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Start for Life

We are a key delivery partner for Better Health - Start for Life, a campaign launched by the Department for Education encouraging families to chat, play and read with their 0-5 year olds.

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Tips and activities for families with 0–5-year-olds

There are a lot of ways to support your child to learn new words and develop their language and communication skills. You’re probably doing a lot of them already! Every smile, cuddle, chat and game makes a huge difference.

90% of your child's brain growth happens before the age of five. Right from the start, all those little moments you spend together with your child are building their brain and supporting their development.

Below you’ll find lots of simple, free, fun activities to enjoy little moments together throughout your day.

Speech, language and communication support in your local area:

Family Hubs bring together local services and advice for babies and children. They’re the place to find support and information from a variety of services, including early speech, language and communication. Find your nearest Family Hub on this webpage.

  • A toddler in a woolly hat carried by his dad

    Go for a winter walk

    The changing seasons offer a great opportunity to introduce new words. Head outside and chat about the things your child notices around them.

    Read Go for a winter walk now
  • Toddler and dad bath

    Little Moments Together cards

    Talking and listening to your baby helps build their communication skills from the very start. Our Little Moments Together Cards are filled with tips and conversation ideas to help you chat to your 0 to 2 year old throughout the day.

    Read Little Moments Together cards now
  • RS1674_FWT - Frame 28

    Chat, play, read interactive activity booklets

    Our chat, play, read activity booklets are filled with fun and simple activities. Each one will support your child to learn new words and develop their language and communication skills.

    Read Chat, play, read interactive activity booklets now
  • Walk and talk trail

    Talking to your baby or child when out and about

    Our walk and talk trail contains ideas and tips to help you chat to your baby or child more while you are out and about.

    Read Talking to your baby or child when out and about now
  • toddler reading

    Sign up to our newsletter

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