Parents and carers
Patterns of family life vary and there is no one, perfect way to bring up children. Good parenting involves caring for children’s basic needs which includes:
- Keeping them safe;
- Showing them warmth and love;
- Providing the stimulation needed for their development and to help them achieve their potential;
- Provide a stable environment where they experience consistent guidance and boundaries.
As a parent, carer, neighbour or anyone in contact with children and families you may at times have concerns about the welfare of a child. These could be concerns about their development, appearance or behaviour which may indicate signs of abuse. If you have concerns about a child you can and should seek advice from professionals. The Integrated Access and Referral Team 0300 123 7047 (option 1) will give advice and guidance about making referral. If you believe that a child or young person is at immediate risk, this should be reported without delay to the police service as a 999 emergency.
ICON – Coping with a Crying Baby
Click on the icon below to find out how you can keep you and your baby safe. 
Are you a parent or carer who is concerned about your child? Or perhaps you just want some hints and tips on parenting? MindEd for Families has online advice and information from trusted sources and will help you to understand and identify early issues and best support your child
Supporting Children to achieve
The things you do at home can help your child do so much better at school.
- Get your child to school on time
- Give them the confidence to do well
- Ask how school was
- Find time to read with your child
- Go to parents evening
- Help your child with their homework
- Practise numbers with your child.
Local Offer for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
A new website that provides comprehensive local information, advice and support for families is now available:
Domestic Abuse
If you would like further information about Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Children please follow the link to the Cheshire Domestic Abuse Partnership web pages. If you are a parent or carer concerned about Domestic Abuse within your teenagers relationship there is literature to help you on the Teenage Relationship Abuse Page and information available for them on the young people’s page
Car Seat Safety
Each year hundreds of children are injured as a result of poorly-fitted car seats when collisions happen. Cheshire West and Chester’s Road Safety Officers offer free child car seat safety checks to parents and carers. If the seat is fitted incorrectly they will demonstrate how to install the seat correctly and help parents how to do it themselves. Parents/Carers are required to bring the vehicle and seat to Northern Lights Business Park, Rossfield Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 3AW. Contact roadsafety@cheshirewestandchgester.gov.uk
Supporting Mental Health
If your young person is struggling with their mental health you can access support for them by contacting your GP or the local mental health team in Cheshire West and Chester. For further details please visit My Mind :: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Other resources you may find helpful :