Other support available

Screentime for under fives

Many families find it really hard to manage screen time. About one out of four parents say it is tough to control how much time their young children spend on screens and almost all two-year-olds watch a screen every day.

It’s really difficult to get the balance right with busy family lives. But too much screen time alone can take away from the really important things like sleeping, playing, exercising and talking with adults.

The good news is there are new tips to help parents get the balance right. You can find these on the Best Start in Life website. Here are the key tips:

• Avoid screen time for under twos other than shared activities that encourage bonding and conversation.
• Try to keep it to no more than one hour a day for two to five-year-olds. Not whilst eating or in the hour before bed.
• Choose slower easy to follow content. Fast social media-style videos and AI toys or tools should not be used for young children.
• Watch or use screens together. Talk and ask questions together rather than screen time alone.

Remember, fun times together like playing and reading are always better than sitting in front of a screen.

These tips can help make sure screens don't take away real-life fun.

Financial support and free school meals

Eating a healthy and nutritious lunch helps children grow well and stay focused in class.

If your child is in a government-funded school and is in reception, year 1 or year 2, they can get free school meals.

After year 2, your child may still get free school meals, depending on your family’s situation.

For full details about who can get free school meals, visit our free school meals page.

For more information about financial support, you can visit the website, Community Action Derby: Support for your family.

Safeguarding – what do I do if I’m worried about a child’s safety?

If you think a child is in immediate danger and needs protection, you should call the police on 999 now.

If you need advice from the police but the child is not in immediate danger, you can call 101.

If the child is not in danger right now and you want more information, you can visit:

• Safeguarding children web pages
• Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust: Worried about someone's safety?

The Solihull Approach – parenting support

The Solihull Approach offers support for the emotional health and wellbeing of children, parents, carers and also grandparents.

They provide free online courses and resources for families.

They have a website called 'inourplace', where you can find parenting advice from pregnancy up until your child is 19 years old. The site gives guidance on both physical and mental health. It helps families build better relationships from before a baby is born, through to early adulthood.

You can find more information, including how to sign up and use the online courses and resources, on the website Togetherness: Learn.