Families Matter Bitesize E-bulletin: December 2022 - Holiday Activities and Food programme, plus parent workshops for the new year

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Welcome to your monthly Families Matter E-bulletin from the Parent and Family Support Service.

Each month we share information, advice and opportunities for you to join our networks, support groups or parenting sessions.

Read on to find out how you can connect with other parents and carers, participate in family activities, share your experiences and learn together.

To find out more about the Parent and Family Support Service and access our termly Families Matter magazine, visit our website.


FIS Christmas Hours

Family Information Service – Christmas opening hours

The Family Information Service operates a telephone and email helpline from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 020 7364 6495. 

The telephone lines will be closed on Friday 23 December and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 3 January 2023.


Local Offer

Winter holiday updates to support families

Head over to the Local Offer website and explore all that’s on offer over the Christmas holiday period including family activities, events, music, dance and much more. 

There is also information for families who may need help with childcare and signposting to services who provide support with the cost of living.

Visit the Local Offer >


HAT Programme

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme

Tower Hamlets Council has brought together a range of organisations offering free fun activities, clubs and meals for children and young people this Christmas.  

Funded by the Department for Education, places are offered to children in reception up to Year 11 (inclusive) who receive free school meals.

Alongside the food, there will be opportunities to try out new things or get involved in physical sports, games or creative activities.

Please note that HAF programme activities will take place until Saturday 31 December (no clubs will be open on 25 and 26 December).

Local winter activities >


Applying for a Nursery or School Place

Applying for a nursery or reception school place for September 2023?

To support families with the nursery and reception school application process, the Transition Support Service in partnership with Pupil Services are offering free online advice sessions.

Reception application advice sessions (children born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019):  Book here

  • Friday 13 January 2023, 10am
  • Wednesday 1 February 2023, 10am (with information on late applications)

Reception application deadline: Sunday 15 January 2023. 

Nursery application advice sessions (children born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020): Book here

  • Thursday 12 January 2023, 10am
  • Tuesday 7 February 2023, 10am

Nursery application deadline: Thursday 16 February 2023.

School Applications Advice >


Rich Mix Our Journeys

Join a creative textiles project at Rich Mix

Our Journeys is an eight-week creative textiles project, on Wednesday mornings from 1 Feb – 29 March 2023 (excluding half term), for local parents, that explores local history and migration stories in Tower Hamlets.

Personal and shared views, experiences and memories will inspire this collaborative project, a StoryTent, to be showcased in a public exhibition at Rich Mix.

Rich Mix would like to invite any interested parents to a taster session on Wednesday 18 January 2023, 10am-12noon to find out more.

Please email tracy.barbe@richmix.org.uk to confirm your place and for further details.

More details >


Platform To Talk

Platform to Talk: Encouraging good eating habits

Many children can be fussy about the food they eat, and it can be a source of anxiety for parents. Join us for a session in the new year, where you will be able share your experiences with other parents and pick up helpful tips to make mealtimes less stressful for everyone.

Platform to Talk – Encouraging good eating habits

Friday 13 January 2023, 10 - 11am

Delivered online through Zoom

Register here >


Thank you for reading

The Parent and Family Support Service offer information, advice and support services in partnership with schools and community venues.  Our services are also available online through webinars, virtual meetings and forums.

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