WARRINGTON has been ranked as one of the top 10 places in England to raise a family, ranked seventh overall in new research by outdoor play specialists OutdoorToys.
The ranking reflects the strong support available for families across the borough, including a high-performing education settings, accessible childcare, and a wide range of green spaces and leisure opportunities.
Families in Warrington benefit from excellent education provision, with 99% of schools previously rated at least good under the former Ofsted framework, with many recently being judged by Ofsted’s new toolkit at the ‘strong standard’. This is alongside relatively affordable childcare costs which average at £1,096 per month. The borough also offers around 20 child-friendly attractions per 100,000 people and approximately 810 square metres of green space per person, providing plenty of opportunities for children to play, explore and stay active.
Warrington’s central location and strong transport links also make it easier for families to balance work, childcare and leisure time. Alongside this, the borough offers a wide range of parks and green spaces, from the open landscapes of Sankey Valley Park and Walton Hall and Gardens to local neighbourhood parks, giving children plenty of safe and accessible places to play and explore.
This strong offer is supported by the council’s continued investment in services for children and families, helping to create safe, healthy and well-connected communities where young people can thrive. Each year, around 2,400 children and young people are supported through a network of schools, family hubs and dedicated services across Warrington.
The council is continuing to build on this through its Best Start Local Plan, which sets out how babies, young children and their families will be supported from pregnancy through to the age of five. This builds on existing strengths, with children’s services rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2024, and two areas judged to be ‘outstanding’.
These strengths are reflected in the latest research, which highlights Warrington as one of the most family-friendly areas in the country, with a strong balance of education, affordability, childcare and access to green space – making it one of the standout performers in the North West.
Cllr Matt Smith, cabinet member for children’s, families and education, said: “We’re really pleased to see Warrington recognised as one of the best places to raise a young child.
“This reflects the continued investment we are making to support children, young people and families, and our commitment to creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We will continue building on this to make Warrington an even better place to grow up — and it’s great to see that recognised through this research.”
