Funded Childcare

Don't forget funded early years childcare is expanding again in September, apply before 31 August for a September 2024 start.

Since April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can now access 15 hours childcare support.

From September 2024  - The 15 hours offer is expanding to include eligible working parents in England with children who turn at least 9 months old on or before 31 August. 

This is in addition to the existing offers:

'Time for Twos' offers 15 hours of funded childcare for families of two year olds who either receive some forms of support or have SEN

All three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare and working parents of three and four year olds can claim 30 hours.

Wraparound - from September many children aged 4-11 years, across Dudley will be able to access paid for before and after school childcare if they do not already, this is known as Wraparound Childcare. Childcare providers and schools can receive a grant to help the set up new wraparound childcare, expand the places they already offer or extend their hours of operation from 8am until 6pm, term time only.

If your school does not offer wraparound childcare, you can ask them to consider this by writing to the school governing body, read here for further information about how to do this. Schools may not be able to offer a wraparound service but can signpost you to wraparound childcare services who work with the school in the locality, some may be delivered on the school site by registered childcare providers. For more information about the wraparound childcare grant and how to apply please email wraparoundchildcare@dudley.gov.uk for more information.

Our Family hubs are open this summer for support and family friendly fun.

An example of activities taking place include  at Dudley Central (Selbourne Road)on Wednesdays 10am to 3pm 'drop in' family fun activities and on Thursdays in August arts and crafts 10am to 11.30am.

Coseley hub' brilliant babies (Thursdays at 9.30am) and under 5s stay and play sessions (Fridays at 9.30am and 11.30am) will  continue during the holidays, booking is essential. They are also hosting family activity sessions on Wednesday 31 July and 21 August.

Inclusive play opportunities for children with SEN

Sassy Sensory surprises are developing a sensory library, (from July) which will offer invaluable SEND resources (including sensory toys and equipment) and information for parents and carers and their families.

For information on this and to sign up to their mailing list for details of Dudley based sessions, send them an email via the enquiry form on their website.

Sycamore Adventure is open during the holidays for fun activities for children (with disabilities and their families) including Summer fun sessions every Tuesday and Thursday's. To book a space at this and any of their events click here.

'Playweek' is back Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 August the team from Sycamore Adventure and partners, deliver loads of free activities for children and families throughout the borough. Activities include climbing, soft archery and zorbing. The dates and parks this year are:

Tuesday 6 August - Silver Jubilee Park (WV14 9SZ)

Wednesday 7 August - Mary Stevens Park (DY8 2AB)

Thursday 8 August - Priory Park (DY14EU)

Friday 9 August - Dell recreation ground (DY5 4NE)

Saturday 10 August - Huntingtree Park ( B63 4HY)

Dudley leisure centres will be running their family fun disability swimming sessions throughout the holidays, details below:

Halesowen LC: Saturday's from 2.15pm to 3.30pm

Crystal LC: Friday's 2pm – 4pm (last admission 2.45pm)

Duncan Edwards LC: Wednesday's from 2.45pm to 4.30pm

Kids are a charity who create life-changing opportunities by providing a wide range of support to families. They run playscheme days at their centre alongside community days for signed up families. Email: enquiries.orchard@kids.org.uk for details of the local Stourbridge service.

We love Carers meet during term time, they run various sessions including 'Chaos clubs' at their Mary Stevens based centre and on Sundays at Scallywags. Throughout the summer they run 'Holiday Chaos' for ages 4 to 13 years. Details of all events can be found on their website or email:hello@welovecarers.org.

The Bridge House based in Stourbridge is running amongst other events 'Sensory Play' sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays. (Limited spaces - booking advisable)

The Odeon and Showcase cinemas will both be hosting accessible and autism friendly sessions throughout the summer, films showing include 'Despicable Me 4' and 'Inside Out 2' .

    Summer holiday activities for children taking place at DB Leisure!

Free swimming for children, Fun activities for under 5s including Splash Time at Halesowen LC and Stay and Play at Crystal LC.

Quids In football over at Dell Stadium – now available on bank holidays!

Soft play area and Waikiki Waves family disco (takes place in leisure pool) at Crystal LC

Planet Play and SEN soft play sessions at Duncan Edwards and Halesowen LC, plus SEN family swimming sessions at all leisure centres. Please note from the 20 May the SEN session at Halesowen LC on a Monday is now open later !

Visit the DBL website to find out more about all school holiday activities.

HAF Programme

The holiday activities programme (HAF) scheme is now open for bookings, offering a range of fully funded activities, you're eligible to register for HAF if the following applies: You live in Dudley or your child goes to school in the Dudley Borough, your child is aged between 5 and 16 years and your child is eligible for benefits related free school meals. You can register your child via the HAF website or via the QR code below. (To book sessions for your children you must be registered.) 

Dudley Canal Trust  now operate seven days a week! and their toddler boats still run every Wednesday at 10am throughout the year. Designed for under fives with their parents or carers, it is just £2 per passenger full details can found: Dudley Canal .

Please note there is no pre booking for this trip.  All spaces are allocated on a first serve basis on the day.

Advice/Information

Please view the attached Summer wellbeing  poster detailing seven ways to keep young children safe in summer.

Visit the one stop shop for parenting support including online parenting courses.

For other local events and 'What's on' guide visit the Dudley Community Directory.

Activities suitable for 'Tweens' & 'Teenagers' 

As well as being able to take part in some HAF sessions (if eligible) and sport centre based fun, older children could also enjoy the following borough based hobbies:

Sedgley Adventure Centre - Mini golf, animal sessions and forestry fun.  (Over 14's can play golf without adult supervision)

Breakin Foundations - teach the key fundamentals of breakin’ and other hip hop styles in a supportive and safe environment. (Ages 7 to 15 Sessions are running now until 25 July.)

Join friends for a day of bowling at either Tenpin bowling or  Hollywood Bowl both places offer summer deals; contact settings for full details.

Fancy a spot of outdoor adventure? every weekday in the holidays, adventure Camps/sessions for 7-13 year-olds are available by booking at Baggeridge high ropes

Spend a session at the Geek Retreat café gaming or discussing superheroes; located in the High street, Dudley. Visit their FB page for a timetable of events.

A summer of celebration is taking place at Dudley Zoo open from 10am with daily talks and hundreds of exotic and endangered animals who inhabit a 40 acre site around the ruins of the 11th century Dudley Castle. 

Step back in time this summer at the Black Country Living Museum.

Every Friday in August you can stay late for less! the opening hours are being extended until 8pm. Entry after 4pm is only £8.50 or even better, if you have a valid UnChained Annual Pass*, it’s free!

*When you pay for one day you get a whole 12 months unlimited daytime entry – for absolutely no extra cost! 

KIDS EAT FOR £1!

Every school holidays at Brooke's up to 2 children, 13 and under can enjoy a main meal for just £1, when an adult purchases a main meal. Valid Tuesday - Sunday for lunch or dinner. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment. (Terms and conditions apply, please contact us for details.)