Waltham Forest Best Start in Life

Waltham Forest Best Start in Life Information, support and fun activities for families with children under 5 in Waltham Forest.

We want every child in Waltham Forest to get the Best Start in Life. You can find free and affordable find Best Start in Life services in Family Hubs and other community spaces throughout every neighbourhood in the borough. Find your nearest Family Hub here: https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/families-young-people-and-children/family-hubs

Many of the services are run by our partners that are experts in their fields, such as: HENRY, Lloyd Park Children's Charity, Chit-Chat Pitter-Patter and Waltham Forest Health Visiting 0-19 Children's Service. Follow us to keep informed of fun and free activities in Waltham Forest such as Dad’s Club, Story & Rhyme sessions, Baby Massage, SEND Play sessions, and many arts & crafts and music groups. You can also find all one-off courses and events posted here first 😊.

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 w...
13/01/2026

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 run from 9.30am to 11.30am, January to March, at Walthamstow Family Hub, E17 5PX:
• Triple P Babies - Thursdays, for parents of babies up to 1 year.
Learn how to nurture your baby’s development, strengthen your bond, and support their emotional and physical health.

• Triple P Toddlers - Fridays, for parents of children aged 1 to 2.
Discover strategies to encourage positive development and prevent challenging behaviour.

Download the January 2026 Parent and Carer Support Programme guide to explore all available sessions and book your place (link in bio).

Looking for free activities for your children this February half term?The Waltham Forest Holiday Activity Programme is o...
13/01/2026

Looking for free activities for your children this February half term?
The Waltham Forest Holiday Activity Programme is offering free sessions across the borough. Bookings are essential, and open on 19 January for all activities.

When: Monday 16 to Friday 20 February
Who: School-aged children receiving benefit-related Free School Meals
What: Free activities, sports, and a daily meal

Find full details on Waltham Forest Holiday Activity Programme website (link in comments).

If you’re expecting or have little ones under five, the new Best Start in Life timetable is packed with free and afforda...
10/01/2026

If you’re expecting or have little ones under five, the new Best Start in Life timetable is packed with free and affordable activities to help you make the most of this special time.

Sessions include baby massage, sensory play, rhyme time and play sessions for toddlers, all happening at Family Hubs, community spaces and libraries near you.

Pick up your free copy in Family Hub waiting rooms or in the children’s book section at your local library. You can also find a digital version of the timetable and link to the Best Start in Life event pages on our webpage (link in bio).

Free and beginner-friendly yoga sessions will run throughout 2026 at Pimp Hall Nature Reserve Learning Lodge, Chingford....
09/01/2026

Free and beginner-friendly yoga sessions will run throughout 2026 at Pimp Hall Nature Reserve Learning Lodge, Chingford. These classes are provided by Walk the Loop and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Bookings are now open for Pregnancy yoga, a six-week course for mothers over 12 weeks gestation. Book your place via the link in comments.

Did you know that your child’s funded early education place should be delivered entirely free for the agreed hours?Child...
09/01/2026

Did you know that your child’s funded early education place should be delivered entirely free for the agreed hours?

Childcare providers can charge for extras such as meals, additional hours, or services, but these must always be optional and clearly explained.
If you’re unsure about any charges, the first step is to speak directly to your provider and raise your concern in writing. They should respond within 28 days. If you’re still worried after that, the Waltham Forest Childcare Team can help review the issue and offer guidance.

Understanding your entitlements helps make sure families get the support they’re eligible for.
Email the Waltham Forest Childcare Team for advice and support:
childcare@walthamforest.gov.uk

07/01/2026

Happy New Year From HENRY Healthy Families Programme! Would you like to make some positive changes for your family this year? The HENRY Programme can provide the time and space to make & reflect on your personal goals for 2026.

Whether it is meeting new people, socialising or spending time reflecting on goals, the HENRY Programme can provide a supportive space to do so! To find out about local programmes starting at the end of January, contact our friendly team on 020 8496 5223, email wfsupport@henry.org.uk or fill out our online form here https://forms.gle/ywqZZmRG7c6j8uwE7

Expecting a baby or have children under five? You’ll love the Best Start in Life timetable!It’s packed with activities f...
04/01/2026

Expecting a baby or have children under five? You’ll love the Best Start in Life timetable!

It’s packed with activities for families with young children, from baby massage and sensory play to rhyme time and play sessions for toddlers. All sessions are free and affordable and take place at Family Hubs, community spaces and libraries near you. Pick up your free copy in Family Hub waiting rooms or in the children’s book section at your local library.

For the latest session details, visit our event pages or download the timetable from the Best Start in Life webpage (link in bio).

Mini Morris craft sessions at William Morris Gallery are suitable for ages 2 to 5.Bounce down to the Gallery on Thursday...
02/01/2026

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

Bounce down to the Gallery on Thursday 15 January, and learn all about William Morris’s love of animals. Inspired by William Morris’s Brother Rabbit design and the Brer Rabbit stories he read to his daughters, create your own bunny ears, sing songs and listen to tales about a clever rabbit who outsmarted more powerful enemies. Then hop off on an adventure to find any other rabbits around the Gallery 🐰

Choose from:
🐰10am – 11am
🐰11.30am – 12.30pm
DROP-IN ONLY. FREE!

Every family deserves support that makes life a little easier. 💛If you live in Waltham Forest or have children at school...
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).

HENRY in Waltham Forest free 8-week Healthy Families Group Programme starts again in January!Online and face-to-face ses...
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

Introducing Explorers dance classes by Dash Dot Dance! 🎉Revamped for 2026, Explorers is an inclusive dance class aimed a...
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

Address

Waltham Forest Town Hall
Town Hall
E174JF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

https://linktr.ee/BestStartWF

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