Category Children and families Show all
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Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund
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As you may be aware, the government recently announced that they will be extending the Household Support Fund (HSF) for a further six months – from 1 April to 30 September 2024. Details of how the funding will be allocated will be available on the Council's website in the coming weeks.
The Household Support Fund is there to support people living in low-income households who are struggling to afford their energy and water bills, food, and other essential items. To find out if you’re eligible for support, visit:
Household support fund | Cheshire West and Chester CouncilEaster food vouchers
Out of the remaining budget available from this year’s round of HSF (up to 31 March 2024) food vouchers will be provided for families with children in receipt of free school meals, for the Easter holiday period. Each eligible pupil will receive £10 per week. Schools will issue the vouchers to families in advance of the Easter holiday.
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Help with paying for your childcare
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Currently, all 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get 570 free hours of early education per year. It’s usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.
This can be increased to 30 hours free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are: in work, on sick leave or annual leave or on shared parental, maternity, paternity, or adoption leave.
There is also 15 hours of free early education available for the most disadvantaged 2-year-olds to support the child’s development.
In March 2023, the Government announced it would be extending childcare support to include 30 hours a week of free childcare for eligible working parents of children aged nine months to three years in England. This is to support parents returning to work by reducing the cost of childcare. Parents working the equivalent of 16 hours a week or more (earning the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage) and earning up to £100k per year will be able to benefit from this offer.
Families can now check their eligibility and sign up to receive a newsletter and updates through the Childcare Choices website.
The roll out of the expansion is happening in the following phases
- From April 2024, working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare a week (38 weeks a year).
- From September 2024, working parents of 9 month to 3-year-olds will also be eligible for this.
- From September 2025, this will increase to 30 hours a week for working parents of 9 month to 3-year-olds.
Eligible families will be able to access the new entitlements from the term after their child turns the appropriate age. You will need to apply for an eligibility code via HMRC and share this with your chosen childcare provider, to access your funded hours. You will also need to revalidate your code every 3 months.
Eligible working families with 2-year-olds can apply for their code from now until 31 March 2024 to access the new 2-year-old entitlement from April 2024.The new entitlements can be stretched over the year depending on the number of weeks your chosen childcare provider is open. This would mean fewer hours per week are accessed over more weeks of the year, so the same total number of hours are accessed over the course of the year.
Whilst the childcare hours are free, providers can charge for meals, snacks, consumables, and additional services. Families are advised to contact their childcare provider to ask about their funded offer.
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World Book Day Fancy Dress Swap
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Do your bit to help save the environment, and perhaps some money too, by donating unwanted children’s fancy dress at participating libraries. All donated clothes must be clean and in good condition.
If you need fancy dress, choose from what is available in the library when you visit or come back another day. Taking an outfit for your child is free and you do not need to have donated to do so. Any items not chosen by anyone will be kept by the library, donated to charity, or recycled.
The scheme runs from Thursday 1 February to Wednesday 6 March.
Participating Libraries include Barnton, Blacon, Frodsham, Hope Farm, Lache, Little Sutton, Neston, Northwich, Sandiway and Wharton.
For opening times and locations - Find a library | Cheshire West and Chester Council -
Holiday Activities with Food (HAF) Programme
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The Council, alongside Edsential and a range of community partners, is running a wide range of fun activities for four days of the school Christmas holiday.
HAF is a national programme, funded by the government’s Department for Education, for children from reception to year 11 inclusive who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals (FSM).
Benefits-related free school meals are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, and have a claim verified by their school or local authority.
Find out if your child is eligible for free school meals
With a network of 67 clubs spread across the borough, children and young people who are eligible for free school meals between the ages of 5 - 16 are in for a festive treat. The programme will feature a diverse range of activities, including trips to see a pantomime, ice skating, graffiti art workshops, sports and much more. Alongside these exciting activities, everyone will receive nutritious festive meals to keep them energised throughout the Christmas holiday.
Youth Zones are available to 11–16-year-olds (up to 25 years for SEND young people) and will be providing eligible children and young people with a Christmas themed HAF offer.
Activities for Children with SEND - A number of organisations across the borough including the Council’s Youth Service and Brio Leisure, will be delivering SEND specific HAF sessions (available for ages up to 25 for SEND children and young people). Some sessions will also be offering places for siblings.A full list of all activities is available on the Holiday Activities with Food Cheshire West web page. Please note all activities must be booked in advance.
Holiday Activities with Food -
Helping eligible people access Healthy Start
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Pregnant people, or those with children under the age of four, could be eligible for the Healthy Start scheme and receive help with buying food and milk.
While nearly 300 more eligible people in west Cheshire are now claiming Healthy Start compared to the start of 2023, more than £13,500 worth of support was still unclaimed in September 2023, meaning many people are missing out.
Through the Healthy Start scheme, you can use your card to buy:
- plain liquid cow’s milk
- fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables
- fresh, dried and tinned pulses
- infant formula milk based on cow’s milk.
You can also use your card to collect the following.
- Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to four years old.
How you could qualify
You can access the Healthy Start scheme if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant, or you have at least one child aged under four, and receive any of the following.- Child Tax Credit (only if your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less)
- Income support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)
- Universal Credit (only if your family’s take-home pay is £408 or less per month from employment)
What you’ll get
- £4.25 each week of your pregnancy (from the 10th week of your pregnancy)
- £8.50 each week for children from birth to one year old
- £4.25 each week for children between one and four years old
How to apply
You’ll need to apply online to access Healthy Start, even if you previously used paper vouchers through the scheme before it went digital.
Apply online todayHelp spread the word
The Council and a range of partners have worked together on a local flyer to promote the scheme and highlight that some people in the area aren’t claiming what they’re entitled to.Could you share this flyer through your own networks or encourage local organisations you know to place a copy in their community building?
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Complete an application form to claim additional funding for your child’s school
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All pupils who go to school in the Cheshire West and Chester area, and are in reception, year 1 or year 2 in September 2023 can receive a school meal at no cost to the parent or guardian.
However, it’s important that all parents or guardians that have a statutory entitlement to a free school meal complete the online application form. Completing the free school meals application form may mean that your child’s school can claim additional funding, known as the Pupil Premium.
The Pupil Premium is extra money given to your child’s school to spend on resources such as one to one tutoring, music lessons, extracurricular clubs, and school trips. For the academic year 2023/2024 this is £1455.00 per eligible pupil. Funding is based on children registered for a free school meal, further reinforcing the importance of making sure all those who qualify are registered.
Your child may be entitled to receive free school meals if you are in receipt of one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income that does not exceed £16,190.
- Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400)
To apply online use the link below. The on-line eligibility checker will notify you straight away if you do or do not qualify.Free school meals | Cheshire West and Chester Council
If you cannot apply online contact your school who will be able to provide you with a paper application form, alternatively you can telephone Free School Meals on 0300 123 7039.It is essential that you complete the online form to help make sure your child’s school is funded as well as possible.
Plus, there are additional benefits of free school meals to you and your child, including:
- savings of more than £450 a year per child
- saves time making packed lunches
- your child gets a healthy, tasty cooked meal
- children achieve more when they've had a cooked lunch.
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Free and affordable summer days out
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Even in challenging times, everyone deserves to enjoy a day out.
Spending some quality time with family and friends can boost your mental health and wellbeing. Take a look at what west Cheshire has to offer.
Parks and green spaces
There are a variety of country parks, woodlands, and nature reserves across the borough for everyone to explore and enjoy. From Marbury Country Park in Northwich to Rivacre Valley local nature reserve in Ellesmere Port there are plenty of opportunities to get out in the great outdoors, enjoy a picnic and be marvelled by the nature around you.
Plus, for the younger members of the family there are over 100 play areas across the borough, including Winsford Town Park and Frodsham’s Castle Park where children can have hours of fun.
To find your nearest park and green spaces, visit:
Parks and open spaces | Cheshire West and Chester Council
Love Parks week is from 28 July to 6 August. This annual campaign celebrates parks and green spaces, and the team of dedicated staff and volunteers that look after them all year round. Keep an eye out on social media for more information about what’s planned for the week.Summer activities for everyone
Jurassic extravaganza brought to the streets of Chester, by Chester BID
Families and dinosaur fans are invited to take part in a trail to find 25 dinosaurs hidden in businesses across Chester city centre. Trail sheets are available from the Visitor Information Centre or can be downloaded via the link below. Plus, there is a chance to meet dinosaurs up close every day until Sunday 30 July. The main dinosaur walkabouts will happen on the final weekend (Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July). Pre-historic fans are also invited to get into the spirit of the extravaganza and dress up too.
Find out moreSummer reading challenge - Ready, Set, Read!
This year’s summer reading challenge is all about games and sports. Children can join a team of characters (and their animal mascots) using their skills to weave through a summer obstacle course. The aim of the challenge is for children to read at least six books over the summer by visiting libraries across the borough. As well as books from the library, there are also eBooks and eAudiobooks available from our digital collection.
Find out moreRe-Living the Rows
On Sunday 30 July, a group of performers are taking on the roles of historic characters bringing Chester’s historic Rows to life in a fun and exciting way. Chester Young Producers, a group of Chester teenagers supported by The Grosvenor Museum will use objects, sights, and smells in this atmospheric performance.
For more infoSoldier School – DEVA Roman Experience, Chester
March through the streets of Chester visiting the old bath house and Amphitheatre. Learn how Romans kept clean and how they entertained themselves watching Gladiators battle it out for victory. Running every Saturday until the last one in October, Soldier School starts promptly at 1pm and finishes at approximately 2pm. It costs £3 per child with accompanying adults free of charge.
Find out moreSummer Splash Pass
Brio Leisure are offering a Junior Summer Splash Pass for just £20. The pass available to anyone under 18 years of age allows the holder to swim every day throughout the summer holidays from now until 3 September. It can be used at any of the six Brio pools across the borough during casual swimming and lane swimming, family fun sessions, wet and wild sessions and fun and floats sessions. You can buy a Pass online or at any Brio Leisure Centre.Visit the Brio Leisure Summer Splash Pass page for terms and conditions or to buy a Pass.
Summer Splash PassCycle the Whitegate Way
Get on your bike and cycle 10 kilometres (6 miles) along the traffic-free Whitegate Way from the heart of Winsford through to Cuddington, and don’t forget to look out for butterflies and dragonflies along the route. There’s even a place to stop and have a picnic at the old Whitegate station.
Find out moreWalking in Cheshire
Explore the stunning scenery and wildlife on foot, with hundreds of walks to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you’re up for a short stroll or prefer a more challenging hike, check out the many walking trails available using the link below.
Find out moreMore information about events across Chester and Cheshire
And don’t forget… several restaurants and cafes are offering free, or £1, meals for kids during the summer holidays. Make sure you check out whether your local restaurant or supermarket is offering this deal.
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Healthy Start supports families in need
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Pregnant people and new parents could access extra support through the NHS Healthy Start scheme.
If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of four, the Healthy Start scheme can help you:
- buy healthy foods like milk or fruit
- get free vitamins.
You can also use the scheme to collect:
- Healthy Start vitamins, supporting you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- vitamin drops for babies and young children, suitable from birth to four-years-old.
The scheme now uses pre-loaded cards, meaning those who already receive Healthy Start using paper vouchers must re-apply. You'll be contacted by Healthy Start when you can apply for the digital scheme.
The uptake in parts of west Cheshire, especially more rural areas, is low so make sure you register for this scheme if you're eligible.
You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify but if you're pregnant, under the age of 18, and don’t receive any other benefits, you can still claim.
If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in most UK shops that sell milk, infant formula, fruit, and vegetables. This includes:
- supermarkets
- convenience stores
- grocery stores
- drug stores and pharmacies
- markets
- dairy products stores
- news dealers and newsstands
- freezer and locker meat provisioners (such as butcher shops)
- petrol stations
The shop must display a Mastercard® logo. The logo is normally shown on the shop door or at the till. Ask an employee inside the shop if they take Mastercard® if you're unsure.
Your allowance will be added on to this card every four weeks.
You can use your card to buy:
- plain liquid cow's milk
- fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetable
- fresh, dried and tinned pulses
- infant formula milk based on cow's milk.
A set of frequently asked questions are available on the Healthy Start website, covering things like applying for the scheme, how you can use it, advice for health professionals and more.
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Live Well Cheshire West
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If you're looking for support in your local area, look no further than Live Well. Live Well Cheshire West is a website produced by the Council, working with the NHS. It can help you find information about local services, support, activities, and events for everyone across a broad range of subjects including social care, health and wellbeing, education, employment, support for carers and much more.
Visit the Live Well page and put in your postcode or area, along with the type of support you are looking for, to find services near you. You can also filter the results by all sorts of different requirements like whether the service can cater to dietary requirements, or whether they are open before or after school times. Live Well offers support to people of all ages, including children and families.
Live Well Cheshire West: Malpas Community KitchenMoney Matters
There is a dedicated Money Matters section which can show you support for bills, budgeting, debt, benefits, and more. For example, if you live in rural Cheshire and are worried about affording hot meals for yourself or your family, you could visit Malpas Community Kitchen on a Wednesday lunchtime and enjoy a hot meal for free, no referral needed.
turn2us: Your Situation A-ZIf you are struggling to pay your bills as the cost of living rises, you may be eligible for benefits that you are not yet claiming. Live Well can direct you to this A-Z list of welfare benefits and grants, made by Turn2Us.
Changing Lives Together: What we doYou might need a new fridge or washing machine but not be able to afford a large sum right now. On Live Well, you can see a whole list of organisations that provide white goods and furniture at affordable prices. Changing Lives Together offer new and reused furniture for low prices, as well as many other services like distributing food that would otherwise have gone to waste, connecting socially isolated members of the community, and providing a community bus service to help residents get around.
Watch this short video which shows you how to find the information you're looking for on Live Well Cheshire West.
If you know anyone who is not online, Live Well can be accessed at any local Cheshire West and Chester Council library. Staff at the library can help people get online and find services to improve their computer skills.
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Support for children and families
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Useful resources and information for the school holidaysThe Council understands that rising prices are still impacting residents across the borough. Many families will be struggling to afford the essentials, let alone extra activities or a lengthy uniform list. However, there is lots of support out there to help you provide food, uniforms and more for your family.
Free school meals
There are lots of families in the borough who are eligible for the free school meals scheme but are not yet benefitting from it. If you sign up now, your child can get a free meal in school, and it will help you access other support that's available.
What are the benefits of free school meals?
- You could save more than £450 a year per child
- It saves time making packed lunches
- Your child gets a healthy tasty, cooked meal
- Children achieve more when they’ve had a cooked lunch
- Schools get extra funding to help children with their education (pupil premium - up to £1,320 a year per child)
The meals are optional but signing up gives you access to other support including the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) fund. Some HAF benefits have included free meals and free activities such as swimming, crafts, sports, dance, and gardening in the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.
Household Support Fund is availableMost recently, the Council has used the Household Support Fund to provide households with children in receipt of free school meals, vouchers for food during the school holidays.
Free school mealsThe staff in schools do not receive information about individual circumstances so it will not set your child apart from their friends. If you sign up for free school meals but don't have the meals, you will still be helping your school receive all the funding they can to provide additional support and resources such as tutoring, music lessons, extracurricular clubs, and school trips.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your school.
NHS: Get help to buy food and milkHealthy Start
Did you know that if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you might be eligible for support to buy healthy foods like milk or fruit, and get free vitamins, through the Healthy Start scheme? You must be claiming certain benefits to qualify. Or, if you're pregnant and under 18, you can claim even if you don't receive any benefits.
Uniforms
Lots of local schools have started uniform recycling, where families can donate uniforms they no longer need. This way, you can get your child's uniform for free and help the environment. Contact your school to see if they offer uniform recycling.
There are also lots of local organisations that recycle good quality uniforms and give them away for free.
IIf you live in Neston, you can collect recycle pre-loved uniforms for Neston High and primary schools from Parkgate and Neston URC, Moorside Lane, Parkgate, CH64 6UZ on Mondays between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
KidsBank ChesterIf you live in the Chester and Blacon area, KidsBank Chester can help you access free school uniforms, as well as toys, baby supplies, books, bedding, and more. You can request a referral from your midwife, health visitor, social worker or other front-line professional.
Motherwell CheshireIn Winsford, there is the Winsford Uniform Exchange which can be found upstairs above the Winsford Community Grocery, in the old job centre building on the High Street, on Tuesdays between 10am and 12noon and Thursdays between 5pm and 7.30pm. Check their Facebook for updates.
Read the article on Motherwell Cheshire to find out about their Community Share Hub, where you can get clothes and other essentials for your family in Winsford and Northwich.