Waltham Forest Best Start in Life

24/02/2026

Would you like to improve your English?
Join the Walthamstow Toy Library and Play Centre Conversation Club for parents and carers of children under 5!

Come and practice English conversation in a relaxed setting while your children play in the Toy Library.
The sessions are FREE and run on Wednesdays, 1pm to 2.30pm, on following days: 25 February, 4, 11, and 18 March.
No need to book, just drop in. Free drinks and snacks available.
If you have questions email: conversationclub.als@walthamforest.gov.uk or visit www.lbwfadultlearning.co.uk/conversation-clubs

Would you like to improve your English?

We are working with Waltham Forest Employability and Adult Learning to run a Conversation Club.
All adults with under 5s are welcome to come and practise speaking English, whilst the children play in the Toy Library.

The sessions are FREE and run on Wednesdays, 1 - 2.30pm.
*Wednesday 25th February; 4th, 11th, and 18th March*

No need to book, just drop in.
Refreshments will be provided.
If you have questions email: conversationclub.als@walthamforest.gov.uk or visit www.lbwfadultlearning.co.uk/conversation-clubs

24/02/2026

The University of Leeds Growing Well Study is inviting parents of children aged 6 months to 4 years to take part in a national health research project looking at how young children grow and what they eat.

Taking part involves a short online survey, a local Family Hub appointment to measure your child’s height, weight, tummy and teeth, and completing food records on three days. These activities are repeated after one year.

Families who take part will receive up to £50 in shopping vouchers as a thank you.
Interested? Find out more and how to sign up via the links in the comments.

23/02/2026

Join Real Nappies for London for a Reusable Nappy Meet and Give & Take on Thursday 26 February, 2.30pm - 4pm at Walthamstow Toy Library and Play Centre, William Morris Hall, E17 6RX.
Bring along no longer needed, good quality, reusable nappies and take away anything for free!
Receive reusable nappy advice and apply for your £70 voucher on the day.

To find out more and apply, visit: https://www.realnappiesforlondon.org.uk/waltham-forest

Join Real Nappies for London for a Reusable Nappy Meet and Give & Take on Thursday 26 February 2026, 2:30pm - 4pm at Walthamstow Toy Library and Play Centre, William Morris Hall, E17 6RX.

Bring along no longer needed, good quality, reusable nappies and take away anything for free!

Receive reusable nappy advice and apply for your £70 voucher on the day. To find out more and apply, visit: https://www.realnappiesforlondon.org.uk/waltham-forest

See you next week!

20/02/2026

Being a parent is filled with joyful firsts, but it can also bring natural worries and questions.

The new Government’s Best Start in Life website brings together trusted information, advice, support and practical help at every stage. Best Start in Life is here to help parents and carers whether they are expecting, navigating their child’s early health, exploring childcare options or preparing for school.
The website offers practical tools like a childcare checker, breakfast club maps, pregnancy advice and tips for school readiness, all designed to make your journey as a parent easier.

Get advice and support at BestStartinLife.gov.uk (link in comments).

20/02/2026

The Lloyd Park Children's Charity Mindful Medley course has still couple of spaces available!
This 5 week course is FREE, and offers a warm coffee‑morning introduction to children’s wellness and mindfulness, followed by energising music, movement, and relaxation activities that support emotional wellbeing.

Children will enjoy playful Lego‑based sessions that build communication and teamwork skills, take part in lively yoga to boost strength, balance, and emotional regulation, and explore creative ‘Cups of Calm’ activities designed to help them express their feelings, build confidence, and discover everyday strategies for staying calm and positive.

Visit www.tlpcc.org.uk/whats-on to book your place.

20/02/2026

The Lloyd Park Children's Charity baby massage course starting at Leyton Grow Well Centre on 23 February has couple spare spaces left! These very popular 5-week courses costs only £25 (£5 per session.
Relax, connect, and learn soothing techniques in a friendly, supportive environment.
Visit www.tlpcc.org.uk/whats-on for details and to book.

18/02/2026

A rise in measles cases near Waltham Forest has been reported this weekend, with some children being hospitalised.

Here's the facts:
🧒 3 in 10 children in Waltham Forest are not fully protected.
🛡️ two MMRV vaccines give 97-99% protection against measles.
🩺 One in five children who catch measles will be hospitalised. One in fifteen will get life-limiting conditions.
It's never too late to catch up with the MMRV vaccine and get protected - for you or your child.

Check the link in the comments to find out more about the vaccination, how to check if your child is up to date, and how to get vaccinated. Together, we can keep our children healthy.

A rise in measles cases near Waltham Forest has been reported this weekend, with some children being hospitalised.

Here's the facts:
🧒 3 in 10 children in Waltham Forest are not fully protected.
🛡️ two MMRV vaccines give 97-99% protection against measles.
🩺 One in five children who catch measles will be hospitalised. One in fifteen will get life-limiting conditions.

It's never too late to catch up with the MMRV vaccine and get protected - for you or your child.

Check the link in the comments to find out more about the vaccination, how to check if your child is up to date, and how to get vaccinated. Together, we can keep our children healthy.

18/02/2026

Have you been to one of the Storytime sessions at any of the Waltham Forest Libraries this month? You can listen to one of these 5 stories each week then vote for which one is your favourite at the end!

www.booktrust.org.uk/how-we-help/programmes/booktrust-storytime/

You can get the books out to read at home too - there are copies now on the shelves at all libraries.

16/02/2026

And so, half term begins!
Why make mess at home when you can pop over to one of our messy play sessions instead?
We have activities for babies and toddlers, from messy play to singing and crafts.

You can find find free and affordable Best Start in Life sessions for under-5s at Best Start Family Hubs, libraries and the Lloyd Park Centre. Links in comments.

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 👉 https://moneysavingcentral.co.uk/kids-eat-free