Buckinghamshire Family Information Service

17/10/2026

Don't forget to apply for your young person's secondary school place 🏫 You have until 31 October to make your choices.

For more information and to submit your application, visit the Buckinghamshire Council website 👉 https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-admissions/apply-for-a-secondary-school-place/

16/10/2026

📣 Calling all Electively Home Educated families

Join the EHE Team at High Wycombe Library and explore the fantastic opportunities available to EHE families across the area.

🌟 Art K Workshop
🌟 Chiltern Forest School
🌟 Library Resources
🌟 Explore Learning Centre
🌟 Family Learning Support
🌟 Free books and resources
🌟 Country Parks Workshop

Alongside this, Action4Youth will be opening The Junction Youth Club with plenty of fun activities to get involved in.

No booking required, no registration needed, and no personal details need to be shared.
Drop in, say hello, and find out what's available to support your family's home education journey. https://directory.familyinfo.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/service/19480

15/10/2026

🎉 Learning Through Play Card 4 🎉

This week's activity, Story Basket Play, links to Literacy and provides a fun, practical way to support children's learning and development through play 📖

This activity is designed to:
🟡 Encourage learning through play
🟡 Support children's development in Literacy
🟡 Provide simple ideas that can be used at home or in early years settings
🟡 Create engaging opportunities for children to explore, discover and learn

Find out more and see all previous Learning Through Play cards on our website 👉 https://familyinfo.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/news/learning-through-play-early-years/

15/10/2026

Children’s brains are like sponges.

From your words, to your actions – they'll copy everything you do, including your screen use habits.

Try to be mindful of how often you use screens around your little ones.

Visit Best Start in Life for more guidance on healthy routines, screen-use limits, and better content choices.

14/10/2026

🌟 Support for Young People - Courses Available Now! 🌟

Are you or someone you know aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 with SEND)? We offer a range of friendly, supportive courses designed to help young people thrive ✨

We offer the following courses for young people:

🟣 Moving up to secondary school
🟣 How to cope with stress, anxiety and low mood
🟣 Building confidence and self-esteem

These sessions are a great way to gain practical skills, boost wellbeing, and connect with others in a supportive environment 💬

Find out more and book your place on our website 👉
https://ow.ly/Bl5t50Ze76r

14/10/2026

13/10/2026

Free School Meals eligibility has expanded. From September 2026, all children living in a household that receives Universal Credit can get Free School Meals.

ℹ️The eligibility criteria for the HAF programme have not changed. HAF places are still mainly for children who receive Targeted Free School Meals.

Find out if your child can take part in HAF: 🔗 https://familyinfo.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/advice-and-support/buckinghamshire-haf/haf-information-for-families/

12/10/2026

Are you aged 12 to 25 with SEND and want to have your say? Join Shout Out for SEND Reps and help improve services for young people in Buckinghamshire.

📍 Princes Risborough
🗓 Monthly Monday evening meetings

Learn more: https://www.youthvoicebucks.co.uk/opportunities/SOFS-reps/

12/10/2026

Potty training is a key stage in your child’s development. Research shows children are developmentally ready to move away from nappies, including pull ups, between 18 to 30 months. Most children should be out of nappies before starting school, unless they have a medical need.

Toilet training is a learned skill, and routines and support at home really help. Top Tips to Get Started:

👣 Try stand up nappy changes in the bathroom once your child can stand. Let them help with flushing, handwashing and pulling clothes up/down.
🕒 Give short nappy-free time after a wee or poo so they can understand the feeling of being clean and dry.
💬 Use simple, matter-of-fact language about wee and poo.
🛁 Make the bathroom comfy, especially if your child has sensory sensitivities. For example, quieter flushing and gentle scents.
👖 Choose easy pull clothing like joggers or leggings to build independence.

Take a look at Starting Reception's Potty Training Guide 👉 https://startingreception.co.uk/potty-training/

Image Source: Kindred

12/10/2026

Early years education and childcare can benefit your child and your family 🌻

If you have a child aged 3 or 4 years old, you can get 15 hours childcare per week over 38 weeks, regardless of income levels, benefit status, or family circumstances.

Visit Best Start in Life to see how you and your family could benefit.