Bolton Early Years 0-5s

23/01/2026

Here are the dates and times of this week's Job Centre Plus (JCP) drop-in service across Bolton. You don't need an appointment, just call in when convenient.
For any benefit enquiries, please contact the JCP by phone or visit your nearest Jobcentre.

22/01/2026

Organised by The Orchards Federation, these sessions are designed for families and their children aged 0–5 years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) - diagnosed and undiagnosed. They provide opportunities for parents, carers, children, and siblings to meet other families and access local services and advice.

Key details:
✔️No official diagnosis required to attend.
✔️Free of charge, focused on play and communication skills.
✔️Drop-in sessions (no booking needed).

Schedule and venues:
📆Thursdays, 10:00am–11:30am at Tonge Family Hub.
📆Fridays, 1:00am–2:30am at Oldhams Family Hub.
Session are term time only.

Contact:
Liane Fishwick, SEND Stay and Play Coordinator
Email: fishwickl@theorchards.bolton.sch.uk
Mobile: 07385 411348 (Available Thursday AM & Friday PM only)

20/01/2026

It's free to attend and no need to book!

20/01/2026

Are you a mum or female carer of a child under 2? 💛

If you’re experiencing anxiety, low self‑esteem, low mood, or finding parenting overwhelming, this Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) Group may help.
This group is free to attend and you can self refer. It focuses on self‑kindness, coping with worry, and reducing self‑criticism, in a calm, non‑judgemental space.

📅 Next group starts: 24 Feb 2026
⏰ Tuesdays, 10:00am–12:30pm
📍 Friends Meeting House, Bolton

➡️ Self‑refer online: www.iaptportal.co.uk/bolt.html
📞 01204 483 101

Bolton Families Information Service Bolton Council Foster with Bolton Play & Youth Bolton Sugar Lumps Creative Play Bolton Family Hubs Bolton Toy Library Bolton Parent Carers Page

19/01/2026

🌟 Parent Carer Workshops: Starting School & SEND 🌟

Have a child with SEND starting primary school in Sept 2026 or 2027? Join our free, small group workshops covering how schools support SEND, identifying needs, EHC Plans, special schools and more.

📅 Upcoming dates:
21 Jan, 6:15pm–8:15pm
25 Feb, 10:00am–12:00pm
11 Mar, 6:15pm–8:15pm

👉 Book here: https://compassbolton.co.uk/how-to-find-us/parent-workshops/starting-school/

In partnership with Bolton IAS & Bolton Parent Carers.

Starting school is a major milestone for any child, but we know it can feel especially daunting for parents of children with additional needsWhether additional needs have already been identified, whether there's a diagnosis in place or whether you're just starting to have some concerns, this new pha...

19/01/2026

Are you a Bolton family with a child under 5 who may have additional needs or a disability? Would you like to attend a FREE workshop (1h x2) to explore simple low cost/no cost fun activities to help support your child's early language?

Come along, meet other local parents, carers, and guardian and find out more!

⭐Interested?
Please book a place online, so that we know how many are coming ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4a0XTqr

Remaining sessions:

Option 2
A Special Approach to Making it REAL - Parents and Carers Workshop
27th January and 3rd February 2026, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Live Online

Option 3
A Special Approach to Making it REAL - Parents and Carers Workshop
18th and 25th February 2026, 10:00am - 11:00am
Hybrid (Week 1 online / Week 2 at Bolton Central Library)
Unfortunately, due to the capacity, we are unable to provide facilities for children for week 2 at the library. Please make alternative arrangements for your child.

Bolton Family Hubs Bolton Parent Carers Page Bolton Council Bolton Families Information Service Foster with Bolton Play & Youth Bolton Sugar Lumps Creative Play Bolton at Home Communities & UCAN centres

16/01/2026

Not-so-sweet treats
This article has lots of ideas for healthy snacks for toddlers that you can substitute for sweets and chocolate. It also gives advice on how to talk about this issue to other people who may tend to spoil your toddler (we've all been there) ⬇️

This parenting feature on spoiling children, treats, takeaways and health is written with the experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital to give you the information you need about your child's health.

16/01/2026

Your future starts today! 💼
Join us at Bolton Central Library on the 23rd of January 2026! We've lots of opportunities available including entry level positions across Bolton Council.
Whether you're just starting out, returning to work or looking for a fresh start, come along for a chat with our friendly Recruitment Team!

Your future starts today! 💼

Join us at Bolton Central Library on the 23rd of January 2026! We've lots of opportunities available including entry level positions across Bolton Council.

Whether you're just starting out, returning to work or looking for a fresh start, come along for a chat with our friendly Recruitment Team!

16/01/2026

Last chance to book - Groups starts next week 🔽

🌟 FREE for families in Bolton! 🌟
Are you a parent of a child under 3?
Join us for 10 FREE 2-hour group sessions in your local Family Hub to explore...
✔ Communication
✔ Play
✔ Parenting styles
✔ Emotions and brain development

👶 Babies and children are welcome!

Winter Groups 2026
Tonge Family Hub: Mondays 10–12, starting 19 Jan
Harvey Family Hub: Tuesdays 10–12, starting 20 Jan
Farnworth Family Hub: Thursdays 10–12, starting 22 Jan
Oxford Grove Family Hub: Fridays 10–12, starting 23 Jan

👉 Book your place today!
Visit familiestogether.org.uk or call 07514 484 157

15/01/2026

The first session this year takes place tomorrow!

Get a free one to one appointment with the Citizens Advice Service at the following hubs ⬇️

Harvey Family Hub
Friday 16 Jan, 13 Feb or 13 Mar
Book a time: 01204 337390

Tonge Family Hub
Friday 30 Jan, 27 Feb or 27 Mar
Book at time: 01204 336745

Get support or advice on:
✔️Debt
✔️Help to claim
✔️Housing
✔️Benefits
✔️Employment
✔️Health
✔️Family relations
✔️ and more!

15/01/2026

The first workshop starts today!
There is still time to book your FREE place: https://bit.ly/4a0XTqr

A Special Approach to Making it REAL - Parents and Carers Workshop
15th and 22nd January 2026, 10:00am - 11:00am
Tonge Family Hub (*runs alongside SEND Stay and Play - children welcome)