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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:
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Childcare - finding it and advice on paying for it
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Local baby and toddler groups
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Events, clubs, activities, and fun things to do in the school holidays, for all ages
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Getting parenting and family support
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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
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.
Things to do this Easter Holidays
We’ve also put together information on Easter egg hunts around Shropshire – because who doesn’t like hunting for eggs! Our egg hunt list is here - Easter egg hunts
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! Click to Find a Holiday Club
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. Find out more about HAF on this link HAF holiday clubs
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.
This 5 week workshop aims to support parents and parent 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 2026. 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
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.
Was your application successful? | Shropshire Council
You and me, Mum is an 8 week course to help you as a mum understand the impact domestic abuse can have on you and your children. The course aims to empower, support and develop further your understanding of your role as a mother in addressing the needs of your child or young person.
The You and Me Mum group will run from Wednesday 15th April 2026 – Wednesday 11th June 2026 at 09:30-11:30am. (It will not run during half term on 27th May 2026) Venue in SY1.
If you're interested in attending the groups, or want to find out more, please call 01743 250400
Our Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) Meet and Chat drop-ins are back for the Summer term.
SEND Meet and Chat sessions are open to anyone in Shropshire supporting a child with SEND — whether you're a parent carer, family member, or professional.
Come along to ask questions, get practical advice, and connect with professionals who understand your journey. You do not need to have an official diagnosis to access this service.
Information to help families in Shropshire - Shropshire Together Community Directory
A brand-new NHS service is launching on 1 April for children and young people (aged 0-25) in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin who may need support for mental health, emotional wellbeing, or neurodevelopmental concerns.
This new service is designed to make it easier for families to access help, offering earlier support and bringing together different services so your child can get the right help at the right time, when they need it most.
Find out more here Emotional wellbeing and mental health - new service | Shropshire Council
Have you seen the NHS food scanner app? It’s a quick and fun way to make healthier food choices.
The app lets you scan the barcodes of your usual foods, swipe to explore healthier alternatives, and swap them into your next shop. It’s a simple tool that can help you feel more confident about what’s going into lunchboxes and onto dinner plates.
Key features to love:
- "Good Choice" badges highlight healthier picks instantly, both in the app and in many shops.
- Living Labels bring products to life, helping children understand sugar, salt and fat content in a fun, engaging way.
- Traffic light ratings clearly show if a food is high, medium or low in sugar, salt or fat.
- Scan history keeps a record of everything you have scanned, making healthy swaps easier over time.
It's a great way to support healthier eating in everyday life!
Download the free NHS Food Scanner app
With a speedy scan of your family's favourite foods, you can find healthier swaps for next time you shop. NHS Food Scanner App - App Store or NHS Food Scanner – Apps on Google Play
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