The HeadStart team delivered their very first holiday activity fund programme in December 2022.
Based at Ormesby Primary School, the team delivered 4 days that were jam packed full of activities.
35 children attended and each day they participated in all the activities, as well as having access to a healthy lunch.
Each day started with a ‘Get up and Active’ session with personal trainer – Ben Day. Then came some outdoor sports that were provided by Mark Proctor’s football academy. To compliment the physical activities, arts and crafts were available. Helen Kennedy led on arts and crafts and ensured that each day had a different theme, so children could create decorations, paint pictures, make models and let out all their creativity!
A visit from a serving Royal Navy officer was a highlight of the week. Officer Richard Shaw flew his drone around the playground, engaging the children in some games and got some fab photos!
Dr. Tosh Warwick attended and delivered a very informative talk on local history. Children were given some ‘Memories of Middlesbrough’ books too which was an extra special treat!
Head Chef Matthew Brown attended on Wednesday and children had the opportunity to cook a healthy meal to take home.
The week ended with a bit of a Christmas party, face painting and a very special visitor, arriving from the North Pole.
Please check out the video that has been created showing some of the many highlights through the week.
Access the video here – HeadStart South Tees – YouTube video
Evaluations and comments from parents and children:
100% of parents felt that their child / children had a positive experience from attending our HeadStart HAF
“this has been the best few days ever” – Ruby, 8 years old
“I’ve loved doing all the craft stuff, i’ve made my nanna a new decoration for her tree” – Oscar, 9 years old
“It has helped me to keep her entertained, and off digital technology that causes many problems in the house. I have had some time for self care which will provide me to face the holidays in a more positive frame of mind as they can be quite stressful when my daughter is out of her usual routine” – parent
“It was able to take the pressure off struggling with work while my child was off school for the Christmas holidays” – parent
“It has helped me be able to get things done that I might not have been able to, and has given me a break for a few hours but has also kept the children entertained and they thoroughly enjoyed their time with the team… both have asked when the next one is” – parent
100% if parents would want their child / children to attend a HeadStart HAF in the future
“I just want to say that as a parent who works this really helped me especially Christmas week with childcare but also how great the staff have been with the children. My 3 children have absolutely loved it and every activity they have done, and have already asked if there will be another One” – parent
“Thank you the Andy and all the team. I have attended holiday clubs/playgroups to develop my daughters social skills etc. I have never seen so much effort been put into providing the children with lots of activities, food and a positive environment. My daughter has loved every minute. Thank you!” – parent
“My daughter loved coming to the club and had already asked when it’s going to come back on. Things like this are really needed for children. It keeps their brain and bodies active and makes them smile. What more can a parent ask for?” – parent
“Thankyou to all the staff who was involved with this programme my children had loads of fun and learnt some amazing craft ideas” – parent
“The children loved every second of the holiday club. They would have stayed all day and every day of the holidays if they could” – parent
Published: January 6