We have a dedicated page with information, ideas and support for your child’s speech, language and communication development.
Take a look at our Speech, Language and Communication page.
Playful Learning and Education
Speech, Language and Communication
Early Learning and Development - Activity Ideas
Little Moments
Every interaction is a chance to build your child’s brain. Anytime, anywhere, at home or out and about, it all adds up. Learn more about the impact you can have at Start for Life.
Visit www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/early-learning-development for tips and advice on boosting your child’s development.
Story Trails
From Room on a Broom to Peter’s Peregrine, discover the adventure trails that can be found in parks across the Wakefield district – fun for all the family!
Make sure you check out the BRAND NEW Featherstone Dragon Trail!
Wakefield Castles and Museums
At Wakefield Museums and Castles we’ve got loads of fun for young families. Our three family-friendly museums and two fantastic castles are FREE entry, all year round.
From dressing up, to sharing story books, and lots of hands-on interactive learning through play, we’ve got lots for your little ones. We also run free weekly toddler sessions for ages 2 to 5 and their families at Castleford Museum (Toddler Tuesdays), Pontefract Museum (Minis Play and Sign) and Wakefield Museum (Museum Minis). There’s also a regular range of bookable family workshops in the school holidays across our sites.
Find out more about visiting our venues with your family on our website: Castleford Museum, Pontefract Castle, Pontefract Museum, Sandal Castle, Wakefield Museum.
The National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust has many activities you can do at home with your child. Find our more: National Literacy Trust – Activities
Libraries
Join for free with no fines or ID needed!
- Access books, storytimes, and fun family activities.
- Use public computers and free WiFi.
What Wakefield libraries offer – Wakefield Council
Library events – Wakefield Council
Children and young people’s services – Wakefield Council
Digital library – Wakefield Council
Wakefield Libraries event tickets from TicketSource.
Online registration: https://libraries.wakefield.gov.uk/custom/web/registration/index.html
Family Hubs
Offering a variety of activities and groups to support your child’s development. No booking required for most groups.
- Playful Learning Sessions: Support your child’s learning through play with everyday learning opportunities.
Family Hubs – Wakefield Families Together
- Targeted Playful Learning Sessions: Small group sessions are available for children needing additional help to develop their speech and language skills
Speak to your Health Visitor, Family Hub or contact SPOC at 0300 373 0944 to access these sessions.
Stay and Play for Twins and Multiples
Homestart offer a Twins and Multiples Group in Sharlston. Find out more:
- www.homestartwakefield.org.uk
- 01924 251205
- admin@homestartwakefield.org.uk
- To find out more about Homestart, visit: WY Healthier Together – Homestart
Our Services and Resources
We provide a variety of support services to help your child thrive:
Bookstart
- Bookstart Baby Packs: Given to babies by health visitors when they are 8-12 months old. If you haven’t received one, visit your local library.
- Special Packs: Available for children with disabilities to encourage a love of reading.
50 Things To Do Before You’re 5
The “50 Things” app, website, and printed materials offer fun activities that support your child’s development and encourage quality time together. Available at local venues, on the website, and for download from the app store.
Imagination Library
A free book-gifting program for babies aged 0-2 in Knottingley, Pontefract, Castleford Central, Ferry Fryston, and Airedale. Health Visitors can register children who may need extra support for school readiness.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library – Spectrum Community Health CIC
Portage
Portage is a home visiting service working with pre-school children, not attending nursery/early years settings, with developmental delay (no diagnosis necessary). This is a weekly home visiting service working with you to build your confidence, and develop your communication and play skills with your child.
Wakefield Portage Service | National Portage Association
WISENDSS
Supporting children and families with:
- Neurodiversity
- Language and communication difficulties
- Visual or hearing impairments
- Physical needs
- Behaviour needs
- Sensory needs
Access the service through your childminder, nursery or school SENDCO.
Things you can do to help your child have the best start in life:
- Play Together: Join in and follow your child’s lead. Avoid distractions like TV or phones.
- Talk Together: Label what the child is doing instead of asking too many questions.
- Read Together: Discuss pictures, make up stories, and use fun voices!
- Sing Together: Nursery rhymes are great for language and fun.
- Listen Together: Point out and imitate sounds from the environment.
- Be Consistent: Apply strategies consistently and persistently.
Screen time for guidance under 5s
Limit screen time for young children wherever possible.
For children under 2 years, avoid screentime other than for shared activities with family that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.
For children 2-5 years, try to keep t to 1hour a day. Less if possible.
Shared activities could include video calling with friends and family or looking through digital photo albums together.
To see the full guidance for screen time for children under 5, visit: Baby and toddler screen time guidance – Best Start in Life
Making sure your child is ready to start school
Helping your child feel ready for school is a team effort — everything you do at home, alongside the care and learning they receive in childcare and early years education play a big part. The link below can tell you more about preparing your child to start Reception.
School readiness | Best Start in Life
The Wakefield Growing Healthy 0-19 Service have an app with lots of information including videos on a wide range of topics – it is a must-have for all parents and carers. The app also covers making sure your child is ready to start school. Download the app here: on Google Play (Android), or in the App Store (iOS)
Starting Reception guidance
The Starting Reception guide is a really helpful resource created by leading education and early years experts. It’s designed to support parents and carers to understand what being ready for Reception really means, and how everyday activities can make a big difference.
Read the full guidance here: Home – Starting Reception
School Attendance Strategy
School Attendance Strategy Summary Leaflet: a quick guide for parents, carers, schools, trusts and governors.
Click here to read the School Attendance Strategy – Summary Leaflet
Early Years
For more information, please visit our Early Years Page.
The Wakefield Families Information Service can help you check you entitlement for free childcare and search childcare providers.
Education
Visit https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/schools-and-education/ to find out more about the schools in our district, how you can apply to a school, and school term dates.