Funded Childcare

Remember: The deadline to apply for a code or renew existing (if needed) is 31 March to use from 1 April.

From September, if you’re an eligible working parent, you can access up to 30 hours of childcare per week from the term after your child turns 9 months old.

Visit Childcare Choices for further information on all offers.

Other existing childcare support includes:

'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.

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 family support this half term. Activities vary at each hub so contact them directly for details of what's taking place.

Dudley Central are running their antenatal parent workshops  on various dates - see flyer for full details.

 SEN inclusive groups/information

Happy Helping Hands based in Upper Gornal are open for respite care this half term, Sunday 16 to Sunday 23 February from 10am to 3pm. However support could be provided on another day or a little earlier or later on the current days if needed. Contact happyhelpinghands@aol.com for details.

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. (They have 3 half term activities) 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.

Sassy Sensory surprises are launching 'Wellbeing Walks', they will take place in a different location each month. Contact toni@sassysensorysurprises.co.uk for further details.  Information can be found on their website regarding their recently launched sensory lending library.

Sycamore Adventure  is once again open to families this half term, activities include a play session on Tuesday 18, a family  campfire on Wednesday 19 and 'inclusive play'  with Luke Perry’s clay modelling workshop on Thursday 20 February. See website for full dates and how to book. 

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: Details tbc.

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.

On Thursday 27 February from 10am to 2pm at Harry's Café there will be free activities, free food and Makaton. 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.

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 February, films showing include 'Dogman'.

 Holiday Activities and Food  (HAF)

HAF Funding has been approved for 2025 and is returning this year with FREE (Funded by the DFE) holiday clubs across Dudley. Aimed at children and young people in receipt of benefits-related free school meals. (FSM) You can get 4 passes this Easter, 16 in Summer and 4 in winter. 1 pass = 1 free activity session including food. Bookings are not open yet but you will need to be signed up and approved for FSM to book, so sign up before Easter.

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

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

Activities include free swimming again for children, (Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 February inclusive), Waikiki Waves Family Disco at Crystal Leisure Centre and Planet Soft play at Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre and Halesowen Leisure Centre.

Crystal leisure centre in Stourbridge currently have spaces in their junior swimming lessons for beginners through to advanced levels, suitable for children aged 3 years and over. Lessons take place throughout the week and at the weekend during term time. Parents/carers can visit the  website or email swimming co-ordinator, Danielle Gubats: danielle.gubats@dudley.gov.uk for further information.

Under 5s Splash Time is held at Halesowen Leisure Centre, every Friday 9.30am to 11.30am all year round and Under 5s Stay and Play takes place at Crystal Leisure Centre every Tuesday 10am to 11am all year round  Pre-booking not required, normal admission prices apply.

Generation Impact Baby Massage 

Free sessions!

Join in their relaxed classes to learn how to bond and communicate through massage. No Experience necessary.

Babies are welcome post 6 week check.

Email:info@genrationimpact.org.uk for details and to book.

The winter Raring2Go edition once again showcases lots of West Midlands based activities. Including an exclusive 10% off the West Midlands Safari Park Annual Pass with the Raring2Go code inside the magazine.

Brockmoor Nature reserve is a sanctuary for rescued animals and children under 4yrs go free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Jasmine Road Community Gardens A Wellbeing space including a community café & Hub, based in Kates Hill, who regularly runs child friendly outdoor events.

Saltwells Local Nature Reserve is one of the largest urban nature reserves in the UK and home to probably the largest sculpture park in the West Midlands, located just across the road from the Merry Hill Centre.

Let’s get active in our local parks are still running FREE weekly outdoor fitness sessions for groups of all fitness levels.

Advice/Information

Take part in the road safety charity Brake's Beep Beep! Day on Wednesday 19 March a day to teach children (aged 2 to 7 years)  important road safety basics, sign up on their website and get a free action pack, full of ideas and fun activities that focus on important road safety topics.

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

What's on in the borough this half term?

Shows at Dudley's halls include at the Civic:  A Children's half term party on Tuesday 18  2.00pm to 4.00pm (£8 per ticket) and 'Princesses live' on Wednesday 19 February. Stourbridge Town Hall showcases 'The Little Mermaid' Thursday 13 to Wednesday 19 February. 

Other events include fused glass dinosaurs at the Red House Cone and dinosaur crafts and 'make and take' at the Dudley Museum. Full details can be found at Discover Dudley. 

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

Brierley Hill based Activities

Harry’s Café  are offering a long list of free activities including - Friday 14 February: Free Food “80’s theme” 10am to 2pm, face Painting from 11:30am to 1:30pm and an appearance from Cinderella 12pm to 1pm. Monday 17 February -  Free cooking workshop at Harry’s Café (bookings only - 4yrs upwards) includes free baking kits and light buffet. Friday 21 February - 10am-2pm Free food – "70’s theme"  Entertainment: Balloon twisting 11:30am-1:30pm.

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.

Friday 21 February - At Brierley Hill Market you can do Polymer clay making or make food fridge magnets, keyrings - 10am-2pm

Tuesday 25 February 10am-2pm at  Brierley Hill Library – 'Free' My First sewing class/range of children’s activities Age 2+ (Parents/adult supervision) includes free light buffet.

Join Dudley Zoo and Castle  as they celebrate carnivores, and every full-paying visitor to the zoo during February will receive a voucher for a half-price return visit!
Your discounted return is valid until July, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy another day out!
To redeem: Take your original January/February receipt and voucher on your next visit.

If you're looking for somewhere to eat, the ‘Money Saving Central’ website  have once again updated their list of places on Facebook where kids can eat for free or at a reduced cost this Feb, including the return of 'Harvester Kids eat for £1' Visit their website to find out more.

Get hands on with historical hobbies at  the Black Country Living Museum this half term from Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 February.

Remember Under 2s go free and when you buy general admission, you receive a whole year of free daytime returns!