Thank you to everyone who joined our Early Years, Sleep and Toileting Forum this week. We know mornings can be hectic and virtual meetings aren’t always the easiest, especially when technology has its own ideas! We really appreciated your patience while we sorted the slide glitches and settled into the session.

This forum was created in direct response to parent and carer feedback last year, where you told us you wanted more practical, accessible information about sleep, toileting, early years support and where to go for help. We listened and this session brought together four key services who shared what they do and how families can access them.

Below is a round-up of what was covered, what’s coming next, and links to help you explore further.

Early Years Specialist Teaching Service (EYSTS)

Terri Hughes opened the session with an overview of how EYSTS supports early years providers to create inclusive environments for children with emerging or identified needs.

Key points included:

• EYSTS is a provider-led service (referrals must come from the early years setting with parental consent).
• They offer observations, strategies, modelling and training to help staff better understand and meet children’s needs.
• Their focus is on early identification, practical strategies and supporting inclusion from the ground up.
• Parents are encouraged to contribute to the Inclusion Plan, which is also used for early years funding and EHCP needs assessments.
• They now have parent padlets filled with helpful resources, which will continue to grow based on family feedback. Please see EYSTS Parent Support Padlet

If you’re unsure how your setting can involve EYSTS, your nursery or childminder can talk you through the process.

Starting Well Service

Next, the Starting Well team talked through the support available from pregnancy through to adolescence, including:

• Mandated contacts like antenatal visits, new birth checks, 6–8 week reviews, and 1- and 2-year checks.
• A wide range of open access support, including

- Duty phone line for advice

- Daily advice clinics

- ChatHealth texting service

- Baby massage

- Introduction to solids sessions

- Sleep workshops

- Parenting Puzzle for ages 2–5

• Targeted support, such as home learning sessions, sensory-adapted play groups and SEND practitioner input.
• Sensory rooms now available to book in Chester, Winsford, Ellesmere Port, Blacon and more—free of charge.

The key message? If you’re unsure, reach out. Starting Well wants families to know they are there for your whole journey, not just the early years.

Children’s Continence Team

Katie Farrell shared practical guidance on bowel and bladder issues, which are far more common than most families realise.

They support children with:

• Daytime wetting (5+)
• Night-time wetting (5+)
• Constipation and soiling
• Anticipated delayed toilet training
• Complex continence needs

Helpful reminders from Katie:

• Constipation is one of the main causes of both wetting and soiling. Medication from a GP is usually needed, diet alone isn’t enough.
• The service works closely with families to create plans, offer school support and assess underlying reasons.
• The Let’s Go Potty approach (via ERIC) is recommended for toilet training, including for autistic children.

CWP Children's Continence Service

Tel. 0151 488 8231

Email. Cwp.paediatriccontinence@nhs.net

Starting Well - Children’s and Young Peoples Continence :: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

ERIC – Home - ERIC

Koala Sleep Service

Our final speaker, Terry from Koala NW, delivered an in-depth look at sleep—what affects it, how children’s bodies work at night and, most importantly, what parents can do to help.

Some key takeaways:

• Children with SEND are more likely to experience sleep difficulties, but every child can improve with the right support.
• Sleep relies heavily on routine, environment, sensory needs and natural melatonin production.
• Light plays a major role, just 4 minutes of bright light can stop melatonin production completely.
• If your child falls asleep with a light on, the most important thing is consistency—that the environment stays the same across the night.
• Koala offer individualised support for families of children with Autisim/ADHD (and universal support in some areas), as well as a new Teen Sleep Text Service.

Terry also shared the impact of sleep deprivation on families, emotionally, physically and financially and reminded parents that asking for help is not a failure; it’s an act of care.

•      Phone 0151 608 8288 to self register

•      Email admin@koalanw.co.uk

•      Ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral

Thank You for Joining Us

We want to extend a huge thank you for giving your time, sharing your experiences and supporting one another. These forums exist because of your voice and we will continue to shape future sessions based on what matters most to you.

Please view the slides & recording below

If you have suggestions for future topics, please get in touch we’d love to hear them.



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