Supporting Our Families and Communities
"Inclusion is a process of identifying, understanding and breaking down barriers to participation and belonging. Inclusive early years practice is about anticipating, paying attention, responding to and reflecting on the needs and interest" (Birth to Five Matters: 2021)
The information below provides some demographics about Nottingham City In the Nottingham City Strategic Plan and provides Information and resources for Early Years Providers to support their families and communities.
For more information on how our communities can be supported, please see our Inclusive Resources page.
The information below comes from the Nottingham City Council Strategic Plan 2024-2027;
- Nottingham is a vibrant and diverse City of 323,600 people
- Nottingham ranks 11th most deprived area of the country and 30% of our neighbourhoods are in the 10% most deprived wards in England overall
- Nottingham City Council supports 690 Children in Need and 528 children on a Child Protection Plan.
- High proportion of Black And Minority Ethnic Communities, 42.7%, compared to an average of 37.7% in other core cities (2021 Census) and 26.5% nationally
Communication and Interaction
Little Moments Together Cards | Words for Life
Download your free Little Moments Together cards also available in different languages
How will the cards help my baby start talking?
The prompts in the cards will give you new ideas for conversations, which will support you to introduce new words to your baby. This will help them begin talking and communicating.
Balanced System pathway
We have a speech and language pathway programme in Nottingham City that can be translated into different languages that may help parents to support language and communication development.
The Balanced System® speech, language and communication pathway
Speech and language Helpline
NEW speech and language therapy advice line. This service is available for parents and carers of children aged 0-19, and for young people aged 16-19, who would like advice about communication development. Our speech and language therapists are ready to provide support and guidance on any concerns you may have regarding your child's talking or communication.
The advice line is available to those living in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire (excluding Bassetlaw). You can contact us at 0300 123 3387 (Option 1) during the following hours:
Monday and Tuesday: 9am - 4:30pm (closed 12:30pm - 1pm)
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9am - 12:30pm
Dummies and Bottles
Dummies are fine when your child is tired or upset but take it away so you can hear what they have to say.
Signs to support communication
Using real objects to support communication
Use these song cards to give your child opportunity to make choices of what song they would like to sing.
Tiny Happy people
Tiny Happy People (@bbctinyhappypeople) • Instagram photos and videos
Attachment and Child development
Stages of attachment
The first two years of a child’s life are the most critical for forming attachments (Prior and Glaser, 2006)4.
During this period, children develop an ‘internal working model’ that shapes the way they view relationships and operate socially. This can affect their sense of trust in others, self-worth and their confidence interacting with others (Bowlby, 1997)5.
Attachment and child development | NSPCC Learning
Understanding Cognitive Development: Different Stages and Piaget’s Theory - BBC Tiny Happy People
Child Development Milestones
Baby Development Milestones in the first year
What to Expect When A parents guide to child development PDF
Check list from Stoke shared by Emma Walton
Child development tool - Google Drive
DfE Early Support journal
Untitled (councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk)
Sleep
Screen use should be restricted and especially not to be used 1 hour before bedtime but instead use fine motor skill activities like drawing or sticking or sharing a story book as this helps the child’s body to get ready for sleep. Please see info below on sleep if this is an issue for you.
Healthy Eating for toddlers
Healthy Eating for Children - Learn About Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins, Vitamins and Mineral Salts
Baby and toddler meal ideas - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Talking to your child when you’re out and about | Words for Life
Potty and toilet training
How to potty train - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Potty training: how to start & best age to potty train - ERIC
Potty training at nursery and school - ERIC
Toilet Training (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
Potty and toilet training advice for parents and carers (actionforchildren.org.uk)
Car Seat Safety
Car seat safety: A guide to keeping your child safe in the car
Choosing a baby car seat - NHS
Car Seat Safety By Age: Infants in Rear-facing Seats
Group |
Seats |
|
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 |
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.
Using a child car seat or booster seat
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.
Button Battery Safety
Charities for support to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for your child with SEND
charity-and-grant-information-002-pdf.pdf (nottinghamcity.gov.uk)
Rainbow s Parents and Carers Support Group
Rainbow Parents Carers Forum | Ask Lion - Nottingham City Directory
Ask lion
A Directory of services available for Parents and Families in Nottingham City.
ASKLiON | Ask Lion - Nottingham City Directory
Support for Bereavement for families
The Centre is open to children aged 3 to 18 and we offer a welcoming and safe environment for them and their families to receive the help and guidance they need at one of the most devastating times in their lives.
It’s really easy to refer to our services which are offered completely free of charge.
Make A Referral | Children's Bereavement Centre
Contact Details Telephone 01636 551 739
E-mail info@childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk
Website www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk/
For Parents
Family Bereavement: How to support children through grief and loss | NSPCC