Waltham Forest Best Start in Life

06/12/2025

Mini Morris craft sessions at William Morris Gallery are suitable for ages 2 to 5.

Join them on Thursday 18 December for a festive creative adventure! Together, you'll craft vibrant Christmas trees using fabric scraps, recycled treasures, and leftover materials – just the kind of sustainable beauty William Morris would have loved.

Choose from:
10am – 11am
11.45am – 12.45pm
1.30pm – 2.30pm
DROP-IN ONLY. FREE

05/12/2025

Free Family Learning Workshop suitable for children aged 3-8 years!
Bring your little ones along to create beautiful Christmas tree decorations together. All materials will be provided, and no prior crafting experience is needed - just come ready to enjoy the holiday spirit.

🎄Saturday 6 December, 10am to 12 noon at Lea Bridge Library
🎄Saturday 13 December, 10am to 12 noon at Hale End Library
🎄Saturday 13 December, 10am to 12 noon at Leytonstone Library

For more family friendly activities, visit Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service website (link in bio).

03/12/2025

If your child takes weekly swimming lessons with Better, you’re invited to join the Christmas parties at Chingford, Leyton, and Leytonstone Leisure Centres, as well as the Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre pools on Saturday 13 December 🎄

Tickets are just £2.50 and include pool entry, a Santa’s grotto, festive music, and more. For details, speak to your local centre. Not signed up yet? Get 50% off your first payment with code TREAT50 (valid until 12 December).

Gymnastics programme attendees at Walthamstow Leisure Centre are also invited to a Christmas party. Visit Better website for more information (link in comments).

03/12/2025

🌟 Stay & Play at North Chingford Library 🌟
Looking for a fun, friendly space for your little ones? Come and join our free Stay & Play sessions at North Chingford Library. No booking needed, just drop in!

Tuesdays: 11am to 12pm
Thursdays: 9.30am to 10.30am

Perfect for parents and carers with children under 5.
Come along for toys, activities, and a chance to meet other families!

01/12/2025

Buying toys online? Stay alert for hidden dangers.

Many toys from unknown sellers on online marketplaces haven’t been properly safety tested. Items like water beads, strong magnets, or button batteries can be swallowed by small children, causing life-threatening injuries.

Child Accident Prevention Trust shares tips on what to avoid and how to spot unsafe toys. A quick check could prevent a trip to A&E, so look before you buy and keep little ones safe this holiday 🧸
Find out more via the link in comments.

28/11/2025

With so many viruses going around, families may be tempted to use steam inhalation to relieve cold and flu symptoms, but this remedy is not suitable for smaller children.

With so many viruses going around, families may be tempted to use steam inhalation to relieve cold and flu symptoms. But, specialist burns departments are urging families not to use this remedy.

They’re worried about the number of life-changing burns they’re treating, particularly in small children and babies, who’ve grabbed at bowls of boiling water. These devastating injuries often need long-term treatment or surgery.

28/11/2025

This Saturday The Lloyd Park Children's Charity Dads Club session will run only the first session due to our Winter Fayre in the afternoon - Grow Wild will be available to visitors to the Winter Fayre!
This is the last Dads Club of 2025.

Dads Club will run only the first session due to our Winter Fayre in the afternoon - Grow Wild will be available to visitors to the Winter Fayre - we’d love to see you there!
This is our last Dads Club of 2025.

28/11/2025

28/11/2025

Looking at different childcare options for your little one?
Here’s what to look out for and the questions to ask when visiting childcare providers - whether it’s a nursery, pre-school or childminder 👇

Before you sign up, consider checking if:
• They’re properly registered - ask to see their Ofsted certificate (and check online if you can).
• Staff are properly trained and qualified (including DBS and first-aid).
• The space feels safe, clean and child-friendly, with enough room for indoor and outdoor play, sleep/rest areas, and proper hygiene.
• The day includes engaging activities, healthy meals (or flexibility for diets), and children seem happy and settled.
• You get clear information about fees, what’s included, how absence/holidays are handled, and transparency around contracts, deposit or additional costs.

Taking the time to ask these questions and get a feel for the place can give you greater peace of mind, and go a long way when choosing a childcare provider you trust. Call the Waltham Forest Childcare team on 0208 496 3566 or email childcare@walthamforest.gov.uk if you require support and advice.

27/11/2025

The Revel Puck Circus 🎪 returns to Waltham Forest with The Winter Festival, taking place in Walthamstow Town Square between Walthamstow Central Library and 17&Central.
Tickets are selling fast, but there are still some left for the Ugly Duckling - a circus story, aimed at younger audiences aged 2 to 7.

As an added Christmas bonus, Waltham Forest residents are eligible for the concession ticket option plus an additional 10% with discount code WFC10.

To find out more and book tickets, check out the link in the first comment 👇

27/11/2025

Holiday Activity and Food winter holiday bookings are now open!

Parents of children receiving benefit-related Free School Meals who are in reception until year 11 can apply.

Waltham Forest Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme runs free activities for school-aged children from Saturday 20 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026.

The programme offers children and young people a fun creative and sporting activities, along with a daily meal.

Find out more via the link in comments.

26/11/2025

Family Festive Fun Day is back by popular demand!

Last year’s event was a hit with over 250 families attending, and we’re excited to bring it back for families to enjoy together.
Join us on Wednesday 17 December, 1pm to 3.30pm at Walthamstow Library, High Street, E17 7JN.

Free drop-in activities are suitable for younger children, and include:
• Meet Santa
• Arts and crafts
• The Elmer Adventure storytelling session by Soho Theatre Walthamstow
• Fun games and giveaways
Drop in and join the festive fun!