Example page list
The resources on the Healthier Together website have been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster and Bassetlaw. You'll find clear information on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what 'red-flag' signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long your child's symptoms are likely to last.
Advice for parents/carers.
If your child’s asthma suddenly get much worse (asthma attack), they will require urgent treatment.
Your child's movement skills refer to their control of their head, limbs and body, sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping and hopping.
Information to support if you are worried about your newborn being unwell.
Advice for professionals
Advice for professionals
• NHS dental care is free for all pregnant mothers and up to 12 months after birth and for children.
• Adults should have a regular check-up at least once every 2 years, and children at least once a year.
• Children should start going to the dentist for regular check-ups along with the rest of the family as soon as their first tooth erupts, and definitely before age 1. The dentist can advise on brushing, a healthy diet and regular check-ups.
Where birthing parents can give birth across South Yorkshire including Sheffield, Doncaster, Bassetlaw, Barnsley and Rotherham.
Our Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Team (ASDAT) offers a specialist assessment and diagnosis service for children under the age of 18. For more information visit the Barnsley NHS webpage.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that affects a child/young person’s social communication and interaction skills. A child with ASD is likely to see and understand the world differently to their peers and struggle with certain social aspects of life.
The Local Offer is a way of giving children and young people (0-25) with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and their parents or carers information about what activities and support are available in the area where they live.
Welcome to our Knowledge section. Here you’ll find loads of helpful videos covering all the basics of asthma. Whether you’re a newcomer to asthma or have been managing it for a while, our videos provide all the information you need to look after yourself. So, take a deep breath and dive in!
Here, we've got everything you need to know about living with asthma minus the jargon but with plenty of tips and tricks along the way. [Videos]
Do you know your relievers from your preventers? What about the mysterious green inhalers? The videos here have got everything covered so dive in and become an inhaler pro.
Making sure your home is safe and healthy is really important for you and your family. One way to do this is by getting your home assessed through the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This action plan will help you understand why it's important to get your home assessed and how to do it without spending money.
My name is Ruth, I’m CEO of Sheffield Children’s and sponsor for the CYP Alliance. I help to ensure the work of the CYP Alliance is prominent in South Yorkshire, I have lots of conversations with people to advocate for the work we do and help to unblock things if needed.
International Watch Foundation: Reporting is quick, easy and anonymous. It can lead to the removal of criminal content and even the rescue of a child from further abuse. If you’d like to find out what happens with your report, you can leave an email address and request we get in touch.
You can confidentially report:
Child sexual abuse pictures or videos on the internet.
AI, animation, cartoon or 'drawn' child sexual abuse images.
Information to support your if you are conc
Advice for parents/carers:
Babies cry for many reasons – most commonly because they are hungry or need a nappy change. Sometimes babies cry because they are uncomfortable or are unwell. This may be due to colic, reflux, constipation or infection amongst other things (see below).
Advice for professionals
Hand and finger skills include your child's ability to grasp, pick up and transfer objects, point, draw, write, get dressed and use cutlery.
Advice for professionals
Advice for professionals
Different types of births across South Yorkshire including Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Bassetlaw and Rotherham.
On this page you will see information on Bassetlaw neurodevelopment assessments for young people including referrals, pathway details, who is involved and how long the process will take.
It is important for children to maintain physical activity, and there are many ways to encourage this within your family. Exercise doesn’t always have to be about running or swimming. You can turn day-to-day activities into fun forms of exercise that get your heart rate up for 10 minutes or more at a time.
Chickenpox is a very common childhood illness, caused by a virus called varicella. It starts with red bumps that become small, yellowish blisters affecting the whole body – including the mouth and genitals (which can be very painful). They then open before scabbing over. These are very itchy and can make your child miserable. They may have a temperature, a cough and a runny nose. Children are able to pass the virus to others from the day before the rash appears until the last spot has scabbed over.
South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (SYB) Integrated Care Systems (ICS) has embarked on an overarching transformation programme across our region to improve outcomes for children and young people.
It's time to make sure you're using your asthma medication correctly. In our video series, you’ll also learn about the importance of spacers and get some tips on good medicine practice. Start mastering that medication routine and help to keep your asthma under control.
Welcome to our Health and Lifestyle page! We've created a series of videos to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage your asthma better. Positive changes to your lifestyle can improve asthma control so start exploring our videos now!
Did you know that structural damage in your house could lower its value by up to 20%? It's not just about looks; it can also lead to safety concerns and legal issues. Unfortunately, many homeowners aren't aware of the signs until it's too late. This article will help you understand structural damage, its common causes, and provide tips on how to spot it in your home.
I am the Executive lead for the CYP Alliance. I support and champion the work of the CYP Alliance to ensure the wellbeing of children underpins all the work done by the ICB, in order to make positive changes to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs both in the short and long term.
Help, advice and information about the services available for your child or young person from birth to 25 years with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND).
Part of Rotherham’s graduated response to special educational need and disability.
Barnsley local offer. A network of education, health and support services working together for the best outcomes for children and young people with SEND in Barnsley.
NSPCC page: We believe that going online should be a positive experience for all children.
But the internet can be a difficult place for them to navigate. It can be hard to know the real from the fake, how to avoid seeing negative content, or what to do if a mistake is made.
That's why we've launched our positive online habits – six top tips to help your child feel good about how they use the internet.
They can help you start a conversation with your family about online wellbeing. So you can all feel informed, confident and happy during your time online.
Our Parent Carer Support Network is a safe and friendly place to talk to other people who understand.
Our meetings are open to anyone who looks after a child with asthma. This could include parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. You can chat to experienced doctors and nurses and ask any questions you like. You can also learn about the latest information and advice on how to manage your child’s asthma.
• Tooth decay can cause pain, infection, sleepless nights, time off nursery/school and time off work for parents/carers.
• Around 29% of 5-year-olds in South Yorkshire have tooth decay.
• Small children often need a general anaesthetic to have decayed teeth removed, which can be an unpleasant experience and is not without risk.
• Tooth decay is still the most common reason for hospital admissions in the 5-9 year old age group
The move from being a child to becoming an adult is a big change for all young people. It involves:
preparing for more independence
making plans for the future
For those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND):
this needs more preparation and planning than for other young people of the same age.
with the right support at the right time, a smooth transition can be achieved.
Information about how to prevent accidents and injuries when you are out and about with your child.
Advice for professionals
Information about what is normal for a new baby and what is not with support on where to go.
Advice for parents/carers.
Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that affects children, especially under 5 years of age. It can either be caused by an infection or by an allergy. Infectious conjunctivitis is contagious and may spread to other household members. Allergic conjunctivitis is more common in children with allergies such as hay fever.
Advice for professionals
Advice for professionals
Details of things to pack for birth and labour, including for birthing woman, baby and birthing pa
Smoking is harmful to your child. Even if you don't smoke in the same room as them, smoke remains on your clothing and in your breath for several hours after your last cigarette.
Here you’ll learn practical strategies and get tips on how to deal with asthma symptoms. [Videos]
Preventer medication is essential for keeping your asthma in check. Our video series takes you through the ins and outs of preventer medication, including what it is, how it works, and how to take it correctly. It's time to take control of your asthma - let's do this!
We understand that managing asthma during school and at exam time can be tough, so our videos offer practical tips to help you stay in control and feel more confident. Why not check them out now? We’ve even got careers options covered too.
I am the Clinical Director for the CYP Alliance, I provide clinical leadership, advice and engagement to foster a culture of multi-professional engagement in service improvement. I provide system leadership to improve collaboration and engagement with system colleagues to share best practice and deliver ambitious programmes to transform and improve services for CYP and Families across South Yorkshire
The Designated Clinical Officer for SEND (DCO) helps local Health services to make sure they are meeting the needs of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), and supports the Local authority in understanding how health provision supports children in education as part of the holistic needs a child may have. The DCO plays a key part in supporting joined up working between health services, education settings and local authorities
On this page you will see information on Doncaster neurodevelopment assessments for young people including referrals, pathway details, who is involved and how long the process will take.
• Children begin losing their baby teeth around the age of six. The first teeth to be lost are the lower and upper front teeth. The last baby tooth is usually lost around the age of 12 years.
• It is important to take good care of your adult teeth which start to come through about age 6 at the back of the mouth, as you need these for life for eating and smiling.
What the law says about supporting people to make decisions about their lives
Advice for professionals
Advice for parents/carers:
Fever in babies less than 90 days of age is much more likely to be due to a serious infection requiring urgent treatment compared to fever in an older child. For this reason, all children under 90 days of age with a temperature above 38°C / 100.4°F should be urgently reviewed by a healthcare professional. The only exception is if they have a fever in the 48 hours following their first set of vaccines (given at 8 weeks of age) – in this situation, it is OK to give them paracetamol without seeking medical advice if your baby is otherwise well.
Advice for professionals
Advice for professionals
Separation anxiety in children is common and very normal. It tends to occur between the ages of six months and three years although it can crop up at other times in response to stress and change. Your child may not like being held by other people or may get upset when you leave the room. They may also cry and protest when you go to new places or leave them with other people, for example, at nursery.
Advice for Parent / carers.
Constipation is common in childhood, particularly when children are being potty trained at around two to three years old.
Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group and Sheffield City Council have worked with Sheffield’s Parent Carer Forum to co-produce a citywide strategy that sets out our commitments to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Inclusion Strategy sets out Sheffield’s plans to address local challenges by focusing on 5 commitments covering the areas of assessment, provision, transition, communication and the workforce.
The strategy will be regularly reviewed and delivered through an action plan. The strategy will last from 2020-2025.
What is SEND? (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
Special educational needs (SEN) is a legal term. A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which means that they need special educational provision.
Special educational provision is different from what is normally available to pupils of the same age.
Having a learning difficulty or disability means that a pupil has greater difficulty in learning than most pupils of the same age, or a disability which makes it more difficult for them to use the school facilities.
This may not be the most exciting topic but it’s definitely a crucial one. In this section, you’ll learn everything you need to know about different types of asthma medications, how to use them correctly and what to look out for when you’re taking them.
Damp, Mould and condensation are not just annoying in your house, but there are potential health risks they pose. We will be providing valuable insights on how to prevent them. While these issues are all too common in our homes, it is crucial to address them promptly, as unchecked mould growth can have severe consequences, particularly for the more vulnerable members of our community.
Twelve children under 10 are killed or injured as passengers in cars every day. Car seats prevent deaths and serious injury.
I am the Programme Lead for the CYP Alliance team. I’m responsible for leading the CYP Alliance core team and the delivery of the NHS England CYP Transformation programme. I know we can only achieve this if we work in partnership therefore my main objective is to work collaboratively across our system. I support the development of a strategic approach to how children and young people receive services that support their needs and can achieve their ambitions in life. It is important to me to make every connection count.
Earn your Tooth Brushing Badge!
Help Duggee to brush his teeth and earn your Tooth Brushing Badge.
Now sing along with Duggee and the Squirrels to The Toothbrushing Song!
Children can be affected by a range of bladder issues.
Much can be done to support children experiencing bladder issues, and these can often be managed, improved and cured.
What the law says about care or treatment if it takes away people’s rights
CYP Alliance Vision
As a whole system collectively listen and respond to children, young people and their families to ensure that every child and young person in South Yorkshire have all the support they need to reach their full potential through integration, improvement and inclusion.
NSPCC page Tips and advice to help keep your kids safe
Talk PANTS is here to help children understand that they have a right to say no and if they need to speak out about something, someone will listen.
We know that a simple conversation can make a BIG difference, and that’s what Talk PANTS is all about. To help you get the conversation started, we’ll send you helpful tips, advice and materials by email
Advice for parents/carers
Coughs and colds are extremely common in young children. Over the first year of life, your child is likely to have up to 8 of these episodes.
Advice for parents/carers:
Rashes are common in newborns and babies. Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own. You may notice that your baby’s skin is dry or peeling in the first 1-2 weeks of life and this is normal.
A common rash seen in babies in the first 3-4 days of life is erythema toxicum. Babies with this type of rash are well in themselves. They have a red blotchy rash that can come and go and often appears on the face, body, upper arms and thighs. This rash does not require any treatment and will go away on its own.
Advice for professionals
Advice for professionals
The programme will deliver training, resources, and support to schools across South Yorkshire, aiming to improve health outcomes for children and young people with Asthma.
The Asthma Friendly Schools initiative recently started as a pilot in 8 primary and secondary schools across South Yorkshire and we are now in a position to offer the opportunity to every school together providing access to the following resources:
Independent travel training is tailored and practical help for disabled people to travel by public transport, on foot or by bike. It aims to help children and young people travel independently and without fear so they can get to school or college, work and for social and leisure activities.
I am a project manager for the CYP Alliance team. I am responsible for leading on projects, bringing people together from across all sectors to address health needs of local and national priority.
Explains how the Mental Capacity Act affects you and how you can plan ahead for when you no longer have the mental capacity to make decisions for yourself. Applies to England and Wales.
Both parent / carers and teens need to bear in mind that young people are struggling to make sense of who they are and where they fit in. Their online presence is a vital part of that. Teens may also have a different sense than their parents of where the boundaries lie – but both young people and parents need to be streetwise - being online is not wholly controllable and children and young people need to have the same levels of alertness and judgement that they would in any public place. It’s really important that they know:
Advice for parents/carers.
Feeling sick and then vomiting is usually the first sign that your child has a ‘tummy bug’. Diarrhoea tends to occur after your child has started vomiting and means passing frequent watery poos that are offensive in nature.
Domestic abuse is very common; approximately 1.3 million women suffer abuse in some form every year. Often women experience more than one type of abuse which have a wide range of effects on both physical and mental wellbeing. If not addressed this can have long term health consequences.
The Personal Child Health Record or ’red book’ contains dental pages with useful oral health information. You can ask your dentist to record when your child has visited the dentist.
It's essential to understand that many environmental factors can trigger asthma symptoms. So, if you're looking to take control of your asthma, this video series is for you. We'll explain the various types of asthma triggers and give you expert advice on how to spot, avoid and manage them. Let's jump in!
I serve as the Project Manager for the CYP Alliance, where I oversee and manage business support for the team tasked with addressing Long-term conditions. Within this role, I am dedicated to ensuring the best care and support for our children and young people.
People with a learning disability often have poorer physical and mental health than other people. This does not need to be the case.
It is important that everyone over the age of 14 who is on their doctor's learning disability register has an annual health check.
An annual health check can help you stay well by talking to a doctor or nurse about your health and finding any problems early, so they can be sorted out.
You do not have to be ill to have a health check – in fact, most people have their annual health check when they are feeling well.
If you are worried about seeing a doctor, or there is anything they can do to make your appointment better, let the doctor or nurse know.
They can make changes to help you. These are called reasonable adjustments.
The programme will deliver training, resources, and support to schools across South Yorkshire, aiming to improve health outcomes for children and young people with Asthma.
Most children are dry in the day by the time they are three years old and at night by the time they are five. Children should be encouraged to start potty training from 18 months of age
Advice for Parents/Carers:
You want to do what is best for your child. You know about the importance of car seats, stair gates and other ways to keep them safe. But, did you know that one of the best ways to protect them is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations at the time they are recommended to ensure the mostly timely protection.
Advice for parents/carers.
It is extremely scary if your child has any sort of breathing difficulty. Use your instincts; if your child appears well and their breathing difficulty improves after a short period, there is normally no need to worry
Advice for professionals
Advice for professionals
Welcome to our Moving On Asthma section! Here we have all the information that you need to understand your asthma and how to keep it under control. Be sure to check out our videos and become an asthma expert!
Financial stress increases people's risk of poor mental health. Almost one third of adults (31%) felt anxious in the last month due to their financial situation, according to our recent survey (November 2023).
Find out more about what you can do to protect your mental, emotional and physical health during the cost-of-living crisis and how you can help support others.
On this page you will see information on the Child Development Centre Rotherham NHS Trust neurodevelopment assessment for children aged 0-5 years, including referrals, pathway details, who is involved and how long the process will take.
Almost all children can learn to be clean and dry. Children with special needs including delayed development and physical disabilities may take a little longer and need more support. However, the process you need to follow is the same.
Advice for parents/carers.
Earache occurs commonly in children and is often associated with a high temperature. They are usually caused by a viral infection – if this is the case, your child may also have a runny nose, cough or sore throat.
Advice for professionals
Advice for professionals
Did you know that certain aspects of your home, such as its structure and safety features, can increase the risk of injuries and worsen existing health conditions? Additionally, poor indoor air quality can contribute to serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and asthma. But don't worry, there are things you can do to improve your housing conditions and enhance your physical health. Let's explore some practical steps you can take to create a healthier living environment for you and your family.
I am a Consultant Paediatrician and Clinical Lead for Children and Young People’s Diabetes in the CYP Alliance Team. I am responsible for linking together the five Paediatric Diabetes Units in the region, making sure that we help each other reach the same high standards of care.
As children and young people develop and mature, most become increasingly able to make informed decisions about their own health care. This is an important part of getting ready to be an adult. Watching a young person taking on more responsibility for their own health can stir up all sorts of emotions for parents and carers – pride, relief, a sense of loss, pleasure, and anxiety (and sometimes all at the same time!).
The Law assumes that young people can make their own decisions from the age of 16 years, although sometimes they may be able to decide for themselves earlier than this.
Some young people and adults may never be able to do this or need extra help to make an informed choice. The Mental Capacity Act 2015 sets out what should happen in these circumstances.
On this page you will see information on Sheffield neurodevelopment assessments for young people including referrals, pathway details, who is involved and how long the process will take.
Potty training is a big milestone for your child, and it is a skill that needs to be taught, just like teaching them how to walk, talk and use a knife and fork!
Eczema (dermatitis) is a common reason for a baby or child’s skin to be just dry or red as well (inflamed). Eczema often runs in families as a part of the ‘atopic’ group of conditions that also include asthma, hayfever and food allergies. You do not inherit (pass down) a specific ‘atopy’ but more the tendency for ‘atopy’ which will be different in different people.
An assessment of your child’s allergy, medical history and/or results indicate that it is time to see if they have outgrown their food allergy. This can be done by adding milk into the diet gradually at home.
Milk is introduced into the diet by following a ‘milk ladder’ where each food contains increasing levels of milk protein. It is important to start with well-cooked/processed milk first before progressing to ‘raw’ dairy products. This ‘milk ladder’ is based on scientific research. Some of the foods may seem unusual to include in an infant’s diet, but it is because the type and amount of protein is suitable for the reintroduction process.
Remember, these foods are part of a mixed diet and are not expected to be a significant part of the child’s diet. The Milk Ladder should only be used in children with mild to moderate delayed (Non-IgE) cow’s milk protein allergy under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
A child or young person has special educational needs and disabilities if they have a learning difficulty and/or a disability that means they need special health and education support, we shorten this to SEND.
The SEND Code of Practice 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014 gives guidance to health and social care, education and local authorities to make sure that children and young people with SEND are properly supported.
It is crucial for parents and carers to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate their child is experiencing mental health difficulties. By recognising these signs early on, you can provide the necessary support and guidance for your child's emotional wellbeing.
Look out for changes in behaviour, such as irritability, withdrawal, or excessive worry.
Pay attention to any significant changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
Notice if your child appears to be struggling with their schoolwork or has a decreased interest in activities they used to enjoy.
Keep an eye on any physical complaints (such as headaches or stomach aches) that may be related to emotional distress.
am CYP Clinical Lead for Epilepsy South Yorkshire & Bassetlaw. I am responsible for providing clinical leadership within the epilepsy workstream as part of the CYP transformation programme.
Bedwetting, sometimes referred to as nocturnal enuresis, is a common problem and can affect many children and young people. It is particularly more common in children under the age of 5. It is important to remember that bedwetting is not your child’s fault, so do not punish or penalise them if they do wet the bed.
Advice for parents/carers:
Fever is extremely common in children and usually suggests that your child has an infection. It's really important that you measure your child's temperature accurately - you should use a digital thermometer (under the the armpit (axillary) for children 5 years and younger, and in the mouth for children over 5 years of age). The other option is to use an in the ear thermometer (tympanic), although these should not be used in babies below 6 months of age.
We can’t protect children from death. They encounter it all the time – whether it’s a mouse brought in by the cat or a grandparent dying. At an early age, they can form their own beliefs around it.
If we leave children alone with fears and misunderstandings regarding death, they can grow and grow. Children are more open to conversations about death than adults often realise. We need to talk to children about dying so that the myths don’t take over, and so that they don’t feel isolated or guilty about what they think.
It’s much better to have helped children have an understanding of death, funerals, burial and cremation before being confronted with these things when someone close to them dies.
I am a clinical pharmacist working with the CYP alliance with an aim to improve the lives of children in South Yorkshire who have asthma so that they can enjoy all the things their peers without asthma do. By getting asthma control right at young age we can also prevent future risk too.
Tantrums tend to start between two and three years old, although they can start earlier. During a tantrum, a child will often shout, scream and cry. They may also kick, hit or bite. Tantrums are very common and almost all young children have them - some more than others. This is a normal phase of your child's development.
Advice for professionals
Why a milk and soya free diet?
Around 3% of children develop Cow's Milk Protein Allergy. Some children who are allergic to cow's milk protein are also allergic to soya protein so this may need to be excluded from the diet too. It can take longer for children to recover, but many 'grow out' of cow's milk and soya protein allergy. This information will help you avoid cow's milk and soya whilst making sure your baby gets all the nutrition they need to grow and develop well.
I am a Clinical Lead in the CYP Alliance team. I’m involved with the ‘acute’ side of the CYP Alliance. My role is to bring Acute providers – Hospitals - together, to make the work of the CYP Alliance relevant.
Advice for parents/carers:
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness that can affect adults. It usually clears up by itself in 7 to 10 days.
Advice for professionals
Around 3% of children develop Cow's Milk Protein Allergy. Some children who are allergic to cow's milk protein are also allergic to soya protein so this may need to be excluded from the diet too. It can take longer for children to recover, but many 'grow out' of cow's milk and soya protein allergy. This information will help you avoid cow's milk and soya whilst making sure your baby gets all the nutrition they need to grow and develop well.
Information about services and support available in Sheffield special education needs and disabilities.
Asthma is a common condition affecting 1 in 11 children and young people, with every school classroom containing 1 or 2 children with Asthma. If not treated well, Asthma has a significant impact on a child’s quality of life and their ability to enjoy activities and education.
It also puts them at risk from episodes of breathing difficulty, known as Asthma attacks.
Sadly, some children and young people with asthma will die from these attacks every year. These episodes are preventable with good asthma care delivered in partnership with the child or young person through empowering them to manage their asthma.
I am a clinical lead responsible for overseeing patient safety incident response framework and facilitating collaborative efforts to enhance patient safety and shared learning across the region, while also engaging in various projects.
Advice for parents/carers:
Jaundice is extremely common and affects 6 out of every 10 babies. It causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is more common in preterm babies (born before 37 weeks). Jaundice usually develops 2 to 3 days after birth and disappears by two weeks of age. It is usually harmless. If your baby looks very yellow, health care professionals may do blood tests to check the 'level' of jaundice.
Advice for professionals
Headaches in children are common. Most of the time they are mild and only happen from time to time.
There are plenty of things you can do to help your child to feel better such as making sure they drink plenty of water, taking regular exercise and ensuring they are sleeping well.
Stress can often play a part in children's headaches, especially the older they get so make sure you have a good chat about what is going on in their life.
Sometimes headaches can be a sign of something more worrying. Please see the table below for some of this things to look out for.
For children with mild to moderate delayed symptoms
It is important to try your baby with milk now. This is to make sure that any improvement in their symptoms is due to cutting out milk (and they have a cow's milk protein allergy) rather than for any other reason.
Do NOT start this challenge if your child has had either immediate symptoms (within an hour of eating/drinking dairy) or a positive blood or skin test (specific IgE or Skin Prick Test) to cow's milk.
Do NOT start this challenge if your child is unwell e.g.
Has a cold or any other lung infections or breathing problems
Any tummy/bowel problems e.g. tummy ache or loose nappies
Any 'teething' signs that are upsetting your child
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) has flared up
Do NOT start this challenge if your child is having any medication which may upset their tummy, e.g. antibiotics
Do NOT try any other new foods during this challenge
Try to write down what your child eats and drinks during the challenge. Also note any symptoms e.g. sickness, loose nappies, rashes or any other changes in their atop dermatitis.
I am Co-Clinical Lead for Children and Young People’s Asthma, and am an advanced nurse practitioner working clinically in primary care and I work alongside Dr Sonal Kansra and Deborah Leese to implement the national asthma bundle of care for children and young people.
It is normal for babies under the age of 18 months old to wake up frequently throughout the night for various reasons:
• Hunger – needing regular feeds
• Hygiene – wet or soiled nappies
• Pain – teething, acid reflux, colic
• Developmental milestones – changing positions, rolling, sitting and standing
Babies are not born with a body clock so cannot tell the difference between day and night. Their body clock develops over time.
Advice for parents/carers:
Most head injuries are not serious and simply cause a bump or a bruise
If your child’s head is bleeding, apply pressure for 5-10 minutes. If it continues to bleed, they may need to have it glued (stitches are very rarely required). This can usually be done in a minor injuries unit, an urgent treatment centre or a walk in centre. Some GPs also assess and treat minor injuries
A significant head injury can result in concussion. A child or young person does not have to have been unconscious, or “knocked out” for concussion to occur. Common symptoms of concussion include headache, fatigue, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating / learning
Advice for professionals
You may be concerned that your baby develops a different head shape in the first few months, possibly with some flattening on one side.
This is called plagiocephaly and is quite common in babies, as their skull bones are soft and can reshape. The flat area may be at the side or back of your baby's head.
I am a consultant paediatric ENT surgeon with experience spanning Europe and North America, specialising in helping children across South Yorkshire breathe more easily.
Preparing your child for school is an important milestone in their development.
Every child progresses at their own pace, and it's essential to provide them with the necessary skills and support to ensure a smooth transition. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the key areas to focus on when getting your child ready for school. From independence and self-help skills to communication and physical activity, we've got you covered. Read on to discover practical tips and resources to help your child thrive in the classroom.
I am the Clinical Lead for the CYP asthma transformation programme of the CYP Alliance. I am a Paediatrician and look after children with respiratory (breathing) problems.
I am Personal Assistant for the CYP Alliance Team. I’m responsible for providing a comprehensive secretarial service to the CYP Alliance Programme Director, Project Managers, Clinical Leads, and the organisations involved in delivering the CYP programme priorities.
Advice for parents/carers:
If your child starts limping, it's usually the sign of a minor injury such as a sprain. However, if they haven’t had an obvious injury, they may need to be seen by a healthcare professional to look for other possible causes
The SY Healthier Together Staff Hub is a new space for health and social care professionals from around South Yorkshire to share good practices, discover new resources, find events and training sessions to attend, amongst many other things.
Advice for parents/carers:
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Symptoms of meningitis, septicaemia and meningococcal disease include:
Advice for parents/carers:
Skin rashes are common in babies and children.
Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own
The causes of skin rashes tend to differ in babies compared to older children. Many viruses can cause a rash in addition to other symptoms such as fever and cough.
The rash often varies in shape and size, usually appearing as blotchy red spots commonly affecting most of the body. They sometimes appear quite quickly and usually last for only a few days. These rashes are generally ‘non-specific’, which means that it is often hard to say which specific virus is the cause
Advice for parents/carers:
There are currently high rates of Group A strep and scarlet fever in the UK. Scarlet fever, which is caused by the bacteria Group A streptococcus, is usually a mild illness but it is highly infectious. It much more common in children than in adults; it is important that children with scarlet fever are seen by their GP so that they can be started on antibiotics. This is not only to reduce the chance of their infection becoming more severe but also to stop them spreading the infection to others, especially people at higher risk of severe infections such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
Advice for professionals
Advice for parents/carers:
Seeing a child or young person having a seizure can be frightening. Most seizures do not cause serious harm. The commonest type of seizure in children is a febrile convulsion – this is a seizure associated with a high temperature. This sort of seizure tends to occur in younger children. Seizures sometimes occur without a fever (afebrile seizure). If your child has had only one afebrile seizure, it does not always mean they have epilepsy. Many children will never have another one.
Hay fever is a common allergic reaction which occurs at particular times of the year. It is known as seasonal rhinitis, sharing symptoms with perennial (year round) allergic rhinitis, but occurring as a reaction to pollen from grass, trees and weeds during the early spring and summer months. It can affect both adults and children.
Advice for professionals
Normally food allergy symptoms appear within a few minutes of eating the offending food, although they may be delayed by up to a couple of hours. The symptoms are usually those of ‘classic’ allergy, some of which are listed below:
Gut reactions: Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea
Skin reactions: Itching and swelling (rash or nettle rash)
Respiratory reactions: Runny nose, sneezing, wheeze, cough
Advice for parents/carers:
Sore throats are extremely common, and are often associated with a high temperature.
Most sore throats are caused by viral infections – if this is the case, your child is likely to also have a runny nose, cough or earache
If a number of people are unwell in the same household, this also suggests a viral infection (because viral infections are easily spread)
Viral infections tend to get better on their own and do not need treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics may actually cause side effects such as rash and diarrhoea and can increase the risk of them developing antibiotic resistance
Advice for professionals
Advice for parents/carers:
Tummy ache in children is common. Most children do not require treatment and the pain will get better by itself.
Common causes of tummy ache include constipation, a water works infection (urinary tract infection) and tummy bugs (gastroenteritis)
Less common causes include appendicitis. Most children with chronic abdominal pain never have a cause found
Advice for parent / carers:
Most tick bites are harmless and only a small number of ticks are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Advice for parent/carer:
A UTI is an infection of the bladder or kidneys. It is caused by bacteria and is treated with antibiotics. Bladder infections are far more common than kidney infections; kidney infections are more serious and may need treatment with antibiotics through a drip in their vein
Your child is more likely to get a UTI if they are under 1 year old, a girl, or have problems with their urinary tract. About 8 in every 100 girls and 2 in every 100 boys will have had a urinary tract infection by the time they are 7 years old.
Urticaria is also known as ‘nettle rash’ or ‘hives’. This condition consists of wheals – spots or patches of raised red or white skin – each of which usually clears away in a few hours to be replaced by other fresh wheals. Urticaria is very common and affects one in five people at some point in their lives.
Directory of services across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw for perinatal mental health
Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term used to describe a group of conditions that affect movement, posture and co-ordination. It can affect other areas of functioning as well including vision, hearing, speech and learning.
Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties from birth or may have slow development of motor and other skills. A diagnosis may not be possible until the child is 2-3 years old depending on the individual child’s progress.
Your child will also be receiving support from their educational setting. To understand what support is available for professionals to support your child in their educational setting,
We know it can be difficult to talk about mental health and especially hard to talk to people or ask for help. We’ve put together some tools that will help you prepare for the first time you visit a doctor to discuss your mental health.
The Local Offer is part of the Sheffield Directory. The Local Offer has lots of advice, information and services. This supports children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities aged 0-25.
Many couples find that having a baby can be a challenging time for their relationship. This can be the case even if the relationship has felt very stable and secure before baby came along. The challenges of lack of sleep, juggling different demands, issues with wider family members, financial stressors and many, many more can build up and cause a lot of difficult feelings such as anger, resentment, anxiety and sadness.
South West Yorkshire Partnership specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of women and birthing parents affected by moderate to severe mental health problems during and after pregnancy. We offer specialist advice about the use of mental health medications during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
Supporting your child transitioning from children's services to adult services
Pregnancy is a time of change as our body and mind prepares to welcome a new baby to the world. Some anxiety in pregnancy is normal and often adaptive. In fact, many expectant parents worry about the health and wellbeing of their baby, how they will manage parenthood and how they will cope with the birth. These thoughts and feelings are understandable as we know that our minds tend to worry more about events when they are uncertain. We also know that our brains are also hardwired to pay more attention to potential threats when we are pregnant to keep ourselves and the baby safe. For some parents these worries about birth come and go, feel manageable and easy to move past.
The Rotherham and Doncaster Perinatal Service provides a high quality service to women, birthing parents and families across Rotherham and Doncaster.
Pest infestations can be a common problem in homes, causing health risks and property damage. It's important to know how to identify an infestation, take appropriate action, and understand the responsibilities of different types of tenants. This webpage provides helpful information on recognizing infestations, steps to address them, responsibilities for private and council tenants, and what to do if you own your home.
If you need a little extra help with groceries, food banks are here for you. Each council area has its own way of doing things, but no matter where you are, you'll need to get a referral from local agencies like schools, doctors, or social services. To find out the specific steps for your area, just click on the link that matches where you live. Remember, lots of families are feeling the squeeze from the cost of living these days, so reaching out for a bit of help is nothing to feel uneasy about—it's a smart step for taking care of yourself and your loved ones. Let's get you the support you need.
In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation, we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher number. We provide emergency food parcels to individuals in financial crisis, including families and over 65’s. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed. Agencies we work with include: Citizens Advice, Housing Welfare Team, Barnsley Family Services, Barnsley Social Services, local schools, Mental Health Teams, Humankind, Romero Communities, Housing Associations, housing support officers, BSARCS, health visitors, GP surgeries and local charities.
Each year 40,000 under-fives are admitted to hospital following accidents, and lots of these accidents are preventable
There’s no substitute for talking – it’s good to talk to your child about what they do in the online world
Try out the technologies your child enjoys - download some of their music and have a go at games they like
The Healthy Child Programme is designed to offer every family support in making healthy choices. It includes immunisations, health information, developmental reviews, and access to a range of community services and resources.
Where there are concerns that a child is suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm a referral should be made to the local authority children’s social care.
Local authorities have a duty to make enquiries under section 47 of the Children Act 1989 if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, to enable them to decide whether they should take any action to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare.
Within one working day of a referral being received, a local authority social worker should make a decision about the type of response that is required and acknowledge receipt to the referrer.
n the first few days and weeks following birth, you may notice that you are constantly going over what happened during your birth as your body heals and your mind tries to make sense of what happened. For some people, these thoughts about the birth are not distressing and they quickly happen less often.
Understanding the signs and triggers of allergies is crucial for promoting a healthy indoor environment. Let's learn why having clean air at home is essential and how we can achieve it.
In many cases, you will need a third-party who is already supporting you (such as a GP, Social Worker, or tenancy support worker) to make arrangements on your behalf to access a food bank.
Buy high quality food, drink and household products from well-known brands at deeply discounted prices. Surplus products, donated by top retailers, manufactures and brands mean you can feed your family for less and help make sure perfectly good products don't go to waste.
Choking usually tops parents’ fears when it comes to accidents. And rightly so.
Young children have narrow airways and are still learning to chew, breathe and swallow in the right order (add talking or moving around and it gets really complicated).
Knowing some simple steps puts you in the driving seat and lessens the worry.
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology, like phones, computers, or social media, to intentionally hurt, threaten or embarrass others repeatedly. It can involve mean messages, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing pictures or videos, or excluding someone from online groups. Cyberbullying is a serious problem that can cause a lot of sadness, fear, and stress for children. It's important for parents to understand what cyberbullying is and how it can affect their child.
On 15th January the Department for Education (DfE), in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), launched the Better Health Start for Life 'Little Moments Together' Campaign. The campaign aims to educate parents and carers about the importance of brain development in the first five years of a child's life, and the crucial role they play as parents and carers, with advice and tips available on the Start for Life website.
You may have heard people talk about the importance of bonding with your baby. Bonding is the term that is often used to refer to the process of developing a close, loving relationship with your baby. It is thought to be important for the baby’s physical, social and emotional development - and is, of course, a huge source of joy for many parents.
In many cases, you will need a third-party who is already supporting you (such as a GP, Social Worker, or tenancy support worker) to make arrangements on your behalf to access a food bank.
Your claim will be automatically processed if you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support and get any of the qualifying benefits.
If your child attends a state funded infant school and is in Key Stage 1 (FS2, Year 1 or Year 2), they are entitled to ‘universal infant free school meals’ regardless of your income. Please contact your child’s school to tell them you would like to have ‘universal infant free school meals’.
Set up parental controls on their devices to help monitor and control their online activity. Children need boundaries to help them grow into respectful, confident and productive adults. Limits help children feel safe and contained, but young people also need freedom to try things out, make mistakes and develop their independence. The boundaries we set help children learn to set limits for themselves and develop their self-discipline.
Communication skills are an essential part of your child's overall development. Your child needs to be able to hear and understand what is being said to them and then use their verbal language skills to respond. In addition, they will learn to aid their communication using non-verbal skills such as body language, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact.
This refers to the development of your child's personality and how they form relationships with people that they interact with. They will mostly learn from this from play and also by watching you and how you interact with people in various situations, e.g. if they see you are angry and shout at them, then they will learn to shout when they are angry, whilst if they see you pause to calm yourself and then try to explain the situation then they will learn to deal with challenging situations in a more positive manner.
In many cases, you will need a third-party who is already supporting you (such as a GP, Social Worker, or tenancy support worker) to make arrangements on your behalf to access a food bank.
Medicines are the cause of over three-quarters of hospital admissions for poisoning in under-fives. Common painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen are the main culprits. Keep all medicines locked away or high up out of reach and sight.
Social networking has become a big part of young people's lives today. Apps like TikTok, Reddit, WhatsApp, Twitch, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and more seem to fill up most teens' waking hours. As a parent, it's natural to be concerned about what your child does on social media and how much time they spend on it. It can be challenging to understand the appeal of sending and viewing pictures that vanish on platforms like Snapchat, especially if you're not actively using them yourself. And with new social networks constantly emerging, it can feel overwhelming.
Babies can drown in as little as 5cm (two inches) of water. Drowning is one of the commonest causes of child death – it’s often silent, so you won’t necessarily hear any noise or struggle.
You can report directly to the content provider, such as a social media or online video provider, asking them to remove hate-filled or overly sexualised content.
Most social media platforms have simple processes in place for reporting inappropriate content. Try searching for 'Report', or look through their terms and conditions, or 'Help' section.
In many cases, you will need a third-party who is already supporting you (such as a GP, Social Worker, or tenancy support worker) to make arrangements on your behalf to access a food bank.
Hot drinks are the leading cause of burns in children. 30 babies and toddlers go to hospital every day in the UK with a burn caused by a hot drink
Sexting and online relationships are understandably a core concern for parents about letting their children spend time online. By understanding these issues, you can support your child in navigating the digital world safely.
At Asthma + Lung UK, they believe that every breath matters - and that the right to breathe freely applies to everybody, regardless of income, age, ethnicity, gender, or background.
Button batteries are the small, round batteries you find in a growing number of toys and everyday objects like remote controls and car key fobs. They can be extremely dangerous for children if swallowed.
ELF is a patient-led organisation that works internationally to bring patients and the public together with healthcare professionals to improve lung health and advance diagnosis, treatment and care.
Resources around continence, potty training, bedwetting and daytime wetting
Did you know that while electrical sockets are designed to be safe, there are still potential dangers associated with electricity? It's crucial for parents to understand these risks to teach their children how to stay safe around electrical appliances. Let's explore some key information to help keep your family protected.
Following the Children and Young People's Conference in 2023 the teams ambition was to co-create the third Children and Young People Alliance Conference with South Yorkshire children and young people. We wanted to make sure that children and young people's representation was equal to that of professionals. We based conference content on the information children and young people in South Yorkshire told us most matter to them about their health and the social determinants which directly link to the Child Health Equity Collaborative and the developing framework.
Find out which can help when you are feeling unwell
Did you know that most toys you come across are actually quite safe? However, accidents can happen if you play with toys meant for older kids or leave them scattered around. We've got some top tips to help you enjoy your toys while staying safe. So, let's dive in!
It is more important than ever that we increase our attention to the voices of our children and young people. We must invest time to listen and develop collective action to invest in their future together. This will be critical in our collective success in creating change that ensures a guaranteed state of health and wellbeing for all 450,000 children and young people living in South Yorkshire.
Single, small magnets will pass through the body without a problem. However, if more than one magnet is ingested (eaten) or a magnet is eaten alongside something metal, there is a risk that part of the intestine can be caught in between the magnetised objects. This can cause serious damage to the intestines including perforation (creating a hole in the bowel wall) which would result in the need for major surgery.
Every year in the UK more than 6,000 people die in accidents in the home and 2.7 million turn up at accident and emergency departments seeking treatment. But, because the accidents happen behind closed doors in isolated incidents they rarely attract public and media attention. RoSPA is one of the few national voices speaking out on this issue.
We understand the importance of providing nutritious meals and snacks to support their growth and development. In this guide, you will find valuable information and practical tips to help your child maintain good health.
Welcome to our food support section, where we're committed to helping you access affordable and nutritious food. If you're finding it hard to cover your food costs, we've got a variety of options that can help. From local food banks providing essential supplies, to social supermarkets offering discounted groceries, there's support available. We also have information on free school meals to ensure children get a healthy lunch on school days, and details about the Healthy Start program for qualifying families to buy basic foods.
Food fussiness is when young children are selective or hesitant about what or how they eat. Some children may refuse certain foods, have a limited range of food preferences, or even refuse to eat altogether.
Could your child be struggling with their mental health? It is important to recognise the symptoms and triggers of mental health struggles, as without doing this we are unlikely to be able to support our children, and potentially could make things more challenging without realising.
Research tells us that promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience in your children gives them the best opportunity for a great start in life and means that when they are faced with difficult life events, they are more able to cope. As a parent, you can play a vital role in promoting emotional wellbeing and developing resilience for your child.