Rotherham Families Information Service

02/09/2026

Supporting Tiny Talkers in Rotherham Tiny Talkers is a friendly home for families and early years staff across Rotherham offering practical help with talking, listening, playing and growing in the first five years. Whether you're a parent looking for everyday ideas or a practitioner looking for trai...

01/09/2026

It’s September, that means starting school! 🎒

We’re wishing all children, but especially those starting Reception, a brilliant year ahead. ✨

Starting school is a big milestone, but it's the small, everyday moments, like getting dressed independently, sharing, getting along with others and being able to talk about how they are feeling, that will give them the confidence to settle in at school.

Remember, you can visit Best Start in Life for advice and tips that will help your child feel prepared for school. Or speak to the school or visit a Best Start Family Hub if you have any worries.

https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/preparing-for-school/

01/09/2026

Early years settings are wonderful places for children to learn, develop new skills, make new friends and have fun. There are funded 2 year old early education places available in Rotherham now! To find out if you are eligible visit ⬇️https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/nurseries-childcare/free-early-education-2-year-olds or call 01709 822429 / 0800 073 0230

31/08/2026

Sign up to the Words for Life newsletter which is packed with fun, free activities to complete with your children. We’ll also share regular tips and advice, all of which will help develop your baby and toddler's speaking, listening and communication skills. If your child is aged 0-5, there’s something for you!

In each newsletter you'll receive:

- Free activities based on chatting, playing and reading together
- Fun and interactive video content to watch and take part in together
- The latest tips and advice to help your child to learn at home

https://wordsforlife.org.uk/newsletter/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT-N4dwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7HA55PtLKGkv_mBe9ZU2ZWKyG4clBEZjNMOWEcnY5VIcxJHJ8Ikj_eVjnCBA_aem_YK9tjmhnJV_eWudTEpNTSw

Receive tips and activities to help your child learn at home with our newsletter.

28/08/2026

⁉️ Did you know that you can also claim Tax-Free Childcare alongside 30 hours for working parents ⁉️(However, You cannot get both Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare at the same time)

Families can use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for any approved childcare, including holiday clubs, breakfast and after school clubs and childminders. See more information⬇️

Best Start in Life

For eligible working parents who can get a £2 top-up for every £8 towards the cost of their childcare.

27/08/2026

💡 Did you know?

Most of a child's brain development happens during their early years, making ages 3 and 4 a crucial time for learning and growth.

Early education provides opportunities to: 🌈 Explore 🎵 Play 📖 Learn 👫 Socialise https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/nurseries-childcare/15-hours-free-early-education-3-4-year-olds

26/08/2026

To help students transition from primary to secondary school the BBC has partnered with YoungMinds Find your Feet project, aimed at enabling schools to actively support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children as they start the next chapter in their lives.

26/08/2026

Happy ! We love our four-legged friends and all the joy they bring to our lives. But we also know that any dog can bite if they feel they have no other option.

That’s why it’s so important to learn what you can do as a family to keep everyone safe and happy together.

Download our fact sheet for top tips: https://capt.org.uk/dogs-and-children/

25/08/2026

📢 Is your child aged 2?

They could be eligible for funded early learning in Rotherham!

🌟 Learn through play 🌟 Make friends 🌟 Build confidence 🌟 Get ready for nursery and school

Check if you qualify and give your child the best possible start. Call us on 0800 073 0230 / 01709 822429

24/08/2026

It’s that time of year when many of us are thinking about the return to school.

Perhaps this year will be the first your child is going without you. Or maybe your child is changing school and they have a new route to learn.

It can be a nerve-wracking time for us parents and carers. But, here are some tips to help your child with the transition and keep them safe on their walk to and from school.

⭐Encourage them to sit down and plan their route, highlighting safe places to cross and any friends they might travel with
⭐To build confidence you can practice the route together
⭐Talk about the dangers your child might come across and ask questions to encourage them to think for themselves
⭐Devices can be a major distraction, so encourage your child to put them away and take any headphones out while crossing the road

Do you have any tips to add?

Learn more: https://capt.org.uk/walking-to-school-alone/