What’s available in Herefordshire
Childcare providers and playgroups
Spending time with different adults and other children, can be a great way to help your child develop new skills and language, along with making new friends!
To find your nearest childcare provider, pre-school, nursery, day care or childminder, take a look at Herefordshire Council’s Early Years Education & Childcare Directory.
Children’s centres
Herefordshire’s Children’s Centres offer Baby Let’s Play and Let’s Play sessions, which can give you lots of ideas and guidance, to support your child to learn through play. To find out what’s available in your local area, visit Herefordshire Council’s website or follow Herefordshire’s Children’s Centre Service’s Facebook page.
Halo Leisure
There are a fantastic range of children’s activities available at Halo centres across Herefordshire, including Swim-A-Song (4 months to 2 years), Swim Tots (6 weeks to 4 years), pre-school swimming lessons (2 to 4 years) and JumpINGym Soft Play, which is also suitable for children with disabilities. To see the full range of activities, including holiday clubs, visit the Halo Leisure website.
Library services
Your local library is a great place to access a fantastic range of free books for under fives, using the special My First Library Card. They also hold various activities, such as the popular Bounce and Rhyme sessions, which are great family fun and include lots of songs, rhymes and musical instruments. To find out more, take a look at the Herefordshire Libraries website.
Local Offer
If your child has a special educational need or disability, take a look at Herefordshire’s Local Offer, to find out more about the support available within the county.
Speech and language therapy
If you believe your child would benefit from seeing a Speech and Language Therapist, a referral can be made by yourself, your GP or Health Visitor to Wye Valley NHS Trust’s Speech and Language Therapy Services.
Top tip 4
While doing everyday things, comment on what you or your child is doing, using simple and repetitive language, such as “out we go” or “here’s mummy / daddy”.