Bump to Toddler pathway
This Staffordshire Family Hubs page explains the importance of the first 1,001 days—from conception to a child’s second birthday—when brain development is crucial (80% developed by age two) and highlights how local services support families through pregnancy, birth, early learning, health, safety, and wellbeing.
View the bump to toddler pathway
Activities for you and your child (aged 5 to 25 years)
Helping your child learn through play is one of the best ways to support their development. Staffordshire offers a range of free and low-cost activities for families.
Homezone at home
Looking for ideas at home? Homezone provides simple, affordable activities you can do together, from crafts to cooking.
View more information on Staffordshire Connects.
Libraries
Join free sessions at your local library, including baby bounce and rhyme and story time for pre-school children.
View our Library pages
BBC Tiny Happy People
Get tips and activities to help your child learn and develop.
Visit BBC Tiny Happy People
Parenting support - groupwork
Family hub coaches run free group courses for parents. Learn new skills and meet other families.
Find out about groupwork sessions.
Better Health - Start For Life
Discover NHS advice and ideas for play and bonding with your baby.
Visit Start for Life.
Holiday Activities and Food
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free activities and healthy meals for children and young people during school holidays. It’s aimed at families eligible for benefits-related free school meals, offering fun, enriching experiences alongside nutritious food. The programme runs during Easter, summer, and Christmas breaks, helping children stay active, learn new skills, and enjoy healthy meals in a safe environment.
More information is available on the Holiday Activities and Food pages.
Support for care leavers
Staffordshire offers comprehensive support for care leavers through its Local Offer, ensuring help in areas like housing, finances, education, health, and personal relationships up to the age of 25. Eligible young people receive a Personal Adviser for tailored guidance, priority for social housing or deposit assistance, help with education or training costs, employment support through partnerships and bursaries, and access to health and wellbeing services. Beyond formal support, care leavers benefit from community initiatives such as a Christmas party, essential household items from the Care Leavers Hub, and SIM‑card and holiday support initiatives, all aimed at fostering connection, stability, and independent living.
Find information about support for care leavers.
Support for young carers
A young carer is someone under 18 who helps look after a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition, or struggles with substance misuse. Caring can include practical tasks, emotional support, or helping with daily routines.
If you’re a young carer, support is available to help you balance caring with school, friendships, and your own wellbeing. We can:
- Provide information and advice about your rights and available services
- Offer assessments to understand your needs and plan support
- Connect you with local young carer groups for activities and peer support
- Help with education, training and future opportunities.
Get help and advice
Contact Staffordshire Young Carers Service for free, confidential support.