Support for parents/carers of children.
Select 'View all services' to see everything available to support families with chidlren, or browse our highlights below.
Health and WellbeingFind details on health services listed on this website from local support groups to counselling, helplines and much moreFind out more LeisureDiscover family-friendly events, clubs for your children and holiday activities throughout Cornwall. Find out more
Parenting ProgrammesParenting programmes are courses/groups that support you with some of the challenges of being a parent. We offer a selection of free courses, whatever the age or needs of your child.Find out moreEducationBrowse a range of learning opportunities for the whole family. Find out more
Your Local Family Hub Services and support for Families. Parent and toddler groups, parenting programmes, support and drop-in sessions.Find out more
Fun resources for their development
Booktrust
BookTrust transforms lives by getting children and families reading Each year we reach millions of children across the UK with books, resources and support.
Indoor Activity Ideas
Indoor activity ideas to try at home!
Helpful Advice and Guidance
Free online courses for parents and parents to be - The Solihull Approach
How to access the courses
- Use the link below to visit the In Our Place website
- Click on 'Start Now' and add the access code 'TAMAR' for free access
- Fill in some details to create an account
Parenting courses at our local Family Hubs
Parenting programmes are courses/groups that support you with some of the challenges of being a parent.
Positive parenting - the NSPCC guide
Need-to-know: how to set boundaries and build positive relationships.
Top Tips for Parents
Use our helpful factsheets to find expert advice on key areas of looking after your new baby from when they are born to when they go to school.
Parental arguments - understanding the effects on your children
Many of us will remember what it was like to listen to our parents arguing. The feelings of helplessness, panic and sadness. A desire to block it out or run away.
How can I use a reward chart?
A reward chart is a tool for encouraging and praising the positive behaviour of your child.
Dealing with child behaviour problems
There are lots of possible reasons for difficult behaviour in toddlers and young children. Often it's just because they're tired, hungry, overexcited, frustrated or bored.
Challenging behaviour
Parents often feel helpless and in despair about their children’s behaviour and unsure of the best approach to tackle this.
My children argue all the time and I can’t cope
Arguments between children can be upsetting for a parent.
Stepfamilies
Advice on becoming a stepfamily.
Helping your child stay connected with their culture
Living between two cultures – a ‘British’ way of life and the culture your parents or grandparents grew up with, can be a rich and fulfilling experience – but there can also be conflicts and challenges.
Home or out alone guide
A guide to help parents and carers decide whether their child is ready to either stay at home or go out alone.
Mobile phones
When most of us were children mobile phones didn’t even exist, so it can feel quite alien to us when our children feel the need to have one. The ever-growing market has tapped into the technology-thirsty young generation and there are even mobile phones for four-year-olds!
How can I support my child with homework?
Homework can be a frustrating and upsetting experience for dyslexic students and their parents.
Homework
With all the pressure of school work, puberty, social life and other commitments playing their part, it's understandable that your child might sometimes feel a little overwhelmed by their homework.
Absence from school
All children are likely to have short absences from school when they are ill, but some children with a disability or health condition will have lengthy or repeated periods off school.
What is Attachment Parenting?
Attachment parenting is all about relationship quality. By creating an environment of love, encouragement, support and light-heartedness the child's innate wellbeing will shine through.
Financial Support
Universal Credit
Universal Credit can be paid to top-up income from work or other benefits or if you have no other income. You do not need to work a certain number of hours to claim Universal Credit but you are expected to work or look for work as many hours as you are able to.
Child Benefits
You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16 or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
15 Hours of Funded Childcare for Three & Four-Year-Olds
All children are eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare from the term after they turn three! You don't need to do anything to claim this, just let your Ofsted registered childcare provider know that you want to use these hours.
30 Hours of Funded Childcare for Three & Four-Year-Olds
Some 3 to 4-year-olds are eligible for 30 hours of free childcare a week, providing that you work a minimum number of hours each week. This link also includes information on the entitlement for foster parents/carers.
Tax-Free Childcare
You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year).
Council Tax Support
Council tax support helps people who have no income or a low income to pay their council tax.
Need additional information?
You can find out more by using the link below.
Support for Disabilities
Support for parents with children who have disabilities:
Parents Carers Cornwall
Are you a parent/carer of a child with additional needs or disabilities? Do you attend meetings with schools, health services and organisations? Do you lack confidence in attending these on your own and wish you had someone who could go with you? Parents 4 Parents…07591 019548
Friends of Face2Face Cornwall Oasis Group
Are you the parent/carer of a child 0-25 with a disability or additional need? If so, please join us for a friendly chat with trained parent befrienders who can offer support and signpost. Also, meet with other parents/carers in a similar situation over a cuppa!
SEND Local Offer
Cornwall’s SEND Local Offer helps families by gathering in one place, the information that they need to know in order to make informed choices about the support they receive.
Cornwall's Max Card Scheme
The Max Card is the UK’s leading discount card for families of children with additional needs. Families can use their Max Card at venues across the UK to get free or discounted admission.
Support for parents who have disabilities:
The Special Parenting Service
The Special Parenting Service (SPS) supports parents with a learning disability or difficulty. Our team helps parents by providing specialist assessments and interventions to help them achieve their parenting potential and improve outcomes for their children. The service also provides specialist consultation to health and…01209 318358
Easy read information for parents with learning difficulties
Useful Apps
Handi app
The HANDi Paediatric app gives up to date advice about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them. It’s now available to download for free onto any Apple or Android smartphone or tablet. The app contains information about when and how to ask for help, along with what to expect when your child is being assessed.
Anything Missing
This information is a constant work in progress, please get in touch with us if there's anything missing.