Child Health

Kent Family

Find ways to support your child's development and to help them to be happy and healthy.

Visit the Kent Family website

Best Start In Life

Supporting Families Every Step of the Way

From wobbly first steps to confident first days at school, Best Start in Life is here to support families through every stage of early childhood. Whether you're expecting a baby or navigating childcare and education, you'll find trusted advice, practical tools, and local support to help your child thrive.

What You’ll Find on the Best Start in Life Hub

Explore a wide range of resources tailored to your child’s age and development:

• Health and wellbeing advice for expectant parents
• Support with infant feeding, sleep routines, and bonding
• Baby development tips including tummy time and sensory play

Toddler to Pre-School

• Language and emotional development activities
• Parenting courses and behaviour support
• Ideas for play and learning at home

Starting School

• School readiness checklists and fun ways to build key skills
• Guidance for children with SEND
• Wraparound childcare and breakfast club information

Family Support Services

Best Start Family Hubs: Local one-stop centres offering:

• Stay-and-play sessions
• Parenting advice
• Health services
• SEND support
• Help with housing, finance, and more

Tools and Checkers

• Childcare support eligibility checker
• Information on 15 to 30 hours free childcare
• Access to free breakfast clubs and early education offers

Visit the Best Start In Life website

NSPCC

If you’re worried about a child, even if you’re unsure, contact NSPCC professional counsellors for help, advice and support.

Visit the NSPCC website

Childline

Offers free, confidential advice and support for any child 18 years or under, whatever the worry.

Visit the Childline website

Contact: For families with disabled children

Contact support families with the best possible guidance and information. For every shape and size of family, whatever they need and whatever their child’s disability.

Visit the Contact website

Dyspraxia Foundation

The helpline is available to help you with problems and issues you may encounter; offering help and advice to people with dyspraxia, parents, carers, and families about or on the subject of dyspraxia.

Visit the Dyspraxia Foundation website

Cleft Lip and Palate Association

The helpline is available to help you with problems and issues you may encounter; offering help and advice to people with dyspraxia, parents, carers, and families about or on the subject of dyspraxia.

Visit the Cleft Lip and Palate Association website

Change4Life

Change4Life aims to help your family be healthier and happier. Find out more about what’s really in the food your family eats.

Visit the Change4Life website