Waltham Forest Best Start in Life

27/12/2025

Every family deserves support that makes life a little easier. 💛

If you live in Waltham Forest or have children at school here, you can access a wide range of free programmes for parents and carers, designed to support you at every stage of your child’s development. Some sessions are online, others in person, whatever works for you!
✔ Meet other parents and carers
✔ Build connections with other parents
✔ Share experiences and learn together
✔ Get practical tips for family life

Want to join a session? Download the January 2026 Parent and Carer Support Programme guide to find out what’s on and how to book (link in bio).

23/12/2025

HENRY in Waltham Forest free 8-week Healthy Families Group Programme starts again in January!

Online and face-to-face sessions available.
Visit HENRY in Waltham Forest page for more information - or contact them by calling 020 8496 5223, or email wfsupport@henry.org.uk.

You can also register your interest by filling in this online form: https://forms.gle/ywqZZmRG7c6j8uwE7

22/12/2025

Introducing Explorers dance classes by Dash Dot Dance! 🎉

Revamped for 2026, Explorers is an inclusive dance class aimed at disabled children aged 5 to 11 and their families. A chance to dance, play and create together!

Classes start 12 January 2026 at Queens Road Family Hub, E17 8PJ.
To book your space or find out more email hello@dashdotdance.com.
These sessions are part-funded by

19/12/2025

🎄Family Hub holiday opening hours 🎄

Family Hubs and the Family Hub phone line are usually open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Here’s what you need to know for the festive period:

✅ Family Hub closures
Walthamstow: 25 Dec 2025 – 1 Jan 2026
Queens Road: 25–28 Dec 2025 & 1 Jan 2026
Chingford: 25 Dec 2025 – 1 Jan 2026
Leytonstone: 25 Dec 2025 – 1 Jan 2026

📞 Family Hub phone line (0208 496 4965)
Closed: 25–28 Dec 2025 & 1 Jan 2026

🍼 Infant Feeding Helpline (0207 961 9073)
Usually open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm
Holiday closures: 25–29 Dec 2025 & 1–5 Jan 2026

Plan ahead and save these dates!

19/12/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined our Family Festive Fun Day this week at Walthamstow Library. We hope you enjoyed the storytelling, arts and crafts 🎨 and of course, a special visit from Santa 🎅

We had a wonderful turnout of over 100 families taking part in the fun.

If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry, there are plenty more activities coming up. Check out our events page via the link in bio.

16/12/2025

Come and join our Family Festive Fun Day tomorrow!

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

Last year’s event was a hit with over 250 families attending, so drop in and join the festive fun!

15/12/2025

⏰Deadline reminder for working families!

To get 30 hours free childcare for the spring term, you must apply by 31 December 2025.

Don’t miss out on support that can help with childcare costs, apply or reconfirm your eligibility before the deadline.

👉 Apply now via the link in comments.

12/12/2025

Here is where you can find our HENRY in Waltham Forest Infant Feeding team over the holiday period.

Here is where you can find our Infant Feeding team over the Christmas period.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

11/12/2025

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!

11/12/2025

Waltham Forest Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme runs fun, free activities for school-aged children and young people.

If your children receive benefit-related Free School Meals and are in reception until year 11, you could book them to attend some of the free HAF winter holiday programmes running from Saturday 20 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026. Activities include sports, ice skating, STEM activities and festive crafts, and all children are offered a free meal.

There are still some booking slots left. Look for the links in the comments section.

11/12/2025

Did you know that the HENRY in Waltham Forest Infant Feeding team has drop-in sessions at Cornerstone building at Canterbury Road? Visit HENRY in Waltham Forest page for more information.

11/12/2025

Join our Baby Massage courses from The Lloyd Park Children’s Charity - a calming, nurturing experience that helps strengthen the parent-child bond, support baby’s development, and promote relaxation.
Available to book online visit www.tlpcc.org.uk/whats-on