Information for Parents

The Change for Children programme from Every Child Matters aims to "ensure that support for parents becomes routine, particularly at key points in a child or young person’s life". This support may be in the form of information, advice or signposting to other services. It is important that practitioners engage parents in their children’s learning.

This section of the website provides information and resources to support parents in becoming more involved in their children’s learning and development.

Outlined in the publications page are a range of leaflets which practitioners can order to support parents who may require more information about what it means to be bilingual or multilingual and the importance of maintaining mother tongue language. Other issues which parents often need support and advice on include how to deal with behavioural difficulties including biting.

There are also a range of leaflets, which help to inform parents about their child’s learning and what they can do to further support their development. For those parents who have younger children/babies, there is a series of very useful fact sheets which are aimed at developing early communication skills.

All of these leaflets are available free of charge. We recommend that they are displayed in an area accessible to parents, and also brought to parents attention at venues such as parents' meetings, transition meetings or home visits.

If practitioners are interested in running particular courses for parents, they should contact Islington Family Learning (link on the right).

Family Support Programmes Available at Children’s Centres

A wide range of family support programmes are available at children’s centres. It would be benefit parents if practitioners were able to promote these courses and opportunities that are provided by their local children's centre (link on the right).

Finally, the Children’s Information Service (CIS) and Children’s Service Directory are very useful contacts to pass on to parents about the services available for children, young people and families.

Children’s Information Service

Contact Islington Children's Information Service (CIS) for information about:

• nurseries and playgroups

• jobs in childcare

• toddler groups

• special needs

• services for young people

• childminders

• playcentres

• schools

• health services

For more information contact the Islington Children's Information Service Helpline on 020 7527 5959.

Children’s Services Directory

The Children’s Services Directory is an online guide to services for children, young people and families. Use the link on the right hand side to visit the Children's Services Directory. It includes information about:

• help with parenting

• leisure and play services

• special needs services

• family support

• childcare

• health services

• housing

For more information contact the Islington Children's Information Service Helpline on 020 7527 5959.