 As part of National Child Employment Month, Dudley Council is raising awareness of the legislation and licensing requirements to employers and organisations working with child performers.
 Child exploitation is child abuse. It can happen to any child and can take many forms. Know the warning signs of child exploitation today and be part of the solution.
 🤩Looking for an unforgettable birthday experience for your child? 🎂
👽 From out-of-this-world Planet Play parties at Duncan Edwards and Halesowen leisure centres, to exciting 💦 Splash parties and soft play parties at Crystal Leisure centre…
DBLeisure hosts a range of exclusive use, self-catering parties that will make your child’s special day amazing!
 Easter HAF activities will take place from 14 - 26 April, offering a fantastic selection of fun-filled events! Browse through this brochure to explore what’s available. Be sure to read the details below for information on eligibility and how to book.
The Holidays, Activities, and Food (HAF) programme is a Department for Education (DfE)-funded initiative designed to support children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals (FSM).
Through HAF, eligible children can enjoy free school holiday activities and experiences, including a healthy meal and snacks. This Easter, you can receive four passes, with one pass equalling one free activity session, including food.
Please note: you need to be signed up and approved as FSM to book! If you have not registered before now, you must register before you can book.
Register at https://register.bookinglab.co.uk/dudley/37001/register
To find out more about HAF, visit: https://www.dudleyholidayactivities.org.uk/
 🕒 Don't forget to register for or renew your funded hours🕒
Time’s running out, make sure to register or renew your 15 hours (for children 9 months – 2 years) or 30 hours (for 3 or 4 year olds) funded childcare before 31 March 2025
If your child is 4-11 years old, did you know they could attend before and after school childcare during term time?
There's lots or wraparound childcare providers in Dudley borough, find your nearest by emailing fis.cs@dudley.gov.uk or calling 01384 814398.
You may be able to access support with the cost, find out more by visiting the childcare choices website.
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Do you have a two year old and receive some sort of support or have a low income? Families on certain benefits can access Time for Twos - 15 hours funded childcare. You can apply for a place as soon as your child has their second birthday. Find out more here. |
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If you’re parent/carer to a child nine months or over, you could be eligible to access 15 hours of funded childcare.
If your child is age 3-4 you might even be able to access 30 funded hours.
Eligible working parents of children aged nine months old and over can apply now to access their hours from September.
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Working families in Dudley can sign up for tax free childcare, where the government adds £2 to every £8 paid in, up to £2,000 per child per year and up to £4,000 if your child has special educational needs or disabilities.
Find out more on the Childcare Choices website
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 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.
 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.
You Choose
You Choose - every show is unique!
Based on the brilliant book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt, Nonsense Room Productions (Shark in the Park and Hairy Maclary shows) bring you an interactive musical show for all the family. But in this show - YOU CHOOSE what happens!
Venue: Halesowen Town Hall
Date: Friday 6 June - 1pm & 4.30pm
Age guidance: 2 - 7 years old
Running time: Approx 1hr (no interval)
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Spot’s Birthday Party
Join Spot and his friends for this engaging and interactive show for everyone age 2 plus and their grownups. With integrated Makaton, catchy songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever!
Venue: Stourbridge Town Hall
Date: Thursday 12 June - 2pm & 4.30pm
Age guidance: 2+
Running time: Approx 50mins (no interval) + Meet & Greet
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Princesses Unite
Princesses Unite, the ultimate children's pop princess party that's sweeping the nation! Featuring a cast of dazzling princesses, this enchanting spectacle brings all your favourite hit songs and party dances to life in a vibrant, high-energy performance that will leave audiences of all ages spellbound.
Venue: Stourbridge Town Hall
Date: Saturday 26 July - 2pm
Age guidance: 4+
Running time: Approx 1hr (no interval)
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show - The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Venue: Stourbridge Town Hall
Date: Friday 2 May - 4.30pm and Saturday 3 May: 11am & 2pm
Age: All ages
Running time: Approx 50mins (no interval)
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Wonders of Our Universe
Immerse yourself in an afternoon of cosmic exploration, meticulously crafted to deliver a visually stunning and emotionally charged journey through the universe. This show weaves together distinctive storytelling, live demonstrations, breath-taking visuals and live music, allowing imaginations to soar, and inspiring minds of all ages.
Venue: Dudley Town Hall
Date: Sunday 4 May - 2pm
Age: 11+
Running time: Approx 2hrs (including interval)
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