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Support for families

Find out the types of support available for families impacted by the Cost of Living Crisis.

Holiday Activity and Food programme

To help families cope with the current cost-of-living crisis, we are providing activities and food for young people aged 4 to 16, and up to 18 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) throughout the school holidays.

The activities include sports, arts, cooking, and include activities tailored for children and young people with SEND. Places are free for those on free school meals and at a discounted rate for all others. Keep an eye on this space for details of how to enrol on upcoming activities.

Book and activity through Our City

The Neighbourhood Sports Club programme

The Neighbourhood Sports Club programme provides up to 130 hours of free or low-cost activities for people who live, work or study in Westminster each week.

Sessions are designed to be accessible to all, including underrepresented children, young people and adults, and provide an opportunity for those attending to reap the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of living an active life.

Find out more about The Neighbourhood Sport Club Programme

Free childcare for non-school-age children

You can access free childcare provisions for non-school-age children. This includes 15 hours per week for all children aged 3 and 4, and increases to 30 hours for some eligible families. You can also get 15 hours when your child is 2 if you are on a low income or your child has an additional need.  

This enables families to experience the support of a trained and registered childminder, nursery, children’s centre or pre-school and children can receive high-quality early education that will help them to be school ready.   

More information about free childcare

Free school lunch offer for primary school children

We are supporting families by offering free school lunches to pupils attending primary school in Westminster. The new offer will mean that all primary pupils in Years 3 through to 6 will now receive a free lunch, as well as students in reception and key stage 1 who are already receiving this offer. 

Find out more about free school lunches

Published: 19 June 2024

Last updated: 7 August 2024