Failsworth & Oldham Parents, Babies & Under-5s Hub
Your local guide to baby weighing clinics, infant feeding support, free library and toddler groups, NHS childhood health advice, and registering your baby or family with Quayside Medical Practice.
Registering a newborn baby or moving your family to Quayside
Whether you have just welcomed a new baby or want to move your whole household to a friendly, accessible local GP surgery in Failsworth (Keppel Building, M35 0AD — with free parking, lift access for prams, and extended hours), we make joining simple:
- ✓Registering a newborn baby: You can register your baby as soon as they are born — you do not need to wait until you have registered their birth or received their NHS number. Simply contact us online, call 0161 357 1600, or use the NHS online registration form with your baby's full name and date of birth.
- ✓6–8 week postnatal & baby check: Once your baby is registered, we automatically arrange your 6–8 week GP developmental check alongside their first routine childhood vaccinations.
- ✓Moving the whole family (including Out-of-Area): Parents and older children in M35, M40, OL8, OL9, M43 and surrounding areas can switch online in about 5 minutes. Your NHS records transfer automatically and no ID or proof of address is needed.
Quick Family Registration
Complete the official NHS registration form online in about 5 minutes:
Register online now→ Check your postcode (everyone welcome to ask)Local Clinics, Feeding Support & Toddler Groups
Weekly Baby Clinics, Feeding Support & Under-5s Groups in Failsworth (M35)
Free and low-cost weekly sessions right here in Failsworth where you can weigh your baby, speak to a Health Visitor or infant feeding worker, and meet other local parents.
Failsworth Play and Weigh (Best Start Family Hub)
Drop-in baby and child weighing clinic combined with free sensory play and stimulation for under-5s, supported by the Oldham Best Start 0–19 Health Visiting team.
📍 Venue: Failsworth Best Start Family Hub (Roman Road Independent Methodist Church), 37/38 Hedges Street, off Roman Road, Failsworth, M35 9JR.
Failsworth Baby Bistro (Breastfeeding & Infant Feeding Support)
Warm, welcoming infant feeding peer support group run by Home-Start HOST in partnership with Oldham Council Best Start Family Hubs. Expectant parents and mums/parents with babies of any age are welcome (call 0161 344 0669 or text 07802 883947).
📍 Venue: Roman Road Independent Methodist Church, 37/38 Hedges Street, Failsworth, M35 9JR.
Bounce & Rhyme at Failsworth Library
Free weekly drop-in songs, rhymes, actions and sensory play for babies and toddlers aged 0–5 and their parents, grandparents or carers. No booking needed — just turn up.
📍 Venue: Failsworth Library, Old Town Hall Building, Oldham Road, Failsworth, M35 0FJ (2 mins walk from the surgery, step-free access).
Family Storytime & Little Reads at Failsworth Library
Free shared stories, picture books and simple crafts for pre-schoolers and families every Friday afternoon, plus special Little Reads interactive drama and story workshops (e.g. Friday 6 November 2026, 10:00am to 10:30am) and Saturday Lego Club (10:30am to 12:00pm for ages 5+).
📍 Venue: Failsworth Library, Oldham Road, Failsworth, M35 0FJ.
Pramtime Baby & Toddler Group
Friendly community baby, toddler and pre-school group at Roman Road Independent Methodist Church (10:00am to 11:30am & 1:30pm to 3:00pm sessions during term time) with toys, refreshments and chat for parents, grandparents and childminders.
📍 Venue: 38 Hedges Street, off Roman Road, Failsworth, M35 9JR.
Local Midwifery Antenatal & Postnatal Clinics
Community midwifery clinics run right in the centre of Failsworth at Failsworth Town Hall (Mondays 9:00am to 5:00pm and Thursdays 9:00am to 12:00pm, managed via Badger Notes). Expectant parents can also self-refer directly to NHS maternity care online without needing a GP appointment first.
📍 Venue: Failsworth Town Hall, Oldham Road, Failsworth, M35 0FH.
NHS Immunisation Schedule
Childhood & Pregnancy Vaccinations — How Invitations Work at Quayside
Keeping up to date with routine NHS vaccinations protects babies, children and expectant mothers against serious infections including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), whooping cough (pertussis), meningitis, RSV, polio and childhood flu.
We invite your child automatically when they are due
At Quayside Medical Practice, childhood vaccinations and children's nasal spray flu vaccinations are arranged by practice invitation.
We will contact you directly by text message, letter or phone call as soon as your baby or child is due for their next routine NHS immunisation (at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 1 year, and pre-school at 3 years 4 months).
Vaccinations in pregnancy (Whooping Cough, RSV & Flu)
Pregnant women are eligible for free NHS vaccinations against whooping cough (from 16 weeks), RSV (from 28 weeks, to protect your newborn against bronchiolitis), and seasonal flu. We invite eligible pregnant patients directly, and your community midwife can also advise you at your antenatal appointment.
Trusted NHS Advice for Parents
Where to get fast help when your baby or child is unwell
Young children catch frequent coughs, colds and mild fevers as their immune systems develop. Here are the fastest NHS routes for reliable advice and treatment:
1. NHS.uk Children's Health Guides
Step-by-step NHS symptom guides for high temperature (fever) in children, rashes, croup, chickenpox, earache, diarrhoea and vomiting, and looking after a sick child at home.
2. Local Pharmacy First (Walk-In)
Your local Failsworth or Oldham pharmacist can assess children and supply NHS medicines (including prescription treatments where needed) without an appointment for earache (aged 1–17), sore throat (aged 5+), impetigo (aged 1+), and infected insect bites (aged 1+).
3. NHS 111 & Urgent Care
If you are unsure what to do or need urgent medical advice when your child is unwell, use 111.nhs.uk (for children aged 5+) or call 111 free at any time (24/7, including for babies under 5). In a life-threatening emergency (such as severe breathing difficulty or a rash that does not fade under a glass), call 999.
Useful Oldham & Local Family Support Contacts
Oldham Right Start & Family Hubs (0–19 Service)
Health visitors, school nurses, development checks, and family support across Failsworth and Oldham. Call the Oldham 0–19 Duty Line on 0161 470 4359.
Visit Oldham Family Hubs →Home-Start HOST (Oldham, Stockport & Tameside)
Free infant feeding support, parent-infant mental health support, and home-visiting volunteers for families with young children. Call 0161 344 0669.
Visit Home-Start HOST →NHS Healthy Start Vouchers (Free Milk, Fruit, Veg & Vitamins)
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 and receive qualifying benefits, you could get a prepaid NHS Healthy Start card for milk, formula, fruit, vegetables and free vitamins.
Check NHS Healthy Start eligibility →Explore Full Failsworth & Oldham What's On Calendars
Browse all upcoming half-term crafts, library storytimes, festive family events, and park walks on our interactive community calendars.
Page last reviewed: 27 October 2026. Next review due: October 2027. Content owner: Dr Mark Wilshere.