Islington Council

Becoming a parent is a major life event that brings all sorts of changes. On the following pages you'll find all sorts of useful information about being a parent, from registering the birth of your baby through to child care options and education within the borough.

Once your baby is born, you will need to register the birth within 42 days. You can find more information about where to go and how to register the birth on the how to register. Of course before you do that you need to be sure about a name! Try visiting yourbabysname.com by clicking on the link below for a list of over 10,000 names for baby boys and girls.

Islington Council can help you work through all your options about childcare as well as information about paying for childcare such as tax credits. There are many different types of childcare available depending on your needs and in this section, each option is explained and listings of childcare services will also be available.

Things to Do With Young Children includes up-to-date information about parent and toddler groups, arts and leisure activities for under-5s, days out that will also suit older children, and support groups for parents.

We also have information for children with special needs and how the council can help you.

• Children's Information Service
• Children with Special Needs
• Things to Do with Young Children
• Fostering
• Your Baby's Name
• Gingerbread
• Directgov pages on having a baby
• British Association for Adoption and Fostering
• Fostering Network