A Nantwich couple are celebrating three decades of being ‘mum and dad’ to 60 children – and the family is getting bigger by the day!
Over the years, Graham and Kerry Christopher have opened their home – and their hearts – to scores of foster children in need of care, guidance and the occasional reminder to tidy their room.
Cheshire East Council is backing a move to reduce smartphone use in schools to safeguard children, writes Belinda Ryan.
The children and families committee unanimously supported recommendations yesterday (Monday) to keep smartphones out of the classroom.
A new short breaks offer for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is set to launch in Cheshire East.
Cheshire East Council has agreed a deal with The Endorphins Group to run its community short breaks provision.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cash-strapped Cheshire East Council is forecasting a £3.1 million overspend this year – in addition to the planned use of £25.3 million exceptional financial support.
The figures are revealed in the first financial review of 2025/26 (FR1) and are based on the council’s income, expenditure and known commitments as at the end of June 2025.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Children vaping at schools in Cheshire East are not just using nicotine but other substances as well, the director of education has said.
Claire Williamson told Cheshire East’s health and wellbeing board that vaping was becoming a real concern for headteachers in the borough.
A scheme providing school holiday activities and healthy meals to Cheshire East children will continue for at least one more year.
Cheshire East Council has been awarded new government funding for its Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
An award-winning fostering organisation is appealing for Nantwich families to offer foster places amid a major shortage in the area.
Families First says there is a local shortage of foster parents needed to support children and young people in the Nantwich area.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East’s children’s department does not have enough cash to fund an improvement plan to bring its services up to standard.
And they don’t know where the money is going to come from, the head of adult services has warned councillors.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
The cost of transporting children to school in Cheshire East is still on the rise, despite attempts by the council to bring it down.
The spiralling cost of school transport is one of the reasons the council is facing a predicted £7m overspend in children’s services at the end of this financial year.
Police chiefs have backed plans for a new boxing gym in South Cheshire which aims to help local children stay out of trouble.
Cheshire Police Chief Constable Mark Roberts visited the site of the new South Cheshire Amateur Boxing Club.
Leighton Hospital and other Cheshire hospitals have received a donation of 7,000 cuddly teddy bears.
The bears, from the Freemasons of Cheshire, will help ease anxiety felt by children going to hospital.
Everybody Health & Leisure have opened nominations for the 2024 Everybody Junior Awards.
The awards recognise and celebrate children aged 4-15 years for their efforts and contributions to local sporting and activity success in Cheshire East between October 19 2023 – July 14 2024.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council has reduced its special needs budget deficit by £10.1 million.
This means it was about £80m overspent in this area at the end of 2023/24 year instead of the predicted £90m.
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