# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every 3 months if a child is disabled (up to £4,000 a year).

If you get Tax-Free Childcare, you'll set up an online childcare account for your child. For every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay your provider.

You can get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 15 or 30 hours free childcare if you're eligible for both.

What you can use Tax-Free Childcare for

You can use it to pay for approved childcare, for example:

childminders, nurseries and nannies

after school clubs and play schemes

Your childcare provider must be signed up to the scheme before you can pay them and benefit from Tax-Free Childcare.

Check with your provider to see if they're signed up.

If your child is disabled

You can use the extra Tax-Free Childcare money you get to help pay for extra hours of childcare. You can also use it to help pay your childcare provider so they can get specialist equipment for your child such as mobility aids. Talk to them about what equipment your child can get.

If your childcare provider is in an EEA country

You may be able to use Tax-Free Childcare to pay a provider based in a European Economic Area (EEA) country. Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to check.

Eligibility

Your eligibility depends on:

whether you're working (employed, self-employed, or a director)

your income (and your partner's income, if you have one)

your child's age and circumstances

your immigration status

If you're working

You can usually get Tax-Free Childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

in work

on sick leave or annual leave

on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave and you're going back to work within 31 days of the date you first applied

If you're not currently working

You may still be eligible if your partner is working and you get any of the following:

Incapacity Benefit

Severe Disablement Allowance

Carer's Allowance or (in Scotland only) Carer Support Payment

contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance

You can apply if you're starting or re-starting work within the next 31 days.

Your income

Over the next 3 months you and your partner (if you have one) must each expect to earn at least:

£2,379 if you're aged 21 or over

£1,788 if you're aged 18 to 20

£1,331 if you're under 18 or an apprentice

This is the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.

You can use an average of how much you expect to earn over the current tax year if:

you work throughout the year but do not get paid regularly

you're self-employed and do not expect to earn enough in the next 3 months

Example

You're eligible if you're 21 or over and do not have a regular income but earn £9,518 a year. This is the same as earning £2,379 every 3 months on average.

If you're self-employed and started your business less than 12 months ago, you can earn less and still be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare.

If you have more than one job, you can use your total earnings to work out if you meet the threshold. This includes:

earnings from any employment

earnings from any self-employment

If you're both employed and self-employed, you can use just your self-employment income if this would make you eligible. For example, if you expect your average self-employed earnings over the tax year to be more than you'll get over the next 3 months as an employee.

Certain types of income will not count towards the minimum amount you must earn to be eligible.

These include:

dividends

interest

income from investing in property

pension payments

If you or your partner have an expected ' adjusted net income ' over £100,000 in the current tax year, you will not be eligible.

Your child

Your child must be 11 or under and usually live with you. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday.

Adopted children are eligible, but foster children are not.

If your child is disabled and usually lives with you, you may get up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday. They're eligible for this if they:

get Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Child Disability Payment (Scotland only) or Adult Disability Payment (Scotland only)

are certified as blind or severely sight-impaired

Your immigration status

To be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, you must have a National Insurance number and at least one of the following:

British or Irish citizenship

settled or pre-settled status, or you have applied and you're waiting for a decision

permission to access public funds - your UK residence card will tell you if you cannot do this

If you have a partner, they must have a National Insurance number too.

If you're living in an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you (or your partner if you have one) might still be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if:

your work is in the UK

the work started before 1 January 2021

you've worked in the UK at least once every 12 months since you started working here

This is known as being a 'frontier worker'. You must show your Frontier Worker permit to the Childcare Service when you apply for Tax-Free Childcare.

If you get tax credits, Universal Credit, a childcare bursary or grant, or childcare vouchers

You cannot get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as claiming Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers.

Which scheme you're better off with depends on your situation. Use the childcare calculator to work out which type of support is best for you.

Tax credits

If you successfully apply for Tax-Free Childcare, your Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit will stop straight away. You cannot apply for them again.

Childcare vouchers

You must tell your employer within 90 days of applying for Tax-Free Childcare to stop your childcare vouchers or directly contracted childcare.

They'll then stop the vouchers or directly contracted childcare.

You may have to give HMRC evidence of leaving the childcare voucher scheme. For example, a copy of the letter telling your employer you're leaving the childcare voucher scheme.

If you have a partner who gets vouchers or directly contracted childcare, they'll need to tell their employer to stop this within 90 days too.

Universal Credit

Wait until you get a decision on your Tax-Free Childcare application before cancelling your Universal Credit claim.

Bursaries

If you or your partner get a childcare bursary or grant or expect to do so within the next 3 months, you cannot get Tax-Free Childcare.

Apply
Apply online for Tax-Free Childcare
If you apply for Tax-Free Childcare and someone else already gets free childcare for that child, their 15 or 30 hours will stop at the end of the next term. You will be eligible for 15 or 30 hours free childcare instead.

If you have a partner

You must include your partner in your application if you are:

married or in a civil partnership and live together

not married or in a civil partnership, but living together as though you are

Their employment and income will not affect your eligibility if they:

are or will be absent from your household for more than 6 months

are a prisoner

You and your partner cannot both have accounts for the same child.

If you are separated

You and your ex-partner need to decide who should apply if you are jointly responsible for your child.

If you cannot decide, both of you must apply separately and HMRC will decide who gets a childcare account.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What Tax-Free Childcare is, eligibility and how to apply

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies

You can get help paying for childcare if it's provided by a:

registered childminder, nanny, playscheme, nursery or club

childminder or nanny with a registered childminder agency or childcare agency

registered school

home care worker working for a registered home care agency

This is known as 'approved childcare'.

The rules about how childcare providers become approved are different depending on where you live.

You can check if a childcare provider is approved or search for one in:

If you want to claim 30 hours free childcare in England, the provider will also need to be on an Early Years Register with Ofsted or with a registered early years childminder agency - ask your provider about this.

Sign in to your childcare account

Sign in to your childcare account if you already get Tax-Free Childcare or 30 hours free childcare.

Childcare at school

You can only get help paying for care that is outside school hours, for example after school clubs or breakfast clubs.

You cannot get help paying for:

your child's compulsory education

private lessons during school time (for example, private music lessons during school hours)

If your child has not started primary school, you can get help paying for childcare provided by a school. This includes nursery school fees.

Childcare provided by relatives

If you live in England or Scotland

You can only get Tax-Free Childcare to help pay for childcare provided by a relative (for example, a grandparent) if they're a registered childminder and care for your child outside your home.

You cannot claim for 30 hours free childcare for childcare provided by a relative (for example, a grandparent).

You cannot get help for childcare provided by your partner. This is not accepted as 'approved childcare'.

If you live in England and get 30 hours free childcare, you can pay the childcare provider using Universal Credit, tax credits, childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare.

If you live in Northern Ireland

You can only get help paying for childcare provided by a relative if all of the following apply:

If you live in Wales

You can only get help paying for childcare provided by a relative if they're a registered childminder and care for your child outside your home.

Foster carers

Childcare provided by a foster carer in England only counts if they're registered as a childcare provider. You can search for a registered childcare provider through Ofsted.

You may be able to claim if a foster carer provides childcare in Wales, provides childcare in Scotland or provides childcare in Northern Ireland.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Help with the cost of paying for approved childcare - Tax-Free Childcare, 15 and 30 hours childcare, childcare vouchers, tax credits, Learner Support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hounslow Job Centre | Financial support and advice for those in need | London Borough of Hounslow

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Financial support for those in need during the coronavirus pandemic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find a dentist near you on the NHS website. Check your local dentist's opening times, services, facilities, reviews and ratings.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Volunteer with us

Over 16,000 highly trained volunteers support the delivery of our service. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and find volunteering rewarding, challenging and fun. We have a range of roles in local Citizens Advice and Witness Service, want to find out more?

Our volunteer opportunities

Find your local Citizens Advice

For more information and advice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Online free advice from Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem. Our research enables us to campaign on issues affecting people's lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Get Set to Eat Fresh with Aldi | Master skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Only 16% of millennials say they learned to cook at school. Master Skills activities equip students with the tools to practise and refine their food preparation skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NHS health apps - supporting your health and wellbeing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
NHS health apps - find out about lots of apps and tools from the NHS which can help support your health and wellbeing goals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NHS health apps - supporting your health and wellbeing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
NHS health apps - find out about lots of apps and tools from the NHS which can help support your health and wellbeing goals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In this document

1. School clothing grants - secondary and primary

2. Documents you may be required to send

3. Apply for it

The school clothing grant is payable to secondary school pupils in years seven and nine only andpayable to all children in primary school from reception to year six.

Please note: the primary school grant is limited to two applications per household only, if you have already made two applications for a child previously we will not be able to authorise any further payments

Your child may qualify for a clothing grant, if you receive:

Income support

Income based Job seekers allowance

Income based Employment support allowance

Universal credit, provided your household annual taxable income does not exceed £7,400

Child tax credit/working tax credit (provided your household income does not exceed £16,190).

Guaranteed element of Pension credit or

NASS - Supported by the National Asylum support service.

Amount paid
Secondary
The grant amount you will receive is £60 for secondary school pupils. This will be paid via BACS. Please provide your bank details as requested on the form.
Primary
The grant amount you will receive is £15 per child in full time primary education. This will be paid via BACS. Please provide your bank details as requested on the form.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
School clothing grants - secondary and primary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
School clothing grants - secondary and primary Documents you may be required to send Apply for it The school clothing grant is payable to secondary school pupils in years seven and nine only andpayable to all children in primary school from reception to year six.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are lots of way to feel calmer. Try our breathing exercises, activities and games or watch a video to help let go of stress.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Get Set to Eat Fresh with Aldi | Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Design a Comic Strip that shows your vision of a future Olympic or Paralympic Games!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and over-whelming. All parents struggle at one time or another. You are not alone. Home-Start’s expert staff and trained volunteers work alongside families just like yours to give non-judgmental, compassionate and confidential support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
My Independence - advice, information and support

If you are worried about homelessness, struggling to manage at home because of age, illness or disability, or have another issue that affects your ability to live independently such as debt or unemployment, you can contact My Independence.

Our Advisors can put you in touch with advice and information on services offered by Hounslow Council, the NHS, and community based organisations. They will develop a personalised plan and provide wide-ranging support to help you regain your independence.

My Independence is the first point of contact within Homelessness, Independence and Preventative Services (HIPS).

How can we help?

The Team can help with a wide variety of issues including:

housing advice and support to prevent homelessness

mediation with landlords to prevent eviction

guidance on accessing the private rented sector

advice on housing suitability including sheltered and supported accommodation options

support for vulnerable clients

advice on benefits, budgeting and money difficulties including falling behind with rent and bills

information on vocational training and work opportunities

information on what health and community based services might be available to help people live life to the fullest

support with blue badge and freedom pass applications

access to floating (practical) support

support for carers

Who can use the My Independence service?

You can use My Independence if you:

are aged 16 years and over

live in the London Borough of Hounslow or

look after someone who lives in Hounslow as their carer

Contact My Independence

You should not wait until you are in crisis before picking up the phone; contact us as early as possible for advice and support.

The My Independence Service is available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Telephone: 020 8583 3942
Email: myindependence@hounslow.gov.uk

If you need to need assistance from Adult Social Services urgently or need to contact the Safeguarding Team to report an incidence of abuse or neglect, you should call the First Contact Team on 020 8583 3100 (out of hours 020 8583 2222).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
My Independence - advice, information and support | Ways to support your independence | London Borough of Hounslow

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Supporting Independence Service (SIS) is the gateway for vulnerable Hounslow residents and carers aged over 16 years into preventative services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A local services and information guide for families with children and young people aged 0 to 19 years.

Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) Summer 2022

See what's on this Summer near you and find out more.

These activities are for children who are eligible for benefit related free school meals.

Childcare

Childcare, help paying for childcare and early education

Children's Centres

Providing support, services and activities families with children aged 0 - 5 years

Family Support Services including Early Help

Local and national family support covering parenting, wellbeing, domestic abuse and financial support services.

Education, Learning and Work

Educational support services and information

Activities for children aged 0 to 19

Things to do for toddlers to teens and one off events

Local Offer

Information for families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities

Young Hounslow

Information and services for young people

Early Years Professionals

Information and access to training courses, settings documents, childcare costs translations and provider portal guidance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There are many sources of money and advice and debt counselling.

Government guidance - coronavirus impact

For government generic information on coronavirus, please visit the GOV.UK website.

For information on The Ministry of Housing and Communities (MHCLG) plans for emergency legislation to suspend evictions from social or private rented accommodation, please visit the MHCLG website.

To find out how to claim statutory sick pay (SSP), please visit the GOV.UK website.

For employment and support allowance (ESA), please visit the GOV.UK website.

If you need advice on financial planning, including expenses and what expenses have been "frozen", please visit the Money Advice Service website.

Independent and free money and debt advice

National Debtline

Telephone 0808 808 4000 Mon-Fri 9am to 8pm Sat 9.30 to 1pm More details

StepChange Debt Charity

Telephone 0800 138 1111 (Freephone including all mobiles) More details

This national charity gives free advice on:

managing debt

individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs)

debt relief orders.

It runs a free online debt-counselling service Debt Remedy available 24 hours a day. You don't need to give your name. The service can help you to reach a realistic budget, so you can clear your arrears over a realistic period of time.

The Money Advice Service

Free and impartial money advice, set up by government.

Telephone 0800 138 7777 (Calls are free)
Visit the Money Helper website

Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm

Saturday, 9am to 1pm

Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

CAB gives confidential advice on benefits, benefit assessment and debt.

Telephone 0808 278 7830 to find out more about CAB offices (below) and outreach locations across the borough:

Feltham - The Centre (by the library)

Brentford and Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Chiswick

You can also go to the CAB website.

Directgov

This government website provides an online benefits advisor tool which you can use to find out what benefits you may be entitled to. More details

Credit Union

Thamesbank Credit Union is a financial co-operative that, unlike banks, is owned and operated by its members for the benefit of its members. The Credit Union serves anyone who lives in Hounslow and can provide members with affordable credit, without the need for personal guarantees.

More details or call 020 8756 3865.

Email: admin@thamesbank.org

Hounslow Housing money and debt advice services

If you are a council tenant or leaseholder with arrears, we can arrange a free, confidential session with a money/debt adviser. Contact your Housing Officer to arrange an appointment on 020 8583 4000 or visit your local Housing office.

Help with paying your rent

If you are having difficulty paying your rent and are not already on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, you may qualify. Contact your local job centre to find out more about Universal Credit.

Report a Loan Shark

Loan sharks are illegal moneylenders who often charge very high interest rates. Loan Sharks sometimes enforce repayment using blackmail or threats of violence. You can report loan sharks anonymously:

Illegal Money Lending Team
Telephone: 0300 555 2222
24-hour service
Text a report to 07860 022 11

Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

You can check if a company is authorised to lend money:

FCA
Telephone: 0800 111 6768
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm

Email: consumer.queries@fca.org.uk

Foodbox Foodbank

Hounslow Housing works closely with Foodbox food bank. If you need to make use of the Foodbank you will need to request a voucher from your Housing Officer, local Citizens Advice Bureau, or Jobcentre Plus. Residents can use Foodbox no more than three times in a 12-month period although there is flexibility in extenuating circumstances.
Visit Hounslow FoodBox

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many sources of money and advice and debt counselling.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Southall Black Sisters has received funding from London Council's as part of ASCENT: A partnership within the London Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Consortium to develop a domestic violence outreach service for black and minority ethnic (BME) women and girls within the London Borough of Hounslow.

This free service is for BME women residing in Hounslow who have experienced domestic and sexual violence or more specific cultural forms of violence such as forced marriage, honour-related violence, dowry-related violence and inter-related issues such as homelessness, racism, immigration/asylum, no recourse to public funds, matrimonial and child custody/ contact issues, depression, suicide and self-harm.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hounslow Domestic Violence Outreach | Southall Black Sisters

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Southall Black Sisters has received funding from London Council's as part of ASCENT: A partnership within the London Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Consortium to develop a domestic violence outreach service for black and minority ethnic (BME) women and girls within the London Borough of Hounslow .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Hounslow Wellbeing Network is a social network that connects people, organisations and services to help reduce stigma and mental illness.

We welcome those who are experiencing difficult times and those on a journey of personal recovery. Our aim is to combat social isolation, loneliness, depression and anxiety and improve the health and wellbeing of local residents.

We're a social network, co-produced and co-designed by Hounslow residents, and is made up of local people, friends, families, carers and professionals living and working in the borough.

Some people may have experienced difficulties with physical or mental health. Others may feel that this supportive and social environment contributes to their life and helps them to develop their social network.

The Wellbeing Network offers information and resources on local events and support networks, as well as providing places and ways for people to connect and get involved in their local community to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

We offer a range of activities and meetings across Hounslow, including:

Social network meetings called Let's Connect that provide a supportive and friendly environment to develop connections with other people and to get information about your community. It's also a place to share your strengths, talents and interests and contribute in any way you can. You also contribute by simply being there and being part of the network.

Individual meetings with a wellbeing partner, usually for up to five sessions. This is to consider and reflect on what's important to you and to explore the support you may want in order to develop any preferences or meet any challenges. We can do this either through conversation or by developing a wellbeing map. It's your choice how we approach this.

A busy monthly activity schedule based on members' input. Members take a lead in arranging events which include going out for meals, coffee, walks, photography, concerts, galleries and much more.

A range of groups for your wellbeing and support, including: calm and relax, mindfulness, hearing voices and unusual beliefs.

Support and putting you in touch with organisations, people or activities in the community.

Anyone who feels that this would contribute to their wellbeing is welcome.

Please see our monthly newsletter for regular updates and this month's activities.

Wellbeing Network members' stories

Doreen's story

"I came to the Wellbeing Network at a time when I was recovering from a stroke, and had been living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia for many years. This was my first experience of working with a group, where service users, carers, mental health professionals, GPs, and members from the voluntary sector all had equal value at all stages of designing the project.

It was very interesting and sometimes challenging, but overall a very inspiring and exciting process. I learnt a lot: I honed my management and decision-making skills, I was encouraged to use my writing skills, and (don't laugh) I even learnt knitting! We co-produced a knitting project - a wall-hanging with the initials WSIC (Whole Systems Integrated Care) and WBN (Wellbeing Network) in an explosion of colours, which had significant meanings to each one of us.

I hope others can expect the best kind of involvement, led and directed by themselves and supported by others in the network, whether Wellbeing Partners, professionals or other members. I believe there is life after mental illness, a good quality and fulfilling life. I'm excited to meet new members of the Wellbeing Network, and look forward to see how the network develops and grows.

I believe good things are coming. Why not connect with us and be part of our story?"

Kevin's story

"When I was invited to be part of the working group for the wellbeing network, I didn't have a clue what they were talking about! But I decided to come along anyway, because I think it's always worth trying something different.

At the first meeting, when we first heard about the mapping tool, it made a bit more sense. But what I didn't realise at the time is that I think I joined the working group in order to become part of the network itself.
As a member of the group I had a voice and I felt like I was being listened to, and the co-productive element allowed me to learn new skills, like managing and chairing meetings and writing notes, working on job descriptions and interviews, and all sorts of stuff. These skills are transferrable to my job as a peer support worker, dealing with people at all levels involved with treatment and recovery in the community.

Being part of the Wellbeing Network has enhanced my life, and I believe it can help us to move towards prevention, rather than cure, when it comes to mental health, and wouldn't that be brilliant."

Phil's story

"As a long-time user of mental health services, I have learnt that there's a lot you do to help yourself. Like a lot of people dealing with mental health, I experienced social isolation and thought I had to do everything myself.

I started by joining a book club, which helped me meet a new group of people. When I was told about the working group, I knew this was the kind of thing that would help people with long-term mental health conditions. The Wellbeing Network helped me to reconnect with the community and get involved with local activities.

It's important not only to get out there and connect with others, but you also need to give something back. You need to use your own skills to help your community to grow, and this is what made the Wellbeing Network exciting for me.

I've been with the group for 15 months now and it's been a great journey. But now it's getting really exciting."

Here are some great resources to help you feel more connected, support available through the Wellbeing Network.

Single Point of Access (SPA) - West London NHS Trust
If you or someone you know needs help in a mental health crisis, call the Trust's 24/7 mental health helpline on:
Freephone 0800 328 4444 or visit the SPA (Single Point of Access) page.
Care Place
A local services and information directory
Visit the Care Place website
The Hounslow Community Information Guide
A great source of local community information
See the Hounslow Community Information Guide website
MIND
The mental health charity in Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow
Visit the local MIND website
National Survivor User Network
An independent mental health charity focused on lived experienced, dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive user-led network to challenge inequality and improve lives.
Find out more on the National Survivor User Network website
Rethink mental illness
Rethink is a national mental health charity seeking to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness through a network of local groups and services. Find local advice and information on the Rethink website
Southall Black Sisters
Providing support for Black, Asian and African-Caribbean women in West London, including specialist advice, support services and counselling. Find out more on the Southall Black Sisters website
UK Men's Sheds Association
Men's Sheds provides community spaces for men to connect, talk and create together to combat loneliness and isolation. Visit their website to find a shed near you
We Coproduce
We Coproduce works with local communities using the arts, graphic design, theatre, interactive technology and social media to create better and braver solutions to health and social care challenges. Find out how you can get involved with Wecoproduce
Women and Girls Network
The Women and Girls Network is a free service, run by women, for women, who have been affected by all forms of abuse or violence. For advice and support visit the Women and Girls Network website

Becoming a member

Unfortunately we aren't accepting new members at the current time but we will be registering new members very soon, watch this space for more information.

The Wellbeing Network activities as listed on this website continue and members of the public are very welcome to join any of these straight away.

See what we have got coming up here.

Return to header

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hounslow Wellbeing Network :: West London NHS Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Hounslow Wellbeing Network supports people to connect, helping to reduce stigma and mental illness. We're also open to those who may be experiencing difficult times and those on a journey of personal recovery. Our aim is to combat social isolation, loneliness, depression and anxiety, improving the health and wellbeing of local residents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Face-to-face drop-in sessions are currently restarted. Please keep watching this space for any updates we make.

Who we are

The Council's Adult Locality Mental Health Team (ALMHT) aims to prevent deterioration in the mental health of Hounslow residents, increase the wellbeing of communities and support the recovery of residents with long-term mental illness.

The team is made up of mental health social care professionals who undertake individual casework and community development aiming to reduce isolation, promote independence and mental wellbeing.

What we do

Under the umbrella of recovery and prevention, Adult Locality Menta Health Team workers base themselves in local community spaces - this is to engage individuals who would not usually seek support for their mental health needs and/or who would wait for a crisis in their emotional wellbeing before seeking help.

This model is based on the belief that the residents of Hounslow deserve access to the support they require at a time that is right for them, in a place that is convenient for them. Having a visible presence in local community spaces also serves to promote emotional wellbeing for both individuals and communities, as well as to reduce stigma, discrimination, and isolation.

The ALMHT works alongside health colleagues in Primary and Secondary Care as well as other stakeholders to link individuals with community support that maintains mental wellness, prevents or delays the development of social care needs that require a formal social support intervention. The ALMHT also is closely aligned to the Hounslow MINT (Mental Health Integrated Network Teams) provided by West London Mental Health NHS Trust.

Where we are and how to get help

Whilst our main base is at London Borough of Hounslow, Hounslow House, we have 'Healthy Minds' drop-ins currently up and running where residents are welcome to see a mental health professional:

London Museum of Water & Steam Green Dragon Ln, Brentford, TW8 0EN on the second Thursday of every month from 10am to 12 noon.

St Paul's Church, Bath Road, Hounslow West, TW3 3DA on the third Wednesday of every month from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Riverside Vineyard Church, Air Park Way, Feltham TW13 7LX on the fourth Thursday of every month 10am to 12 noon.

Adult residents are welcome to attend any of our 'Healthy Minds' drop-ins when they are worried about their own, or someone else's, mental health. No appointment is necessary, however, should you wish to let us know about your visit to one of the drop-ins in advance, please fill out the online form below.
Complete form
Contact us
For self-referral as well as for the referral by a professional
Should you require more information, please email adultsocialcare@hounslow.gov.uk or dial on 020 8583 3100 (Mon to Fri, between 9am & 5pm).

Locations

Hounslow Council, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow, TW3 3EB (directions displayed on map)

London Museum of Water & Steam Green Dragon Ln, Brentford, TW8 0EN

St Paul's Church, Bath Road, Hounslow West, TW3 3DA

Riverside Vineyard Church, Air Park Way, Feltham TW13 7LX

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Adult Locality Mental Health Team (ALMHT) | Adult Locality Mental Health Team (ALMHT) | London Borough of Hounslow

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Family Support Services

Extra support at an early stage to stop small problems from getting worse. Find out more...

Parenting support and courses

Help to manage your finances

Early Years - support for 0-5 years

Health and emotional well being

Domestic Abuse support and services

Bullying - information and support

Youth - support for young people aged 11 to 19

Help for Ukrainian people arriving in Hounslow (Opens in New Window)

Educational support for children and young people

Support services for sexual abuse

Staying safe online (Opens in New Window)

Hate crime (Opens in New Window)

Free childcare for 2 year olds

Check now to see if you qualify

Report child abuse (Opens in New Window)

About this site

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Microsoft is retiring Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) and support will end on 15th June 2022. If you are using IE11, it is recommended that you use an alternative browser going forward, as you will be unable to access this web portal and other services on IE11 in the future.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Housing benefit

All about housing benefits, local housing allowance, uploading your evidence and housing payments

Benefit changes

The Government’s new welfare benefit scheme is being introduced in the London Borough of Hounslow as an online only digital service

Discretionary housing payments

Information about discretionary housing payments and how we can help you

Benefit Cap support and advice

Supporting residents who are affected by the changes

Discretionary local crisis payments

Information about the help you may be able to receive in a crisis

Benefit fraud

Information about benefit fraud, including how to report it and how we counter it

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In this document

1. Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

2. Safety planning

3. In an emergency

4. Support with housing

5. Worried about finances?

6. Support for children

7. Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Services

8. Covering your tracks online

9. Counselling Support Services

You might be worried about your physical and emotional safety, particularly if you're experiencing abuse from a partner, ex-partner, or family member. Domestic abuse and sexual violence services will provide support and advice to you. This webpage includes updated information about support services and how to contact them, safety planning and covering your tracks online. If you need to exit this page quickly, click on the 'Exit Site' button.
Domestic violence

Domestic abuse can affect anyone and can harm your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Domestic abuse can be:

Threatening behaviour

Stalking

Physical abuse

Sexual abuse

Economic abuse

Psychological abuse

Emotional harm

Coercive and controlling behaviour

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Safety planning In an emergency Support with housing Worried about finances? Support for children Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Services Covering your tracks online Counselling Support Services You might be worried about your physical and emotional safety, particularly if you're experiencing abuse from a partner, ex-partner, or family member.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Download our FREE e-guide including delicious recipes!

Enter your contact details below and we’ll email you our Easy Mini-Guide to Cholesterol with delicious recipes!

You’ll also receive our monthly cholesterol e-news with more free recipes, handy tips and useful news straight to your inbox.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take a look at our most popular heart-healthy, low-cholesterol recipe collections, which have all been reviewed by our qualified dietitian.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Including a budget shopping list and meal planner

We all know that feeding a family of four is expensive, but it's not impossible to get the weekly shop cheap, or down to just £18.

Don't be fooled, just because this is a budget weekly menu, doesn't mean that it lacks yummy food that the whole family will love. There's no yellow stickers or any reduced items used, just a normal shop without the thrills, as a lot of the meals are made from scratch.

To be completely transparent, I don't think anyone can shop for £18 every single week. You're always going to need cleaning products, shampoo, or toothpaste, so have a weekly budget of £35 but normally spend that.
For more tips on buying food on a budget, have a look at: The Ultimate £1 Per Head Budget Meal Planning List 21 Budget Family Meals and a £16 Aldi Meal Plan 21 Cheap Meals for a Week for a Family
Free money saving challenge

If you're struggling to save money then why not join our FREE money saving course that takes you step by step through saving money as a family. All simple steps to help you build an emergency fund or save towards that mega holiday.
Join our FREE Money Saving Course here and I can't wait to see how I can help you!
This is the perfect time to improve your finances.

With this free email course, we cover everything from setting financial goals to ways to earn some extra money in your free time. Over the next 6-weeks, you will receive an email that will help you save your family more money.
Come Join us now and watch your savings grow.

Saving money tips

If you are struggling and trying to save money then we have some great money-saving tips for you. Living on a tight budget doesn't have to be boring!

Here are our top 5 tips for feeding your kids on a very small budget.

Use cashback sites

This counts for anything you buy online.

Have a look at:

OhMyDosh which not only offers you cash back on the items you buy online but also gives you options to make money by completing surveys or entering competitions.
Use our link here to have £1 added to your account just for signing up!* You can read our review on OhMyDosh here.
Plan your meals

Write down what you want to eat this week. That means 7 days of meals. Your food shop doesn't have to be expensive.

Don't forget to plan a few simple or quick meals for the days you're going to be in late or when the kids have a club.

Keeping it simple will help you stick to your plan.

As you fill in your dinners for the week, start writing your shopping list.

Using a weekly meal plan sheet like mine below helps to break down your list into easy to read chunks.

You can even break it down further into sections like produce, meats, refrigerated, frozen, etc.

If you're struggling to meal plan then use ours here from our Resource Vault.

Kitchen Staples

Before you even start meal planning, check what you have already. Do you have any kitchen staples that you could use to bulk out any meals or use on days you're late home?

Is there anything in your freezer you could eat to bring this week's shopping list down?

The same goes for vegetables and side dishes. Spending a few minutes checking the freezer, fridge and cupboards can save you money later on

Shop for your freezer

Freezer food is great when you just want a small portion of something.

We buy all our meat frozen, vegetables and even some fruit. That way we only take out what we need and it stops it from going off.

Leftovers are key

Many of us don't like the idea of spending hours in the kitchen and you really don't have too. Everytime you cook something make two and stick one in the freezer.

It works out cheaper as you are using the electric anyway and when you are hungry and can't be bothered to cook you have a healthy meal just waiting to be warned up.
Our other tips are:

1. Shop in discount supermarkets. Don't be loyal, as it doesn't pay off.

2. To get the bill down further, bulk out curries with beans, or spaghetti bolognese with grated vegetables.

3. Buy own brand items. They cost a lot less but don't last that much different.

4. Grow your own vegetables if you can. This can save you buying what you need. Spices are really easy to grow if you are a beginner. Chilis, mint, and sage are great starters.

5. Make sure you own a slow cooker, blender, freezer bags, and Tupperware. You can pick all these up cheaply second-hand on Facebook or Gumtree.

6. Try cheapest cuts of meats, especially if they are destined for the slow cooker.

All these are simple steps to help you build an emergency fund, pay off debts like credit cards and car title loans, or save towards that mega holiday.

Beginner grocery list on a budget

If you are looking for family-friendly meals that are a little bit different then have a look at Spicentice. They send you packets of spices that can help liven up your mealtimes. What we love the best about Spicentice though is that the packets include an exact shopping list and easy to follow instructions. You can then use them over and over again.

They are great to use if you are new to cooking from scratch or if you are looking to get your family eating new budget-friendly meals and have no clue where to start.

We tried them at the start of this year and loved them. We got stuck in a food rut and they helped by giving us ideas while keeping our food budget really low.
If you'd like to try Spicentice yourself then make sure you use our link here with our code LASAVE20 to get 20% off every purchase.* We started using Spicentice and have cooked these amazing meals below: Spaghetti Meatball Recipe For 73p a Head Easy Chicken Fajita Recipe: A Family Meal for 94p a Person Chinese Chicken Curry For Just £1.54 For 4 Really Easy Homemade Beef Burgers For Under £1 a Head The Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipe For Under £1 a Head Chicken Tikka Masala Curry For Under £4 a Head The Best Katsu Curry Recipe For Under £1 a Head The Best Firecracker Chicken For Just 99p a Head
£18 a week food budget

This is an example of a budget weekly shop at Aldi. We are assuming that you have some store cupboard in.

Our full lists of kitchen staples are here but we like to make sure that we always have in:

All Spice

Baking powder

Mixed spice

Chickpeas

Chilli flakes

Chilli sauce

Cinnamon

Dried coriander

Cornflour

Curry powder

Dried ginger

Honey

Oregano

Salt

Pepper

Suger

Vanilla extract

Puree

These are the staples we generally can't live without!

Weekly shopping list for family of 4

Here's an example of one of our budget meal plans. Use it to start saving your family money.

Milk 0.99

Tomato soup 0.40

4x tins of beans 0.99

Bread 0.45

Ham 0.69

Cheese 1.49

Eggs 1.19

4x Sweet Potatoes 0.95

Crackers 0.40

Gammon 2.65

2x kid's yogurts 1.49

Fish cakes 1.15

Coconut milk 0.79

4x Potatoes 0.95

Passata 0.35

2x Butter 0.75

Plums 0.49

Onions 0.85
Total: £17.55
(This shop was done at Aldi and correct at time of publishing.)

Cheap groceries list

All these meals can be prepped before hand or frozen. Some of the meals may contain a few kitchen staples like rice, pasta or herbs.

Friday

Breakfast - porridge with fruit

Lunch - tomato soup & bread

Dinner - homemade ham & cheese pizza

We make our own base by combining 7g of dried yeast, a small teaspoon of caster sugar, 230ml of warm water (not hot) 345g plain flour and a pinch of salt. No need to wait for it to raise either. Just roll it out and start adding your toppings.

Saturday

Breakfast - overnight oats

We do this by combining 120ml of soya milk, 120g yogurt, 100g oats, 40g mixed frozen fruit. Cover it up before you go to bed and enjoy in the morning. Great for an on the go breakfast.

Lunch - cheese omelette

Really quick to mix together. We chuck two eggs, handful cheese and a dash of milk in a bowl then mix. Get the frying pan hot and cook till full-formed. This will make one portion.

Dinner - jacket potato, cheese, beans

We put our potatoes in the oven at 200 degrees for an hour. Start by stabbing them the whole way around. This lets the hot air out. Cover them in sunflower oil with a pinch of salt over the skin. This makes them crisp up nicely in the oven.

Sunday

Breakfast - porridge with fruit

Lunch - ham sandwich

Dinner - tomato pasta

We use dry wholemeal pasta with our basic tomato sauce. We use a can of tinned tomatoes, three tablespoons of puree, garlic and a teaspoon of sugar. You can add any vegetables you like to this and it works.

Monday

Breakfast - overnight oats

Lunch - cheese on toast

Dinner -sweet potato curry

Boil the potatoes first so they are soft. Cook the chicken breasts in chucks. Try it together with onion, garlic and ginger. Add coconut milk and about 100ml of water. Add more if the mixture looks dry. Leave to simmer for about 30 minutes. Mash the sweet potatoes into the sauce before serving if your kids don't like lumps.

We serve ours with rice and home-made naan which are made with 7g dried yeast, 300g plain flour, teaspoon baking powder, 30g butter and around 150ml of natural yogurt. You may need a bit more if the mixture comes up a bit dry.

Roll it out into small portions, as flat as possible. Fry them for a few minutes either side in a dry, very hot frying pan.

Tuesday

Breakfast - porridge with fruit

Lunch - boiled egg & toast

Dinner - fish cakes, mash & beans

We use two frozen cod fillets. Chop them into small chunks. Add 100ml milk, 450g boiled potatoes, grated cheese, 75g frozen sweetcorn and one or two eggs, depending on how dry the mixture is.

Mash the potatoes, add the rest of the ingredients (not egg) and shape into 6 or so patties. Make sure the mash is cool or the patties will full apart when you are trying to make them.

Add the egg to a separate bowl and dip the fish cakes into the egg then into the flour on both sides. Add to a baking tray and stick in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Fry these when ready in a hot pan with oil in till they are golden. It should take about 6 minutes on either side.

Wednesday

Breakfast - overnight oats

Lunch - crackers & cheese

Dinner - gammon, eggs & homemade chips

We make homemade chips by cutting up about 400g of potatoes into chip shapes. Boil them for 12 minutes and leave to cool or run under cold water.

Either deep fat fry or fill a pan with oil and get it hot. Do not leave it as it can spit. Using a sieve or somethign like it, part cook the chips in the oil. Normally about 7 minutes in till a bit of colour is shown.

Put them on some paper towel to drain off the oil while you cook the rest the same way.

Turn up the heat and re-cook the chips again but this time for about 3 minutes each or in till they have a good colour. Remember to drain the oil off them.

Thursday

Breakfast - porridge with fruit

Lunch - leftover curry

Dinner - cheese & gammon pasta bake

We use our leftover gammon or any meat from our roast. Cook the pasta as per the instructions.

Use a white sauce. We homemade our with 40g butter, 30g flour, 450ml milk. Add the butter to a pan and let it melt. Add the flour and keep stirring. It goes into a kind of lump almost. Slowly at the milk and keep stirring. Do not stop!

We use a whisk and keep adding the milk and stirring. It will get thicker. You can add cheese at this point and keep stirring in till you are happy. I make sure that it sticks to a spoon and gloops off before I turn the heat down.

Pour it into the pasta, add the gammon and more cheese. Add it all to a heat-proof dish and cook in the oven for 20-30 minutes on 180 degrees fan.

More recipe ideas

If you're looking for more recipe ideas then have a look at:
31 Aldi Slow Cooker Recipes For The Whole Family 101 Aldi Recipes That Will Give You Dinner Ideas For Tonight 27 Leftover Lamb Recipes That Are Family Friendly
Try and make use of whatever is on the Aldi Super Six or the Lidi equivalent. Swap and change fruit and vegetables according to what's on offer.

I really hope this has helped give you inspiration on how you can make a budget weekly menu for your family.

Laura x

If you enjoyed this post and would like some more family friendly budget recipes or meal plan ideas, then head over to the budget food section here on Savings 4 Savvy Mums where you'll find over 30 cheap posts dedicated to helping you cook and shop wiser for less. There's enough tips to help you save over £300 a month! You could also pop over and follow my family food Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on how to eat well and spend less; Family Meal Plans on a Budget, Budget Family Meals & Budget Slimming World Recipes for Families.

Love this post? Then why not save it to Pinterest so you can easily find it later.
What the * means
If a link has an * by it, then this means it is an affiliate link and helps S4SM stay free for all. If you use the link, it may mean that we receive a very small payment. It will not cost you anymore that it would normally.

You shouldn't notice any difference and the link will never negatively impact the product. The items we write about are NEVER dictated by these links. We aim to look at all products on the market. If it isn't possible to get an affiliate link, then the link, or product is still included in the same way, just with a non-paying link.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We all know that feeding a family of four is expensive, but it's not impossible to get the weekly shop cheap, or down to just £18. Don't be fooled, just because this is a budget weekly menu, doesn't mean that it lacks yummy food that the whole family will love.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Need to stick to a tight grocery budget but are stuck for inspiration with your shopping list?

Cheap groceries do not have to equal boring meals! I'm going to share a brilliant shopping list that comes in at less than £20 for an entire week of meals for a family of four.

Food is one of our biggest household expenditures every week.

This is partly because there's four of us (and wow my growing kids are eating a lot more these days!) but also because I love to cook and to eat.

So when I look to keep our food budget under control I try to do so in a way that still lets me eat the stuff that we really enjoy.

We may have one week where we go really simple and get our budget right down to less than £20 for the week.

Then we might have a more expensive week where we've bought some nice ready meals, or even a takeaway, and a large joint of meat for a roast.

For me it's all about living within my means while also enjoying cooking and food.

You can eat delicious food without breaking the bank and this article is going to show you how!

You may also like to check out my post with all the details of when supermarkets discount their food every day. It's a great way to cut the costs of your food shop!
You may also like: 34 cheap family meal ideas costing as little as £1 a head
Cheapest foods to buy in the UK

Creating a budget shopping list doesn't mean all of the ingredients have to be processed.

You can save money on healthy, fresh vegetables and meat by looking for cheaper cuts of meat and seasonable produce, which is plentiful and therefore cheaper.

Vegetables
Carrots
Serve them uncooked cut into sticks in lunch boxes or as a snack, or cook them and serve with dinner!
Onions
Great for adding flavour to your meals and also for bulking out recipes in a super cheap way.
Frozen veggies
If you like to stay healthy then you may think fresh is vest when it comes to veg but frozen veggies are great because you get all of the nutrients plus you're way less likely to waste them. We always have frozen peas and broccoli and cauliflower florets in our freezer.

Staples
Porridge oats
This is one of my kids' favourite breakfasts served with a little honey and/or fruit. It's way cheaper to buy a box of oats rather than the boxes of sachets.
Eggs
Versatile and seriously good for you, plus they are filling for hungry tummies. I use eggs to make so many things, from batter for Yorkshire pudding to eggy bread and omelettes. They're perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Pasta
This is one of the best budget foods you can buy because you can do so many different things with it! From tomato sauces to cheesy sauces to pasta bakes, it can be used to feed your family for an entire week. Pasta with a little pesto and grated cheese is one of my favourite low fuss meals.

Rice

We use basmati rice a lot in our cooking, but always have boxes of paella rice and risotto rice in the cupboard too. You can knock up a simple risotto using leftover veg in your fridge such as squash and mushrooms.

Meat

Pork

Pork shoulder and other roasting joints tend to be way cheaper than lamb and beef roasting joints. Gammon is also a super cheap option.
Chicken thighs
Way cheaper than chicken breasts but super versatile when it comes to cooking. Use them in curries and casseroles and you will get seriously tender and delicious meat! Chicken drumsticks are also a much cheaper option, and kids love them!

Canned foods
Beans and pulses
There are so many benefits to adding more beans and pulses to your diet. First of all cans of beans are very cheap, secondly they are extremely good for you and finally they are so versatile. Add butter beans to a sausage casserole or use red kidney beans in a spicy chilli. There's a huge range of dishes that you can add beans to so definitely check out the different ones on offer and add a few cans to your trolley.

Tomatoes

Tinned tomatoes are something I use every single week because they can be added to so many recipes. The provide the base for many sauces, including homemade pasta sauce, chilli con carne, spaghetti Bolognese, and more. If you need a sauce to top a homemade pizza then simple put the tomatoes into a food processor and blend until smooth, as this is generally cheaper than buying passata.

Staple ingredients

Before we get to the budget shopping list I just want to add there are a few necessities you should always have in your store cupboard.

Of course you may have to add these to your grocery list occasionally to top them up, which can tip your budget over £20.

I advise when it comes to buying long shelf life items like pasta and rice to always buy the largest pack, as this is generally cheaper, but always look for deals. Sometimes supermarkets cut prices on certain sizes of products which makes it cheaper to buy several smaller packs than one large pack.

Cheddar cheese - buy a large block to last you for sandwiches and to use in cooking, I tend to make one large block of cheese last 3 weeks

Garlic - keeps for a long time when kept in a fridge door

Butter

Spread

Herbs and spices - I always have a supply of things like dried cumin and garam massala - I add this to chilli con carne and to make curries from scratch

Cans chopped tomatoes - buy in bulk packs of 4 to save money

Tomato paste

Rice

Spaghetti

Penne pasta (or whatever your preferred pasta shape is!)

Plain flour - use it to make Yorkshire puddings for your roast dinner or to make pancakes

Bread flour - I don't bake my own bread much but do use this a lot to make pizza bases from scratch

Yeast sachets - for the pizza dough

Gravy granules

Frozen chips

Frozen peas

Olive oil

Vegetable oil

Tomato ketchup

Breakfast cereals

Porridge oats

Honey

Stock cubes - I always have beef, chicken and vegetable stock cubes in the cupboard

Dried mixed herbs - have a large pot of mixed Italian herbs which I use in so many dishes

Pesto - to add to pasta for a quick mid-week meal

Sample weekly grocery list for less than £20

These prices are taken from Aldi supermarket. Prices make vary depending on seasonality so I recommend you look for deals in all sections when doing your shop and adapt if you find cheaper offers on different cuts of meat of types of veg.

Meat

Sliced ham - 99p

750g beef mince - £4.79

Pork shoulder joint - £4.19

Chicken drumsticks - £1.35
Fruit and Veg
Broccoli - 47p

Cauliflower - 79p

Carrots - 27p

2.5kg potatoes - 89p

Peppers - 82p

Bananas - 65p

Apples - 60p
Staples
Bread - 49p

Milk - £1.39

12 pack eggs - £1.75

Passata - 32p
TOTAL COST: £19.76
Easy budget weekly meal plan costing less than £20

This is a sample meal plan for what you can do with the above budget shopping list.

For kids lunch boxes make ham or cheese sandwiches, or use leftover roast pork, or box up any leftover chicken drumsticks.

Alternatively make omelettes and put those into the lunchbox to eat cold. Eggy bread also makes a lovely lunch - simple beat egg into a shallow bowl then coat a slice of bread in the egg before frying in a little oil or butter.

Slice up peppers and carrots into sticks and add a banana too. Breadsticks and a little pot of hummus also make a great, cheap addition to a lunch box.

Sunday

Roast pork with potatoes, Yorkshire pudding (I use this recipe) and veggies

Monday

Leftover roast pork - make extra roast potatoes on Sunday, store in the fridge, then dice into smaller pieces and fry in a little oil in a frying pan to serve with your leftover meat

Tuesday

Spaghetti Bolognese - brown the mince then add some chopped tomatoes and simmer (I usually add a beef stock cube) for around 15 minutes. You can also add dried mixed herbs for flavour.

Wednesday

Chicken drumsticks, veg and chips - either use potatoes cut into wedges and then roasted with a little olive oil in the oven or frozen chips

Thursday

Leftover spaghetti Bolognese or use reserved beef mince to make a chilli con carne

Friday

Pizza - Make your own dough with this recipe and top with passata, peppers and grated cheese before roasting in the oven for around 10 to 15 minutes

Saturday

Omelette - Top with sliced peppers

Final thoughts on spending just £20 a week on food

Sticking to a £20 weekly food budget is tough with a family of four, but it's totally possible.

Meal planning is key, so figure out exactly what meals you will be doing before hitting the shops.

I also recommend going to the supermarket on a full stomach, because visiting on an empty stomach means you will load up on snacks.

For more tips on saving money you may also like my tips for frugal living an d ways to cut costs on your grocery bill.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The best budget food shopping list (costing less than £20 a week) - More Than A Mummy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Need to stick to a tight grocery budget but are stuck for inspiration with your shopping list? Cheap groceries do not have to equal boring meals! I'm going to share a brilliant shopping list that comes in at less than £20 for an entire week of meals for a family of four.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our seven day supper plan proves it is possible to eat well on a budget. We've included a balance of lean protein from meat, fish, dairy and plant foods, as well as energising carbohydrates and healthy fats, including the all-important omega-3 variety. The ingredients in our recipes are rich in important minerals for growth and development including iron, zinc and calcium, as well as nutrients that can often be lacking in our modern day diets, such as vitamin D and selenium.

It's often difficult to get kids to eat certain foods like veggies and fibre-rich grains so these recipes use clever strategies to incorporate them. Finally, the seven day plan goes some way towards meeting the Government's nutritional recommendations, including the recommended number of fish portions per week and contributions to your fruit and vegetable daily portions. Remember, different members of the family will have varying needs depending on their age, sex and activity levels so vary portion sizes accordingly.

Seven days of healthy suppers
*Will serve a family of four
Sunday
One-pan roast chicken & potatoes
Cost per serving - £1.65
Chicken is an all-time family favourite. It's a great nutritional option too because white meat is generally lower in fat than red meats like beef or lamb. Chicken is a source of quality protein, which is needed for growth and development, especially important for children and teenagers.

Kids love potatoes, which is good news because potatoes (especially new potatoes) are a source of vitamin C. It can often be a challenge to encourage younger members of the family to eat their veggies, and although potatoes are a starchy food, which means they don't count as a portion of fruit and veg, their contribution to our vitamin C intake makes them worth plate room.

Healthy Swaps - swap roast potatoes for sweet potato wedges or a carrot & sweet potato mash. That way you'll be topping up your veg intake and sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene for a healthy immune system.

Budget Tips - use the chicken carcass for making stock. This can be used to add a nutritional punch to casseroles and soups. The stock can be frozen for future use.

This recipe uses a very generous six lemons and nine garlic cloves. For younger palates and to manage costs, reduce the number of lemons and garlic to suit taste preferences.
Sweetcorn egg-fried rice with chicken
Cost per serving - 40p
Try the recipe... One-pan roast chicken & potatoes

Monday

Use up yesterday's roast chicken with this quick, low effort dish. Adding sweeter veggies like sweetcorn will ensure it hits the spot for younger taste buds. Consider adding the curry, soy sauce and ketchup at the end of cooking. This means you can keep everyone happy by serving up for the children before adding spicier flavours. Remember, salt intake for seven-10 year olds should be kept within Government recommendations of a maximum of 5g (equivalent of a teaspoon) per day (with younger children and toddlers consuming even less). Sauces including ketchup and soy sauce can be significant contributors to our salt intake.

Chicken is a good source of the amino acid, tryptophan, so opting for chicken in the evening will help raise serotonin levels and help promote a good night's sleep - especially important when it's school the next day.
Pink fishballs in spicy lentil gravy
Cost per serving - £1.65
Adding the egg to this dish boosts its protein contribution. What's more eggs, namely the yolk, are one of only a handful of food sources which supply vitamin D - and whatever our age we need this vitamin for healthy bones and teeth.

Healthy Swaps - swap the ketchup for tomato puree, a rich source of protective lycopene, tomato puree is lower in salt and sugar. You'll be adding all the flavour with a third less calories and what's more one tablespoon counts as one of your portions of fruit and veg.

Budget Tip - this recipe is perfect for raiding the fridge so grab the opportunity to use up any leftover veggies.

Try the recipe... Sweetcorn egg-fried rice with chicken

Tuesday
Good-for-you bolognese
Cost per serving - £1
These fish balls are an ingenious way of ensuring your family reach their weekly fish quota - the Government recommends we eat two portions of fish per week, one of which should be an oily variety. Oily fish including salmon, trout, mackerel and sardines are rich in a special type of fat called omega-3. Our bodies need to get these fats from our diet because we cannot make them - that's why we call them "essential fats". Omega-3 fats are needed for our brain's to work well, for balanced hormones and for healthy, supple skin and so much more.

Lentils are a great source of the mineral iron. This is important for school-age children, because it helps energise their brains and improves concentration and alertness. Combining iron-rich ingredients, such as the lentils, with vitamin-C rich foods like the peppers optimises our body's absorption of this valuable mineral.

The spicy sauce in this recipe helps disguise the fishy flavour of the salmon. Add the spices according to your family's taste preferences.
Tomato and chickpea bake
Cost per serving - 85p
Healthy swap - swap the white breadcrumbs for wholemeal. That way you'll be improving the fullness factor of this meal thanks to extra fibre plus wholemeal bread is richer in energising B vitamins.

Budget tips - fish can be pricey, so to keep costs down buy packs of frozen salmon or swap fresh salmon fillets for canned. You'll still benefit from the omega-3 goodness and what's more canned salmon supplies more bone-friendly calcium.

Try the recipe... Pink fishballs in spicy lentil gravy
Crunchy fish fingers
Cost per serving - 50p
Wednesday

This bolognese packs in the veggies, which means the meat goes further - allowing you to buy less but better quality. For fussy eaters, sneak in the veg by blending to a smooth sauce before adding the meat.

Beef is rich in the minerals iron and zinc - both are needed for growth and repair and are especially important in childhood. Zinc helps us to stay healthy by keeping our immune system functioning well and promotes the healing of cuts and bruises. Getting adequate amounts of iron from the diet is especially important for teenage girls because they're often low in this important mineral and as a result, feel tired and lacking in energy.
Turkey burgers
Cost per serving - £1.15
Healthy swaps - swap gravy granules that can be salty for a low sodium version or for a low sodium bouillon powder such as Marigold.

Budget tip - swap spaghetti for pasta shapes. They're easier for little ones to manage, which cuts down on wastage.

Try the recipe... Good-for-you bolognese

Thursday

If you've no time to get to the shops or you're waiting till payday then this flavour-packed vegetarian supper makes a great fall-back because it uses up storecupboard basics like canned tomatoes and chickpeas. That doesn't mean you have to compromise on nutritional value - chick peas are a great source of soluble fibre and iron and canned tomatoes are richer than their raw equivalent in one of the most powerful antioxidants - lycopene. As well as being great for the heart, lycopene helps protect our skin from sun damage. Topping this veggie bake with bread provides a crunchy crust without the fat and stodginess of a pastry lid. Finishing the dish with cheese helps top up calcium levels - essential for strong bones and teeth.
COSTS PER SERVING (CPS) - figures are correct at the time of calculation. CPS figures exclude storecupboard ingredients, are based on prices available from a generic, mid-range supermarket, selecting products from their own label value brand. Please note variations in the market place and subsequent changing food prices will impact the validity of these figures. Have you tried our healthy, budget family meal plan? We'd love to hear what you think...
Healthy swap - swap Parmesan for a milder flavoured cheese, which the children are more likely to favour such as cheddar or Edam. Remember those under two years old should be given full-fat dairy products.

Budget tip - you don't need to use a baguette in this recipe - use up any leftover bread. If it is a sliced loaf then cut the slices into triangles and arrange over the surface of the veggie bake.

Try the recipe... Tomato & chickpea bake

Friday

Making your own fish fingers puts you in control of the ingredients, which means you can keep salt and fat levels down. Canny diners are likely to guess they're not from a packet so why not employ some eager young helpers - that way they'll be keener to eat what they've cooked.

This recipe suggests using an egg enhanced with omega-3 fats. This is a useful strategy if members of the family dislike fatty varieties of fish like salmon, although the contribution from the single egg in this recipe would be negligible. Nevertheless, if a family member has an allergy or dislike of fish, omega-3 enhanced eggs are worth using where possible.

Healthy swap - swap white fish for an oily variety like fresh tuna, trout or salmon to help top up omega-3 levels. Fish is a natural source of sodium so swap the fish seasoning (which contains salt) for mixed herbs instead.

Budget tip - buy frozen fish. It's better value and any sustainable variety would be suitable. Replace the omega-3 enhanced with a regular egg.

Try the recipe... Crunchy fish fingers

Saturday

The dried apricots in these burgers may seem an unlikely ingredient, but they help keep the burger succulent and moist, as well as packing in extra flavour. That's not all - the sweetness of the apricots will win over even the pickiest of eaters, while also supplying extra fibre and iron and counting as one portion of fruit. Turkey is not only a lean meat but it's one of the richest in the immune-friendly mineral, selenium and supplies all of the B group of vitamins.

Adding oats to these burgers helps the meat go further and makes them more filling - just remember that young tummies can't manage too much fibre so vary the quantity depending on your kids' ages. Oats are a great source of slow-burn carbs, which help to stabilise blood sugar levels and just might avert temper tantrums!

Finishing these burgers in the oven rather than frying or griddling keeps fat levels down.

Healthy swap - if you fancy a change from poultry and you're keen to introduce the family to new tastes consider swapping for venison. A lean meat, venison is equal in calorie content to dark turkey mince but is three times richer in iron. This recipe is ideal for introducing a new type of meat because the oats minimise the amount you'll need and the apricots provide a sweetness to counter the different flavour.

Budget tip - Using thigh mince in place of breast mince cuts costs. Although slightly higher in fat, dark thigh meat is actually richer in minerals including iron and zinc.

You'll notice a number of the veggies (like the carrots in this recipe) feature throughout the week so buy loose and in bulk to keep costs to a minimum.

Try the recipe... Turkey burgers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A week of healthy & cheap family suppers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our seven day supper plan proves it is possible to eat well on a budget. We've included a balance of lean protein from meat, fish, dairy and plant foods, as well as energising carbohydrates and healthy fats, including the all-important omega-3 variety.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cheap healthy meals: healthy eating on a budget

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You might think that healthy food will be hard on your wallet, but eating well doesn’t have to be expensive. Find out how you can eat healthily on a budget.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Make Toast Not Waste

Did you know that you can toast bread straight from the freezer and still have the same delicious taste? Well it's true! Every day in the UK, 20 million slices of bread are thrown away - mostly because they are not used in time.

That means that the average person in the UK throws out more than half of a loaf of bread every month! You can keep bread for longer by putting it in the freezer and then use it straight from frozen to make toast.

Here's lots of inspiration to show you that toast can be more than a buttery breakfast choice. Get creative with your loaf, experiment with the tasty, convenient and affordable toppings used in our toast toppers ideas!

Don't forget to share your favourite toast toppers with #MakeToastNotWaste on social media.

Check out:

Healthy toast toppers

Dips on toast (perfect for pittas)

Hangover cures

Family favourites

Fun recipes for kids

Post exercise inspo

Easter weekend

Celebrate British Summertime

Formula 1 snacks

Six Nations

St Patrick's Day

Toast can be the perfect pairing to some healthy leftover salad ingredients kicking around, make sure none of it gets chucked away. Grab some bread straight from the freezer and pop it into the toaster to pair those ingredients with some delicious toast.

B.L.T.T.

Give the B.L.T.T. a go. Bacon, lettuce, tomato and (you guessed it) toast! Add some cucumber, red onion and extra salad leaves on there if you have any hidden in the back of the fridge. Feel like adding a little something extra? Drizzle some French dressing on there.

Calories per serving: 256

Feel good fennel toast

Step it up a notch and combine some superfood loveliness with our Feel Good Fennel Toast. Mix some radish, fennel, cucumber and lemon juice and honey for that extra fresh taste! Add some coriander and sunflower seeds on top if you have any going spare.

Calories per serving: 149

Feel like mixing your snack habits up a bit? These toast toppers are sure to make your mouth water and get you closer to your five-a-day in a delicious way.

More-ish Moroccan toast

Given some of our other toast toppers a go and fancy stepping it up a notch? Try this Moroccan-style baba ganoush on toast. Mix some shop bought aubergine dip with sultanas and cumin. Then add some yoghurt and lemon juice. Pop the aubergine mix on toast and drizzle with the yoghurt. Top with pomegranate seeds if you have any!

Calories per serving: 262

Vegan rainbow toast

This is an easy peasy toast topper and tastes delicious too. Grate a carrot, beetroot and apple into a bowl and squeeze in some lemon juice. Grab some bread from the freezer and pop it in the toaster, then spread some hummus on top. Sprinkle the rainbow mix on top and voila!

Calories per serving: 245

Go dippy for orange and beetroot on toast

Feel like giving the food processor a whirl? Chuck in cooked beetroot, chickpeas, lime juice and finish with cumin and orange zest if you have any. Toast some yummy bread (we've gone for a seeded bloomer) and top with the beetroot hummus.

Calories per serving: 295

Feeling a bit groggy after last night, or simply want to make your weekly shop stretch a little further? Get stuck into our range of delicious and simple toast toppers - the ultimate comfort food.

Pizza toast

In a rush after lectures? Try this simple pizza toast. Take a couple of slices of bread out of the freezer and whack them in the toaster while you make your toppings. We've gone for tomato puree and grated cheddar with a pinch of pepperoni. Pop it under the grill to finish it off!

Chilli Chicken Satay Toast

Got some leftover chicken and peanut butter? Why not try our easy satay chicken. All you need to do is throw some peanut butter and sweet chilli sauce in a saucepan with some lime juice and add in the cooked chicken. Whack it on a plate and if you're feeling really fancy, add some coriander and spring onion.

Spicy beans on toast

Feeling those morning after vibes and need a good meal after a heavy night? Take your bread out of the freezer and pop it in the toaster (we used naan bread, but any would work). Take some baked beans, add a teaspoon of curry powder, a pinch of coriander (if you have it) and microwave for a couple of mins. As soon as it's done, pour the beans over the toast and enjoy! Yummy, and best of all you're not chucking any bread.

Full English toast

It's a full English… on toast! Don't treat your toast as a side, make it the centre piece of this delicious weekend feast treat. Take a slice of bread (that you can grab straight from the freezer!), toast it and cut a rectangle out of the middle. Slice a hot sausage in half and fill the gap in the middle. A fried egg on top with the condiment of your choice and you have yourself a masterpiece...and that toast you cut out earlier? Use it to dip into the runny egg. Sublime!

Whether you're tackling teen taste buds or pulling together a quick snack for your little ones, we've got the best toast for every situation.

Stir fry family favourite

Perfect for all the family, these staple ingredients knocking around in your fridge will be sure to fill those tummies at dinner time. Stir fry some mushrooms and chorizo and spoon over some golden brown toast. Add some parsley if you have some! It'll be ready in just 10 minutes.

Sardines on toast

Got some tinned sardines stacking up? Pair them with those tinned tomatoes in the cupboard and you've got yourself a family favourite. Tip the sardines and tinned tomatoes into a bowl with some dried chilli flakes, season, add some parsley and lemon zest for flavour. Pour this over toast, and there you have it, an instant classic! From cupboard to plate in under 10 minutes.

Sunday roast on toast

Have some leftover pork from the weekend's roast? Heat it up in a frying pan and stir in some apple sauce and little gem leaves (if you have some going spare!). Pop some frozen bread in the toaster, spread with mustard, and spoon the mixture straight on top. Ready to enjoy in under 10 minutes.

Want to get the little ones to empty their plates? We've got some tasty toast toppers to get them enjoying meal time. Check out our ideas!

Melty marshmallow s'mores

This incredible toast topper is the perfect way to keep your kids enjoying toast and entertained for at least 10 minutes. Show them how easy it is to make this scrummy treat by popping your frozen bread in the toaster. Then add some chocolate spread and marshmallows then melt under the grill, crumble on some of those biscuits hidden in the back of the cupboard to finish. It's really as simple as that!

Fish fingers on toast

Have you got some fish fingers knocking about in the freezer? Team them up with some toast, grab some bread from the freezer, pop it in the toaster and you've got a meal sorted in the time it takes to cook the fish fingers. Cook the fish fingers and mushy peas as directed on the packet. Cut the toast in the shape of a fish and then spread the peas on top. Give the fish some fins with the fish fingers and use some tartare sauce to add the details. This should get them hook, line and sinker… well, at least until dinner time!

Kids veggie favourite

The perfect veggie recipe for your kids, give them something new to try! This potato hash with egg uses classic ingredients, but add a bit of kale in there to mix things up and give them a new firm fave! Stir cooked, chopped potatoes into a frying pan with shallots, oil and seasoning until golden brown. Add the kale and peas until hot through and then stir in some brown sauce for that extra flavour. If you don't have kale to hand, any leftover veg is just as delicious. Add a poached egg on top and you have breakfast sorted in just 15 minutes.

We've got some tasty toast toppers to plate up after a sesh in the gym. Give these yummy, protein packed ingredients a go.

Recovery toast

This post-exercise toast topper couldn't be simpler. Toast some frozen bread and spread with cottage cheese. Scatter chopped chives on top and add some little gem lettuce leaves. No hassle, no waste, no problem!

Protein toast

Protein-packed and delicious, this is bound to top you up with the yummy and healthy ingredients you need. Scoop out some avocado onto toast, followed by a sliced boiled egg and top with some lemon juice and chives. Nom!

Calories per serving: 272

Happy Easter! Now we know that the usual suspects for Easter treats are Easter Eggs BUT feast your eyes on these toastastic delights. Sure to keep the whole family hopping around with joy.

Easter sweet treat

This quick sweet treat is sure to keep the kids (big and small) happy until the Easter bunny delivers those scrumptious Easter Eggs. All you need is frozen bread (in the toaster) peanut butter, a banana and a splash of honey. Easy peasy.

Smoky salmon toast

Have you got the family over during this Easter weekend? Make a splash with this super tasty smoky salmon toast. Pop that frozen bread in the toaster, then all you'll need to add to it is salmon, scrambled egg (with butter and milk) and seasoning.

Bunny toast

Need a fun way to involve the kids with stopping food waste? This cute little bunny toast will not only be delicious but incredibly easy to make. All you'll need is frozen bread popped into the toaster, butter and a boiled egg. Use those leftover pieces of toast and some cress to give the bunny some grass to play in!

It's nearly spring time, hurrah! What better way to kick off the, sometimes lacklustre, British summertime than with food? These delights are sure to put a spring in your step.

Summer tzatziki toast

This fresh toast topping is sure to scream summertime in your mouth. All you need is chicken, mint sauce, rocket and yoghurt (or a pot of shop bought tzatziki). Of course, this will all sit on top of some lovely toast - made straight from the freezer!

Summer tricolore toast

How delicious does this look? Screams summer, right? All the freshness is needed here, tomato, mozzarella, basil leaves and seasoning. If you don't have fresh basil, a spoonful of pesto is a delicious alternative. This topping is PERFECT over that frozen bread you've popped in the toaster.

Apple pie toast

You can't enjoy spring without a classic British dessert. Apple pie on toast anyone? Don't knock it until you've tried it! All you need is some sliced apple on toast, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, to heat up under the grill. Perfect.

As Formula 1 revs it's engines, we want to share with you some great finger food to keep you and your friends snacking on deliciousness throughout.

Ultimate kale

Try the ultimate kale for the first pit stop, with sun dried tomato, spring onion and soy sauce. This speedy recipe will keep you winning in your friend's eyes.

Calories per serving: 245

The winning formula

Try the splash and dash Mexican tuna with yellow pepper, tuna and a spoonful of Greek yoghurt (add a dash of coriander if you have some lying around). Your friends will lap it up!

Calories per serving: 173

Chequered flag

As Formula 1 kicks off, which daring racers will be the cream (cheese) of the crop? Will you be daring enough to try out our chocolate hazelnut spread and cream cheese chequered flags? You'd be nuts not to #sorrynotsorry

Planning a weekend watching the Six Nations finals with some pals? Grab some bread out of the freezer, pop it straight into the toaster and impress everyone with your tasty snack ideas.

Six Nation nachos

It's game time, we know what you want. Nachos! Do you have some flatbread going spare? Brush on some olive oil and season, then pop it the oven. If you like it spicy, sprinkle on some chilli powder or smoked paprika.

Tournament toast

First up is the toast of the tournament, the harissa chicken with red pepper, spring onion and some Greek yoghurt. Add some harissa paste (if you're keen to spice it up!) and some lime juice for that extra flavour.

Why not show off your culinary skills and Irish pride with this gorgeous green snack idea?

p

Paddy's Day toast

Scoop the avocado into a bowl, add some hazelnuts, beansprouts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds , lemon juice and chives. Pop it onto some toast, using frozen bread straight from the freezer and there you have it!

Calories per servings: 314

Language English

Related Articles

Want to make the most of the bread you buy and enjoy every slice? Our tips will save you money and help bring an end to bread being the most wasted food in the UK.

Related Recipes

This rich and indulgent chocolate cake is perfect for using up leftover chocolate bits and pieces – ideal for an after-Christmas treat!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Did you know that you can toast bread straight from the freezer and still have the same delicious taste? Well it’s true! Every day in the UK, 20 million slices of bread are thrown away - mostly because they are not used in time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.

Playground Games List

Let's talk playground games! These game ideas include classic playground games like Capture the Flag, Hopscotch, variations of Tag as well as some fresh new games.

Finding ways to keep the kids busy on the playground isn't always easy, especially when you have mixed ages with different interests. Some kids would rather play ball games while others enjoy a more subtle challenge.

With enough different games on hand, you can create stations on the playground just as you would in the classroom. The following playground games list doesn't just include games of today, but you will also find some of the best playground games from the past. With all these choices you will no longer have those who feel left out lingering on the other side of the playground.

20 Fun Games to Play on the Playground

1. Capture the Flag
Materials Needed:

A flag for each team

A base for each team

Number of Players
A large group split up into two teams
Object:
Each team tries to capture the flag of the opposite team and get it back to their home base safely without being tagged and put into "jail."
How to Play:
Play begins with each team lining up at their home base. When play begins, the players run as fast as they can toward the flag at the other end without getting captured by the opposing team.

If they get tagged by a member of the opposing team they will then be put into a "jail" located on that teams' side until a member of their own team makes it to them safely, grabbing them and getting them back to their own side once again.

The first team to capture the flag and get it back to their side safely wins the game. The players should create a strategy that will keep them from getting tagged by running around or hiding behind obstacles. This game will not only allow the kids to exercise, but they can practice strategic thinking and team building.

2. Four Square
Materials Needed

A court made up of four squares (You can draw one using sidewalk chalk if one isn't available)

A handball

Number of Players
Four
Object
To bounce the ball and catch it in the other's square
How to Play
Each player stands in a square that is numbered from one to four, with one being the highest and four being the lowest. Each player must serve the ball to the opposite square and the ball must bounce once before the player can catch it.

The person who stands in square one gets to make up additional rules and anyone who violates the rules must be eliminated from the game. This is another game to practice strategic thinking along with following instructions and eye-hand coordination.

3. Shadow Tag
Materials Needed Number of Players
Small groups of three or more
Object
To tag the other player's shadow
How to Play
This game will only work when played on a sunny day. Just like in tag, one person is appointed to be "it" while the other players try to get away before their shadow is tagged. Once the player's shadow is caught, that player then takes over the role of "it".

The game continues until each player has been "it" at least once or until the time allowed has expired. This is the perfect game for exercise.

4. TV Tag
Materials Needed Number of Players
Small groups of three or more
Object
To try and tag the other players
How to Play
Just like playing freeze tag, the player who is "it" must tag the other players causing them to freeze in a still position until another player calls out a tv show and tags a frozen player at the same time.

The frozen player will then be allowed back into the game and the game will continue until everyone has had a turn or there are no more tv shows left to name. Each tv show can only be used once per game. This is a great game to assure plenty of exercise and following directions.

5. Hand-Clap Games
Materials Needed Number of Players
Two
Object
To keep a rhythm while clapping to the words
How to Play
Hand-clap games are ones you learn to do with rhyme early on in life. Ones like Pat-a-Cake, Miss Mary Mack, and Miss Susie are just a few of the many common games kids in every age group like to play. They're easy to do indoors or out and you will often find groups of two on the playground chanting similar tunes.

By clapping their hands together and then slapping them on their legs they will keep their rhythm going, but when one person messes up, another will cut right in. This is a good way for them to develop hand-eye coordination, sharpen their memory skills, and learn to develop their love of music and rhyme.

6. Treasure Hunt
Materials Needed

Several age-appropriate items to hide

Strips of paper with clues or items listed on them

Brown bags to hold the treasures

Number of Players
Large or small groups
Object
To be the first to find all the hidden treasures
How to Play
This game is played much like a scavenger hunt and can be structured to any age group. One person will hide all the items ahead of time for the other players to find. You can write clues on strips of paper for older kids or write down each item that has been hidden for the younger kids to find.

When you are playing with children of various ages, consider pairing up the players so the older kids can help the younger kids when you are using clues. When the kids have found all their items, they should go back to a "home" place to count them. The player or players who find the most items or finds them all first wins the game. This is a great game to exercise critical thinking.

7. Doggy, Doggy, Where's Your Bone?
Materials Needed Number of Players
Large or small groups of at least three people
Object
To guess who stole the bone
How to Play
This is a simple game for children of all ages and can be played indoors or out. One player is chosen to be the "doggy." The doggy must turn and hide their eyes while another player steals the bone. After the bone is stolen and hidden out of sight, the doggy must then turn around and guess who stole the bone.

Younger children will enjoy guessing until they guess the right person, but older children should have a limit to their number of guesses. When the "doggy" guesses who took the bone, the two players will switch places and the game will begin again. The game should continue until each person had a chance to be the doggy or until the allowed time is up.

This is another game that is perfect for critical thinking.

8. Octopus
Materials Needed Number of Players
Larger groups work best with this game
Object
To tag the "fish" before they get to the other side of the field
How to Play
In this variation of tag, one person is appointed to be the "octopus" and the other players will be the "fish". All the "fish" should line up at the starting line and when the game begins they should run to the finish line.

The problem is that while they are trying to get to the other end, the "octopus" can tag them. When the "fish" get tagged they must then stand in the place they were tagged and try to tag the other "fish" as they run by. Once the "fish" get to the finish line without getting tagged they are safe.

The game ends when all the "fish" are safe or have been tagged. This is a great game for exercise and can be played by kids of all age groups.

9. Mother/ Father Says
Materials Needed Number of Players
Large or small groups
Object
To be the first to get to the "mother" or "father"
How to Play
Much like Mother May I but with a twist. In this game, one person will be appointed as the mother or father. The game begins with the mother or father's back toward the group.

"Mother" or "Father" will then say something like, take two steps forward if you have long hair or take two steps back if you have shoes with ties. This variation of the game makes it a little fairer in that the kids won't be playing favorites. If you want it to be even fairer, you can prepare a list of questions ahead of time and the mother or father can draw them from a hat.

This game will help with attention skills, especially in smaller children.

10. Horse
Materials Needed

A playground ball

A basketball hoop

Number of Players
Large or small groups
Object
To make the most shots and get the least amount of letters
How to Play
Basketball is fun, but why not put a fun twist on the game? Each player will take turns making a shot in the basket. When a shot is made the next person must make the same shot from the same spot as the previous player. When a shot is missed, the player gets a letter.

The game continues until the first person gets all the letters to spell H-O-R-S-E. For a shorter version of the game, you could use a three- or four-letter word instead. This game will not only give the kids plenty of exercise, but they can practice their spelling words and how to follow directions.

We have more basketball shooting games too!

Playground Games from the Past

11. Hopscotch
Materials Needed

Sidewalk chalk to draw the hopscotch squares

A marker (stone, coin or any small flat object)

Number of Players
One or more
Object
To go all the way through to number ten and back without losing a turn
How to Play
A classic game of hopscotch can be played and even loved by children of all ages. Each player will take a turn by first tossing the marker onto the number one square. The player must then start out with one foot skipping over the number one and hopping all the way through to the number ten.

When the player gets to the number ten, they must then pivot their foot and hop all the way back down to the number two square and then while balancing on one foot, they must bend over, pick up the marker from the one square, and then hop onto number one and to the end. The player must get the marker inside the square without it touching the sides, if the marker does not land inside the square then the player must forfeit their turn and hand the marker over to the next player.

The player must also forfeit a turn when they lose their balance and other parts of their body touch the ground. If they successfully make it all the way to the top and back, the player will then proceed to toss the marker to the number two square and so on until they lose their balance or the marker lands outside of the square.

When a player is out, they will continue on their next turn with the number they left off with on their previous turn. This is a great game to test their balance skills and to exercise their arms and legs.

12. Marbles
Materials Needed

Sidewalk chalk

Marbles, large and small

Number of Players
Two or more
Object
To be the player with the most marbles at the end of the game
How to Play
Marbles are one of the most popular playground games from the past and should be taught to more children today, so the tradition will continue. You will first need to draw a circle three-feet wide onto the pavement.

Next, you will want to place five to ten smaller marbles in the center of the circle. Using the larger marbles as shooters, each player should take a turn kneeling and shooting as many of the smaller marbles as they can to the outside of the circle. When the shot is over, the player should keep all the marbles from the outside of the circle and then take another shot.

When the player can no longer shoot marbles to the outside of the circle the turn is passed on to the next player. The game continues until there are no more marbles left inside the square and the person who collects the most marbles wins the game.

Back in the day of this popular game, kids would collect marbles with their allowance or they would simply gain more for their collection by keeping the ones they collected throughout the game. Sometimes, they would use their marbles for trading tools with other kids. This is a great game for hand-eye coordination.

13. Monkey in the Middle
Materials Needed

A standard playground ball
Number of Players
Three
Object
To keep the player in the middle from catching the ball
How to Play
This classic playground game from the past is also known as piggy in the middle and is simple enough for anyone to play. One person should be at the opposite end of the playing field as the other player with the third person in the middle of them both.

One person at either end should start by throwing the ball to the player at the other end keeping the ball high enough so the player in the middle doesn't catch it. Be careful not to drop the ball because if you do it will become fair gain and the monkey in the middle will have a chance to grab it before you do.

Play should continue until the player in the middle catches the ball. When the player in the middle gets the ball, that player should trade places with the one who threw it. The game can be played freely or timed. This is a great game for exercise and team building.

14. Duck, Duck, Goose
Materials Needed Number of Players
Four or more
Object
The "goose" must tag the player who is "it" before "it" sits down.
How to Play
Before play begins all the kids should sit down in a circle facing each other. One player is chosen to be the first "it." "It" must walk around the circle gently tapping each player on the head chanting "duck" with each tap. As the suspense builds up, "it" will finally choose and tap a player saying "goose" with the tap.

The "goose" will then chase "it" around the circle hoping to tag "it" before "it" reaches the "gooses" empty nest on the ground. If "it" safely sits down before getting tagged by the "goose" the "goose will then become "it" and the round will begin again.

If the goose tags "it" before reaching the nest, "goose" will be safe and can take a seat in its nest once again while the same "it" begins another round. Play continues until everyone has had a chance to be "it" or the time allotted runs out. This is a great playground game for exercise and practicing attention skills.

15. Red Light, Green Light
Materials Needed

Rope, chalk, or cones to make a starting line and a finish line
Number of Players
Large or small groups
Object
To be the first to get to the finish line without getting sent back to start
How to Play
All players should begin by standing on the starting line. One person should be appointed as the traffic cop.

The traffic cop should stand near the finish line, with his/her back facing the remainder of the players. When the traffic cop says, "green light" the players should hurry toward the finish line, but when the traffic cop says, "red light," everyone must freeze in place.

The traffic cop must then turn around and if a player gets caught moving after calling out "red light," the traffic cop can send that player back to start. If nobody makes it to the finish line the traffic cop should turn around and repeat the play. If a player makes it to the finish line, that player should then trade places with the traffic cop and the play will start all over again.

This is an excellent game full of exercise, reflex building, and strengthening attention span.

16. Red Rover
Materials Needed
None
Number of Players
A minimum of six, but the more players the better
Object
To break through the opposite team's chain
How to Play
Two people should be appointed as team captains. Each captain should take turns choosing members of their team. Once the teams are formed, each team should line up facing the opposite team.

Standing approximately six to ten yards away from the opposite team, each team player should hold hands to form on a chain. The team who is chosen to go first must decide which player from the other side they should call on. Chanting "Red Rover, Red Rover, let (Player Name) come over." When the player's name is called, he/she should run toward the team and try to break through the hands of two players.

If the runner breaks through, he/she gets to go back to their team's side and choose a player from the opposite team to go with them. If they don't break through the chain, he/she will be forced to join the opposite team. The first team to gain all the players wins the game. A good strategy would be to call the weaker players first who may not be able to break through the chain. When you're the runner, choose the two players who may not be the strongest to breakthrough.

This game prompts a great way of exercising along with team building skills and strategic thinking.

17. Jump Rope
Materials Needed
One or two jump ropes
Number of Players
One or more
Object
To skip the rope without tripping or stepping on the rope
How to Play
There are many ways to jump rope and many games you can play. You can jump alone or with a friend, but no matter how you choose to jump, you will want to practice so that you don't get tripped up and fall.

Games such as Double Dutch with two ropes can be just as much fun as playing Helicopter where one person will hold one end of the rope by the handle spinning it around like a helicopter for the other person to jump over without touching the rope.

Snake is a fun game that requires a person holding the rope at each end to wiggle it around on the ground like a snake while the other players take turns jumping over it without touching it. There are many rhymes and songs that can be sung while keeping the rhythm and jumping rope at the same time as well.

A good old-fashioned game of jump rope is a great form of exercise for people of all ages and can serve as a perfect and inexpensive cardio workout too!

18. Jacks
Materials Needed
A standard set of Jacks with a bouncing ball
Number of Players
Can be played alone but is best played one on one.
Object
To be the first person to make it through to all ten rounds
How to Play
The player who goes first should scatter the jacks onto the hard ground. Jacks must be scattered evenly; not too far apart, not too close together, and never touching.

Once the jacks are scattered, the first round begins. The player must bounce the ball high enough that he/she can pick up one jack before the ball bounces. The ball must bounce, but only once before it is picked up with the same hand as the jack. Once the play is complete, the player should move the caught jack to the opposite hand and continue the play again.

Play continues until the ball is missed, bounced more than once, or the improper number of jacks are collected. Once the player has made a mistake all the jacks should be scattered again, and play will continue with the next player. Once a player has made it all the way without a foul, he/she will begin the next round by collecting two jacks per ball bounce. Play continues all the way to the tenth round where the players will then compete to pick up ten jacks at the same time.

It's important to keep track of the round you're on because you must make it all the way through one round before moving onto the next round, therefore your opponent might already be collecting two jacks at a time while you are still on one at a time. To become a great player in this game you can practice playing alone so that you can be the winner against your friends.

This game is great for critical thinking and eye-hand coordination.

19. Simon Says
Materials Needed
None
Number of Players
A minimum of three
Object
To be the last person standing at the end of the game
How to Play
Simon Says is one of the oldest playground games from the past that can be played with a few players or an entire group. It's great for kids of all ages and teaches smaller children a lesson in following directions.

One person is appointed the position of Simon and the others are simply the players. Simon must stand in front facing the players. It is the job of Simon to give commands and try to get the players out. Simon should give a command with "Simon Says" before the task. When a command is given in this form all the players must complete the task, but when Simon fails to say, "Simon Says" the players cannot move. If a player does the task when it isn't given in the form of "Simon Says," that player is out of the game.

The last person standing is the winner and trades places with Simon. This can be a great form of exercise when the commands call for it, and it's an excellent way to practice following directions.

20. Hula Hoop
Materials Needed
At least one hula hoop
Number of Players
One or more
Object
To see who can keep the hoop spinning the longest
How to Play
There are many variations to hula hoop but the most traditional and challenging way to play is to have all the players take turns twisting the hula hoop on their waist for as long as they can. Someone should be designated to keep the time for each player and the one who keeps it going for the longest amount of time is the winner.

You can tweak these rules or use the hula hoops for different challenges within the group.

Now that you have this playground games list you should have no problem when it comes to keeping things moving outside of the classroom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
20 Fun Playgrounds Games for Kids - Kid Activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here. Let's talk playground games!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Help young people to boost their health and wellbeing by promoting physical activity before, during, and after the school day by using our list of activities below, provided by physical activity and sports organisations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Help young people to boost their health and wellbeing by promoting physical activity before, during, and after the school day by using our list of activities below, provided by physical activity and sports organisations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Physical Activities For Kids: Get Active At Home!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How much physical activity should children and young people aged 5 to 18 do to keep healthy?
Children and young people need to do 2 types of physical activity each week:

aerobic exercise

exercises to strengthen their muscles and bones

Children and young people aged 5 to 18 should:

aim for an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity a day across the week

take part in a variety of types and intensities of physical activity across the week to develop movement skills, muscles and bones

reduce the time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity. Aim to spread activity throughout the day

What counts as moderate activity?

Moderate intensity activities will raise your heart rate, and make you breathe faster and feel warmer.

One way to tell if you're working at a moderate intensity level is if you can still talk, but not sing.

Children and young people should do a range of different activities across the week.

Examples include:

walking to school or walking the dog

playground activities, including jumping, running and catching

physical education

sports, like football or tennis

swimming

skipping

dancing

skateboarding or rollerblading

cycling

What activities strengthen muscles and bones?

Examples include:

gymnastics

football

jumping

martial arts

sit-ups, press-ups and other similar exercises (for young people)

resistance exercises with exercise bands, weight machines or handheld weights (for young people)

Exercising safely

Children and young people should:

get medical advice about exercising if they have a health condition

do exercise that is suitable for their age, ability and experience

start any new exercise slowly and increase it bit by bit

use protective equipment, for example for cycling and skateboarding

Young people can use weights for resistance exercise if a qualified adult trains them to use weights correctly and supervises them.

Physical activity recommendation for other age groups:
GOV.UK has infographics on physical activity for children and young people

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Physical activity guidelines for children and young people

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out how much physical activity children and young people aged 5 to 18 need to do to keep healthy?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Developed by the Youth Sport Trust, and endorsed by the National Autistic Society, All About Autism is a digital and practical toolkit that builds upon knowledge of autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and some of the key considerations for making PE and sport inclusive to all.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the recipes area. The Food – a fact of life (FFL) website has a range of recipes which support the teaching and learning of handling a range of ingredients, food skills and cooking techniques.