 Believed to be the first scheme of its kind in the region, Dudley Council’s Public Health Team recently launched a pilot project, providing a toothbrush pack specifically developed for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The new toothbrush pack was launched at an event held on Friday, January 31, at The Brier School, Kingswinford. The packs were created in partnership with local children from The Brier School, Woodsetton School, Pens Meadow School, and Netherton Park Nursery’s Inclusion Hub, their parents, and many local professionals, including dental experts. The West Midlands Community Payback Scheme also provided colourful, soft fabric pouches to hold the toothbrush pack contents for each child.
For many children with SEND, maintaining good oral hygiene can be challenging. Research indicates that children with additional needs are at a higher risk of tooth decay than their peers due to difficulties with toothbrushing, visiting the dentist, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Dudley Zoo & Castle
 Dudley Zoo and Castle will be celebrating carnivores this February half term.
- The Castle Hill attraction will be focusing on its meat-eating species between 15 - 23 February, which include Sumatran tigers, wolverines, meerkats, Asiatic short-clawed otters and Asiatic lion.
- As well as a fun and informative daily talk programme, where visitors can find out about specific carnivore species, there will also be the chance to discover more about others by searching for giant spray-painted paws around the 40-acre site in the zoo’s holiday trail, for the chance to win a family ticket.
- There will also be the opportunity for visitors to make firehose enrichment for the carnivores during hands-on crafts and activities in the Discovery Centre, where you can also discover carnivore skulls and artefacts.
- Half price return tickets will be given out for all full-paying visitors, which will allow a reduced further visit later in the year.
Black Country Living Museum
 This February half term, Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 February, enjoy a family day out as you take a trip back in time and explore historical hobbies through the decades.
The Black Country Living Museum have a whole day of family fun to discover boredom busters of the past from Victorian doll making, Edwardian birdwatching and 1950s games.
- Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time, the Museum has got the perfect day out with an entire historic town for you to explore. Meet a whole host of historic characters from Victorian times to the Swinging Sixties as you step into period houses, shops and industrial workplaces. With stories to discover, immersive experiences to enjoy and games to play, it’s a full day out with something new for everyone on every visit.
- If you would like to take part in our February half term family activities and the Historical Hobby discovery trail, pick up a map at our admissions desk and don’t forget to bring a pen as we will be quizzing you along the way.
- Book your tickets and find out more about what’s on this half term and how you can unlock free days out for the whole year.
Activities at the Stourbridge Glass Museum
Have a slithering good time on Saturday 22 February, celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Snake at the Glass Museum in Stourbridge.
Children’s craft activity: Get creative and make your very own colourful collage snake! Craft sessions are available from 11am to 2pm. Up to two children go free with each paid adult ticket. Adults £7.50 per person. *This is not a glass craft.
- Hot Glassmaking Demonstration: Watch as Allister Malcolm and his talented team bring snakes to life in molten glass right before your eyes in our hot glass studio.
- Special half-term offer: Kids go free all week!
- Stourbridge Glass Museum is home to the globally significant Stourbridge Glass Collection. Complemented by engaging digital interactive displays exploring the area's 400-year history of glass making.
Goodies at Dudley libraries
 Half term opportunities to learn new skills, make new friends, find and book your dream holiday, or delve into your family history - are things you can do at the Dudley libraries.
- They’ve got books, information on places to go and things to see, activities including Rattle & Rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and their parents and carers, reading groups, craft sessions, Lego clubs as well as local history talks. There’s something for everyone.
- Libraries also have rooms for hire ranging from small interview rooms to a library theatre seating over 100 - all at competitive rates.
- With convenient opening hours, including weekends, and a programme of events throughout the year, libraries provide a single access point for many services and also offer 24/7 information and library services.
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
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February Holiday Schemes
Paid-for school holiday clubs take place across the borough from Monday 17 February to Friday 21 February 2025.
There are a number of clubs registered with Ofsted and parents / carers could potentially get tax-free childcare to help cover the costs of these.
There are also holiday sports/activity clubs which are not registered with Ofsted. Children under 5 years old can't attend unregistered clubs for more than four hours a day.
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Funded Childcare
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.
Remember: The deadline to apply for a code or renew existing (if needed) is 31 March to use from 1 April.
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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.
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 If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now could be the perfect time to take that first step. By fostering with Dudley Council, you can offer a safe, loving home to children who need it most and help them build a brighter future.
Fostering with Dudley Council is a truly rewarding experience, providing you with the opportunity to directly impact the lives of children and young people. You’ll receive ongoing support and expert training, ensuring you're fully prepared for the challenges and rewards of fostering. The Council offers a range of fostering options, including short-term, long-term, sibling care, and respite (Staycation as we call it), so you can choose a path that fits your lifestyle.
There are no specific requirements to become a foster carer—Dudley Council welcomes people from all backgrounds, whether you're single, in a couple, or have your own family. What matters most is your commitment to providing a safe, nurturing home for a child in need. The Council ensures that foster carers are financially supported, with allowances to cover essential costs.
Fostering also connects you with a wider community of carers, offering support and the chance to share experiences. Many foster carers find the experience to be as rewarding for them as it is for the children they care for, witnessing their growth and achievements over time.
Fostering with Dudley Council offers a chance to make a lasting impact. With the right training, support, and flexibility, fostering can be a deeply fulfilling experience. If you're ready to open your heart and home, fostering with Dudley Council could be the right path for you.
For more information, visit www.fosteringindudley.org.uk or call 01384 815833.
The children and young peoples public health team produces a termly update for children and families, which provides information about what’s available to support their health and wellbeing.
To ensure this information reaches as many families as possible, we are asking all schools to share this update with parents/carers via your normal communication methods, e.g. school newsletter, email, app, website. The update can be used as an online or printed resource.
If you have any questions, email the team at cypteam@dudley.gov.uk
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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.
Visit DB Leisure Website to find out about all school holiday activities.
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