Cost of living support

We want to make sure that children and young people in our borough get the best start in life and are able to fulfil their potential no matter the circumstances. There’s plenty of support available to you, including: 

• Early Help free drop-in sessions – you can access friendly, in-person support at children and Best Start Family Hubs across the borough. Drop by any time from 9.45 am to 11.15 am, to receive information about local services, support for parents, community activities and help to use online services in an informal space. The sessions take place at:
  • Best Start Family Hub: Queens Road (Tuesdays), 215 Queens Road, E17 8PJ
  • Chingford Library (Wednesdays), Station Road, E4 7EN
  • Walthamstow Library (Thursdays), High Street, E17 7JN
  • Leytonstone Library (Fridays), 6 Church Lane, E11 1HG  

Best Start Family Hubs 

Our local Best Start Family Hubs provide an upgraded programme of activities and support for parents and young people of all ages, including advice and information to support your child’s growth and development. Register online or in person at your nearest Best Start Family Hub. 

Best Start in Life Newsletter

Sign up for our Best Start in Life newsletter and get events, information and advice to parents of children between zero to five years old straight through to your inbox. Make sure you check the ‘Best Start in Life E-newsletter Parents and Carers’ tickbox under the ‘Education: Schools and Colleges’ heading. Not keen on receiving a newsletter? Why not follow our Best Start in Life Facebook page to get all the latest news.

The Healthy Start scheme 

If you are pregnant, a new parent, or have a child under four, you may be eligible for a Healthy Start card, to help you purchase free, healthy foods and receive free vitamins. You can find out more about who qualifies for the Healthy Start Card, and make an application for a card if you qualify. 

• Free School Meals – all primary school children attending state school are automatically enrolled to receive free school meals. You can also find out if your child attending secondary school is eligible for free school meals, and apply online.
• Help with childcare costs – a number of schemes and support are available to help parents pay for the cost of childcare. Including free early education for two years old and free early education for three and four years olds.
• Employment Support for Parents  – drop-in sessions for parents are taking place every Friday at South Chingford Library and every Thursday at Walthamstow Library.  Parents can bring their children along to the sessions to get support with CVs, job applications, interview preparation and access live job listings. Navigate to the Waltham Forest Jobs Employment Support Drop-in Sessions page to find dates and times of the next sessions.