Parents and young people in Oxfordshire can now text Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust health visitors and school health nurses for advice and support.  

Contact us - Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

Healthy Eating

2-Ten-steps-for-healthy-toddlers-A3-Poster-v3_1.pdf

Lunchbox Ideas | Recipes | Change4Life (www.nhs.uk)

Lunchbox Ideas | Recipes | Change4Life (www.nhs.uk)

Oral Health

Why oral health is included in the EYFS framework

This has been included because good oral health habits need to be formed from the earliest age. Tooth decay is largely preventable, but it’s still a serious problem among young children.

Nearly a quarter of 5 year olds in England have tooth decay, with 3 or 4 teeth affected on average. Tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures for children under 6 in hospital. Extraction is also the most common reason for hospital admission for children aged 6 to 10. Children from more deprived backgrounds are more likely to have tooth decay.

Children who have toothache, or need treatment, may have pain or infections. This can have a wider effect and lead to problems eating, sleeping, socialising and learning.

Promoting oral health

Be playful with children about oral health. Suggest they brush the teeth of dolls or soft toys. Read stories about teeth and smiles. Talk about healthy food and drinks that help to grow strong teeth, and those that do not. Get them to look at their own and each other’s teeth, using mirrors.

Childrens-Teeth-support-iHV.pdf (pacey.org.uk)

E-Safety 

It can be difficult to know how to start talking to your child about what they’re doing online or who they might be speaking to. But talking regularly, like you would about their day at school, will help your child feel relaxed and mean that when they do have any worries, they’re more likely to come and speak to you. Follow the link to the NSPCC website for internet safety advice for young children. 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/

Stop smoking

Stop for Life Oxon provides free support to people who want to quit smoking in Oxfordshire. No matter how young or old, and no matter how long you’ve been smoking, we can help you quit for good. Follow the link for useful advice 

https://www.stopforlifeoxon.org/

How to make a safeguarding referral

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

MASH is a multi-agency team which identifies risks to vulnerable adults and children. 

To report a new concern

To report a concern of abuse, neglect or Prevent (counter terrorism) please contact:

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 0507666.

Or you can email an enquiry form to MASH on mash-childrens@oxfordshire.gcsx.gov.uk

If you are unsure whether to make a referral

You can contact your Locality Senior Social Worker and request a ‘no names’ consultation (meaning you don’t give the child’s name). You will either be referred directly to a Social Worker or will be called back by one when they are available. You can then discuss the situation with them and they will advise you on what to do next. If a referral needs to be made they will advise you of this.

• South Oxfordshire (including Faringdon, Wantage, Thame, Didcot and Henley) – 01865 323041

To report concerns about child sexual exploitation

If a child or young person has made a disclosure regarding sexual exploitation or if you think a child may be at risk of being sexually exploited, please contact the Kingfisher Team on 01865 309196.  Out of hours calls to this number will be diverted to the Thames Valley Police Referral Centre.

To report concerns about a professional or person in a position of trust

Please contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to report an allegation or concern on 01865 810603 or email: LADO.safeguardingchildren@oxfordshire.gov.uk

NSPCC – 0808 800 5000     help@nspcc.org.uk

What to do if you think a child is at risk of abuse or neglect or you have concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable person-  https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/children-education-and-families/keeping-children-and-young-people-safe/report-child-abuse