For parents in the Dudley area, there are a number of places where families can access support with school readiness, early development, communication, routines, confidence, parenting and additional needs. Some useful signposts include:

Dudley Family Information Service

Dudley Family Information Service

01384 814398

A useful service for parents looking for local early years activities, childcare information, funding advice and support services.

Parents can be contact here for:

• local stay-and-play groups
• early education opportunities
• childcare options
• support available in the local area

Home-Start Dudley

Home-Start provides free, family-focused support for families with children under five, including practical and emotional support to help parents feel more confident and help children have the best start.

This can be particularly helpful where families need support with:

• routines
• confidence
• parenting challenges
• preparing for nursery or school

Halesowen Family Hub

There is support available for families in Halesowen. Dudley’s Family Hub offer has a Halesowen Spoke based at Halesowen Leisure Centre, which provides local access to family support as part of the wider Dudley Family Hub network.

The Halesowen provision can support families with things such as:

• preparing children for starting school
• stay-and-play opportunities
• early communication and language development
• parenting support
• health visiting and early years advice
• signposting to other services

There are also stay-and-play sessions in Halesowen, including sessions linked to the Family Hub network at Halesowen Town Hall. These provide opportunities for children to develop social skills, communication, confidence and independence through play.

The nearest full Family Hub for Halesowen families is:

• Lye Family Hub — Lye By-Pass, DY9 8HT, 01384 813954, email: fs.halesowen@dudley.gov.uk