Cheshire East named best place for children to grow up 

19 October 2026

A new report by Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, has named Cheshire East as the easiest place for children to grow up in England - The Childhood Lottery: The Hardest Places to Grow Up in England.

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "Cheshire East is a fantastic place for children and young people to grow up, and we're delighted to see this recognised in the report. From high performing schools and strong communities to the wide range of opportunities available to children and young people, there is much to celebrate across the borough. 

"This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of families, schools, partner organisations and communities, all of whom play a vital role in helping children and young people thrive. 

"At the same time, we are clear-eyed about the challenges that remain. While Cheshire East is a largely affluent borough, we know that not every child experiences the same opportunities. Inequalities in health, education and economic outcomes continue to affect some children, young people and families, and we know that where a child grows up can still have too great an influence on their life chances. 

"That's why we remain ambitious for every child and young person in Cheshire East. As we work towards becoming a Marmot Council, we are committed to tackling the root causes of inequality, reducing barriers to opportunity and ensuring that every child has the support they need to achieve their full potential. 

"Working alongside our partners in education, health, social care and the voluntary and community sector, we will continue to improve outcomes, strengthen communities and ensure that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, can benefit from the opportunities Cheshire East has to offer."