Parents and carers make a crucial difference to children’s outcomes.

Playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. They also become aware of limits, boundaries and challenge in their play. When children are used to playing outdoors, they are more likely to: try new activities.

Following a sleep-preparation routine helps you develop a habit of sleeping your baby according to safer sleep advice

Oxfordshire County Council - 50 Low-cost/no cost experiences that include indoor, outdoor, seasonal, home-based & out-and-about activities, that are not only fun but will get your little one off to a flying start with his/her learning & language development.

Using a potty is a new skill for your child to learn. It's best to take it slowly and go at your child's pace. Being patient with them will help them get it right, even if you sometimes feel frustrated.

Welcome to the Short Breaks Update... Several Play & Activity Days to come, accessible festivals, new football groups, camping, sibling support, cinema & more... There are also training & webinars too.

Healthy Start provides free food, milk and vitamins for low-income households and a lot has gone unclaimed. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply here: Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start) You can find videos and information here on the Community Dental Service’s website Facebook: @CommunityDentalServices Twitter: @CDS_CIC Instagram: @CommunityDentalServicesCIC

This has a particularly powerful video with a focus on speech and sounds demonstration. It will really help parents understand how the over use of dummies can impact on speech sound pronunciation.

Babies and toddlers communicate long before they start to talk, through smiles, gestures, showing and giving objects, pointing and vocalising. Parents may need support to recognise their baby as a communicator and understand their role in making the most of opportunities for communication exchanges during their day. Here are five top tips to support babies' communication development.

Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby's feeding well and getting enough – especially in the first few days. But once you've mastered it, you'll probably find it's the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.

ERIC is the national charity dedicated to improving children’s bowel and bladder health. Our mission is to reduce the impact of continence problems on children and their families.

There are lots of possible reasons for difficult behaviour in toddlers and young children; often being tired, hungry, over excited, frustrated or bored.

Everything we do protects children today and prevents abuse tomorrow, to transform society for every childhood.

We work towards good mental health for all; as everyone knows prevention is better than cure. Everything we do is focused on protecting peoples mental health.

Young people are at the sharp end of a mental health crisis. Recent years have seen life for young people only become more unpredictable and difficult.

Find the perfect book - Discover the very best children's books - pick an age range and some themes and explore our recommendations.

It can be shocking to hear that your toddler has bitten another child - or to feel their teeth sinking into you. But it may be reassuring to know that your toddler's biting isn't at all unusual.

A temper tantrum is the emotional equivalent of a summer storm - sudden and sometimes fierce! Young children between the ages of one and three are especially prone to these episodes. Read on for ways to cope when your toddler has a tantrum.

Is your little girl ready to start potty training? She might be showing some signs of readiness such as waking up from a nap with a dry nappy or telling you she needs a wee. From choosing the best potty to finding a training method that's right for you, learn everything you need to know about potty training girls.

Is your little boy ready to start potty training? He might be showing some signs of readiness such as waking up from a nap with a dry nappy or telling you he needs a wee. From choosing the best potty to finding a training method that's right for you, learn everything you need to know about potty training boys.

Grief support for children and young people in Oxfordshire. SeeSaw provides support for children, young people and their families in Oxfordshire when parent or carer is seriously ill, or has died.

Causes & treatments for your baby's teething pains with general advice on how to care for your baby's mouth, helping to ensure it stays healthy & happy.

We all know how important a good night’s sleep is – both for us and our little one. Once your child is old enough to sleep in a bed rather than a cot, you will probably be thinking about moving them into their own room.

Pregnant women & children under 4 from low income families may be entitled to 'Healthy Start' payments. These can be spent on; fruit & vegetables, plain cow's milk and infant formula. *Free Healthy Start vitamins can also be claimed.

It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off nursery when they're unwell. There are government guidelines for schools and nurseries about managing specific infectious diseases at GOV.UK. These say when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn't. Please remember that setting Policies may differ if certain contagious diseases are impacting on the health of other children and staff.

When a child’s behaviour is difficult to understand, this can be really hard for all those involved in their care. We must look after ourselves to help us look after our families. This parent tips resource from the Institute of Health Visiting will offer some points for you to consider to look after yourself.

'Mess Around Oxfordshire' has provided fantastic messy sessions that promoted physical, creative, and personal development for children in a relaxed and friendly environment. Sessions are multi-sensory, larger-than-life, messy play experiences for under 5’s and older siblings.

Monkey Music, Little Creatives, Cha Char Chimps & Rhyme time are just some of the local groups included in this useful page. If you are looking for active sessions, please take a look at the details included but ensure you make contact to double check times & availability.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change.

If your child has any of the signs or symptoms of diabetes, you should take them straight to the doctor and insist on a blood glucose test. If a quick and simple finger prick test indicates high blood sugar, your GP will refer your child to a specialist diabetes team or hospital and the test will be sent to the lab to diagnose diabetes.

Some parents are surprised to learn that preschool-age children do not need to know their letters in order to undergo certain eye tests, even when they are too young or too shy to verbalise.

Young children love it when you chat, play and read with them, even if you think they're too young to understand. You can turn almost anything into a game. And every little thing you do together will help set them up nicely for the day they start school.

Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child's language skills. Explore our simple activities and play ideas and find out about babies and toddlers' amazing early development.

The sooner any eye problem is found, the sooner you and your child will be able to get any treatment and support needed. Children may not realise they have a vision problem so, without routine tests, there's a risk a problem may not be spotted. This may affect their development and education.

All families disagree sometimes. You might have problems that are hard to solve, or things going on that cause you stress. This Section of the Family Information Service website contains information and tools that can help reduce or improve conflict at home.

This guide helps to explain what Early Help is and who the Locality & Community Support Service are. Strengths & Needs and Early Help Tools can be found in this link too. Speak to a member of the Management & Leadership team should you want to discuss possible support in a open, honest, trusting and confidential conversation.

Oxford Against Cutting (OAC) is committed to providing top-quality education and community support to help tackle female genital mutilation (FGM), honour-based abuse (HBA), and harmful body alterations of girls and women.

Schemas are urges to do something. Children are hard-wired to create their own opportunities for learning and development, and as an action is repeated over and over again it supports the development of neural pathways in the brain.

Your child’s early education setting has chosen to use a guidance document called Birth to 5 Matters. This page aims to explain more about the principles which Birth to 5 Matters promotes and what this means for you and your child.

The child feeding guide website & web app provide you with tips to help you & your child enjoy happy, healthy mealtimes. They provide tools to help you track your child's eating behaviour & how to avoid common feeding pitfalls.

1. Protect your child. 2. Protect you, your family & friends. 3. No injection needed. 4. It's better than having flu. 5. Avoid costs.

Previously known as 'I Can' - We give families the confidence & skills to help a child​ facing challenges with talking & understanding words. Read more about our advice & guidance around diagnosis, support that’s available to you, & the education system.

This link shares lovely ideas for parents to use while 'walking and talking' – promoting outdoor learning through Communication & Language. Why not take a look as it's educational and walking is free!

The start of a new school term is always exciting - but when it's the transition into "big school" - your child's very first school term, it can feel a little daunting. We've pulled together some key resources to help you and your child prepare for this new adventure.

It is common to feel anxious when in a stressful or challenging situation. However, some autistic people may feel anxious in their day-to-day lives due to navigating social and sensory environments that might be difficult or challenging. If you or someone you know is struggling with high levels of anxiety, there is support and help available.

The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity supports parents and carers so they can understand and meet the needs of their child. With a range of webinars, courses, resources, and our screening service, we help families to know which interventions and adaptations are right for them.

Podcasts that focus on empowering and supporting parents and their neuro-diverse children.

Childcare support is expanding. With significant changes coming to 15 and 30 hours childcare support in England. Sign up for more details about the upcoming expansion from April 2024, as well as how and when to register for support with childcare costs.

'Free Childcare' - An interactive explainer to parents & carers

Bicester Library are offering social sessions for local families. This link provides information regarding dates & times to join in the fun. Sessions include Rhyme time, Storytime, Chess club for children, Stay & Play plus Knit & Natter sessions.

Compassionate Friends UK (TCF) is a peer support group operating in the UK. It is a registered charity formed by & for parents whose children have died, irrespective of the child's age at death & the cause of death & is independent of any religious, philosophical or government body.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) outlines what adults must do to help children learn & develop & to be healthy & safe. This guide is for parents/carers of children from birth to five years old. It will help you find out more about your child's learning & development in the EYFS.

Autism Family Support Oxfordshire use understanding, expertise, and a lot of fun & care to support the development & wellbeing of children & young adults on the autism spectrum & their families.