Parenting & Early Years Resources
Family Corner is a dedicated resource hub from the Early Years Alliance, designed to support parents and carers through the critical window of birth to age five. Rooted in the belief that parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers, the platform provides free, expert-led guidance to help every child reach their full potential.
The site offers a wealth of practical advice on essential milestones, including communication, emotional well-being, and physical health. Beyond articles, families can access free virtual learning sessions and structured programmes led by early years specialists. By blending play-based activities with professional insights, Family Corner empowers parents with the tools and confidence needed to give their children the best possible start in life.
Click here to visit Family Corner
Best Start in Life is the UK government’s official digital hub, providing a "one-stop shop" for families navigating the journey from pregnancy through to the early school years. Launched to streamline support for parents and carers, the platform integrates essential health advice with practical administrative tools. It serves as the central gateway for checking eligibility for 15 and 30-hour childcare offers, Tax-Free Childcare, and the expanding network of school-based nurseries and wraparound care.
In addition to financial guidance, the site offers expert-led resources in partnership with the NHS, covering everything from weaning and vaccinations to early communication and school readiness. By connecting families to local "Family Hubs" and providing research-based developmental tips, Best Start in Life ensures that parents have a single, trusted source of information. The initiative is designed to simplify the parenting journey and ensure every child, regardless of background, has the foundation they need to thrive.
Click here to visit Best Start in Life
BBC Tiny Happy People is a major educational initiative designed to help close the "word gap" by supporting early language and communication skills in children aged 0–4. At its heart is a simple but powerful message: talk to your baby as early as possible, starting from pregnancy. Developed in collaboration with leading experts from the NHS and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, the platform provides parents and carers with the "how and why" behind early brain development.
In addition to financial guidance, the site offers expert-led resources in partnership with the NHS, covering everything from weaning and vaccinations to early communication and school readiness. By connecting families to local "Family Hubs" and providing research-based developmental tips, Best Start in Life ensures that parents have a single, trusted source of information. The initiative is designed to simplify the parenting journey and ensure every child, regardless of background, has the foundation they need to thrive.
Click here to visit Tiny Happy People
The National Sleep Helpline, operated by The Sleep Charity, is a free, confidential service designed to help children, teenagers, and adults overcome sleep difficulties. Recognizing that sleep is a vital pillar of health—yet often overlooked—the charity provides a non-medical safe space where families can speak directly with trained sleep advisors.
The helpline is particularly valuable for parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as many of the advisors are specialists in this area. Whether a family is struggling with bedtime resistance, night terrors, or the impact of teenage hormonal changes on rest, the service offers evidence-based behavioral strategies to restore healthy routines. By providing practical tips and empathetic listening, the National Sleep Helpline empowers families to understand the "why" behind sleep issues and implement simple, effective changes for a better night’s rest..
Click here to visit The National Sleep Helpline
The NHS Find a Dentist service is an essential tool for parents looking to establish or maintain their family’s dental health. Good oral hygiene starts early, and this official search platform makes it easy to find local dental practices by simply entering your postcode. It takes the guesswork out of the process by clearly indicating which dentists are currently accepting new NHS patients, including children, ensuring your little ones can get their routine check-ups and preventative care..
In addition to finding a regular dentist, the site provides peace of mind for those unexpected moments. It offers clear guidance on how to access emergency dental treatment for your child outside of normal hours via the NHS 111 service. By using this trusted directory, parents can ensure their children develop healthy smiles from their very first tooth through to their teenage years.
Click here to find your closest Dentist
Coram PACEY (the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years) is a leading charity and membership organisation dedicated to ensuring that children receive the highest standard of care and early education. While much of their work involves training and supporting childcare professionals—such as childminders and nannies—they are an invaluable resource for parents looking to understand their childcare options. PACEY acts as a trusted bridge, helping families find high-quality, home-based care and fostering strong partnerships between parents and the people looking after their children.
For parents, PACEY offers practical guidance on choosing the right setting, understanding childcare costs, and navigating the transition to school. Their resources emphasize the importance of "play-based learning" and provide simple, creative activities families can do at home to support a child’s development. By championing professional standards and providing expert-backed advice, PACEY empowers parents to feel confident and informed as they make some of the most important decisions for their child's early years.
Click here to visit Coram PACEY
Early Education (The British Association for Early Childhood Education) is a national charity that has been championing the rights of young children to high-quality care and education for over a century. While they are a key support network for teachers and nursery staff, their mission is deeply rooted in helping parents understand the "how" and "why" behind their child’s early learning. They believe that every child deserves the best possible start, and they work to ensure that the education children receive in those first five years is playful, inclusive, and evidence-based.
For parents, Early Education provides a wealth of free resources that translate complex educational theory into practical, everyday advice. They are the leading voice behind the "Birth to 5 Matters" guidance, which helps parents track their child's unique development journey without the pressure of "tests." Whether you are looking for tips on outdoor play, support for a child with additional needs, or advice on how to choose a nursery that truly values your child’s voice, Early Education offers the expert perspective needed to advocate for your child’s future.
Click here to visit Early Education
ABC Does is a popular educational platform founded by Dr. Alistair Bryce-Clegg, one of the UK’s leading experts in early childhood development. While the site is a go-to resource for teachers and nursery staff, it offers parents a unique window into how children actually learn through play. Dr. Alistair’s philosophy centers on the idea that "rigorous play" is the most powerful tool for a child's progress, helping parents move beyond traditional "worksheets" to understand the science of curiosity and engagement.
For parents, the site provides a wealth of creative, low-cost activity ideas that can be easily replicated at home—turning everyday moments like snack time or a walk in the park into rich learning opportunities. ABC Does is particularly helpful for families navigating the transition from Reception to Year 1, offering advice on how to maintain a child’s love for learning as their education becomes more formal. By following Dr. Alistair’s research-backed tips, parents can feel empowered to support their child’s speech, physical development, and early writing in a way that feels like fun, not a chore.
Place2Be is a leading national charity focused on improving children’s mental health by providing emotional support within school communities. Recognizing that children can only thrive when they feel secure and understood, the organization works to ensure that no child has to face mental health challenges alone. They offer a unique "whole-school" approach, providing professional counseling and support to children, while also equipping the adults in their lives with the tools to manage emotional wellbeing.
For parents and carers, Place2Be is an invaluable source of guidance for navigating the ups and downs of family life. Through their "Parenting Smart" platform, they offer practical, expert-backed advice on a wide range of common concerns—from managing meltdowns and anxiety to supporting a child through transitions like moving house or starting a new school. By focusing on building strong, resilient relationships between parents and children, Place2Be helps families create a supportive home environment where mental health is prioritized and every child feels heard.
ERIC is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to helping children and teenagers manage bowel and bladder health. For parents, they are the go-to resource for overcoming the hurdles of potty training. Their approach is rooted in the "Let’s Go Potty" method, which focuses on three clear steps: preparation, practice, and finally, stopping the use of nappies. Unlike many traditional guides, ERIC provides evidence-based advice that helps parents understand the physical signs of readiness and the importance of healthy habits—like proper hydration and avoiding constipation—to ensure a smoother journey.
The website is a treasure trove of practical tools, including downloadable reward charts, "wee and poo" checkers, and specialized advice for children with additional needs or sensory processing difficulties. Beyond their articles, ERIC operates a free national helpline and an online community where parents can find empathetic support for common issues like bedwetting or stool withholding. By turning a stressful milestone into a manageable, step-by-step process, ERIC empowers parents to feel confident and helps children gain independence with dignity..