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Nottinghamshire Best Start offer: From 2 to 5 years

Find out about the local services and support in Nottinghamshire for children from 2 to 5 years. Lots of the services and support available can be accessed when you need them, they are not in order of priority or time.

Nottinghamsgire Best Start offer front cover

You can also download the full Nottinghamshire Best Start offer 2026 booklet [PDF]

Printed booklets are also available for reference in Nottinghamshire libraries

On this page

Family Hubs

As children grow and their needs change, Family Hubs continue to offer support for you and your family.

Our teams are here to provide advice, guidance and practical help with your child’s development, behaviour, communication, routines, and overall wellbeing. Whether you have questions, need reassurance, or would like support navigating this stage of your child’s early years, Family Hubs offer a friendly and accessible place to talk things through.

You can connect with staff who understand family life and can help you find the right information or support when you need it.

Learn more about what is on offer from Nottinghamshire Family hubs with these links:

Or, telephone on 0300 500 8080

Health Family Team 2 to 2.5 year review

This is an important review which will cover:

  • general development, including movement, speech, social skills and behaviour
  • growth, healthy eating and keeping active
  • managing behaviour and encouraging good sleeping habits
  • keeping your child safe
  • tooth brushing and going to the dentist, hearing and vision

The Healthy Family Team are available to help at any time, not just review points

Learn more abou the Healthy Family Teams (NHS Nottinghamshire Health Care)

Contact the Healthy Family Team Advice Line

Tel: 0300 123 5436

Learn what to expect at a 2 to 2.5 year review appointment with the Healthy Family team in this 1-minute YouTube video:

Vision screening

It’s a great idea to book a FREE NHS eye test at any high street optician before your child starts school – or as soon as you can afterwards.

This quick and simple check can sport any issues early on and really help support their learning and development. Just a reminder: children don’t have routine vision screening when they start school.

For more information see Free NHS vision tests (Nottinghamshire Health for Under 5s)

Vaccinations

Children who are aged 2 or 3 years old on 31st August are eligible for a free flu vaccination in the Autumn. This is given as a nasal spray. The vaccination is available at their GP.

Find out more about Children's Flu vaccine (NHS)

At 3 years 4 months, your toddler is also eligible for booster vaccinations to help top up their immunity. Please make an appointment when invited by their GP.

Find out more about NHS vaccinations and when to have them (NHS)

If your child has missed any vaccinations, it’s important they catch up. Please contact their GP to make an appointment.

Funded childcare and early education

From 2 years, some children are eligible for up to 15 or 30 hours of childcare funding until they start school (eligibility criteria applies). All children can access 15 hours of funded childcare from 3 years. Going to an early education setting can really help children—it’s a great way for them to make friends, learn through play, and build the skills they’ll need when they start reception. It’s a good idea to visit a few different nurseries or childcare providers to see which one feels like the best fit for your child.

To find out what childcare support is available to you

Libraries

It’s free to join the library and borrow books with no overdue charges for children. It’s the perfect place for children to discover books and stories they love.

Plus, lots of libraries have free and low-cost activities for children aged 2-5 so children can learn new skills and make new friends.

Find out what's available when you join the library and the events for under fives at Children and Families (Inpsire Libraries)

Supporting feelings as children grow

Children feel big emotions long before they have the words to explain them. That’s why things like tantrums, worries and tricky behaviour are a normal part of growing up. For parents and carers, these moments can feel hard at times, but they’re a natural and important part of a child’s emotional development.

Find information and resources to support you in helping your child manage their emotions on our page Your child's behaviour.

Find out about the Parenting and family support (Nottinghamshire Family Hubs)

Dentist

NHS dental care for children is FREE. From the age of 3, children should be offered fluoride varnish application at least twice a year as part of their dental care.

Younger children may also be offered this treatment if your dentist thinks they need it.

Find leaflets with tips and advice on brushing your child's teeth, including supporting children with SEND at Oral Health Leaflets (Community Dental Services)

Find an NHS dentist (NHS)

Visit our Bigger, Brighter Smiles page

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Talk to your Healthy Family Team for any queries about your child’s development and for more information about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

To make sure your child gets the right support in place before they start school, health professionals will inform your local council if they believe a child under school age may have special educational needs or a disability.

Find a guide to local services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Nottinghamshire's SEND Local Offer

Bookstart packs for children with additional needs

Bookstart is a national book gifting programme designed to inspire a love of reading for every child. There are free book packs available for children under 5 who have additional needs.

There are packs for:

  • children with a vision impairment (BookTouch)
  • children who are deaf (Bookstart Shine)
  • children who have a condition affecting their fine motor skills (Bookstart Star)

Find out more about the packs and how to request a pack at Bookstart Packs (Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries)

Applying for primary school

You usually need to apply for a primary school place about a year before your child starts reception.

If you’re beginning to explore primary schools in Nottinghamshire — whether you’re curious about catchment areas, how school places are allocated, tips for choosing the right school, or key application dates — we’re here to help.

There's lots of clear, helpful information to guide you through the process at Applying for a school place (Nottinghamshire County Council)

Healthy Start Scheme

If you have a child under 4, you may be able to get help with buying healthy food and milk.

You can also get free vitamins to support babies and young children, suitable from birth to 4 years old. Vitamins are provided in many Family Hub buildings. You can buy them at low cost or get them free if you are on the Healthy Start scheme.

To find out more details, visit Get help to buy food and milk (NHS Healthy Start)

Mental Health

Looking after your mental health, and your family’s, is as important as caring for your physical health.

There is lots of support to help you with stress, emotions, and the daily challenges of parenting.

You can talk to:

  • your health visitor
  • your GP (doctor)
  • local wellbeing services

You do not have to face difficult times alone. Reaching out early can help. Many kind and supportive professionals and community groups are ready to give you advice, reassurance, and practical help.

For advice and support access:

Local activities and groups

There are lots of free or low‑cost things for families to enjoy — from lovely outdoor spaces to local playgroups and play sessions. There’s plenty to explore, and many great places for children to play, learn, and have fun.

Discover family-friendly places, groups, and activities on our page Things to do out and about

Last updated: 02 June 2026