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Hello and welcome to the latest Family Information Service newsletter. Our job is to give you the info and resources you need to help your family life run a little smoother. We can help with:
- Childcare - finding it and advice on paying for it
- Local baby and toddler groups
- Events, clubs, activities, and fun things to do in the school holidays, for all ages
- Getting parenting and family support
- Finding health and wellbeing support
We cover everything and anything to do with family life, so if you have a question, chances are we'll be able to help, or if we can't, we'll point you in the direction of someone who can. Find us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Call 01743 254400 or email ShropshireFIS@shropshire.gov.uk
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Did you know you can get free Information, advice and support on all aspects of family life, at our Family Drop-In sessions?
Join us for a hot drink and a chat, and see how we can help you with:
- Family life
- Parenting support
- Domestic abuse support
- Money worries
- Housing support
- and much more
We support families with children aged 0-19 years (up to 25 years for young people with special educational needs and disabilities).
There are drop-ins happening across the county, you can find your nearest one here:
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The Shropshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free holiday activities and food for eligible children and young people.
Your child can get a FREE place:
- They are aged 4 (reception class age) to 16 years old
- If you get benefits-related free school meals
- Have been referred by a professional
A number of the holiday clubs are able to offer places to children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
Some holiday clubs also offer additional paid places, that are available to those not eligible for HAF, so it's worth taking a look if you need childcare or activities to keep your children busy during the holidays.
Shropshire HAF is now open for bookings for the Easter holidays.
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Are you looking for things to keep the kids busy during the school holidays, or activities that you can do as a family?
We've got you covered. You can find loads of events happening across the county on our directory. There are even handy area and postcode filters so you can find the activities closest to you. From Easter egg hunts to ice-skating, there is something for everyone.
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Starting from next month, childcare support is being expanded in phases. By September 2025, most working families with children under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare support.
The changes are being introduced gradually to make sure that providers can meet the needs of more families. This means that:
- From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours childcare support.
- From September 2024, 15 hours childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents of children from the age of 9 months to 3-year-olds.
- From September 2025, eligible working parents with a child from 9 months old up to school age will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week.
The childcare choices website has a quick eligibility checker, which makes it easy to find out what you are entitled to, and includes details on how to apply.
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Meet n Chat SEND drop ins are a chance for families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to get support with general SEND enquires. You can chat with people from Early Help, Education, Health and the Parent and Carer Council (PACC).
The theme for the Spring is Neurodiversity and Waiting Well (Waiting Well means support and resources you can access whilst you are waiting for a diagnosis or treatment). Professionals with experience in these areas will also be available to offer help and support.
The sessions are free to attend and are being held in Highley, Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Wem.
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Friday 22nd March 9.30am - 11.30am
The Community Drop-in at Highley Library, Severn Centre Bridgnorth Road, WV16 6JG
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Monday 25 March 2024, 9.30am - 12.30pm, and 2pm - 5pm.
The Centre, Oak Street, Oswestry, SY11 1LW Monday
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Monday 15 April 2024 9.30am - 12.30pm, and 2pm - 5pm.
Sunflower House, Kendal Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 4ES
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Monday 22 April 2024, 11.30am - 2.30pm
St Peter's Primary school, Shrubbery Gardens, Wem, SY4 5BX
You can find full details for these and other drop-ins for families on the Family Information Directory.
Being a parent can be tough sometimes. Children don't come with instruction manuals and every child is different, so what works for one may not work for another.
We are here for you with a friendly listening ear and practical advice on everything from sleep issues to developing routines. No judgment, just support, through our anonymous and confidential service.
Call 01743 250950 Monday - Thursday, 9.30am - 4.30pm or Friday, 9.30am - 3.30pm or email: parenting.team@shropshire.gov.uk
Does your child love wildlife? If they are aged between 5-22 years old encourage them to get snapping and enter the University Centre Shrewsbury's Young Nature Photographer of the Year competition.
Prizes will be presented by Stephen Moss, original producer of BAFTA award-winning TV series Springwatch among many other accolades, at a special ceremony in Shrewsbury. They could win nature-inspired prizes, including a handmade trophy by artist Angela Sidwell.
Send entries to naturephoto@chester.ac.uk by midnight on Tuesday 30 April 2024. Good luck!
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