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New year, new beginnings! Is one of your new year’s resolutions to become a foster carer?
As part of Foster for East Midlands Councils we are committed to helping children and young people finding safe, loving and stable homes locally. That is where you come in. Could you open your heart and your home to a child in need?
It doesn’t matter your background, your age, whether you own a home or rent, are male or female, single or married. To find out more about fostering come along to one of our in-person information events or take a look at the website to see how you can get in touch.
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Childhood vaccination programme now includes chickenpox
The NHS’s vaccination programme is being expanded to include chickenpox (also known as varicella) for the first time to help shield young children from getting seriously ill.
From now on, GP practices will start to offer children a combined MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age to add chickenpox to the protections against measles, mumps and rubella. This replaces the existing MMR vaccine.
If your child is eligible, your GP will contact you to when it’s time to make an appointment.
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Everyone has a role to play in local nature recovery: The Big Garden Birdwatch 2026
Help local nature by taking part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, from 23 to 25 January 2026 and help build a picture of how garden birds are faring.
It’s a great way for families to connect to nature without even leaving their house! Prefer to get out and about? Sherwood Forest’s Big Garden Birdwatch weekend is for you.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Nottinghamshire is all about how everyone can help local nature.
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Discover the SEND local offer’s young people’s zone!
Young people who have a special educational need or disability can find lots of useful information on the SEND local offer. It includes everything from education, jobs and how to get support at university to mental health, relationships and much more
Parents and carers can also use the local offer as a guide to local SEND services and support.
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Did you miss the school application deadline?
If your child turns five between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027, the deadline to apply for a reception place, or a transfer from infant to junior school in September this year has now passed (Thursday, 15 January)
Don’t worry! If you have not yet applied, you can still submit a late application for your child’s place. All you need to do is complete your application - and you can do this online.
Any applications, or changes of preferences, received now will not be considered until after national offer day on Thursday, 16 April, 2026.
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Discover your local library
 Looking for a welcoming space to read, learn and connect? Your Inspire Nottinghamshire library is for you.
Offering free Wi-Fi, cosy reading areas and flexible workspaces, they are perfect for study, work or relaxation.
There’s also a range of events and activities, including:
- Storytime sessions for families
- Craft workshops and author talks
- Digital skills classes and e-resources for lifelong learning
Your local library has something for everyone.
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Looking for fun, free ways to get outdoors with the family?
 Discover Nottinghamshire’s green spaces
- Find local parks and green spaces
- Get ideas about outdoor fun activities and creative play ideas
- Learn how outdoor play boosts sleep, motor skills, mental wellbeing and more
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Win tickets to see Last Unicorn Airways this February
We have four tickets for one lucky winner to see Last Unicorn Airways at Mansfield Central Library on Wednesday, 18 February at 11am.
The show follows two playful baggage handlers as they unpack a globe-trotting adventure from a magical final flight, where every suitcase tells a story.
To be in with a chance of winning the four tickets just answer this question:
Unicorns are usually depicted with what, on their forehead?
Send your answer to competitions@nottscc.gov.uk with the subject line ‘Last Unicorn Airways competition'. The deadline for entries is midnight on Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Before entering please make sure you are free on Wednesday, 18 February at 11am as the tickets cannot be used any other time.
Read our competition terms and conditions.
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