Waltham Forest Best Start in Life

11/02/2026

Looking for ways to help your children burn off some energy this February half term?

Better Leisure Centres have lots of options for younger children, including soft play and swimming sessions, all in a safe and friendly space.
All under 18s can swim for free during school holidays with a Junior Pay and Play membership. It costs £6.80 for the year or £5 with a concessionary discount.

Find the Better Leisure Centres link in bio.

11/02/2026

10/02/2026

We’re not connected to this offer, but hope this updated Kids Eat Free list helps families out this half term 😊

💥 Kids Eat Free (or for £1) February Half Term 2026 💥
Additions, updates and T&Ss here 👉 https://moneysavingcentral.co.uk/kids-eat-free

10/02/2026

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week, with a focus on belonging 💛
Belonging is essential for every child as they find their place in the world. When children feel they belong, they feel safe to explore, try new things and express who they are.

Play helps build this sense of safety and confidence. Our Best Start in Life sessions at Family Hubs and Libraries offer supportive, stimulating spaces where children under 5 can play, learn and thrive. Welcoming places where families connect and children are free to imagine, discover and build confidence at their own pace.
These everyday moments send powerful messages to children. Messages that say:
You matter. You belong. You are safe to grow into your full self.

Find free and affordable Best Start in Life sessions on our event pages (links in comments).

09/02/2026

Together We Play is a new £50,000 fund supporting inclusive, community‑led play projects across Waltham Forest.

Many children and young people with SEND face barriers to accessible, enjoyable play opportunities. This fund aims to change that. Local voluntary, community and recreational groups can apply for up to £5,000 to create safe and inclusive play spaces for SEND families and other groups experiencing disadvantage.

Applications close on 19 February 2026. Visit London Borough of Waltham Forest bio for more information.

A quick reminder that applications for our Together We Play fund are still open.

We’re offering £50,000 to support inclusive, community‑led play projects across Waltham Forest. Groups can apply for up to £5,000 to help create play opportunities for residents who may face barriers, including families in temporary accommodation, young carers, children and young people with SEND, migrant families, older residents and others experiencing disadvantage.

Applications close on 19 February. Find out how to apply 👉 https://orlo.uk/Z31Bz

09/02/2026

Design your own colourful bandana inspired by the Peace, Love & Liberty scarf, on display for Women in Print at William Morris Gallery.

This free drop-in session is open to all families, and suitable for children over 4 years. All materials will be provided.
Join the sessions at William Morris Gallery on Saturday 14 February, 1pm to 4pm.

++ William Morris Gallery Family Day this month! ++

Inspired by the Peace, Love and Liberty scarf currently on display for the Women in Print exhibition, join artist Lucy Rainbow to create your own bandana. Using calico fabric and global peace‑themed templates, play with vibrant colours and experiment with bold designs to craft a unique piece you can wear home.

These FREE drop-in sessions are open to all families. The activity is most suitable for children aged 4+ years. All materials will be provided.

When? Saturday 14 February, 1-4pm
Where? William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Walthamstow E17 4PP

Find the workshops in the Learning Rooms on the Gallery's second floor (lift access available). For more information about the event, see link in first comment.

Image: Detail from the ‘Peace, Love and Liberty’ scarf, on display at Women in Print. Artwork by Holly Marler. Scarf design by Megan Pearce.

09/02/2026

Whether you’re getting ready for your baby’s arrival or settling into early parenthood, You and Your New Baby can help you feel supported.

This gentle stay and play session is for families with little ones from birth until they start to crawl, and for expectant parents too. It offers a calm space to bond with your baby through sensory play, meet other parents at a similar stage and share questions or experiences as you grow in confidence.

Find your nearest session via the links in comments.

07/02/2026

Did you know you can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay for holiday clubs this February half term? 🎒🎨⚽

If your child attends an Ofsted-registered holiday club or childcare provider, the government will top up your payments – up to £2 for every £8 you pay.

💡 Works alongside many holiday club programmes
💡 Easy to use once you’re set up
💡 One less thing to worry about this half term

Check whether your provider accepts Tax-Free Childcare and plan ahead for February half term.

🔗 More info: www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

06/02/2026

Little teeth need gentle care right from the start, and it doesn’t have to be challenging 🪥

Our free Oral Health Promotion and Healthy Eating and Dental Health drop-in sessions for under 5s make it easier for little ones to learn how to brush their teeth through toys, playtime and rhymes. You’ll also pick up simple, practical tips you can start using at home straight away.

HENRY in Waltham Forest also provides an updated list of NHS dentists in the borough who are currently accepting new patients. Please be aware that some practices may still have waiting lists for first appointments.

🔗 Look for Best Start in Life events and HENRY in Waltham Forest links in bio.

04/02/2026

We are sad to say that Bambini's and Tambini's Music and Rhymes, Let's Create, and 123 Mini Chefs sessions are cancelled this week due to staff illness.

The cancelled sessions are listed below:
Thursday:
Queens Road Family Hub:
🥁 10am: Bambini’s Music and Rhymes
🥁 11am: Tambini’s Music and Rhymes

Leytonstone Family Hub:
🎨 3.30pm: Let’s Create
🥁 4.30pm: Tambini’s Music and Rhymes

Friday:
Queens Road Family Hub:
👩‍🍳 10am: 123 Mini Chefs

We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, and look forward to seeing you next week!
(...And we’re all wishing Kimmi a smooth and speedy recovery 🤗)

03/02/2026

Caring for a baby or toddler is a big job, and no one should have to do it alone.
We have many sessions to support your wellbeing and help you feel confident as a parent.

The following free, weekly sessions are currently at Walthamstow Family Hub, E17 5PX:
• Triple P Babies (for parent of babies under 1 year) - Thursdays, 9.30am to 11.30am, learn how to nurture your baby’s development, strengthen your bond, and support their emotional and physical health
• Triple P Toddlers (for parents of children aged 1 to 2) - Fridays, 9.30am to 11.30am, discover strategies to encourage positive development and prevent challenging behaviour

Find out more via link in comments.

03/02/2026

A quick update: some of the sessions taking place this Wednesday (04.02.26) at the Salisbury Manor Primary School have been cancelled.

The affected sessions are listed below:
• 10am, Tambini’s Music and Rhymes 🥁
• 11.15am, Let’s Create 🎨

We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, and look forward to seeing you next week!