Supporting your child's learning and development at home - Public Health Dorset
Supporting your child's learning and development at home
The home learning environment is everything that you and your family do in and around the home, that affects your child's development and learning.
90% of your child’s brain growth happens before the age of 5. Right from the start, you can help your child’s development, making it easier for them to communicate, build confidence and make friends.
Supporting your child's learning at home can be rewarding for both you and your baby. Although, it might feel too early to help your child communicate, it can really benefit their transition to school when the time comes.
On this page you’ll find local and national resources, expert advice and activities to help you with your child's development.
Watch this video by Start for Life which explains how your child's brain develops in the first 5 years.
Local support, advice and activities
Support via ParentLine
ParentLine is a confidential text messaging service providing parents and carers of 0-5 year olds in Dorset with advice from the health visiting team about their child’s health and development.Text 07312 277162 for advice and support on breastfeeding, bottle feeding, weaning, sleep, toileting, minor illness, behaviour, parenting and more.
The service runs from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays and school holidays).
National advice and support on your child's development
Better Health - Start for Life provides trusted NHS advice and guidance to parents and carers on having a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
The Balanced System has a pathway tool for parents, carers and professionals to help children and young people develop their speech, language and communication.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) provides advice and resources on how parents and carers can keep children safe from accidents at home.