Parenting Programmes
We understand that parenting can be hard and there are always new challenges that may a rise. Our parenting programmes aim to support you on your parenting journey to help you be the best parent you can be.
Health After Birth
Postnatal care is the health support mothers and babies get in the months after birth. The hospital where you had your baby, or who supported the birth, offers lots of services. There are also some digital tools to help you.
Baby Massage
This 5-week baby massage course is by professional referral or self referral (the child must be under 12 months). Baby massage strengthens the bond with your baby through touch and will enhance bonding & attachment between parent & their baby.
Feeding Your Child
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or doing both, you may have questions.
Developmental Milestones
Babies’ brains grow a lot in their first 1,001 days. That’s why the first two years are called the ‘golden window’ for brain development. Find out more about their journey.
Early Language for Babies and Toddlers
Talking, listening, and playing with your child helps them learn to express themselves, understand others and build relationships.
Finding Childcare
Group sessions for parent and children
Our group sessions for children aged 0–4 and their parents offer a fun, engaging environment to bond and grow together. Through storytelling, cooking, dancing, and other interactive physical activities, families can nurture communication, encourage creativity, and strengthen relationships.
Support for Dads and Partners
Children don’t come with instructions and learning to be a parent can be very tough. Dads are just as important in bringing them up and they have support needs of their own.
Your Mental Health
Perinatal mental health support is for problems during pregnancy or the first year after birth. Problems can affect nearly one in three people. Learn more about perinatal mental health and where you can find help.
Navigating the Early Years
Watch these short films by The Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation supporting your understanding of children as they grow.
These short videos are very simple, engaging and offer very good explanations to support your understanding of how children learn, strategies that will help children and why they work.
Skills for Starting School
Look through expert-informed tips and fun activities to help with everything from building independence and easing separation anxiety, to supporting language development, listening & attention skills and preparing for the classroom. There’s even a brand-new song – Get Ready to Go with CBeebies – to make morning routines more fun.
Collect your Get Set for Nursery Passport today!
Getting ready for nursery isn’t about numbers or writing- it’s about confidence, communication and independence. Our Get Set for Nursery Passport is a simple, parent-friendly guide to help your child take part, make friends and feel ready to learn. Pick up your free copy from your local Family Hub or Health Visitor and start building those important everyday skills at home. Collect from any of the following:
Thames View Health Centre, Bastable Avenue, Barking, IG11 0LG
Five Elms Health Centre, Five Elms Road, Dagenham, RM9 5TT
Child and Family Centre, 79 Axe Street, Barking, IG11 7lZ
Julia Engwell Health Centre, Woodward Road, Dagenham, RM9 4SR
Barking Learning Centre, 2 Town Square, Barking, IG11 7NB
Dagenham Library, 1 Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, RM10 9QS
Alibon Children’s Centre, 177 Sterry Rd, Dagenham, RM10 8PT