Welcome to the October 2025 edition of our Family Hubs newsletter!
Cheshire East Family Hubs look forward to welcoming you into our hubs as we move into the autumn season!
Spotlight on... Prime Minister's letter to parents on Best Start in life
Prime Minister pens his support to the governments ‘Best Start in Life’. The Prime Minister letter outlines new government initiatives aimed at supporting families across England.
 New Antenatal & Postnatal Support Sessions – Free for Families
Brought to you by the Start for Life team
We’re excited to offer a new 4-week programme designed to support families both before and after birth. These sessions are free to attend and will be delivered across our three Family Hubs: Oakenclough, Congleton, and Ash Grove.
Session Overview:
Session 1: Antenatal Drop-In
Open to anyone who is 28–40 weeks pregnant. No need to book – just come along!
Sessions 2–4: Postnatal (Invite Only)
For families with babies aged 6–8 weeks. These sessions offer a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and receive support during the early weeks of parenthood.
Like physical illness, mental illness can affect anybody. And just like a physical illness it is important to seek support if you have been suffering with any of the following:
- feelings of sadness and worthlessness
- feeling you have lost interest in those things you used to find pleasurable
- feelings of worry and panic
 Anyone can experience challenges with their mental health, including children and young people. Everyday pressures including family life, school and social media can impact your child’s mental health.
Help and advice on how to support your child or young person can be found by following the link below.
October is ADHD awareness month, as well as World Cerebral Palsy Day and
Dyslexia Awareness Day.
The family hubs can offer a wide range of SEND support for children with varying additional needs.
Little Stars session runs weekly: (open to children aged 0-11 w/c 27th October)
Mondays 10:00 -11:30 at Ash Grove Family Hub
Tuesdays 10:00 -11:30 at Oakenclough Family Hub
Thursdays 13:00 -14:30 at Congleton Family Hub
0-19 SEND Drop Ins:
Friday 3rd October 09:00 - 11:00 at Congleton Family Hub
Monday 13th October 09:00 - 11:00 at Ash Grove Family Hub
Friday 17th October 09:30 - 11:00 at Disley Library/Community Centre
Friday 24th October 09:00 - 11:00 Knutsford Children Centre
There is also lots of useful links, charities and websites on the NHS Neurodiversity Support Pathway.
Concerned about your child's Cognition and Learning or Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH). Contact your local family hub to book a slot with an educational psychologist for advice and guidance.
(Please note these appointments will not enable any local authority processes such as EHCPS, Placement changes or Assessments of needs.)
See further details below
 The Educational Psychology Team will be at Oakenclough Family Hub on 9th October to arrange to speak to a member of the Educational Psychology Team contact on 01625 374180.
Applications are now open for the next cohort of Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) for the 2026–2028 term.
Young people aged 11–16 across Cheshire East are invited to apply for this exciting opportunity to represent their peers, influence decisions, and help shape their communities.
The selection process will take place during October half-term, with two full-day events scheduled.
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Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th October 2025, from 10:30am to 3:30pm
- At two venues:
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Macclesfield Youth Hub, 33 Great King Street, SK11 6PN
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Monks Coppenhall Family Hub, Remer Street, Crewe, CW1 4LY
 Applications are now open for children starting primary school. If you are a parent, with a child born between 1st September 2021 and 31st August 2022, your child will be due to start primary school in September 2026. Parents are strongly advised to apply for three preferences.
Applications must be submitted to the child’s home local authority by:
- 15 January 2026 for pupils starting primary in September 2026.
Parents still need to apply even if the child has a brother or sister already at the school or the child is attending a nursery/preschool attached to the school. Some faith schools may also require parents and carers to submit a supplementary information form/confirmation of baptism. Further information about this will be available on the school’s website.
Parents should consider how their child will travel to school when making preferences. Parents can find out about school transport at Home-to-school travel support for reception to year 11
If you are looking for some support to complete your application please come along to one of our stay and play sessions running weekly at:
Mondays 13:00 - 14:30 at Knutsford Children's Centre
Tuesdays 10:00 - 11:30 at Congleton Family Hub
Wednesdays 10:00 - 11:30 at Oakenclough Family Hub
Thursdays 13:00 - 14:30 at Ash Grove Family Hub
To apply online and for further information please go to Application process for starting school in September or call 0300 123 5012.
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Halloween is a super fun celebration of all things spooky but can also come with it's dangers, particularly for children.
Find out how to keep your little ones safe this Halloween with top tips and advice from the Child Accident Prevention Trust
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It's World Mental Health Day this month and financial worries and troubles can have a big impact on many people's mental wellbeing.
Come to one of the drop in clinics to speak to a Financial Welfare Advisor for guidance and support on a number of topics and help ease some of your financial stress.
See below for details
Oakenclough Family Hub: 22/10/2025 & 19/11/2025
Congleton Family Hub: 21/10/2025 & 18/11/2025
Ash Grove Family Hub: 16/10/2025 & 13/11/2025
Did you know you could get a £25 voucher to try reusable nappies? Cheshire East Council’s Reusable Nappies Incentive Scheme helps families make the switch to washable nappies—saving money and reducing waste. It’s a simple way to start green and be planet-friendly from the bottom up. To find out more, scan the QR code on the flyer or email RealNappies@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Common Approach to Children's Health
CATCH APP
 CATCH is a free NHS health app for parents and carers of children from pregnancy to age 5.
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