Things to do

Children’s centres in Warrington provide services for young children (0-5, and up to 10) and their families.  We offer a variety of play and development opportunities, childcare, health advice and guidance, family support and parenting advice.

Services are regularly reviewed and developed in each area to meet the needs of local families. Children’s centre services may include:

• Crèches to support adult education and respite for family support
• Adult education courses to gain qualifications and skills
• Ante natal and post-natal care, including midwifery sessions (Parentcraft, rolling programme), health visitor advice, baby massage
• Advice from a range of professionals such as Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB), Health Visitors, Family Support Workers, Parent Partnership
• Safe-buy scheme – safety equipment for the home at excellent prices
• Volunteering opportunities
• Stay and Play sessions for parents/carers and their children.

The core purpose of children’s centres is to improve outcomes for young children and their families and reduce inequalities between families in greatest need and their peers in:

• child development and school readiness
• parenting aspirations and parenting skills
• child and family health and life chances.

Participation in the service is through a registration process operated directly by centres and promoted by stakeholders. Families are encouraged to register and access services at their most local centre, as each centre is designed to meet the needs of those living in its immediate community and is measured by results.

Details of each children’s centre and the latest timetables are listed below. Timetables are subject to change so we strongly advise contacting your nearest centre before attending.

The Orchard Children's Centre             WA2 0JP

Sandy Lane Children's Centre              WA2 9HY

Great Sankey Children's Centre          WA5 1SB

Little Stars Children's Centre              WA5 0JG

Westy Children's Centre                       WA4 1RE

Sunshine Children's Centre                  WA2 7RQ

Children's Centre Strategy Document

This Warrington Children's Centre Strategy sets out our plans over the next three years for how the Service and its partner organisations will work with families and children within this Early Help context.

The council’s youth work service offers lots of activities and one-to-one work to support your personal and social development if you're aged 11-19. 

All projects are based on listening to you and working with you to make sure you get the best out of all activities.  You can get involved in sessions based on music, art, dance and sports, and also discussions in group situations.  We can also offer one-to-one support to help you overcome any specific difficulties by working with a dedicated youth worker to set targets and achieve goals. 

All of our youth work support and activities aim to help you to build self-esteem and confidence, tackle any substance misuse issues, access sexual health advice, and overcome any social, emotional and behavioural difficulties you might be experiencing.

Take a look at some of our services and activities: 

A large number of events, fetes and festivals also happen around the borough throughout the year, these include farmers and themed markets, Warrington Walking Day, classic car shows and a welly wanging competition!  Take a look at the What's Onsection.

From an award winning market offering the best of local produce, to the Golden Square shopping centre and more, Warrington has lots of different shopping experiences for residents and visitors alike. 

The town is also home to one of the oldest lending libraries in the country and the award winning Warrington Museum and Art Gallery features regularly changing exhibitions. 

The Pyramid and the Parr Hall venues host an array of music concerts and family friendly shows for all tastes and ages. 

Sports fans may enjoy a trip to the Halliwell Jones rugby stadium to see local Super League side Warrington Wolves in action!

Warrington has plenty to offer nature lovers and those who enjoy the exploring in the great outdoors.  The borough of has a plethora of parks, green spaces, historical estates and sites of scientific interest, not to mention an interesting network of canals. 

Highlights include Walton Hall and Gardens (home to a lovely children's zoo), Rixton Claypits, Risley Moss, Woolston Eyes and Appleton Dingle.

For young families a trip to local theme park Gulliver's World is likely to be right up your street.