Children's services

Stay safe over summer

As well as having the best summer ever, we want you to have a safe summer.

View our top ​​tips to help you stay safe
Young children sat around in discussion.

Real nappy voucher scheme

Real nappies are reusable nappies made from natural materials. We've teamed up with The Nappy Lady website to make it easier for you to start using them.

View the benefits of real nappies and the voucher scheme
A pile of real nappies.

Get help with the cost of living

The cost of living crisis is putting more pressure on household budgets. Find out what you can claim, how to apply and where to go for advice.

View cost of living help
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Group A strep - what you need to know

Find out about Group A strep, how it's spread, the symptoms, how to get help and more.

Find out about Group A strep
A laboratory assistant processing vials.

Fostering

Find out about the extensive support package we provide to our carers, the experiences of our current carers and how you can make a real difference to a local young person.

About fostering
A foster parent and child playing together.

School holidays

Find recommended school holidays, term times, temporary closures and more.

View school holidays and closures
Children playing.

Health and family services

Our Rochdale website lists local services providing health, social care, childcare and family services.

How to sign in or register to Our Rochdale
Close up of a woman hugging a child.

Domestic violence and abuse

Support and advice for those affected by domestic violence and abuse, or if someone you know is being abused.

More on domestic violence and abuse
A ribbon lying next to a sign reading, Stop violence.

Report a concern about a child

Report a hate crime

Report someone at risk of radicalisation

Financial support for families

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    Free school meals

    Find out how to apply for free school meals for your child.

  • A row of smiling schoolchildren.

    Paying for school uniforms

    School uniforms and all the extras can be expensive. Read some advice which may help you reduce some of the costs.

  • 2 schoolchildren waiting for the bus.

    School travel expenses

    Find out more about applying for free bus tickets, travel passes, and bursaries for students.

Children and families

Things to do

  • A young woman sitting working in a library.

    Libraries

    You can do more than borrow books at your local library. Don’t miss out on all the free services available to you.

  • Young children playing.

    Find family hubs

    View locations, opening times, facilities and more for all family hubs in the borough of Rochdale.

  • Children playing soccer.

    Youth clubs and activities

    There's loads to do at your local youth club, such as playing pool with friends, listening to music, and more.

Get involved

Municipal Journal (MJ) Awards – Care and Health Integration 2023

This award was for improving outcomes for children and young people requiring special educational needs and disabilities support.

More on the MJ Awards 2023
MJ Achievement Awards 2023 logo.

Children and Young People (CYP) Now – Best Public Sector 2022

This awards was for helping to create created a multi-agency alliance to improve support and outcomes for children and young people requiring SEND support.

More on the Children and Young People (CYP) Now 2022 awards
Children and Young People Now Awards 2022 winner logo.

Municipal Journal Achievement Awards 2021 Innovation in Children's Services

The council's children's services team won this award for the Safe After School programme.

View all awards
MJ Childrens Services Winner, MJ logo.

Decision making

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    Policies, strategies and reviews

    We use policy and strategy documents to guide our decisions. We also use them to develop and run our services fairly and consistently.

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    Councillors and committees

    Councillors are responsible for agreeing provision of services and how the council's money is spent.