Funded Childcare

Don't forget funded early years childcare  expanded again in September.

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

Since September - The 15 hours offer  expanded to include eligible working parents in England with children who turned at least 9      months old before 31 August.

If your child turns the relevant age between 1 September to 31 December, you can apply now to claim your hours from 1 January. Visit Childcare Choices for further information.

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 - children aged 4-11 years, across Dudley from September can 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 them 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.

Family Hubs

Our Family hubs are open for activities and family support this winter, festive events taking place include: 

Dudley Central's 'After school' Family Christmas activities – open to all ages on 18 & 19 December from 3.15 until 4.45pm.Booking essential due to room capacity  - Call 01384 812440.

Stourbridge are hosting a Christmas movie night on Friday 20 December from 4-7pm. Come along and watch ‘Arthur Christmas’ you can even wear your festive PJs! 

For a full list of activities see our Hub E-bulletin.

 SEN inclusive groups/information

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but it can be difficult for some autistic people, the National Autistic Society have compiled a list of autism-friendly tips for    over the festive period and Sensory Integration Education created their own toolkit.

On Monday 23 Brierley Hill Market will host a Quiet Santa’s grotto 8-9am for children. This will take the stress and anxiety out of grotto visits for children with autism or additional needs, and their families. This means no queuing on the day and a reduced number of people in the grotto area. 

Happy Helping Hands are open throughout the Christmas holidays for short break care Saturday 21 December through to Sunday 5 January (excluding Bank holidays) 10am to 3pm. Their Facebook page has full details on this and their play sessions held at their Gornal based setting on the same days.

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. Parent/carers wishing to refer or register with Kids for care planned services can do so by requesting a referral form via the enquiries email: enquiries.orchard@kids.org.uk or via telephone: 01384 897489.

Kids HAF events are being run on the 23, 24 ,30 & 31 December and 2 January and are open to anyone eligible for a Dudley HAF voucher code and supporting a child with SEND needs - Book via the HAF website.

Fingerprints are continuing to run their group for Children with disabilities under 2 years at Dudley Central Family Hub (Selbourne Road).  Family Craft activities take place from 10am to 11.30am on Thursday 5, 12 & 19 December. The room is on the first floor but a lift is available.

A reminder that Sassy Sensory surprises opened a sensory library in July, which offers invaluable SEND resources (including sensory toys and equipment) and information for parents and carers and their families. For further information on this and other activities, (including their HAF sessions) send them an email via the enquiry form on their website.

Santa is coming to Sycamore Adventure this December! visit Santa’s grotto where each child will enjoy up to 10 minutes with Santa, receive a special gift, and get access to our festive-themed play session for just £7.50 per child. See website for full dates, how to book and information on all other sessions taking place over the holidays. 

Dudley leisure centres are all-inclusive, encouraging everyone to access as many sessions as possible. Our centres offer quiet and disability sessions for children and adults. Accessible facilities are available throughout each of the leisure centres, family fun disability swimming sessions run 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

SEN sessions can be accessed at Planet Play suitable for children under 11 years of age with disabilities, special educational needs, ASD and their siblings. Sessions take place at Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre and Halesowen Leisure Centre.

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. 

The Bridge House based in Stourbridge is open term times and runs '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 this December, films showing include 'Moana 2'.

Winter HAF Activities

HAF Winter will run Friday 20 December through to the weekend before school starts. Each child gets 4 credits!

Read the what's on guide for full details of activities taking place, bookings open now!  The QR Code can be found on their poster - HAF Winter  

You're eligible to register for HAF if the following applies: You live in Dudley or your child goes to school in Dudley Borough, your child is aged between 5 and 16 years and they are eligible for benefits related free school meals.

Log into the Parent Portal to check all your details are up to date, add any additional children who started Reception in September or register for the first time.

If you have any queries, please contact - enquiries@hafdudley.co.uk

If the weather's nice connect with the outdoors this Autumn and visit  our nature reserves .

Park Active sessions will be taking place in selected Dudley borough parks. These 45-minute activities are led by a qualified volunteer and gives people of all fitness levels the opportunity to be active outdoors.

The EKHO collective based at Hawbush Community gardens will be hosting a winter fundraiser gathering on Sunday 15 December as well as running other fundraising workshops.

Santa is coming to Halesowen Leisure Centre 🎅

Santa is coming to the Planet Play soft area, (Thursday 12 December, 4pm - 6pm or Saturday 21 December, 9:30am - 11:30am) children will enjoy holiday treats and take home a special gift as well as two hours of Planet Play adventure. Charges apply call Halesowen Leisure Centre on 01384 812800 (option 2), or pop into the centre to book.

Other activities include free swimming again for children, (Saturday 21 December to Sunday 5 January inclusive), Waikiki Waves Family Disco at Crystal Leisure Centre and Planet Soft play at Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre and Halesowen Leisure Centre.

Visit DB Leisure Website to find out more about all school holiday activities.

Canal Trust

The Canal and River Trust Charity invite you to their FREE family event at Delph Stables, Brierley Hill on Saturday 21 December from 4.30pm. There will be crafting activities, carol singers, free refreshments and of course Father Christmas!    See flyer for full details

What's on in the borough this half term?

Shows at our halls this winter include Dear Santa Live at Dudley Town Hall on Monday 23 December at 3.30pm or Tuesday 24 December at 10.30am & 1.30pm and Step into Christmas on Thursday 12 December. Other events include the Christmas Tree Festival at the Red House Cone, full details can be found at Discover Dudley. There is free car parking and free admission.

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

Brierley Hill Activities

Come and enjoy tea and cake with Santa at Harry’s Café! This is a FREE event for families. (Bookings only) 01384 431248. Times: 4pm-6pm:

Wednesday 11th December 2024 - Tea with Santa and Free balloon twisting

Wednesday 18th December 2024 - Tea with Santa and Free face painting

Car parking at the Moor Centre is free for 2 hours. Harry’s is 2 doors up from the empty corner shop on the Moor Centre, on the High Street.

Brierley Hill Market have a grotto which is open 12-1pm every Saturday up to Christmas and on Christmas eve. £3 to see Santa including a present!  All proceeds go to charity.

The autumn edition signposts to lots of festive activities taking place  throughout the West Midlands.

JST are holding festive craft sessions at Coseley Family Hub based in Bayer Street call 07395 490 885 to register.

Revival Fires Church are hosting a community Christmas Fayre on Saturday 7 December from 2 until 4pm, There will be a Community Choir, a local Dance School, Christmas games, activities and Santa is joining on the afternoon! A fun afternoon for all the family.  

Advice/Information

Coping at Christmas - Christmas Countdown have collated a list of organisations who you can talk to over the Christmas period.

Primary School  - Applications for pupils starting reception in September 2025 should be made online where possible by midnight on 15 January 2025. Paper submissions must be with the school admission’s team by 5pm on 15 January 2025.

Never step on ice on any open water, for advice on this and other aspects of staying safe and well this winter, visit -   Dangers of ice on water  

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

Experience the magic of Christmas at Dudley Zoo and Castle.

Visit Santa in his Grotto set within the walls of the 11th Century castle.

Santa's Grotto runs from 30 November until Christmas Eve, (ticket includes Dudley Zoo and Castle admission), receive a special gift from Santa and see Santa's reindeer in their new home.

Visit Black Country Living Museum for a great Christmas day out this festive season. General admission ticket included in the UnChained Annual Pass.

At the evening event Glad Tidings you can enjoy the Museum after hours for a cosy evening of entertainment or explore the Museum on a small guided tour to find the man in the red suit at one of our Santa Hunts. Please note that tickets for Santa Hunts are only available to purchase via telephone - 0121 520 8054 (lines open 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday).