That's a wrap on Summer Stories!! Hopefully we'll be back next summer - maybe even at Christmas!!

6 Stories. 180 Families. 382 Children.

During the school summer holidays we ran six groups at local Family Hubs, free of charge, for families in our city. Each stay and play group was themed around a Julia Donaldson book and had craft, play and sensory activities based around the stories.

We were able to provide food for families at each group, most of which also included a "make it yourself" element, such as sandwich making, fruit and cereal kebabs and cereal chocolate cakes. At the end of the session we were able to give each child a copy of the book the group was themed around and a gift bag including a craft and outdoor activity to encourage the children to remain active throughout the school holidays.

We handed out questionnaires to the parents attending who were so please to have something free to do during the school holidays. Although the groups were aimed at under-fives, we were able to put on activities for older siblings too. Families valued the opportunity to play outside with different toys and take part in activities they hadn't tried before. Many parents stated that they would repeat activities they tried at the group at home, which was fantastic to hear. We also got the children to feedback on their enjoyment of the sessions using a smiley face sticker system, which went down really well.

The groups were so well received and feedback so positive we are keen to offer further groups during half terms, Christmas and Easter breaks.

Easy Peasy Pods

Summer Groups Funding

We are holding five children’s groups for families in our city with children under twelve during the school summer holidays.

The venues are already booked and confirmed, however we would like to provide a packed lunch for the families as many of those who will be coming have limited incomes and poor access to healthier foods.

As well as supporting our low income families with a meal once a week during the school holidays, we would love to be able to provide a small outdoor activities pack for them to take away and use outside of the group setting. This would promote healthy eating and physical activity amongst the families and give parents more options for getting outdoors with their children.

Ideas for Family Activity Packs

Football Cricket Set Tennis Racket
Beach Tennis Beach Ball “Scatch” Set
Arm Bands Cones Bean Bags

The funding through our Easy Peasy Pods group would enhance the groups we have already planned to help parents with limited resources keep their children busy and active during the school holidays.

Hello! Thanks so much for starting your EasyPeasy Pod. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions - we're here to support you as you get set-up. Best wishes, Steph (Community Manager at EasyPeasy)