Breastfeeding Support
Confidential trained support from other mums. Everybody warmly welcomed, siblings and bumps too. Any stage welcome, just starting, going back to work, weaning etc.
Visit the Breastfeeding Network 

Dad.info 
Developed in partnership with Fathers Direct, Dad.info aims to give all UK fathers access to all the information they'll need, from the moment they discover they are going to become a father until their children are grown up and having children of their own. Dad wants to make sure that all the best resources for dads on the internet are available through the links on the Dad website. 

Young Parents 
Find out what's going on for teen parents and parents-to-be in Reading - visit the Young Parents advice and guidance page for more information. 

Home-Start Reading offer a number of services to families who are struggling and have a child under the age of five years in the Reading area, pleases use the following link to find out more. Home-Start Reading

Parenting Courses
Brighter Futures for Children BFfC offer many different parenting courses use the following link to find out more Parenting. Your local children's centres will also run courses and offer support to families, check with your local centre to find out if  they are planning to run any courses. 

Reading Children’s Centres ~ Our children’s centres welcome all families and provide a wide range of services to give children the best start in life. We offer:

• Early education integrated with childcare
• Free activities for babies and toddlers, 0-5 years old.
• Child and family health services
• Family friendly support services
• A journey to employment – support with work or training
• Community volunteer opportunities
• Meet other parents and carers

Visit Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) ~ Children's Centres

Children's Single Point of Access
The Children’s Single Point of Access is Reading’s new arrangement for you to raise concerns about a child (pre-birth to 18 years old); this includes safeguarding and child protection. Having a Single Point of Access allows us to make timely, informed, evidence based decisions to ensure a child’s safety. Click here to find out more.

Primary Health Workers - Children’s Action Teams 
Children's Action Teams (CAT) in Reading have been set up to improve both the quality and speed of our response in meeting the additional needs of children and young people. We have set up four multi-agency teams providing earlier intervention and preventative services to children, young people and parents in the area they live or go to school. 

Private Tuition (tutors and tutor sites available on our website Click here)

National Careers Service
The National Careers Service aims to help adults and young people identify job opportunities determine learning goals and select the training provider that best meets their needs by providing resources including online services and tools. Users of the service will will also be able to access professional careers advice by web-chat or over the telephone, to help them make the right choices and acquire the skills they need to succeed in life and work. Adults over 19 will have access to face-to-face careers advice at a wide range of locations in the community.
Tel:  0800 100 900 

Welcome to New Directions, the Learning & Employment Service for Reading
New Directions is the learning and employment service for Reading Borough Council. The main centre is based in south Reading. New Directions College, Reading  - website

Reading Community Learning Centre
RCLC runs a small programme of courses for women who may not feel very confident about learning. Courses are informal and fun, giving the chance to make friends and enjoy learning in a centre that welcomes people from all cultures and religions. Tel: 0118 959 5455 for more information visit Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC)

Care To Learn - Childcare help for young learners
If you are a young parent aged under 20 year you can get support from Care to Learn with childcare costs. You can claim up to £160 a week for each child (outside London) and any necessary additional travel costs to help get you there. 

Money Helper (formerly Money Advice Service) 
Lots of useful advice from having a baby to separation and divorce Money Helper

For information on the benefits available to families, please visit  www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/families

Separation Advice & Information there is a useful section on the .gov website for anyone who needs help and support after separation, where you can find reliable information on a range of topics (including child maintenance).  www.gov.uk/separation-divorce

Useful links for Parents

Parents useful apps & websites, covering subjects such as flexible working, breastfeeding, staying safe and child development.

Family Information Service leaflets about choosing childcare
Select the ** Choosing leaflet you would like to view in the Related Links Section.

Next review date May 2024