What you can expect from Early Years services

The most important place where young children learn is at home with their families - so early years services aren't just about providing activities for children in centres, but also about helping you to help your child.

In this section you can find out more about the services that are available to support families of young children and what you can expect from the people who work in them.

You are the person who knows your child best – what they like doing, what they can do, their important relationships and lots more.

At different stages of your child's life, you will have contact with professionals involved with your child, such as midwives, health visitors, children's centre workers or people providing specialist help such as speech therapists.

You bring your knowledge of your child and your family and the professional brings information and support so that you can work in partnership together in the interests of your child.

You can expect these professionals to:

  • Listen to what you have to say – about your experiences and feelings as a parent, difficulties you may be experiencing as a family and your view of what will help you and your child.
  • Respect you and your family – families come in all shapes and sizes with different cultural traditions and there is no one right way to bring up children.
  • Find out what help and information you and your family need and let you know about activities and services that are available.
  • Help you to support your child's learning at home by offering ideas of things you and your child can do together - and where you can get books and toys without needing to spend a lot of money.
  • Discuss concerns about your child's health and development and let you know how to access specialist help if it is needed.

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Last updated: 3rd December 2009 at 04:12:38