Covid continues to have an impact on children and family services. Services are working hard to restore their offers, but locally determined Covid restrictions mean that a blended approach of telephone, virtual and face to face support will continue.
We all have worries and concerns about our baby and child's health and development: we might wonder if we are doing the right thing, and this doesn't stop when our child grows into a teenager. These pages will help you find the information, advice and support you are looking for on a range of common concerns, for example:
- sleep and crying
- healthy start
- emotional health and wellbeing
- stopping smoking
- child safety
- puberty and growing up
Midwives, health visitors and family nurses are here to support you in the early years. They work closely with families and other professionals who support families and will often work from the same venues.
School nurses provide health and wellbeing support once your child reaches school age. They work with you, your child and their school to deliver advice and support within the school environment. They also provide individual support to parents and carers and to young people aged from 5-19 years through an individual text messaging service.
What to expect in the early years foundation stage
The Department of Education has published this new guide for parents. It aims to guide them through what to expect in their child's development. It runs alongside the new Development Matters guide for practitioners.