Doncaster Health Visitors

05/01/2026

Our First Friends Group at Central Family Hub will be closed this Wednesday 7th January due to the centre undergoing building work.
Sorry for any inconvenience, the group will be open as normal on 14th January

02/01/2026

New routine childhood immunisation schedule starting January 2026 👇

MMRV is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, replacing the MMR vaccine.

It protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

Chickenpox is very common and can sometimes lead to serious complications, so vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness as children grow.

You don’t need to do anything — your GP will be in touch when your child is due.

More advice ➡️ https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/

02/01/2026

1. Fit blind cord safety devices
2. Do a button battery hunt
3. Set a recurring reminder to test smoke alarms

Find out more https://capt.org.uk/3-simple-new-year-resolutions-that-could-save-childs-life/

Many New Year’s resolutions can be too ambitious, especially when you’re a busy parent. But, these super-simple New Year’s resolutions are easy to adopt and could save your child’s life.

👉 https://capt.org.uk/3-simple-new-year-resolutions-that-could-save-childs-life/

Will you try them? Or do you have a different resolution in mind?

31/12/2025

Our single point of contact will close at 3pm today Wednesday 31st December and open again on Friday 2nd January at 9am.
If you need to access urgent healthcare call NHS 111 or go online https://111.nhs.uk/
Doncaster Health Visitors would like to wish all local families a Happy New Year and all the best for 2026

30/12/2025

Don’t forget that Primary applications for Reception and Junior School (Year 3) for September 2026 are still open but closing early in the New Year!🍎📚

If your child is currently at an infant school and will be due to start at Junior school for Year 3 next year, you will need to apply for their Junior school place.

📅‼️The closing date is Thursday 15 January 2026 and the announcement date is Thursday 16 April 2026.

All applications made by this date will be considered together.

Applications for all community schools, academies and church schools should be made online using the link below, and by clicking on the “APPLY NOW FOR RECEPTION OR JUNIOR SCHOOL (YEAR 3) SEPTEMBER 2026” button.

📝Apply here: https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/school-admissions

28/12/2025

Christmas offers no respite for people affected by domestic abuse; many spend the festive season experiencing violence directed at them,

There is help and support available even when the Hub is closed, find out more: https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/culture-leisure-tourism/christmas-and-new-year-in-doncaster

24/12/2025

Our single point of contact will close at 3pm today Wednesday24th December and open again on Monday 29th December at 9am.
If you need to access urgent healthcare call NHS 111 or online https://111.nhs.uk/
Doncaster Health Visiting Team would like to wish all local families a healthy and happy Christmas.

22/12/2025

Christmas Dinner Ideas 👶🏻🍽🥕🎅🏻
It's that time of year again when we share our Christmas dinner ideas for babies from 6-18 months along with some top tips of what to expect from babies weaning at this stage🎄Please note: the meat in the images is thigh meat which gives it a darker appearance.
🍽 From 6 months suitable foods include:
🥕cooked finger-shaped veg such as carrots and parsnips (can be boiled or roasted and veg should be soft enough so that they can be squished between finger and thumb)
🥦Cooked broccoli
🥔 Roast potatoes (remove any crispy areas)
🍗Strips of soft meat such as chicken, turkey, beef (babies at this age are unlikely to be able to chew and swallow the meat but baby will still enjoy trying this new taste)
💛Yorkshire pudding
❌Avoid gravy and stuffing for babies at this age due to the salt content
👶🏻 Don’t expect baby to eat much of this portion (see image ‘from 6 months’). At this stage babies are exploring tastes and although some food will be eaten, much of it is likely to end up on the floor (or elsewhere!)
💧Offer sips of water in a free-flow or open top cup with every meal
🍽 8-12 month old babies will eat similar foods to babies from 6 months (see Image ‘from 8-12 months)
🥦Finger shaped foods can still be offered as baby moves between feeding with their hands and feeding with a spoon and fork
💫Between 7-9 months babies will develop their pincer grip (when they are able to pick up food between their finger and thumb). At this stage it is better to cut some of babies food smaller as they practice this new skill.
❌Continue to avoid gravy and stuffing for babies at this age due to the salt content
👶🏻 Again, at this stage it is likely that a lot of food will end up on the floor but as baby gets more practice, this will get better. Usually by 10-12 months baby will have started to reduce their daytime milk intake and by 12 months they’ll be getting most of their calories from family foods.
💧Offer sips of water in a free-flow or open top cup with every meal

21/12/2025

Christmas Pancakes 🥞🎅🏻
You will need:
⭐️200mls milk
⭐️200g self raising flour
⭐️3 eggs
⭐️25g melted butter
⭐️Add all ingredients to a bowl. Whisk together. Coat a large pan with a thin layer of oil and cook pancakes. Once ready you can decorate. We used:
🍌banana
🫐blueberries
🍓strawberries
🥛yoghurt
🍊orange
We‘d love to see your creations…..feel free to post in the comments below!

18/12/2025

Is your child in need of a dental check up?
From 29th December for the week, Bessacarr Dental Practice are inviting anyone under the age of 18 to attend for treatment or advice.

16/12/2025

🎄There’s so much pressure to be merry and bright at the moment…so here’s a reminder that it’s totally okay if you’re not feeling jolly.
Talking therapies can help if you are struggling. Find out more about how they can support here https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/services/nhs-talking-therapies/

🎄There’s so much pressure to be merry and bright at the moment…so here’s a reminder that it’s totally okay if you’re not feeling jolly.

🌩️Some people may be struggling with finances, family, the dark nights, grief, burn out – and much more – and just doing the best they can.

💙At Talking Therapies, we can help you if you’re struggling with persistent low mood, worry, panic, OCD, PTSD or phobias, plus employment issues.

📍We can also signpost you to some incredible local services who can help out with the rest. From housing to finances, we’ve got lots of friends in the community who can provide wraparound support alongside us, and help you to get back on track.

💬Untangle how you're feeling. Self-refer online: rdash.nhs.uk/services/nhs-talking-therapies

16/12/2025

There’s more festive magic lined up this Sunday at Doncaster’s Christmas Finale🌟🎄❄️

It's the perfect opportunity to wind down and enjoy traditional Christmas with Carols, hot chocolate and festive fayre!

The fun-packed event includes musical performances, rides and attractions including the Snow Globe and festival characters and lots of Christmas cheer.

Join us from 2pm-7pm in Sir Nigel Gresley Square, full details here: https://www.visitdoncaster.com/whats-on/arts-and-culture/city-centre-christmas-finale