Category Children and families Show all
-
Fun for all the family this half term
Share Fun for all the family this half term on Facebook Share Fun for all the family this half term on Twitter Share Fun for all the family this half term on Linkedin Email Fun for all the family this half term link
If you’re looking for something to do this February half term with the family, then take a look at the Council’s web page packed full of low-cost or free events for everyone to enjoy.
Events and activities are happening daily throughout the week and there's plenty of choice of things to do - from interactive performances, football camp, bird trails, pool parties and much more.
School holiday activities | Cheshire West and Chester CouncilInformation for activities and events have been provided by our partners. Therefore, we advise that you contact the event organiser for the most up to date information.
-
Support for new parents
Share Support for new parents on Facebook Share Support for new parents on Twitter Share Support for new parents on Linkedin Email Support for new parents link
Child Benefit
Did you know you can claim your Child Benefit online or via the HMRC app? More than one million parents have claimed in this way since the new digital service was launched earlier this year.
Child Benefit is worth £1,331 a year for the first child and £881 a year for each additional child. It can be claimed just 48 hours after registering a baby’s birth and parents typically receive their first payment within three working days. Claims can be backdated by up to 12 weeks, so the sooner families claim, the better. Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks.
Downloading the free HMRC app makes managing claims even easier too. Families can use the app to track payments and update their details on the go – from changing their address or bank details, to seeing when their next payment is landing.
To make a claim online, visit: Child Benefit: Make a claim - GOV.UK or via the HMRC app, visit: Download the HMRC app - GOV.UK
Healthy Start supports families in need
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. Your benefit will be added onto your card every four weeks.
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:
- Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old
To find out about applying for Healthy Start, visit: Applying for Healthy Start – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
or how you can use Healthy Start, visit Using Healthy Start – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
-
Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme
Share Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme on Facebook Share Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme on Twitter Share Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme on Linkedin Email Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme link
Bookings are now open for the Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme
Get ready for festive fun with 34 FREE activity clubs across the borough.
As Christmas approaches, so does the excitement for the return of the Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) funded by the Department for Education. Edsential have been working alongside Cheshire West and Chester Council to bring families together, with a whole host of festive activity clubs available that are designed to keep children and young people engaged and active this Christmas.
With a network of 34 clubs spread across the borough, the HAF programme is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for young people aged 5 to 16 years old in receipt of benefit related free school meals. This year, new clubs will be joining the programme, offering even more festive activities. From winter sports like ice skating and indoor football to holiday-themed arts and crafts, baking and cooking classes, nature bushcraft, campfires, and day trips all with a Christmas twist—this season promises something for every taste and interest. For older children, additional activities such as holiday wellness sessions, hair, and beauty workshops will be available. And the best part? Free, nutritious meals will be served throughout the programme, ensuring that children stay energised and nourished during the Christmas break.
The Summer HAF initiative saw over 4000 children and young people in Cheshire West and Chester benefitting from enriching activities and healthy meals provided. Those who took part were thrilled, with many parents praising the clubs’ ‘lovely staff’ and their ability to be ‘brilliant with kids.’ Parents were delighted that their children were entertained and well-fed during the holidays, and this Christmas is set to be even more special.
Cllr Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Cheshire West and Chester, said: “What a wonderful programme we have for this Christmas. So many children from all backgrounds, from all across the borough will get to enjoy a magical time. The activities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) will have an amazing impact on children and families. I hope the children enjoy the pantos, food hampers and all of the activities the teams have planned.”
Heather Lewis, the Programme Manager for HAF, expressed her excitement, stating,
“We have an exciting lineup of holiday activities and food clubs this Christmas for children and young people across Cheshire West. Our mission is to create a safe, festive, and inclusive environment where they can have fun, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an initiative that helps young people thrive.”
Edsential urges all parents and carers to check if their child is eligible for free school meals, as it could unlock a host of benefits. Eligible children not only gain access to the diverse programme of Christmas activities but also delicious and nutritious free lunches throughout the school term.
Ready for your child to dive into a Christmas of excitement? Book your child's spot at one of the Christmas holiday activity clubs or check eligibility at: www.edsential.com/HAF.
-
Family fun this half term
Share Family fun this half term on Facebook Share Family fun this half term on Twitter Share Family fun this half term on Linkedin Email Family fun this half term link
If you’re still looking for something fun to do with the family this half term, there’s lots going on across Cheshire West and Chester.
To make it easier to access what you’re looking for there’s a page on the Council’s website packed full of activities, events and exhibitions for children and young people of all ages. From craft activities through to sports camps and a whole host of spooky events, including a Haunted House Workshop and Frankenstein’s Museum, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
Most of the events listed are free or low-cost, too.
We hope you have a great half term.
School holiday activities -
Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund
Share Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund on Facebook Share Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund on Twitter Share Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund on Linkedin Email Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund link
The government’s Household Support Fund is there to support households in the most need, especially with energy costs, food, water bills and other related essential items.
The current round of funding is open until 30 September 2024 and is available to a broad range of low-income households across the borough, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people.
If you fall into one of these categories and haven’t already received support through the Household Support Fund since April 2024, we are now accepting further applications for remaining funding.
To find out if you’re eligible to apply for a one off payment of £50, visit:
http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/household-support-fundFor families of children in receipt of free school meals the usual £15 food voucher, per week, per pupil, will be issued by the school for the 6-week summer break period.
There is currently no confirmation from government that the Household Support Fund will be continuing beyond 30 September 2024.
Additional support and advice is available for anyone who is struggling to pay their bills, requires debt advice or who’s health has been affected by the rising cost of living.
http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/cost-of-living
-
Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund
Share Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund on Facebook Share Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund on Twitter Share Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund on Linkedin Email Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund link
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.
-
Help with paying for your childcare
Share Help with paying for your childcare on Facebook Share Help with paying for your childcare on Twitter Share Help with paying for your childcare on Linkedin Email Help with paying for your childcare link
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.
-
World Book Day Fancy Dress Swap
Share World Book Day Fancy Dress Swap on Facebook Share World Book Day Fancy Dress Swap on Twitter Share World Book Day Fancy Dress Swap on Linkedin Email World Book Day Fancy Dress Swap link
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
Share Holiday Activities with Food (HAF) Programme on Facebook Share Holiday Activities with Food (HAF) Programme on Twitter Share Holiday Activities with Food (HAF) Programme on Linkedin Email Holiday Activities with Food (HAF) Programme link
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
Share Helping eligible people access Healthy Start on Facebook Share Helping eligible people access Healthy Start on Twitter Share Helping eligible people access Healthy Start on Linkedin Email Helping eligible people access Healthy Start link
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?