Family Resources

Family Resources

For ten years, A Better Start Southend (ABSS) supported families, improved children’s wellbeing, and enhanced local services. ABSS formally ended in March 2025, but we want the programme to continue to provide help and support to Southend’s families into the future.

We have worked with local parents and partners to create a series of useful family resources based on the learning from ABSS projects and services. We hope these resources will enable Southend parents to continue to feel confident and well equipped to support their children’s early development.

The resources include a series of videos, information and tip sheets on different topics, from perinatal mental health, breastfeeding and supporting children with SEND, to resources that cover different aspects of children’s development at key stages of their early life and support their transition into primary school.

They all include useful links to local Southend services and online support to enable parents to access further support.

Explore our Family Resources

All

Breastfeeding

Co-Production

Health, Diet and Nutrition

Learning and Development

Perinatal Mental Health

SEND

ABSS Co-Production Video Collection

Exploring Co-Production at A Better Start Southend.

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ABSS Co-Production: Thoughts from Leaders

A reflection on Co-Production at ABSS.

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Accessing a play session for your child with additional needs

Suggestions to help you to find the right group for your child.

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Applying for DLA

Guidance, tips and useful information for when applying for Disability Living Allowance.

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As we Grow

Top Tips for parents, carers and practitioners to support young children's development.

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Baby Brain Facts

How early experiences, relationships, and environment shape babies’ brains.

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Bedtime routines and sleep for children who have additional needs

Helping you find the right bedtime routine and sleep environment for your child.

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Creating a Calm Box and other resources to support emotional regulation

Simple and effective tools designed to help children manage big feelings.

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Creating Pip: the ABSS Mascot

Written by Julia Davis, Parent Champion

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Developmental concerns about your child who may have additional needs

Helping you ask the right questions if you have any concerns about your child's development.

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Diet and Nutrition support for under 5s

Information about eating well and what your child needs at each age stage.

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Early communication

Guidance and tips on the different ways children can communicate.

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Early Maths Tip Sheets

Tips and ideas from birth to five years.

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Engagement Event: Pilates

Written by Clare Rashel, ABSS Parent Champion.

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Essential principles for Co-production

8 non-negotiables that must be in place for genuine co-production to succeed and thrive.

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Feeling low after having a baby?

Find out more about Perinatal Mental Health.

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Food challenges with your child if they have additional needs

Top Tips and useful information to make food time easier.

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Forest Bathing

A relaxation technique of being calm and quiet, surrounded by trees.

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General support available for parents of children with additional needs

Locally in Southend and online.

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Getting Ready to Start School

Guidance to help you and your child prepare.

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Healthy Weight, Healthy Nutrition Directory

Resources for children, families and young people in Southend

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How can dads get involved?

Relationships between dads and their children matter from pregnancy onwards.

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Let’s Get Ready for School

A 'Starting School' Booklist.

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Looking After Yourself: Perinatal Mental Health

Honest stories from parents and expert advice from health visitors.

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Looking for childcare for your child with additional needs

How to ensure you get the right environment for your child.

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Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing for Fathers

Understanding your mental health and emotional wellbeing following the birth of your baby.

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Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing for Mothers

Understanding your mental health and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and after the birth of your baby.

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Milton Gardens

A Community Development Project

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On Our Way To School Lotto

A fun game to play as you and your child practice your route to school.

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Parent Led Review

Written by Emma Hawker, Parent Champion

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Play articles from EYA

Useful links and resources from the Early Years Alliance.

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Preparing for an appointment about your child when they have additional needs

Guidance, tips and support for attending various appointments with different professionals.

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Sample Meeting Preparation Form

To help you prepare ahead of your next appointment.

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Sensory Play at Home

Tips and guidance on how to use sensory play to help develop sensory skills, language, exploration, engagement and attention.

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Sleep Diary Template

To help you track your child's sleep.

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Social Stories

A simple way to help improve social understanding and reduce anxiety.

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Southend Health Visiting Service

Information about how to access this service.

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Southend Supports Breastfeeding

Normalising, encouraging and welcoming breastfeeding across the City of Southend.

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Starting Reception

Your child’s journey to school starts at home.

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Starting school for children who have additional needs

Guidance from Southend-on-Sea's School Admissions Team.

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Support for the ABSS Parent Champion Programme from SAVS

A vital component of its success.

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The First 1000 Days

A time of rapid growth and brain development.

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The value of including people with lived experience in service design and delivery

Learnings from A Better Start Southend.

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Toilet training for children with additional needs

Guidance and tips on for when the time is right to start toilet training.

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Top Tips for Communicating with Your Baby

A series of short, practical videos by the Talking Transitions project and ABSS.

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Top Tips for Supporting Breastfeeding

Information for partners, family and friends who are supporting a breastfeeding parent.

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What to do if a child is unwell

Guidance from the NHS.

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Working towards Co-production

The A Better Start Southend approach.

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