Oldham Children’s Services rated GOOD in all areas by Ofsted

The national regulator has praised Oldham Council’s work in keeping children safe – highlighting the council’s improvement and commitment to giving children the best start in life.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “I am absolutely thrilled with this outcome that reflects our commitment to keeping children safe and keeping families together.

"This is about saving lives and that’s what our teams do. Our dedicated social workers have shown their excellence and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

“We’ve made giving children and young people the best possible start in life one of our top priorities, and this is a big step on the journey to achieving that."

You can read the full story here.

Actor Julie Hesmondhalgh and Oldham Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah

Joy as Oldham Council announces Oldham Coliseum will re-open

There were jubilant scenes as Oldham Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah made the announcement that the historic Oldham Coliseum will re-open.

At a celebration event in front of the Fairbottom Street theatre, Cllr Shah said: “Oldham Council has listened to local people. I can now reveal that we will bring the Coliseum back to life in time for the Christmas Panto 2025.

“We are formally committing £10 million for this major programme that will see our famous venue open its doors to the public once more.

"We are working together for the future of theatre in this town. It's a big part of our plans - putting culture at the centre of transforming our town centre and creating a better Oldham for everyone.”

Cllr Shah was joined at the event on Monday by actor Julie Hesmondhalgh and writer Ian Kershaw, who spearheaded the Save Oldham Coliseum campaign, alongside a group of dedicated theatre lovers from the Oldham community.

Read the full story here.

Dad diagnosed with autism at 21 is strengthening bond with his son thanks to Oldham's Family Hubs

Joshua Bardsley, 24, and his three-year-old son are thriving after taking part in a Play, Learn, Grow course.

Dedicated dad Joshua joined a free eight-week development course so that he and his son could progress together by getting involved in fun activities.

His son, also called Joshua, is one of the children being helped to get the best start in life from Oldham's Family Hubs offer.

“I was diagnosed with autism at 21 and I wanted to overcome my dislike of mess because I didn’t want to pass that on,” he explained.

“Before coming here, I didn’t even wash the pots and I didn’t like using creams.”

Read their full heart-warming story here.

To find out about your nearest Family Hub, for children and young adults aged 0-19 and aged 25 with SEND, and how the offer can help you and your family visit familyhubs.oldham.gov.uk.

And for more information about joining the Play, Learn and Grow course call 0161 344 0669 or email [email protected]

No trams will operate between Rochdale Town Centre and Oldham Mumps until further notice

This is due to land movement affecting the track between Derker and Shaw and Crompton.

As a result, a closure will be in place to allow for engineers to carry out further investigations.

Services will operate between:

• East Didsbury and Oldham Mumps

Use the Bee Network app here or visit the journey planner here to find out how to continue your journey.

It's coming home! Get behind England with a weekend of free family fun

A range of activities to get you in the football spirit will take place this weekend ahead of England's huge game in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.

On Saturday you can enjoy free face painting, football themed crafts, meet the football mascot and play in the football themed arcade from 12 to 4pm in Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre.

There will be face painting outside The Perfume Shop, crafts outside Next and the arcade next to DCM.

Oldham Play Action Group will be hosting free arts and crafts in Tommyfield Market from 9.30am to 11.30am. Come along and make your own England-themed goodies to take home ready for the match.

Oldham Libraries will also be putting on some Euro activities throughout the day as part of their Sign Up Summer Reading Challenge events.

On Sunday Oldham Play Action Group and face painting returns to the Spindles at 1pm to 3pm with some more England-themed arts and crafts.

Tuning up for the Summer Music Festival

Oldham Music Centre’s Summer Festival is this weekend and you and your family and friends are invited to join us for a fun day filled with music. .

The free event, at Oldham Parish Church, Rock Street, OL1 3UH, starts at 4pm today (Friday 12 July) and continues from 10am on Saturday 13 July.

There will be all kinds of live music, from brass bands and rock bands to choirs and orchestras, with performances both inside and outside the church.

It's time for stories to come alive

This school summer holiday, we're inviting all children to become reading superstars by joining our free Summer Reading Challenge at Oldham Library.

The Summer Reading Challenge is perfect for kids aged 4 to 11, keeping their minds and bodies active through engaging stories and activities.

Children taking part will explore new books, develop reading skills, and uncover new interests.

Join us on Saturday 13 July at Oldham Library for a fun-filled day.

There will be story sessions, craft activities, and opportunities to meet authors and illustrators. Mama G, our popular storyteller, will host workshops and performances that kids will love. Children are welcome to dress up as their favourite book characters for an extra bit of fun.

Every child who signs up will get a free book (while supplies last) and can enter a contest to design our new eco-friendly library card. The winning design will earn a voucher to Summit Up indoor climbing centre.

www.Oldham.gov.uk