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Support Guides

We have compiled a library of useful resources written by professionals and experts across a range of Early Years subjects which parents may find interesting and helpful.

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Browse our carefully curated collection of guides and resources below.

Each section covers a key area of your child's development, with links to trusted sources from the NHS, BBC, NDNA, and local services.

Child Development

What to Expect, When?

A guide to your child's learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage — 4Children, supported by the Department for Education.

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Baby milestones: a month-by-month guide to the first year

BBC Tiny Happy People. Helpful for understanding typical stages of development and recognising when a child may need additional support.

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Supporting your child's learning journey (Ages 3 to 5)

NDNA. A range of activities supporting key areas of development.

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Communication, Attention and Listening

Developing Early Listening Skills - Booklet
 

Barking and Dagenham Portage Team and Educational Psychology Service.

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How to respond to your child's way of communicating

Tips and advice on understanding your child's verbal and non-verbal communication.

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Emotions, Wellbeing and Behaviour

Tools to support your child's big feelings
 

BBC Tiny Happy People. Guidance for understanding and responding to strong emotions in young children.

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A Parent's Guide to Promoting Positive Behaviour

NDNA. Practical tips to support positive behaviour and work collaboratively with your child's nursery.

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Toilet Training

The Potty Training Guide

A guide to when and how to potty train your child, available in 13 languages​

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Toilet Training Guide

A practical guide to recognising readiness and supporting your child through toilet training. 

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Starting a Toilet Training Programme

When to start toilet training and how to support children through the process.

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Potty Training your Older Toddler

Includes guidance for children who may need extra time or support

 

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Weaning

NHS Best Start in Life: Baby Weaning Guide

Trusted NHS guidance on when and how to safely start weaning your baby.

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Baby Food Texture Progression Guide

A practical guide to how babies progress from pureés to more complex food textures as they develop their eating skills. 

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Parent's Guide to Weaning

A helpful factsheet with guidance on starting solids, recognising readiness signs, and supporting healthy eating during weaning. 

 

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Healthy Eating and Food Safety

Healthy Recipes and Meal Ideas

NHS tips, recipes and meal ideas to help parents prepare healthy foods for babies and toddlers. 

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NHS Healthy Start Vouchers
 

If you are pregnant or have children under four, you may qualify for the NHS Healthy Start scheme to help buy healthy food, milk and vitamins.

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Early Years Choking Hazards

Food Standards Agency guidance on preparing foods safely to reduce choking risks for babies and young children. ​​​​​

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Eating Difficulties

Feeding Difficulties in Children

A helpful video explaining why some children are picky eaters and simple strategies to support healthy eating habits.

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NHS Food Explorers Pack

Explores challenges such as sensory-based food aversion and behavioural feeding difficulties.

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Taste-Ed Activity Pack

5 activities to help explore

different fruits and vegetables using all the senses.

 

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Health, Illness and Vaccinations

NHS: Is my child too ill for nursery?

NHS guidance on when a child should stay home from nursery due to illness.

 

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Managing Infections Diseases

Alongside our own policies, we follow government guidance on managing infectious illnesses and exclusion periods.

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Childhood Vaccinations

NHS information about the childhood vaccination schedule and protecting children from serious diseases.

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NHS Vaccinations Hub

Find out about vaccinations for babies, children and adults, including why they’re important and how to get them.

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Oral and Dental Health

Looking After Your Baby or Toddler’s Teeth

NHS advice on brushing, healthy habits, and protecting your child’s teeth from an early age.

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Caring for Children's Teeth

NHS advice on looking after children’s teeth and building healthy brushing habits. 

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How to Brush Your Child's Teeth 

A short video showing how to brush a child’s teeth and build good dental habits.

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 School Readiness

Applying for a Primary School place

Guidance on applying for your child’s Primary school place in Barking and Dagenham.

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Starting Reception

Guidance and practical tips to help children develop key skills before starting Reception

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Countdown to School

A week’s countdown of 7 activities to help your child feel ready for primary school.

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School Readiness:
A Mission Possible

A short video explaining what school readiness means for young children

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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

SEND Local Offer

Local support, services and resources for children and families in Barking and Dagenham.

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Early Years Deaf Service

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Early Years Deaf Service

Supporting children aged from birth to 5 years old who have been diagnosed as having a hearing loss.

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Further Reading and Research

The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (2025)

Explore the EYFS 2025 framework, setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five, supporting high-quality early education and strong foundations for lifelong learning.

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The Effective Provision of Pre-school Education (EPPE) project  - Sylva et al. (2004)

This project followed 3000 children from pre-school entry to the end of compulsory schooling. Led by Professor Kathy Sylva OBE, it was the first major European study to specifically focus on the effectiveness of early years education.

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