Support & Advice
💛 Family Support
Here for you, every step of the way
Parenting is an amazing journey, but we know that sometimes you may need a little extra support. At Headstart, you’re never on your own.
Whether you have questions about your child’s development, behaviour, speech and language, SEND, family life or accessing local services, our team are always happy to listen, offer guidance and help you find the right support.
We've also brought together some trusted local services and useful resources to help families access advice and support when they need it.
💜 Need a little extra support?
Every family is different, and sometimes you may have questions or concerns about your child's development, behaviour, wellbeing or additional needs.
Our team are here to listen without judgement and help you understand what support may be available.
If you are unsure where to start, speak to your child's key person or a member of the Headstart team. We can help point you towards appropriate services and resources.
You're not alone. We're here to help. 💛
🌈 Local Family Support
Thurrock Family Hubs
Thurrock Family Hubs bring together a range of services and support for children, young people and families, making it easier to find advice and help in your local community.
Support can include:
- 👨👩👧 Advice and guidance for parents and carers
- 🧸 Activities and sessions for children and families
- 💚 Family and parenting support
- 🗣️ Child development and early years support
- 👶 Baby and child play sessions
- 🌱 Support with your child's development
- 💜 SEND advice and support
- 🏠 Health and wellbeing services
Thurrock Family Hubs
Thurrock’s Young People & Families Directory
This is Thurrock's Local Offer and online directory of local services to help children, young people and families.
The information and advice here is for young people up to the age of 25, parents, prospective parents, carers, and anyone working with children and families.
Thurrock SEND Local Offer
What is a Local Offer? A Local Offer gives children and young people in the borough, who have Special Educational Needs (SEN) and/or a disability, information in one place. The Thurrock Local Offer aims to provide clear, comprehensive and accessible information about what services and provisions are available in Thurrock for parents and young people.
The local offer is part of the reforms to support children and young people with SEND under the Children and Families Act 2014. You can find out more about the reforms in the Department for Education's guidance:
Easy Read Guide for Children and Young People
Easy Read Guide for Parents
Local Offer GEM
Contact us if you require more information or have specific access requirements to view the Local Offer.
Telephone 01375 652801 or email us at fis@thurrock.gov.uk
ASK Thurrock
Ask Teddi
Trusted, Reliable, Personalised, and On Demand
Teddi has been built on evidence-based data, resources from trusted sources, knowledge from key subject matter experts, insights from large teams of Health Visitors and School Nurses, parenting expertise, user feedback, and advances in AI to be there for you at any time.
Ask Teddi
Pantosaurus NSPCC
Tips and advice to start a Talk PANTS conversation
Talk PANTS is here to help children understand that they have a right to say no and if they need to speak out about something, someone will listen.
We know that a simple conversation can make a BIG difference, and that’s what Talk PANTS is all about. To help you get the conversation started, we’ll send you helpful tips, advice and materials by email.
NSPCC - Pants
Techosaurus
New online safety dinosaur!
Children are growing up in a time where screens are everywhere and the internet plays a big part in their lives, even from a very young age.
This can be beneficial, they can learn new things, connect with friends and family, and have fun. But it's important to have conversations on how to explore the online world safely.
Techosaurus has their own book. Help Techosaurus and their friends defeat the online dinobots and save the school. Also there is a Video available to watch!
Techosaurus
Register with a Dentist
Children’s oral health is an essential part of their overall health and wellbeing. Early dental care helps prevent tooth decay, supports healthy development, and builds positive habits for life.
Is your child registered with a dentist and attending regular check-ups?
We encourage all families to ensure their child is registered with a local NHS dentist. Regular dental visits help:
Prevent tooth decay and gum disease
Identify issues early
Support healthy eating and oral hygiene habits
Build confidence and reduce dental anxiety
You can find a local dentist using the NHS local dentist finder.
Helpful tips for good oral health at home:
Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Supervise brushing for young children
Limit sugary snacks and drinks
Encourage drinking water between meals
Start dental visits as soon as the first teeth appear
Supporting good oral health from an early age helps children develop strong, healthy smiles for life 😊
