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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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With the end of the school term almost here, we have been researching what's on across the county this Easter. Our Family Info Directory is full of activities, events and fun things to do. Follow the link below to find out what is happening in your area.
 
Shropshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is still open for bookings.
Your child aged 4 (reception class age) to 16 can get a FREE place:
 If you get benefits-related free school meals, or
Have been referred by a professional
A number of 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.
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If you are looking for holiday clubs or childcare for Easter, check out our list of local providers in our Family Information Directory. From arts and crafts, to animals, to football, there is something for everyone!
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Is your child due to start school in September? Tuesday 16 April, is the day you will find out which primary school they have been offered a place at.
On offer day you'll be able log into your account to view the outcome of your application. You'll also receive an email.
It is worth checking that you can log into your account today, so you don't have to deal with the stress of forgotten passwords or IT gremlins tomorrow.
The school admissions team have made some handy guides to help you access your account or the letter sent by email. You can find these, plus info on what to do after you have been offered a place, on their website.
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Moving up and starting a new school is a big change, for children and parents or caregivers. It’s a new stage of growing independence and separation. Fears and worries are normal as well as excitement, as with each stage of childhood development.
The experts at In Our Place have come up with some great resources to help you, help your child cope with their fears, and nurture them to feel brave and capable.
These resources can be used for children navigating the changes from nursery to primary, and primary to secondary, helping them thrive in their new school environment.
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We are fast approaching exam season. If your child or teen is feeling anxious and stressed, then these free webinars from mental wellbeing experts Kooth may be of interest.
You can find other pre-recorded webinars and talks about mental health and wellbeing on Kooth's Vimeo webpage.
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It’s fair to say that all parents from time to time need some help and support with issues that impact on family life. Did you know there is help and support available in Shropshire through our Early Help coffee and chat drop ins – some of which are also stay and play sessions.
You can get free Information, advice and support on all aspects of family life, at our Family Drop-Ins. You can chat, have a cuppa and see how we can help you with:
- Family life
- Parenting support
- Domestic abuse support
- Money worries
- Housing support
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- and much more
To find your local drop in please visit the Family Information Directory
Understanding your child – from toddler to teen
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Parenthood can be extremely rewarding and enjoyable. It can also be demanding, frustrating and exhausting. Our Parenting Team offer workshops and groups for parents which provide easy to implement, proven parenting solutions.
There are also specific groups are for parents/carers of children who might have special educational needs and disabilities, (no formal diagnosis is needed to attend).
You will explore issues like:
- Having Fun Together
- Behaviour Difficulties
- Sleep
- Communication
- Development Needs
- Parenting Styles
All groups are free for Shropshire residents. To book a place please contact the Parenting Team on 01743 250950 or email Parenting.team@shropshire.gov.uk
The next set of groups will be running after the Easter holidays, there are face-to-face groups and virtual groups on offer. You can find full details here.
Sleep Tight workshops
This 5 week workshop aims to support parents and carers to make positive changes to their child's sleep patterns. Life can be difficult when children have sleep issues. Our aim is to support families to get a better night's sleep by using a behavioural approach to sleep and work in partnership with families, as we know that they are the expert on their children. Workshops provide parents and carers with the opportunity to meet other families in similar situations and to gain tips on how to support a better night's sleep for them and their child.
Quotes from parents who have been on the course
"Absolutely fabulous workshop. Should be offered to first time parents when their babies are old enough for the skills learned to be applied. I have a disabled daughter and naively thought that the workshop wouldn't apply to her needs, well I was wrong, I believe it applies to most children and every parent can take massive positives away from this workshop! Awesome!"
"I have learnt a lot! I was interested to learn about the science behind sleep, melatonin production, sleepy foods. It has been good to know that I'm not alone and to learn things from some of the other Mum's who were on the course. It was helpful to hear their suggestions!"
The next set of groups will be running in June 2025. You can find full details here.
To book a place please contact the Parenting Team on 01743 250950 or email Parenting.team@shropshire.gov.uk
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Worried about your relationship or feel you’re arguing too much? Not all arguing between parents is harmful but when it’s intense or happens a lot of the time, there can be a negative impact on the children.
If your relationship is going through a difficult phase, you can find ways to argue ‘better’, resolve disputes and reduce conflict at home with our range of free courses, resources and apps.
Hill Stories is a FREE outdoor digital media and arts project for young people, working with award-winning filmmakers, local artists and experts, and South Shropshire Youth Forum.
It is for young people age 11-18, interested in exploring local places, wildlife and heritage. And experimenting creatively with images, words and sound. Join to develop your skills and capture and broadcast your ideas and experiences.
The project is running from Tuesday 22 - Thursday 24 April 2025, 10.30am-3.30pm and will be based in the Long Mynd area. Young people need to be able to attend all three days. Booking is essential. Book your place here.
Please email workshops@pieceofstringmedia.co.uk for further info
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