The Play Development Service – help for those with very young children
What is the Play Development Service?
This service helps parents with pre-school children of five years and under. It can give you a break from routine, the chance to meet other parents, and free and practical help with supporting your child’s development, in a way that suits you. The service can also put you in touch with other family support services where you live.
We recognise that all children develop at different rates, so would always offer you and your child the right support that was specific to your individual needs. By working closely with you we aim to ensure your child has the best possible start and is ready to start pre-school or school.
How can it help me?
Home visits
If your child is between two and three years old, we can visit you at home to help you develop shared play with your child. Shared play can help identify both your child’s strengths and the areas that they need more support in.
We can give you ideas on imaginative play, such as painting, glueing, singing and playdough, and tips on how to extend your child’s speech and language.
Drop-ins
Drop-in sessions are available to all pre-school children. They are an opportunity for children to start mixing with others of their own age and for parents and carers to meet one another.
The sessions offer a wide range of activities, which are based on the curriculum, and can help you child develop confidence and independence in preparation for pre-school and school. You can also find out more about play activities you can do with your child at home to help with their learning. Activities include dressing up, singing, books and stories, fruit and snack time and outside play opportunities.
The drop-ins are located in a number of venues across Hastings and Eastbourne. To find out when and where the nearest session is contact Kites Family Information Service.
Ideas for play
If you are looking for some new ideas for playing with your children, download our booklet Play – ideas for parents and carers of children 0–5 years old.
Contact us
For more information contact the Play Development Service.
