Derbyshire Family Health Service

Derbyshire Family Health Service Supporting Derbyshire children, young people and families with health, wellbeing and NHS advice. To speak to our team tel. Closed bank holidays. Thank you

no. 01246 515100 (Mon-Fri, 9am - 4.30pm). If you need urgent medical advice please contact your own GP, out of hours service - NHS 111, or in an emergency, call an ambulance or attend your local Emergency Department. House rules:

We ask everyone to remember this is a family page and to abide by social media rules. We welcome all comments and opinions, but ask everyone to be polite and respectful

to one another. Comments that include content deemed to be abusive, offensive, sexist, racist, trolling or contain bad language will be removed. Anyone who persistently posts such content will be blocked from the page. We sincerely hope this will never happen so we can be an open, honest and respectful online community.

Have you noticed a new tooth growing behind your child's baby tooth?It can look a little strange, but it's actually a co...
08/09/2026

Have you noticed a new tooth growing behind your child's baby tooth?

It can look a little strange, but it's actually a common stage of dental development known as "shark teeth".

This happens when a permanent tooth starts to come through before the baby tooth has fallen out. It's most common with the lower front teeth, usually between the ages of 5 and 7.

In many cases, there's no need to worry. As the permanent tooth continues to grow, it often helps loosen the baby tooth, which will then fall out naturally over the following weeks or months.

You can help by encouraging your child to:
• Wiggle the baby tooth gently with clean fingers or their tongue if it's already loose.
• Keep brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying extra attention around the new tooth.

When should you see a dentist?
• The baby tooth isn't becoming loose after several weeks.
• The permanent tooth has come through a long way and the baby tooth is still firmly in place.
• Your child has pain, has swelling or signs of infection.
• You're worried about how the teeth are developing.

Regular dental check-ups are the best way to keep an eye on your child's developing smile. If a baby tooth needs a little extra help coming out, your dentist can advise on the best next steps.

Most cases of "shark teeth" are simply a normal part of growing up, and with a little time, everything usually moves into place.

[Image description: Close-up of a child’s mouth displaying two rows of lower front teeth, commonly referred to as “shark teeth,” with the tongue visible and the Derbyshire Family Health Service logo in the corner.]

Starting school for the first time, or even just going back to school, can bring lots of different feelings.Your child m...
07/09/2026

Starting school for the first time, or even just going back to school, can bring lots of different feelings.

Your child might feel excited, nervous, happy, worried or a little bit of everything. And as a parent or carer, you might feel the same.

There’s no ‘right’ way to feel about the first day back. You might feel proud, relieved, emotional or worried about how they’ll manage.

Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. A little reassurance, a calm goodbye and letting your child know you’re there for them can make a big difference.

And if the first day doesn’t go quite to plan, that’s OK too. Settling back into school takes time.

Take a breath, be kind to yourself and remember: one day at a time.



[Image description: A father walks along toward school holding hands with two children wearing red school uniforms. The phrase “Back to school” appears at the top. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is situated in the bottom right corner.]

As the new school year gets closer, it's normal for some children and young people to feel nervous or anxious.Whether th...
04/09/2026

As the new school year gets closer, it's normal for some children and young people to feel nervous or anxious.

Whether they're starting school for the first time, moving up a year, changing schools or simply getting back into the routine, big changes can bring big feelings.

One simple way you can help is by teaching them a calming breathing technique to use whenever they start to feel overwhelmed.

Try practising it together before school starts so it feels familiar when they need it:

• Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds.
• Hold the breath for 2 seconds.
• Breathe out slowly for 6 seconds.
• Repeat 5 times.

Breathing out for longer than breathing in helps to slow the heart rate and signals to the body that it is safe to relax. It won't make worries disappear, but it can help your child or teenager feel calmer and better able to cope.

Let them know that feeling nervous about going back to school is completely normal, and remind them that you're there to listen without judgement.

[Image description: Infographic about feeling anxious, showing instructions to inhale for 4 seconds, hold breath for 2 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds, and repeat this cycle five times. Features illustrated breathing diagrams and the Derbyshire Family Health Service logo.]

Is your child starting secondary school this month?Moving from primary to secondary school is a big milestone. It can be...
03/09/2026

Is your child starting secondary school this month?

Moving from primary to secondary school is a big milestone. It can be an exciting time, but it's also completely normal for children (and parents and carers!) to have lots of questions and mixed emotions.

From making new friends, finding their way around a bigger school and getting used to having lots of different teachers, to managing homework and a new routine, there can be a lot to think about. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can help your child feel prepared and confident.

Our Moving Up to Secondary School page is packed with practical advice, including:
- How to talk to your child about the transition
- Tips for easing worries and building confidence
- Ideas to help them settle into their new school
- Useful resources and further support for families

Take a look here before the new term begins: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/our-services/5-10-years/moving-up-to-secondary-school

[Image description: Text reads, “Is your child starting secondary school this month? Visit our website for some advice.” A red arrow points towards the Derbyshire Family Health Service logo located in the bottom right corner. The background features doodles related to school.]

Do you, or your young person have worries or question about going back to school? Our team are here to help. ChatHealth ...
02/09/2026

Do you, or your young person have worries or question about going back to school? Our team are here to help. ChatHealth is a confidential text messaging service providing advice and support from one of our healthcare professionals from Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm, excluding bank holidays.

For parents and carers of 0-5 year olds: Text 07507 327769.
For parents and carers of 5-19 year olds: Text 07312 263744.
Young people (11-19 year olds): Text a Derbyshire public health nurse on 07507 330025.

[Image description: Text graphic titled “ChatHealth” displays contact numbers for parents and carers of children aged 0–5, 5–19, as well as young people aged 11–19. Features the Derbyshire Teen Health and Derbyshire Family Health Service logos.]

01/09/2026

Feeding your baby is not just about nutrition, it's also about connection, comfort and supporting healthy brain development.

When you breastfeed, your baby experiences much more than milk. They are held close, comforted by your warmth, soothed by your voice, reassured by your smell, and connected through eye contact and touch. These moments help build a strong, loving relationship while supporting your baby's developing brain.

Close physical contact encourages the release of oxytocin (sometimes called the 'love hormone') in both you and your baby. Oxytocin helps you feel calm and connected, supports bonding and reduces stress, creating an environment where babies feel safe and secure.

Research shows that babies' brains develop through loving, responsive relationships. Every cuddle, every kiss, every time you respond to your baby's cries, hold them close, smile, talk or sing to them, you are helping to build the neural pathways that support emotional regulation, language, learning and resilience. You cannot spoil a baby by responding with love, comfort, and closeness. These responsive interactions also help your baby develop a secure attachment; this sense of security provides a strong foundation for healthy development.

While breastfeeding offers unique benefits for both parent and baby, these loving, responsive interactions are important however you feed your baby. Whether you're breastfeeding, expressing breastmilk, combination feeding or formula feeding, holding your baby close during feeds, making eye contact, talking, and responding to their cues all helps them feel safe, loved, and supported as their brain grows.

Every feed is an opportunity to nurture your baby's body, their brain, and your relationship together. 💜

You can read more about attachment here: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/our-services/0-5-years/your-babys-first-year/what-attachment

[Reel description: A baby breastfeeding looking up at their mother and the mother making eye contact with baby, a brain illustration with neurones glowing and a baby on their tummy smiling. End slide directs to the service website.]

31/08/2026

Play doesn't need to be expensive or complicated. Simple activities using everyday household items can help children build important skills while having lots of fun.

This week's Positive Play idea is a shape treasure hunt; a simple game that gets your pre-schooler moving, searching and thinking as they try to find the pieces and put the shape back together.

What you'll need:
• A piece of card or a paper plate
• Scissors
• A little space to hide the pieces

How to play:
Cut the card into a circle (or you could use a paper plate), then cut into quarters. Hide the pieces around the room, garden or another safe space for your child to find.

Once they've found all the pieces, challenge them to put the circle back together like a puzzle. You can make the treasure hunt easier or harder by changing how well you hide the pieces or how many pieces you use.

This simple game helps develop:
• Shape recognition
• Problem-solving skills
• Visual and spatial awareness
• Hand-eye coordination
• Concentration and focus
• Memory and recall
• Listening and following directions

You can talk about the shape as you play, using words such as circle, quarter, edge and corner. if they are finding it tricky, help by giving verbal directions or clues too, as this can help listening and direction following skills. You could also try making different shapes or cutting the circle into more pieces as your child becomes more confident.

It's a great activity for indoors or outdoors and can be adapted to suit different ages and abilities.

Keep an eye out for more Positive Play ideas that are low-cost, easy to set up and packed with opportunities to learn through play. We'd love to hear which games and activities your family enjoys most!

[Reel description: Shows card circle being cut and then child searching in their house, and finding the quarters then when they have all the pieces, putting them back together into a circle like a jigsaw puzzle. End slide with text: "Positive Play, simple and quick ideas to keep your little one playing and learning this summer!"]

As we approach the next bank holiday, please note that our ChatHealth text services and advice and information support l...
28/08/2026

As we approach the next bank holiday, please note that our ChatHealth text services and advice and information support line will be closed from 4.30pm today, Friday 28 August, and will re-open at 9am on Tuesday 1 September.

There are answers to lots of frequently asked questions on our website: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/

If you need medical attention this bank holiday, remember that you can access pharmacy services for some minor ailments at https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/ or contact NHS 111, which is available 24/7. Simply call 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk/.

In case of an emergency, always call 999.

[Image description: A handwritten note taped to a yellow background reads, “We are closed August Bank Holiday!” The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is visible in the corner.]

Is your child or young person starting a new school this September, but not in the traditional 'new' year groups? Joinin...
27/08/2026

Is your child or young person starting a new school this September, but not in the traditional 'new' year groups?

Joining an established school community can feel daunting. Existing friendship groups have already formed, routines are familiar to everyone else, and your child may feel like they're "catching up."

If your child is starting a new school this September, here are some ways you can support them:

- Recognise that this transition may feel different. They may worry about fitting in or being "the new one." Let them know these feelings are understandable.
- Listen more than you reassure. Rather than saying, "You'll be fine," try asking, "What's worrying you the most?" Feeling heard can be just as important as finding solutions.
- Remind them that friendships take time. They don't need to find their best friend on day one. Even one friendly face or conversation is a positive step.
- Encourage them to ask for help. Knowing who they can speak to, a form tutor, pastoral lead or another trusted adult, can help them feel more confident if they're struggling.
- Focus on what they can control. Being prepared, arriving on time, knowing where key places are and showing kindness to others can all help build confidence.
- Celebrate small successes. Whether it's finding their classroom, joining in during a lesson or chatting to someone at lunch, every achievement deserves recognition.
- Be patient. Settling into a new school where everyone else already has established friendships can take weeks or even months. Progress isn't always linear, and that's okay.

A school move at any age can feel like a big step, but with understanding, encouragement and the right support, children and young people can build confidence, develop new friendships and find where they belong.

[Image description: Colourful poster featuring school-themed illustrations such as rucksacks, books, apples, a sun, and a laptop. The poster provides tips for children starting a new school in September, produced by Derbyshire Family Health Service.]

Autumn is coming, and with late September and October being popular months for new arrivals, perhaps you'll be meeting y...
26/08/2026

Autumn is coming, and with late September and October being popular months for new arrivals, perhaps you'll be meeting your own little pumpkin very soon. If you are pregnant and due in the next couple of months, now is the time to attend one of our antenatal feeding sessions. The sessions, run by our infant feeding practitioners, are here to help you feel confident from the start, they cover different feeding options, practical tips for those early days, and the support available once your baby arrives.

Sessions are held across the county, and you can book onto whichever date and location suits you best, no need to stick to the nearest one. You’re also welcome to bring a partner, family member or friend along for extra support.

September sessions are:
• Buxton - Tuesday 1st September 9.30am - 11.15am
• Long Eaton - Tuesday 1st September 10am - 12midday
• Repton - Wednesday 9th September 10am -12.30pm
• Ilkeston - Thursday 10th September 10am -12midday
• Matlock - Monday 14th September 10am - 11.30am
• Bolsover - Monday 14th September 12midday - 2.00pm
• Alfreton - Wednesday 16th September 10.30am to 12midday
• Chesterfield - Thursday 17th September 9.15am to 10.30am
• Dronfield - Friday 18th September 9.30am to 11am
• Bakewell - Friday 18th September 10am to 11.30am
• New Mills - Wednesday 23rd September 10am to 12midday
• Woodville - Wednesday 24th September 10am to 12.30pm

To find full details for these free sessions, head to the ‘What’s on’ section of our website and use the drop-down category filter to select Antenatal Feeding sessions:

https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-events/whats-on

[Image description: A pregnant bump is painted with a cheerful pumpkin face and autumn leaves. A calendar displays a due date of October 2026. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the top right corner.]

Address

Headquarters, Newholme Hospital, Baslow Road
Bakewell
DE451AD

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Derbyshire Family Health Service posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category