Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits AllChild in Wigan

Monday was an exciting day for AllChild.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Secretary of State Lisa Nandy and local MP for Makerfield Josh Simons spent the morning immersed in the everyday activities of school life. Their visit was hosted by AllChild at Westleigh Methodist Primary, one of the schools we proudly partner with.  

Their choice to spend time with our children was a powerful show of support for the resilience and potential within the communities we serve. It wasn't just a gesture - it was a statement about what matters and where change begins.

The visit began with Lego Therapy with year 2s, a group activity where children build models collaboratively, developing social communication and problem-solving skills along the way.

The sight of the Chancellor and Secretary of State sitting on the floor, building alongside the kids, was a heartwarming reminder of the power of play in learning and connection.

Later, the Chancellor joined Year 5 students in the library for a very special reading session. Each child had been asked to pick a favourite part of their book and invite Chancellor Reeves to read it aloud.

Rowan, one of the students, beamed with excitement, exclaiming, “I’ll ask her to read me the whole book!”. This small moment perfectly captured the joy and openness the children brought to the visit. At AllChild, we believe this is where change begins: in relationships. In the everyday environments where children feel seen, heard and valued.

While the visit was filled with laughter and learning, it was also the setting for a notable policy moment: the announcement of the Better Futures Fund, a new outcomes fund aimed at supporting children and families through earlier action.

As the Chancellor and Secretary of State departed the school, what lingered wasn’t just the news that had been shared, it was the sense that something important had been acknowledged: The needs and strengths of the children, the determination of the community, and the power of partnerships.

Written by Aimee Clark

A Reflection from AllChild Chief Executive, Louisa Mitchell MBE

"We had the huge privilege of welcoming the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, and the MP for Makerfield, Josh Simons MP, to our brilliant partner school, Westleigh Methodist Primary School.

Seeing them spend the morning with fantastic AllChild children, our amazing Link Workers Dale and Tariro, and the dedicated school staff we work so closely with every day was a powerful moment for me.

From joining in a Lego Therapy session to reading the children their favourite books, I’m deeply grateful that they recognised just how important these children and their individual stories are - and the impact that deep, genuine local partnerships are already having. The Chancellor later told me just how powerful she had found it… which will come as no surprise to anyone who’s spent time with AllChild young people!

It was a particularly special visit as the Chancellor used it to announce the launch of the Better Futures Fund, a new £500m outcomes fund aimed at supporting children and families through earlier action.

I hope this fund can be a catalyst for a new way of investing in children’s futures in places around the country - an opportunity for all those who are committed to coming together locally to listen to children and families and co-design solutions that break down barriers so that every child and young person can flourish.

It is vital that children can engage with the right support and opportunities, in the right way at the right time, rooted in their communities.

A huge thank you to our partners Westleigh Methodist Primary School and Wigan Council for making it a truly remarkable day."