Bolton Early Years 0-5s

13/11/2025

✨ Put Big Light On – Festival of Light ✨

Bolton Town Centre is lighting up! 🌟
Join us Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd November, 5–9pm, for a free festival of light featuring stunning installations across town:

📍 Borealis – Victoria Square
📍 Mars – Bolton Library and Museum Services
📍 Submergence – Newport Street
📍 Wave – Octagon Theatre Bolton
📍 Beacon of Hope – Elizabeth Park
📍 Celestial Carousel – Cheadle Square
📍 The Garden – Le Mans Crescent

Check on the map below for street performances.

🚗 Road closures will be in place (including Le Mans Crescent).
♿ Disabled parking: Octagon Surface Car Park, Great Moor Street.

Come see Bolton shine! 💡
🔗 More info: bolton.gov.uk/downloads/file/7391/put-big-light-on-event

13/11/2025

There is just over a week to go before Big Light On Festival 2025 begins...

This year we are delighted to be hosting yet another artwork by the fabulous artist Luke Jerram. In 2023 we hosted The Moon, last year we hosted Gaia and this year, we will be hosting Mars a 6 metre installation which will once again be displayed at Bolton Central Library.

At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.

As always we have a whole programme of activity around it with films, storytimes, activity days, printing workshops, poetry and finally storyteller Gav Cross will bring the story of The War of the Worlds to life in front of the artwork itself - a truly unique experience.

Some of the events on the Mars Programme are bookable, please click here -https://tinyurl.com/2p8ypae7 for more details. NB if an event is not listed on Eventbrite, it is simply a drop in activity with no need to book.

13/11/2025

Singing the same nursery rhymes with your little one is a great way to build their language and communication skills from the very start.

Sing your favourites again and again! By repeating songs, they will recognise the familiar sounds and rhythms, and will begin to remember what’s coming next.

For more top tips, lyrics and videos of the actions, download the National Literacy Trust’s 'Sing With Me' nursery rhyme booklet: wordsforlife.org.uk/activities/sing-with-me/

13/11/2025

Children learn best through play...

Giving children lots of opportunities to play with drawing and mark making ‘tools’ will help build interest and confidence in writing.

When you draw and make marks with ‘tools’ like crayons, chalk, and sticks in the mud, you’ll help your child develop the small muscles in their hands, ready to hold a pencil.

12/11/2025

📘 The new Visit Bolton Insider’s Handbook is here!
Packed with must-see attractions, hidden gems, and local favourites ✨

Flick through the town’s festival calendar 🎉, discover insider tips 💡, and learn more about what makes Bolton born to perform 🎭

📍 Pick up a FREE copy from your local library, or download here visitbolton.com/official-visit-bolton-tourist-guide

12/11/2025

Dummy Heroes are back in action!

Our Early Years Communication and Language Development Service and 0-19 Oral Heath team will be visiting the venues below in November and December!

Our superheroes are supporting families to make 'dummy dropping' a more positive experience.

We look forward to seeing you there!

🏠 Bolton Central Library, BL1 1SE
📅 Wednesday 26th Nov 2025
⏰ 11:00am – 12:30pm

🏠 Farnworth Library, BL4 7PG
📅 Tuesday 2nd Dec 2025
⏰ 10:30am – 12:00pm

For more information contact the Early Years Communication and Language Development Service on 01204 338349.

This is a free session.

12/11/2025

Singing songs throughout the day is a great way to build your child’s language and communication skills from the very start.

Singing a nursery rhyme or two at bedtime could encourage your little one to settle down to sleep, as the sound of your voice can help them to relax. Gentle, soothing songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star are a great option.

For more top tips, lyrics and videos of the actions, download the National Literacy Trust’s Sing With Me nursery rhyme booklet: wordsforlife.org.uk/activities/sing-with-me/

11/11/2025

📢 Have Your Say!

We're reviewing how children are admitted to Bolton primary and secondary schools for the 2027–28 academic year including mid-year moves in 2026–27.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents, carers, and stakeholders we want your feedback!
🗓 Deadline: Friday 21st November 2025
🔗 Share your views here: https://bit.ly/SchoolsAdmissions2027-28

11/11/2025

🌱 Join a FREE Root and Rise Group
✨ Reparenting Space for Growth and Connection ✨

For families with children in Reception to Key Stage 2, this free 6-week group offers a safe, supportive space for parents and carers to explore their own stories and strengthen family bonds 💞

Learn practical tools to:
💡 Manage stress
💪 Build emotional resilience
🏡 Nurture calmer, more connected relationships at home

🎁 Each participant receives a £100 Play and Connection Kit + weekly take-home resources to bring learning to life with your child! 🧸📚

🌈 Perfect for any parent wanting to grow, heal, and create a more peaceful home environment 💖

📅 Next group starts January
📍 Red Lane Church, Breightmet
📧 Sign up: dawn.kay@parentrootcollective.co.uk
📞 Call: 07887 760332
🔗 More info: https://www.parentrootcollective.co.uk/root-rise

11/11/2025

Looking for trusted advice on pregnancy, childcare, or getting your child ready for school?

Visit BestStartinLife.gov.uk for support, guidance, worries, and questions, no matter how big or small.

www.beststartinlife.gov.uk

11/11/2025

Singing songs and rhymes with your little one is a great way to build their language and communication skills from the very start .

Try singing face - to - face with your child; they will learn so much from your facial expressions! As you sing, they may watch your mouth move, which will help them learn how to make the sounds they need to build their first words.

For more top tips, lyrics and videos of the actions, download the National Literacy Trust’s Sing With Me nursery rhyme booklet: wordsforlife.org.uk/activities/sing-with-me/

10/11/2025

Put Big Light On 2025!

Thursday 20th - Sunday 23rd November
5pm - 9pm
Bolton Town Centre

Free event, no need to book

For visitors who prefer a quieter, more relaxed Put Big Light On experience, the quietest days are expected to be Thursday 20 November and Sunday 23 November.

Both Bolton Library and the Octagon Theatre, which are hosting artworks, have Changing Places facilities and accessible toilets. In addition, there will be a temporary accessible toilet available on Victoria Square. More details to follow on disabled parking. If you have any accessibility queries please ask 👍