Index

This page aims to support parents and/or carers overcome the above barriers and offer support in raising an EAL child in Warrington. 

According to The Bell Foundation (2024), parents who are new to English or have limited English proficiency:

  • Have a significant lack of knowledge and understanding of important areas concerning school life, such as the school system;
  • Are significantly underrepresented in school structures and decision making;
  • Have different expectations of their children’s schooling when compared with those of teaching staff.

About Warrington

Warrington is a town in Cheshire, in the northwest of England. It is between the cities of Liverpool and Manchester.

About 211,000 people live in Warrington. It is a good place to live because houses are not too expensive, there are jobs, good transport, and things to do.

Moving to Warrington

If you are new to Warrington, here are some helpful links:

Transport in Warrington

It is easy to travel in Warrington. There are buses and trains to other cities like Liverpool and Manchester.

Using the bus

You can find bus times and prices online. Buses stop only at bus stops. To get on, wave your arm. Pay the driver when you get on.  There is usually a map or announcements of the next stop for the bus, press the 'stop' button to get off.

You can visit the bus travel shop at the main bus station in the town centre, to buy tickets and get help. It is open Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays and holidays.

Dogs can travel on the bus if they are on a lead and do not take a seat. It costs 50p. Guide dogs are free.

There is more information on buses and coach travel.

Using the train

Trains go to many cities. Buy your ticket before you travel. You can buy tickets at the station or online.

Children under 5 travel free. Children aged 5 to 15 get half-price tickets. Older children may need ID.

Warrington has a number of local stations, the main ones being Warrington Central and Warrington Bank Quay. There are also stations at Padgate, Birchwood and Warrington West at Sankey.

Using a taxi

Taxis cost more than buses or trains. You can book a private taxi online or by phone. These taxis must be booked in advance.

Hackney taxis can be stopped in the street or found at taxi ranks.

Local taxis have fixed pricing, so you may pay more when using an online service.

Cycling

Do not ride your bike on the pavement. Wear a helmet. Use lights at night: white at the front, red at the back.

There are lots of local routes and roads you can use to cycle on.

 

Customs and Etiquette

Queuing

In shops or offices, wait in line. Do not skip the line. It is seen as rude.

Appointments

Be on time for appointments with doctors or the council. If you are late, you may not be seen.

Smoking

You cannot smoke inside public places. You can smoke outside, but not in all areas. You may be fined if you smoke where it is not allowed.

Bank holidays

These are public holidays. Many places close. Some shops stay open. Hospitals and police are always open.

List of bank holidays

  • Christmas Day: 25 December
  • Boxing Day: 26 December
  • New Year’s Day: 1 January
  • Good Friday and Easter Monday: March or April
  • May Day: First Monday of May
  • Spring Bank Holiday: Last Monday of May
  • August Bank Holiday: Last Monday of August

The UK government website lists the actual days.

Time changes

Clocks go forward 1 hour in March and back 1 hour in October. This is called British Summer Time.

The UK government website has more information

More information

British traditions and UK culture

Shopping in Warrington

Supermarkets

You can buy food and clothes in many places. Big supermarkets sell many things in one shop. There is also a market in Warrington town centre. You can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish there. Some small farm shops also sell fruit and vegetables.

Food prices are different in each shop. Supermarkets have their own brands that are cheaper. Many supermarkets have apps. These apps give you better prices and points. You can use points to get discounts later. Most big supermarkets let you order online. They can deliver to your home or let you collect your order.

Golden Square shopping centre

The Golden Square is the main shopping centre in Warrington. You can find many shops there like coffee shops, clothes shops, and food shops. It is open every day. The bus station is next to it. Warrington central train station is close too.

International stores

Some big shops sell food from other countries. They also sell food for special diets like halal and kosher. Asda and Tesco have some halal food.

Here are some international shops in Warrington:

  • International Mini Market, 160 Orford Lane, WA2 7BE
  • Pak World Supermarket, 111 Bewsey Rd, WA5 0JT
  • Tatry European Food Market, 6 Bewsey Rd, WA5 0JU
  • Hong Kong K Store, 6 Friars Court, WA1 1EX
  • Wisla Mini Markets LTD, 145 Orford Ln, WA2 7AZ
  • MI Market Magazin Romanesc, 6 Tanners Ln, WA2 7NJ
  • Ohayo Asian Supermarket, 28-32 Milner St, WA5 1AD

Medical help in Warrington

This guide explains how to get medical help in Warrington. It uses simple English and is easy to understand.

When you need help but it's not an emergency

You can get help from:

When it is an emergency

You can:

  • Go to Accident and Emergency (A&E) at the local hospital
  • Call 999 for an ambulance

Pharmacy

Pharmacies can help with small health problems. Some are open all day and night. You can buy medicine and ask for advice. They can help with things like:

  • Earache
  • Sore throat
  • Insect bites
  • Shingles
  • Sinus problems
  • Urine infections

They may also update your GP record.

GP surgery

You can register with a GP for free. You do not need ID or proof of address. GPs can help with many health problems and send you to other services if needed.

You can book appointments by phone, online, or using the NHS app.

Talking to a Doctor

Here is an example of a conversation when making an appointment:

Receptionist: Hello, how can I help you?

You: I need an appointment. I have a sore throat.

Receptionist: We have an appointment at 10am.

You: That is good. Thank you.

Receptionist: What is your name and date of birth?

You: My name is John Smith. My birthday is 1 January 1990.

Call 111

Call 111 if you need help quickly but it's not an emergency. It is free and open all the time. You can ask for a translator. They will ask questions and tell you what to do next.

They also have an online service that you can use and has more information.

Urgent treatment centre

Urgent treatment centres (UTCs) provide medical help when it's not a life-threatening emergency. These are open every day, usually from 8am to 8pm. You will be asked why you are there. A nurse will check you and you may wait to see a doctor. Do not leave until you are seen.

Accident and Emergency (A&E)

Go to A&E only for serious problems. You will wait to be seen. A nurse will check you first. You may be sent to another service if it is not an emergency.

Call 999

Call 999 if someone is very sick or hurt. Ask for an ambulance. You can ask for a translator.

You will be asked questions like:

  • Is the person breathing?
  • What is your address?
  • What is your phone number?
  • What happened?

Jobs in the UK

If you are not from the UK and want to work here, there are some things you need to do first. This guide will help you understand what you need and how to find a job.

Can you work in the UK?

Most people from outside the UK need a visa to work. The type of visa depends on the job and your skills. You can find more information on the UK government website.

Job offer and sponsorship

You usually need a job offer from a UK company. The company must give you a special number called a Certificate of Sponsorship. You use this number when you apply for your visa.

English language skills

You must show that you can speak, read, write, and understand English. You can do this by passing an English test or showing a school certificate. Contact our team for a list of available ESOL classes in Warrington.

Qualifications and experience

Some jobs need special qualifications. If you studied in another country, you may need to check if your qualifications are accepted in the UK. The UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC, previously UK NARIC) is the official organisation for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills.

Having experience in your job is also helpful. If you cannot find a job that matches your qualifications in your home country, try doing some voluntary work. This can help you gain experience and improve your chances of finding a job later.

National Insurance number

You need a National Insurance (NI) number to work and pay taxes. You can apply for this number after you arrive in the UK.

Background checks and references

Some jobs need background checks, especially if you work with children or older people. You may also need to give names of people who can say good things about your work.

CV and job applications

A CV is a paper that shows your work history, education, and skills. You also need a cover letter to explain why you want the job. Make sure your CV is in the UK style.

Understanding work rules

In the UK, workers have rights. You should be paid fairly and get holidays and sick leave. You should also be treated with respect.

Finding a job

You can look for jobs on our website or the UK government job site.

14 October 2025