Parents & Carers
Patterns of family life vary and there is no one, perfect way to bring up children. Good parenting involves caring for children’s basic needs which includes:
- Keeping them safe;
- Showing them warmth and love;
- Providing the stimulation needed for their development and to help them achieve their potential;
- Provide a stable environment where they experience consistent guidance and boundaries.
As a parent, carer, neighbour or anyone in contact with children and families you may at times have concerns about the welfare of a child. These could be concerns about their development, appearance or behaviour which may indicate signs of abuse. If you have concerns about a child you can and should seek advice from professionals. The Integrated Access and Referral Team 0300 123 7047 (option 1) will give advice and guidance about making referral. If you believe that a child or young person is at immediate risk, this should be reported without delay to the police service as a 999 emergency.
Child Sexual Abuse
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse happens when a child or young person is forced, persuaded, or enticed into sexual activities—sometimes without even realising what is happening. These activities can include:
- Physical contact: such as touching, kissing, or more serious acts like assault by penetration.
- Non-contact activities: such as showing sexual images, encouraging inappropriate behaviour, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse.
Abuse can occur online or offline, and it’s important to know that perpetrators are not always adult men—women and even other children can commit sexual abuse.
Why Awareness Matters
The effects of sexual abuse can last a lifetime, impacting a child’s emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. Recognising the signs early and responding appropriately can make a huge difference.
What You Can Do
- Talk openly with your child about online safety and healthy boundaries.
- Be alert to changes in behaviour or mood.
- If you suspect abuse, seek help immediately—your concern could protect a child from harm.
Support and Resources for Parents
If you’re worried about a child or need advice, these organisations can help:
- iART (front door for Children's Services in Cheshire West & Chester) 0300 123 7047
- NSPCC Helpline – Call 0808 800 5000 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk
- Childline – For children and young people: 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk
- Stop It Now! – Confidential advice for adults concerned about child sexual abuse: www.stopitnow.org.uk
Private Fostering
Are you looking after someone else’s child?
Is your child living with a family friend?
If they are, then let us know by calling Cheshire West & Chester on 0300 123 7047
ICON – Coping with a Crying Baby
Click on the icon to find out how you can keep you and your baby safe.
Supporting Children to achieve
|
The things you do at home can help your child do so much better at school.
- Get your child to school on time
- Give them the confidence to do well
- Ask how school was
- Find time to read with your child
- Go to parents evening
- Help your child with their homework
- Practise numbers with your child.
|
Are you a parent or carer who is concerned about your child? Or perhaps you just want some hints and tips on parenting? MindEd for Families has online advice and information from trusted sources and will help you to understand and identify early issues and best support your child
|
Local Offer for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
A new website that provides comprehensive local information, advice and support for families is now available:
www.westcheshirelocaloffer.co.uk
Family Rights Group
Family Rights Group, in collaboration with Speakup Rotherham and parents with learning disabilities, has launched a new film, for families working with a child and family social worker.
‘A film for parents with learning difficulties and disabilities; working with a child and family social worker’ is a practical and easy to use resource for parents and those working with them. It aims to help families understand what to expect when social workers become involved in their child’s life.
Domestic Abuse
If you would like further information about Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Children please follow the link to the Cheshire Domestic Abuse Partnership web pages. If you are a parent or carer concerned about Domestic Abuse within your teenagers relationship there is literature to help you on the Teenage Relationship Abuse Page and information available for them on the young people’s page
Parents, where do we start when talking to children about violence against women? — White Ribbon UK
Car Seat Safety
Each year hundreds of children are injured as a result of poorly-fitted car seats when collisions happen. Cheshire West and Chester’s Road Safety Officers offer free child car seat safety checks to parents and carers. If the seat is fitted incorrectly they will demonstrate how to install the seat correctly and help parents how to do it themselves. Parents/Carers are required to bring the vehicle and seat to Northern Lights Business Park, Rossfield Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 3AW. Contact roadsafety@cheshirewestandchgester.gov.uk
Supporting Mental Health
If your young person is struggling with their mental health you can access support for them by contacting your GP or the local mental health team in Cheshire West and Chester. For further details please visit My Mind :: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Other resources you may find helpful:
Coping with Self Harm Guide (PDF, 918kB)
Young Minds - Coping with Life
Useful Links