Whether you have recently moved to Ilford or you have been a resident for many years, you may be wondering where to find support for your family. The family information service Ilford by Ilford Plumber is a collection of local services, support groups, classes and venues which support expecting and new parents, and families with young children, older children or teens. From nutrition and health to learning and fun, these groups and sessions are ideal for families who want to learn new skills or find advice and support. Ilford is a great area to live in. It has fantastic schools, excellent amenities, and plenty of open green spaces to play. Many people each year consider moving here. It has affordable homes and plenty of job opportunities. This region is also quite a desirable place to start a family, or to relocate with them. If you and your children are looking to move here then get yourself familiar with the Ilford family information service by Ilford Plumber
Your Local Family Information Service Ilford
Searching for local information in Ilford? We have collected together resources to help local families. This includes playgroups and support sessions, workshops and classes, helpful information, plus fun activities for you and your children.
Children’s Centres in Ilford
There are several Sure Start Children’s Centres in Ilford. These are located around the region. You can find Children’s Centres in the following locations:
- Newbury Hall
- Hainault, Fullwell and Forest
- Cranbrook
- Gearies and Redbridge School
- Peabody and Christchurch
- Albert Road and Winston Way
- Alderbrook and Wanstead
Sure Start provides baby and toddler sessions where new parents can socialise and share tips. Expert advice and information is available from Sure Start Centre leaders and advisors. Activities and sessions include Sensory Play, School Readiness, Baby Weigh-In and the Toy Library.
Sure Start also supports adults in Ilford. There are counselling sessions and group therapy services, which are available weekly during term time. There are specialist services for adults and children with disabilities, and also interactive play groups for parents who want to make friends in the area and meet other parents.
Find more information on your local Sure Start Centre online.
Baby Feeding Cafes in Ilford
If you have a small baby and you live in Ilford, make sure you know where the baby feeding cafes are. These are establishments which welcoming breastfeeding mothers and their little ones. The Redbridge district contains a number of feed-friendly locations, with regular support sessions. New mothers can attend to get advice and tips, find support from other mothers, and feed their baby in a welcoming, comfortable environment.
Sessions held daily across the following locations:
- Newbury Hall Children’s Centre
- Ray Lodge Children’s Centre
- Cranbrook Children’s Centre
- Aldersbrook Children’s Centre
- Loxford Children’s Centre
- Wanstead Children’s Centre
- South Woodford Health Centre
- Hainault Health Centre
- Thackeray Drive Children’s Centre
- Peabody Children’s Centre
Outside of session hours, find help and support through the National Breastfeeding Service.
Groups for Mums and Dads
New parents searching for the family information service Ilford can benefit from attending regular activity sessions. Mums and Dads in Ilford can join baby and parent classes, or specialist programmes for new parents. The Sure Start Children’s Centres host Pregnancy Yoga classes for mums-to-be, plus Antenatal Yoga. You can also attend fitness classes for parents and their little ones, including aerobics, zumba, Bollywood dance and Buggy Fitness.
The Ilford Children’s Centres also offer Dad’s Time classes. These sessions are for fathers and their little ones to bond with each other, and in addition they can mix with other parents and children. Activities include games and sports, and also craft sessions and exercise classes. Contact your local Ilford Sure Start team so you can obtain details of your nearest session.
Free Childcare by the Ilford Family Information Service
Children aged two who also live in Ilford could be eligible for up to fifteen hours of free childcare per week, depending on your circumstances. Free childcare places normally become available at the age of three, therefore working parents need to find alternative support for their toddler while they work. However, Ilford Council has made funding available so that younger children can attend nursery school.
Check what benefits your family is entitled to, because these determine whether you qualify for a nursery place. You could return to work, study, or have some time to yourself while your child is at pre-school. The Ilford Family Information Service can link you with your local Sure Start Centre. which provides the free childcare places. Furthermore, it can provide helpful information about other family support services.
Make the most of your local children’s centres, because they are there to help you and your family. If you are unaware of the services available to you, your child could miss out as a result. From free childcare to fun activity sessions, Sure Start Ilford supports children and also their parents, so they can get the very best start in life. Furthermore, help is available in Ilford for anyone struggling in the form of counselling and advice.