Merton Best Start Family Hub

15/06/2026

Starting school is a big moment for your child and for you. The good news is that you're probably already doing more to support them than you think.

Preparing for school isn't just about letters and numbers. It's about helping your child build confidence, curiosity and the everyday skills that will help them settle in and thrive. Chatting, reading, playing and encouraging independence – like using the toilet, taking turns or following simple instructions – all help your child grow.
Every family's routine looks different, but small steps at home like these can add up over time.

Visit BestStartinLife.gov.uk to find out how you can help your child develop the skills for school.

10/06/2026

💙 Carers Week 2026 – Celebrating Merton Parent Carers 💙

This Carers Week, Merton Parent Carer Forum would like to recognise and thank all parent carers across Merton.

Many parent carers don't think of themselves as carers at all - they simply see themselves as parents. Yet every day they provide advocacy, emotional support, care coordination, transport, education support, medical support and countless hours of unpaid care for their children and young people with SEND.

Caring can be rewarding, but it can also affect wellbeing, employment, finances, relationships and social connections.

💙 You are not alone.

Over the coming months, MPCF will be launching:

☕ Local parent carer coffee mornings across Merton to help families connect and reduce isolation

🌿 A Parent Carer Wellbeing Walk and MPCF Relaunch Celebration with Merton Talking Therapies.
Meeting at the Potting Shed Cafe in Morden Hall Park
on Tuesday 14 July (10am–12pm)

🧭 A new MPCF website and information hub to help parent carers find trusted information, support and resources more easily

Throughout Carers Week we'll be sharing information about support available to parent carers in Merton and we'd love to hear about your experiences too.

💬 What has helped you most on your parent carer journey?
💬 What would make the biggest difference to you right now?

Thank you for everything you do, every day. 💙

10/06/2026

🎬✨ Create your own Magical Monster Movie at Colliers Wood Library! ✨🎬

Join us for a fun and interactive Poetry & Animation Workshop as part of SPINE Festival 2026!

Led by poet Shagufta K Iqbal and illustrator/animator Nancy Ellis, young creators will work together to invent mythical poetry monsters and bring them to life through stop-motion animation!

📍 Colliers Wood Library
📅 Saturday 13 June, 12:30pm
👧🧒 Ages 7–11
🎟 Booking Required: https://buff.ly/YEAvXbU

The workshop includes poetry writing, drawing and illustration, stop-motion animation and creating a magical monster movie together!

At the end of the session, everyone will get to watch the finished animation — which will also be shared on library socials afterwards!

What’s on in Merton Apples and Snakes Shagufta K

10/06/2026

Are you pregnant, or do you have a child under four years old?

You could be eligible for NHS Healthy Start!

Check if you're eligible here 👉 https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/

01/06/2026

👶 CHILDCARE VACANCIES JUNE 2026 👶

Ofsted registered childcare providers - promote your vacancies here! Simply leave a comment on this post. State your name, your location, contact details and provide a brief summary of your current vacancies 👇

Parents looking for childcare - please contact providers directly for more information about their vacancies. Posts are refreshed each month

27/05/2026

🚀🌟 Blast off into a world of imagination at Wimbledon Library! 🌟🚀

Join local children’s author Akitoye Sunday for a fun and interactive event celebrating the launch of her new book, Anaiya’s Adventure into Space! 📚✨

📍 Wimbledon Library
🗓 Saturday 30 May, 10:00am & 11:00am
👧🧒 Ages 4–8
🎟 Booking required: https://buff.ly/0TA4uvJ

You can expect things like building your own space rocket, space-themed colouring activities, a space treasure hunt and a live book reading from the author! 📖🚀

Spaces may fill quickly, so don’t miss out! 🌌

Merton Council What’s on in Merton

27/05/2026

✍️✨ Magic & Imagination: Creative Writing Workshops ✨✍️

As part of SPINE Festival 2026, delivered by Apples and Snakes and supported by the National Year of Reading, we’re inviting children to step into a world of Magic & Imagination!

📍 Mitcham Library
📅 Wednesday 27 May, 10am
📅 Thursday 28 May, 10am
📅 Friday 29 May, 10am
Ages 7–11
🎫 Booking required: https://buff.ly/8Wnr59D

Young writers will be encouraged to explore their creativity through fun, guided writing activities. They’ll create magical worlds, invent unique characters, and bring their ideas to life on the page.

Designed to inspire children of all abilities, this workshop is a brilliant way to spark a love of storytelling and imagination.

📚 Come along and let your creativity take the lead!

Merton Council What’s on in Merton Vici Hoban Read Apples and Snakes

27/05/2026

Join author Marielle Bayliss Writer and celebrate Empathy Day Festival with a reading from her Frogs Bog series plus fun creative activities

📅 Saturday 6 June

📍 Pollards Hill library
12.30-2PM

📍 Mitcham library
3-4.30PM

To book https://buff.ly/pkde1dl

20/05/2026

12/05/2026

We’re celebrating Childminding Week 2026!

This Childminding Week, we’re proud to support the childminders in our community who provide flexible, personalised care that helps children thrive and families feel supported.