useful links for parents

UK-wide

• For pregnancy, birth and parenthood advice visit NCT at www.nct.org.uk
• Contact a Family is the UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support for families with disabled children, whatever their disability or medical condition. Visit their website at www.cafamily.org.uk where they have an area of the website especially for families in Wales and in Scotland
• The Family Fund helps families with severely disabled or seriously ill children to have the opportunity to enjoy ordinary life. Families can apply for grants at www.familyfund.org.uk for things that make life easier or more enjoyable for the child
• The Infant and Toddler Forum has developed 10 Steps for Healthy Toddlers, an easy-to-use guide for parents and carers which provides direction on what food to offer toddlers, what behaviour to encourage and how best to manage mealtimes.
  
  

England

• http://childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk/ is a Government website that provides a list of childcare services, schools and Family Information Services in your area
• OpenFamilyServices is a national online directory of family services registered childminders and nurseries
• London Early Years Foundation - tips for parents - parenting advice, recipe ideas and links to further help and advice.

Wales

• Each local authority in Wales has a Family Information Service (FIS) that provides free help and support to families. Call 0300 123 777 or visit the Welsh Government website to find your local Family Information Service
• The Welsh Language Board website has information about bringing up your child bilingually www.byig-wlb.org.uk
• Change4Life aims to help families make positive changes to the way they live to make sure they eat well and live longer. Register as a Change4Life supporter at www.wales.gov.uk/change4life
• The Welsh Government has developed Food and Health Guidelines for Early years and Childcare Settings in Wales. To see what guidelines your nursery should be following go to www.wales.gov.uk

Scotland

• Provided by the Scottish Government, the Play Talk Read website is full of play ideas for parents -all of which will support your child to play, talk and read. www.infoscotland.com/playtalkread/
• Meet Ziggy and discover fun activities and information to help your child stay safe on the roads on the Go Safe with Ziggy website www.gosafewithziggy.com