who need guidance, Dropzone Elite Fitness offers tailor made personal training services from our Gym.

Direct access to support services offered by our Family Services Team, Health and Wellbeing Coaches and our colleagues in other charities.

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Our home in the heart of Howdon for community groups, garden, multi use games area, cafe, helping residents from all walks of life.

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The Salvation Army in Shiremoor is proud to be part of and proud to be serving our local community.

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Tim Lamb Centre The Tim Lamb Centre offers specialist activity and leisure facilities for disabled children/ young people and their families. Our Centre is open to families with a child/ young person at any stage of their diagnostic journey

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If you would like to sign up to our seasonal newsletter and keep up to date with all the good news stories here at LD:NorthEast please fill out the form below!

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

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Home - LD:NorthEast - Registered Charity in North Tyneside

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LD:NorthEast are a local charity supporting adults and children with learning disabilities to live life to the full and be part of their community.

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Community Hubs and Libraries: A New Name, A New Purpose | North Tyneside Council

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North Tyneside’s Customer First Centres have been given a new identity to better reflect the range of services on offer.

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Making Meadow Well a great place to live, work, and play.

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Best Start for you and your baby - weekly drop-in sessions

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From brushing their first tooth to their first trip to the dentist, here's how to take care of your children's teeth.
A regular teeth-cleaning routine is essential for good dental health. Follow these tips and you can help keep your kids' teeth decay-free.

Toothbrushing tips

It's important to use a fluoride toothpaste, as this helps prevent and control tooth decay.
Children aged up to 3 years

Start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through (usually at around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later).

Parents or carers should brush the teeth.

Brush teeth twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.

Brush last thing at night before bed and on 1 other occasion.

Use children's fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label) unless a dentist advises family toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride.

Use only a smear of toothpaste.

Make sure children don't eat or lick toothpaste from the tube.

Children aged 3 to 6 years

Brush at least twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.

Brush last thing at night before bed and at least on 1 other occasion.

Parents or carers should brush the teeth.

Use children's fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label) unless a dentist advises family toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride.

Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Spit out after brushing and don't rinse - if you rinse, the fluoride won't work as well.

Children aged 7 and over

Brush at least twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.

Brush last thing at night before bed and at least on 1 other occasion.

Use fluoride toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm of fluoride (check label).

Spit out after brushing and don't rinse - if you rinse, the fluoride won't work as well.

Children aged 7 and over should be able to brush their own teeth, but it's still a good idea to watch them to make sure they brush properly and for about 2 minutes.

How to help children brush their teeth properly

Guide your child's hand so they can feel the correct movement.

Use a mirror to help your child see exactly where the brush is cleaning their teeth.

Make tooth brushing as fun as possible by using an egg timer to time it for about 2 minutes.

Don't let children run around with a toothbrush in their mouth, as they may have an accident and hurt themselves.

Taking your child to the dentist

NHS dental care for children is free.

Take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear. This is so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist. The dentist can advise you on how to prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage. Just opening up the child's mouth for the dentist to take a look at is useful practice for the future.

When you visit the dentist, be positive about it and make the trip fun. This will stop your child worrying about future visits.

Take your child for regular dental check-ups as advised by the dentist.

Find a dentist near you

Fluoride varnish and fissure sealants

Fissure sealants can be done once your child's permanent back teeth have started to come through (usually at the age of about 6 or 7) to protect them against decay. This is where the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are covered with a special thin plastic coating to keep germs and food particles out of the grooves. The sealant can last for as long as 5 to 10 years.

Fluoride varnish can be applied to both baby teeth and adult teeth. It involves painting a varnish that contains high levels of fluoride onto the surface of the tooth every 6 months to prevent decay. Some children may need this more often. It works by strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.

From the age of 3, children should be offered fluoride varnish application at least twice a year. Younger children may also be offered this treatment if your dentist thinks they need it.

Ask your dentist about fluoride varnish or fissure sealing.

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Find out how to look after children's teeth, including advice on brushing, toothpaste, establishing a routine and taking a child to the dentist for the first time.

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Children must normally use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.

Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.

You can choose a child car seat based on your child's height or weight.

Height-based seats

Height-based seats are known as 'i-Size' seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they're over 15 months old.

You must check the seat to make sure it's suitable for the height of your child.

Only EU-approved height-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital 'E' in a circle and 'R129'.

Weight-based seats

The seat your child can use (and the way they must be restrained in it) depends on their weight.

Only EU-approved weight-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital 'E' in a circle and 'ECE R44'.

You may be able to choose from more than one type of seat in the group for your child's weight.

0kg to 10kg

0

Lie-flat or 'lateral' baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness

0kg to 13kg

0+

Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness

9kg to 18kg

1

Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield

15kg to 25kg

2

Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

22kg to 36kg

3

Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

Manufacturers can now only make booster cushions approved as group 3. This won't affect any existing booster cushions in group 2 and you'll still be able to use them.

Fitting a child car seat

You must only use a child car seat if your car's seat belt has a diagonal strap, unless the seat is either:

specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt

fitted using ISOFIX anchor points

You must also:

deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat

not fit a child car seat in side-facing seats

Children with disabilities or medical conditions

The same rules apply for children with disabilities or medical conditions, but they can use a disabled person's seat belt or a child restraint designed for their needs.

A doctor can issue an exemption certificate if a child is unable to use a restraint or seat belt because of their condition.

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The rules for child car seats and booster seats - height, weight, age, type of vehicle, car, minibus, licensed taxi

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If you live in England contact your local council to find:

You can also contact your local council to apply for places at state schools in other areas. You can search online to find schools in England.

Private schools or home schooling

If you're looking for a place at a private school (also called 'independent schools'), contact the school directly.

You can also choose to teach your child at home, known as home schooling.

Children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan

If your child has an Education, Health and Care ( EHC) plan, it may name a school for them. A school named in the EHC plan must give your child a place.

Find out about a primary or secondary school

You can find out more by:

What schools must publish on their website

Schools' websites must include:

admission arrangements, including how to apply

details of the curriculum

behaviour policy

links to Ofsted reports

links to performance data

the school's latest key stage 2 and 4 attainment and progress measures

their special educational needs (SEN) information report, which includes information about their policies for children or young people with special educational needs and disabilities

the amount of money they get for taking underprivileged children (the 'pupil premium'), what they do with it and the effect it's had

You can also get advice about choosing state-funded schools from your local council.

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Get a place for your child at a primary or secondary school - applications, deadlines, admission criteria, appeals and complaints.

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Safety for babies, including preventing falls, burns and scalds, choking and suffocation, strangulation, drowning and poisoning.

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Nap times

Once your child has stopped using nappies in the daytime, it's time to think about nap times.

Learning to sleep without a nappy on at naptime and use the potty when they wake up, will help prepare your child for being dry at night.

Tips for managing nappy-free nap times:

Just before nap time, help your child use the potty or toilet, so they are more likely to stay dry.

When you notice the nappy is staying dry at least some of the time, stop using a nappy at nap time.

Accidents are common during the first few months. Use a waterproof sheet or similar underneath your child, to protect their sleep area.

Lots of children need to use the potty when they wake so help them to do this.

Using praise and rewards to motivate your child

Research shows that rewards such as sweets or sticker charts may help your child initially, but they can stop working quickly.

For most children, encouraging and supporting them to be as independent as possible is the best way to motivate them.

Tips for keeping your child motivated:

Give your child plenty of encouragement and praise their efforts. When your child uses the potty or manages to stay dry, even if it's just for a short time, tell them how pleased you are.

Try to stay calm when accidents happen and do not make a big fuss.

Give your child the opportunity to do things for themselves as far as possible. This will help them to feel in control, positive and relaxed about the process.

Use favourite toys, books or songs to help them feel comfortable on the potty.

Try to avoid prompting or asking your child too often. Instead, wait until you think they need to go and then direct them gently, e.g. "it's toilet time" or "let's get that wee/poo in the potty!"

Be clear, confident and consistent so your child knows what you are asking them to do.

Managing potty training accidents

It is normal to have lots of accidents at the beginning and they are an important part of the learning process. This is a big step for your child, so be patient and encourage them.

Tips for managing accidents:

When your child has an accident, clean it up together and remind them to use the potty next time.

Do not shame or punish your child about accidents, as stress and upset can make it harder for you and your child to learn together.

It's important not to pretend an accident hasn't happened. Help them get clean and dry as soon as possible and involve your child in this process. Gently explain that you want them to use the potty next time.

Potty training out and about

When you first stop using nappies, choose a time when you can stay home with your child for a few days, so you can do some one to one learning with them.

Tips to make your first trips out easier to manage:

Don't forget your potty and spares of everything just in case!

Make trips out short to begin with.

Dress your child in clothes that are easy for them to push down and pull up again.

Avoid putting your child back in a pull up or nappy for outings. This will confuse them and undo all that learning.

A travel potty and washable car seat cover can come in handy.

Using the toilet away from home is a good thing for your child to get used to. Talk to them about things like how the flush at the supermarket is different from the one at home or nursery for example.

We have an excellent range of products to help with this stage including portable potties and car seat covers.

Potty training at nursery & pre-school

Many children spend part of their day being looked after by someone other than you and away from home.

For potty training to go well, your child needs a consistent approach to help them learn what they need to do whether they're at home or in childcare.

As soon as your child starts attending the setting, communicate about their bladder and bowel health. Ask the staff to tell you about the child's poos, so you can keep track and avoid constipation.

Find out what they are offered to drink to you can supplement appropriately at the beginning and end of the session. If the setting will only offer water, and your child is reluctant to consume enough water, talk to staff. Offer to supply juice or squash for them to dilute; it is vital for your child to stay well hydrated when they are away from home.

Start conversations about potty practice as soon as your child can sit up. Settings may regard potty training as something to attempt when the child is older; share this information so they too can see the benefits of potty practice.

When you are thinking about stopping using nappies, plan with the staff. Agree dates together with your child's caregivers so everyone is ready to support them. Time what you are doing at home to fit in with the setting.

Avoid starting to wear pants when the child is about to change rooms at nursery - that will be a big enough upheaval for them.

Tell the staff about the language you use at home for wee and poo.

Talk to the staff at the beginning and end of each session so everyone knows how things are going both at the setting and back at home. Use our potty training record so staff can keep track of their progress.

More information and free resources for childcare settings to support potty learning.
Getting dry at night

The age at which children become dry at night varies hugely. For some, it follows on quite quickly after achieving daytime dryness. For others, the wetting carries on after the age of 5 and treatment will be advised.

It is not your child's fault if they wet during sleep.

There are however lots of things you can do to gradually work towards night time dryness including:

Help your child get into the habit of using the potty or toilet at bedtime.

As well as making sure they are drinking plenty during the daytime, work on a good bedtime drinking routine as well. STOP drinks one hour before bedtime, every night, and no more after that till morning. Our Wee Checker has information on how much children should drink for their age.

Prepare your child for sleep. Unwind with a book or listen to music with the lights turned low. NO screens - so no TV, iPad, computer games in the hour before sleep, or the brain will get the wrong message!

Avoid lifting - in other words waking your child to take them to the toilet - if you want to work on stopping bedwetting. It might keep the bed dry, but it encourages the child to wee during sleep as they don't really wake up.

If your child is still wetting the bed when they are 5, see our Advice for Children with Night Time Wetting factsheet for more information and help.

Common potty training problems

Taking your time leading your child through the preparation and practice stages should help to avoid the most common potty training problems.

If you feel as though it's all gone wrong and they're just not getting it, it's ok to stop, go back to the preparation stage and start again.

Could they be constipated?

Constipation affects 1 in 3 children and is especially common in under 5s. Your child may be struggling because they have some underlying constipation that was there before you started potty training.

So stop, treat the constipation and then try stopping the nappies again once it is all under control. Carry on with potty practice - this in itself is an important part of constipation treatment.
Are they drinking enough?
Sometime the bladder misbehaves and we realise that our child is simply not drinking enough.

Once again, you don't have to go right back to the beginning, but go back to the potty practice stage while you increase your child's fluid intake.

Try not to panic if it seems as if they just aren't getting it. Some children take longer to learn, and just need more time.

Reassure your child that their wees and poos will learn to go in the potty, they just need more practice!

Get more information and help with common potty training problems.

FAQs

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Potty training: how to start & best age to potty train - ERIC

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We've broken down potty training into 3 easy steps: preparation, practice and perfecting those skills! Use our step by step guide to help your toddler become toilet trained.

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A great free resource around healthy relationships. 

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A great free resource around healthy relationships. 

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When we argue with our partner or ex-partner, we can get caught up in the heat of the moment. At times like these, it's difficult to find a way forward.

We want to help you see things differently, and do things differently.

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When we argue with our partner or ex-partner, we can get caught up in the heat of the moment. At times like these, it’s difficult to find a way forward.

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North Tyneside Disability Forum – Working with and for disabled people.

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Children’s balance, coordination and gross motor skills: How does balance develop?

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We spoke to an expert from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital all about how children develop a sense of balance and coordination.

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Emotional regulation is at the heart of many of the challenges currently concerning policy makers. Better self-regulation is strongly associated with mental well-being, good physical health and health behaviours, and socio-economic and labour market outcomes.

Parent-infant interactions also help to develop other skills in children, for example, when parents talk, sing and read books with their children, it supports early language development.

Young people who can regulate their emotions and behaviours and develop positive relationships are more likely to have good mental health, and to avoid risky, harmful or antisocial behaviour such as self-harm and youth violence.

Healthy relationships enable children to develop the capacities they need to participate in society and to lead happy and fulfilling lives. A child's experience of being parented also influences how they go on to parent their own children; supporting babies' brain development pays dividends for generations to come.

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Why Relationships Matter - Parent-Infant Foundation

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Early relationships shape babies' social and emotional development and influence many key outcomes The positive influences of healthy relationships Early relationships influence a baby's brain, and in particular their social and emotional development. This early development plays an important role in how well a child will go on to achieve...

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If you live in England and work you may be able to get free childcare for a child aged 9 months to 4 years old. Check if you’re eligible and how and when to apply.

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Your 2-year-old can get free childcare if you live in England and get any of the following benefits:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Universal Credit, and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, not including benefit payments

the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit (or both), and your household income is £16,190 a year or less before tax

the Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

2-year-olds can also get free childcare if they:

are looked after by a local authority

have an education, health and care (EHC) plan

get Disability Living Allowance

have left care under an adoption order, special guardianship order or a child arrangements order

You may have to pay for extra costs such as:

meals

nappies

additional hours

additional activities, such as trips

Ask your provider what extra costs you will have to pay for.

Contact your childcare provider or local council to find out more.

If you're not eligible for free education and childcare for parents getting benefits

You may be able to get free childcare if you're working under a separate scheme.

If you're eligible for both schemes

You can only get help from either:

If you're eligible for both, you must apply for help through the free education and childcare for parents getting benefits scheme.

If you're a non-UK citizen who cannot claim benefits

If your immigration status says you have 'no recourse to public funds', you may still get free childcare for your 2-year-old. You must live in England and your household income after tax must be no more than:

£26,500 for families outside of London with one child

£34,500 for families within London with one child

£30,600 for families outside of London with two or more children

£38,600 for families within London with two or more children

You cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.

Contact your childcare provider or check with your local council if you're unsure if you can get free childcare.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

There are different schemes in Scotland, different schemes in Wales and different schemes in Northern Ireland.

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Help with the cost of paying for approved childcare - Tax-Free Childcare, 15 and 30 hours childcare, childcare vouchers, tax credits, Learner Support.

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Pregnancy, baby and parenting

Welcome to Better Health - Start for Life.

We may have a new name and look, but don't worry, you will still find all the trusted NHS advice and guidance you need to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

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Get trusted NHS advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Start for Life is your essential guide for having a healthy, happy baby.

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Best Start Family Hubs: what parents need to know

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Giving children the best start in life shouldn’t depend on your postcode. That’s why we are rolling out Best Start Family Hubs across the country. These hubs are just one part of a wider Best Start in Life strategy, where …

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Early learning and development - Best Start in Life - NHS

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Every smile, chat and cuddle is a great opportunity to help your baby’s communication and language skills. Find fun activities and games for your everyday routine.

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What should I do if I have concerns about my child's development?

If you're worried about your child's progress, talk to your childminder/nursery/pre-school team, health visitor, local children's centre or Family Hub.

If your child has developmental delays or SEND (suspected or confirmed), speak to their nursery, childminder, or health visitor/nursery/pre-school team well before they start Reception and discuss their needs when you are selecting schools.

You can work with your child's early years setting to help your child with self-care, managing emotions, social skills and communication in a way that suits their stage of development.

​You might want to share details about: their development, needs, what motivates them, what might trigger difficulties, how they learn best, and what strategies work well.

Make sure you share important information with everyone supporting your child, including their new Reception teacher.

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Your child's journey to school starts at home. We understand that all children develop at their own pace, and that we're all learning from birth. When it's time to start school, some children will need more help than others.

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https://www.startingwellworcs.nhs.uk/babybuddy/

Developed by UK charity Best Beginnings in collaboration with parents, healthcare professionals and partner charities across the country: the free Baby Buddy app is with you throughout your pregnancy and parenting journey, day by day.

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Whether you’re a mum, dad, co-parent or caregiver, Baby Buddy is here to empower you to feel confident, giving you the knowledge and practical skills to look…