Did you know that a child will learn more about speaking and words in the first five years of their life than at any other time? Your child needs good speaking and listening skills to be able to learn, so it is really important that you help in the development of their language.

Sing and talk to your baby during your pregnancy as your child can begin to recognise your voice from inside the womb. From the moment they are born, make eye contact and smile. Talk to your child about everyday things at home and when you’re out and about.

Follow these links to find out more about how to develop communication from pregnancy onwards:

·       Talk with me communication leaflets  

·       Talking Time activity cards 

·       Why not try this at home? activity ideas for toddlers  

Songs, rhymes and stories

Children learn best when they are playing and songs, rhymes and stories are helpful for developing listening and attention skills. Singing and rhymes help children to develop their speech because they often repeat words. Follow these links to find out more about language development:

·       storytimes 

·       rhymetimes 

 As with other skills, children will develop language skills at different rates. Children understand far more than they can express. If you are really concerned about their speech development then talk to your Health Visitor or log on to the Talking Point website to check how language develops.

Tips about using dummies

Dummies prevent babies from babbling and toddlers from chatting - they need lots of practice at both of these skills to develop their speech. Children with dummies in their mouths will form sounds incorrectly as they cannot put their mouths and tongues in the right position to say a word properly.

Tips about language

Follow bilingual quick tips to learn how to develop good talking and listening skills on the National Literacy Trust website.

Let’s start reading

Reading aloud to children is one of the best ways to get them interested in books. 

Sharing books, stories and rhymes with your child from an early age can help create a lifelong reader. Bookstart is the world’s first national book gifting programme, giving free books to all children in England and Wales at two key ages before school.

Bookstart has free packs of books for your baby and toddler. There are also extra packs available for children who have a hearing or vision impairment, or who speak English as an additional language. Find out what's available from Bookstart and how you can get your child's packs or call your Family Centre.

It's never too early to start sharing stories with your baby. Take a look at the Read with Me leaflets which are full of simple tips you can try with your child. 

You can also get tips in the Read with Me photo album on the SurreyFIS Facebook page and Learn with me web pages.

The National Literacy Trust website has lots of advice and tips for parents, including tips on reading stories aloud.

Libraries are a great place to go to borrow books and if you need some new ideas, check out their book suggestions. They run all sorts of events, like rhymetime and storytime you can join in with. 

Let’s start writing

A lot needs to happen before your child can pick up a pen and write. They need to learn to coordinate hand and eye movements and strengthen their hands and fingers so they can grip and develop balance, e.g. for pencil control.

These leaflets are full of easy ideas you can use to help your child develop the skills they need for writing. 

   Write with me leaflet 6 to 12 months 

   Write with me leaflet 1 to 2 year olds 

   Write with me leaflet 2 to 3 years 

   Write with me leaflet 3 to 4 years 

   Write with me leaflet 4 years plus 

Let’s start counting

Maths is everywhere, even for babies, and by seven months old babies already have a sense of numbers. These leaflets are full of easy ideas to help you develop your child's early maths skills.

Count with me leaflet new-born to 12 months 

Count with me leaflet 1 to 2 years 

Count with me leaflet 2 to 3 years 

Count with me leaflet 3 to 4 years 

Count with me leaflet 4 years plus 

Let’s start moving

These leaflets contain tips and ideas on how to develop your child's physical development through play and activities. 

Move with me leaflet new-born to 6 months 

Move with me leaflet 6 to 12 months 

Move with me leaflet 12 to 18 months 

Move with me leaflet 18 to 24 months 

Move with me leaflet 2 to 3 years 

Move with me leaflet 3 to 4 years 

Move with me leaflet 4 years plus 

 Let me be me

Your child's personal, social and emotional development (PSED) in the first five years of their life is as important as developing physical and communication skills. Follow the links below to find parenting tips to help your child develop and manage feelings and emotions.

Being leaflet 

Belonging leaflet 

Becoming leaflet 

 Let’s go to nursery

The learning experiences children have at nursery or with a childminder can really help to shape them and their development. Early years childcare providers follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework which uses learning through play for every child from birth to five. 

Standards under the framework are clear and consistent, with expectations about safety, welfare and learning clearly set out. The framework allows your child to learn through a range of early learning activities which will be planned to take account of your child's individual needs, interests and stages of development.

You can search for details of toddler groups and childcare on the Family Information Directory. 

 Let’s get ready for school

The Get ready for school booklet gives practical advice about preparing your child for primary or infant school. It contains information on:

·        Finding and applying for a school place

·        Things to think about in the weeks before school

·        Childcare

·        Life at school

·        Time for you

You can find further information on when and how to apply for a school place on the school admissions web page.

Some children struggle with maths or numeracy, but the good news is that there are several ways parents can help their child become confident with numbers.

How you can help:
Speak with your child's school – find out what they are teaching to help your child's numeracy skills so that you understand and can support what your child's teachers are trying to do.

Reduce their anxiety-praise your child

·       help with homework – be involved and interested

·       encourage mathematical games and activities at home - relate these to what your child is learning at school and make it fun.

Doing the maths

• check that your child can explain the problem they have to solve

• use easy words to explain the problem.

• use practical items for maths tasks like counting, e.g. money, make the homework meaningful.

• make number facts fun – for example, use times tables song

• use mental arithmetic by talking about different ways to get a right answer

• help your child find a mistake and praise them for doing this.

Discuss any concerns you have with your child's teacher.

Math games and activities

Make maths fun by involving the family and trying new ways to practice maths skills. Ideas include:

• sorting, counting, matching, comparing

• using number songs and rhymes

• using puzzle books and games

• spotting numbers on bus and car number plates

• counting money and change when you go shopping

• telling the time

• asking your child to halve or double the numbers in a recipe you give them

• measuring furniture and spaces to see what would fit where

• reading bus and train timetables.

Find out about extra support available for your child at school https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/at-school/extra-support-for-your-child 

Helping your child to read

Reading helps children to spell better. See 'helping your child to read' for some useful tips.

Libraries for 5+

It's free to join the library and to borrow books and audio books! You can join by visiting the library or joining online.

Explore centuries of stories, poems and illustrations at the British Library with Discovering Children's Books, a free online resource for children, teachers and book-lovers of all ages. 

Reading Well for Children is the new, expert endorsed, booklist from the Reading Agency.

What to do if you think your child has needs extra support

If your child needs more support with learning than others, they may have special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND), because they:

• are not learning as quickly as most other children

• have a learning difficulty such as dyslexia

• have a disability or health problem

• are struggling to communicate or understand what people are saying

• find it hard to talk to people in social situations

• have emotional or behavioural problems.

There are different levels of SEND; as many as one in five children may need extra support at some stage with their learning. Visit the Local Offer for further information.

If you think your child may be slow in developing or has trouble seeing or hearing properly, it's important you speak to your:

• doctor or health visitor

• nursery or pre-school keyworker or special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)

local child development clinic or Family Centre.

At the Spelthorne Family Centres, we understand that the adolescent journey – while full of potential – can also present unique challenges for families. We're here to be your trusted partner, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to support your teenager's development and strengthen your family bonds during these crucial years.

Educational Support

Academic Confidence Builders: We provide targeted homework support and collaborative study groups to help your child build a strong academic foundation and develop independent learning skills.

Personalised Learning Pathways: Our one-to-one mentoring and tutoring in core subjects offer individualized attention to address specific learning needs and maximize their academic success.

Preparing for Future Success: Our exam preparation workshops, including dedicated GCSE support, equip your teen with effective strategies and reduce exam-related stress.

Nurturing Curiosity and Innovation: Through creative arts and STEM clubs, we encourage exploration, critical thinking, and the development of valuable skills for the future.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Providing a Safe Space for Emotional Growth: Our individual and group counselling services offer confidential support for your teen's emotional wellbeing, helping them navigate complex feelings and build resilience.

Fostering Positive Peer Connections: Our peer support programs create opportunities for your child to build healthy relationships and learn from their peers in a supportive environment.

Equipping Them with Coping Strategies: We offer mindfulness and stress management sessions to provide practical tools for managing anxiety and the pressures of adolescence.

Guidance Through Challenges: We address critical issues such as bullying and peer pressure, empowering your teen with the skills and confidence to navigate these situations effectively.

Social and Recreational Opportunities

Promoting Healthy Social Development: Our youth clubs and social evenings offer safe and engaging spaces for your teen to build friendships and develop social skills.

Encouraging Physical and Mental Wellness: Our sports and fitness sessions provide opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and stress relief.

Cultivating Creativity and Self-Expression: Our creative arts workshops allow your child to explore their talents and express themselves in a positive way.

Creating Lasting Family Memories: Our day trips, camps, and outdoor adventures offer opportunities for shared experiences and strengthening family bonds.

Personal Development Initiatives

Developing Essential Life Skills: Our leadership and life skills workshops equip your teenager with practical skills for independence and responsible decision-making.

Guiding Future Pathways: Our career guidance and work experience placements help your teen explore their interests and gain valuable insights into the world of work.

Building Confidence and Communication Skills: Through public speaking and confidence-building activities, we empower your child to express themselves effectively and with self-assurance.

Fostering Civic Responsibility: Our volunteering and community service opportunities encourage empathy, social awareness, and a sense of contribution.

Digital and Online Safety Education

Empowering Responsible Digital Citizenship: We provide training on safe internet use and digital literacy to help your teen navigate the online world responsibly.

Raising Awareness and Prevention of Cyberbullying: We educate young people about cyberbullying and equip them with strategies for prevention and response.

Providing Guidance for Social Media Engagement: We offer practical advice for teenagers on using social media in a healthy and safe manner.

Partnering with Parents for Online Safety: Our workshops for parents and young people promote open communication and a shared understanding of online safety.

Family Support Services

Navigating Teenage Challenges Together: Our parenting workshops offer valuable insights and strategies for addressing the unique challenges of raising adolescents.

Facilitating Healthy Family Communication: Our family counselling and mediation services provide a supportive space to improve communication and resolve conflicts.

Providing Stability During Difficult Times: We offer financial advice and support for families facing financial hardship.

Strengthening Family Bonds: We provide guidance and resources to help you build strong, positive, and supportive family relationships.

We're Here to Support You:

Are you ready to explore how our Family Centre can support your teenager and your family? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can partner with you during these important years.

At the Spelthorne Family Centre, we provide targeted support and resources to help both your young adult and your family navigate this exciting and sometimes complex phase. We aim to empower their independence while offering a safety net of guidance and support.

Educational and Career Pathways

Navigating Further Education & Training: We offer guidance and workshops on applying to universities, colleges, and vocational training programs, helping them make informed decisions about their next steps.

Exploring Career Options: Our career counselling services provide insights into various industries, potential career paths, and the skills needed for success in the professional world.

Developing Essential Employability Skills: We offer workshops focused on CV writing, interview techniques, and workplace etiquette, equipping them for future employment.

Bridging the Gap Year: For those considering a gap year, we provide resources and advice on planning meaningful and enriching experiences.

Nurturing Independence and Wellbeing:

Supporting Mental and Emotional Resilience: We offer individual and group support to help young adults manage the stresses of this transitional period, including anxiety related to exams, future plans, and relationships.

Fostering Healthy Relationships: We provide guidance on navigating romantic relationships, maintaining friendships, and developing healthy communication skills.

Developing Independent Living Skills: Workshops on budgeting, time management, and basic life skills can help your young adult prepare for greater independence.

Promoting Responsible Decision-Making: We offer resources and discussions on topics such as financial literacy, responsible social behaviour, and making informed choices.

Health and Wellbeing Resources: We offer information and resources on physical health, sexual health, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Strengthening Family Connections During Transition:

Facilitating Open Communication: We offer family mediation and counselling services to help families navigate changing dynamics and maintain strong relationships as young adults gain independence.

Understanding Emerging Adulthood: Workshops and resources can help parents understand the developmental milestones and challenges unique to this age group.

Supporting Their Transition to Independence: We provide guidance for parents on how to offer appropriate support while fostering their young adult's autonomy.

Navigating the "Letting Go" Process: We offer a supportive space for parents to discuss the emotional aspects of their child moving towards greater independence.

Connecting for the Next Chapter:

Are you looking for support as your young adult embarks on this exciting phase? Contact us today to learn more about our services tailored for this age group and how we can assist your family.

Navigating the transition to adulthood can be challenging, especially for young people with additional needs and their families. At the Spelthorne Family centres, we’re dedicated to providing the support, resources, and guidance needed to make this journey as smooth and fulfilling as possible.

We can help empower young adults to build the confidence and skills they need for independent living through:

Daily living skills training (cooking, budgeting, personal care)

Supported independent living programs

Travel training and public transport guidance

Social skills development for building lasting relationships

Education and Training

Learning doesn’t stop at 18. We provide opportunities for ongoing education:

• Support with college and university applications

• Vocational training and apprenticeship programs

• Skill-building workshops (IT, communication, practical trades)

• Access to specialised educational support and tutors

Employment and Career Support

We help young adults find meaningful work and career opportunities:

• CV writing and interview preparation

• Job coaching and workplace support

• Internships and supported employment placements

• Connections to inclusive employers and mentoring networks

Emotional Wellbeing and Social Connections

• Mental health and social belonging are key to a fulfilling life. We offer:

• One-on-one and group counselling sessions

• Peer support groups for confidence and self-esteem

• Social clubs, hobbies, and interest-based meetups

• Workshops on managing stress, anxiety, and building resilience

Family Support and Advocacy

We’re here for families every step of the way and can help by offering:

• Workshops for parents on supporting young adults

• Guidance on legal rights, benefits, and financial support

• Advocacy services for accessing healthcare and social care

• Family mediation and conflict resolution support