2 0 1 9

Provided holiday child care, family fun activities and healthy food throughout

1 CONTENTS

Introduction 4 - 5 Who’s involved 6 - 7 Holiday childcare providers 8 Family fun days 9 Timetable 10 Activities 11 - 13 Staffing 14 - 15 Testimonials 16 - 17 Facilities 18 - 19 The numbers 20 - 23 Feedback 24 Additional visitors 25 Did we achieve? 26 Even better if... 27 - 29 And finally... 30 - 31

2 3 INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our review document for our project, Connect4Summer. We are two Community Managers from In December 2018, The Department for 2 0 1 9 schools in Hampshire with 40 years experience Education announced grants to fund local between us in community development, coordination of free holiday activities and supported by school management and healthy food for disadvantaged children during We required a name for the project. The logo Our project consisted of: governing bodies. 2019 summer holidays; both managers decided represents the colours of both schools, and the to work in partnership and apply. need to make connections across Hampshire. • 4 week programme between 29 July Jan Lefley is based at Romsey Community through to 23 August 2019 The Department for Education aims of the School and Susan Parish at Park Community It was confirmed on 4 April 2019 that we had • Free family fun activities 10am-3pm in grant programme are: School, both focus on the needs of students, been successful as one of eleven organisations 20 venues their families and beyond. In the past both to share £9.1m. From the 1 May planning could “To develop a more efficient and joined- • Free child care in 20 venues in Hampshire, managers have provided free food and activities start but the official launch was not until 12 up approach to free holiday provision for and Portsmouth one venue for students in the holidays. June 2019. disadvantaged children; and to ensure there is in each additionally included enough good quality free holiday provision to • Provide as many job opportunities and Partnership Board meet the demand from children eligible for free training for the long termed unemployed as school meals (FSM) in the local authority during we could We required partners who would be supportive the 2019 summer holidays”. • Hot 2 course daily meals provided in in what we set out to achieve and also be every venue critical friends providing challenge. The Board “This grant funding is to take on the role of • Daily Mile completed everyday members are from various organisations who testing the coordination of free holiday provision have a good mix of occupations, interests and (including healthy food and enriching activities) professional skills. Members represented a County of Hampshire for disadvantaged children during the 2019 range of partners: Test Valley, Havant Borough Hampshire is an area of 1400 square miles summer holidays in the Hampshire Local Councils, Hampshire County Council, BME with a population of 1,370,700. Levels of Authority area in the South East Region”. Community, Outdoor Education, Salvation Army, FSM in schools across some areas of Havant, HomeStart and Personal Best Education. We Gosport, Andover, Aldershot and Basingstoke created Terms of Reference with the main focus We created our project using contacts and are between 30%-56%. 17,534 are eligible being to develop, promote and recommend the partners from across Hampshire. Businesses for FSM. 5,500 families are supported Connect4Summer project to partner agencies and voluntary agencies, schools and community through the Supported Families Programme and organisations and to review the Action Plan premises, unemployed and skilled practitioners, in Hampshire when Southampton and and key performance indicators for the project. commercial food suppliers and foodbanks all Portsmouth population are included, our This has worked well and has proved invaluable came together to create a programme that catchment area is 1.8 million people. in joining up the dots to ensure support from would have a lasting legacy. other organisations. We would like to record our thanks to those that helped us.

4 5 WHO’S INVOLVED 21 FAMILY FUN Governing Bodies Play Leader Romsey Community School STAFFED VENUES

Headteachers Jonathan De Sausmarez Daily Specialist Chef Christopher Anders WEST AREA EAST AREA Jan Lefley Susan Parish Community Manager Community Manager Romsey Community School Park Community School Specialist Craft Specialist

Work Academies Catering Finance Jo Steve Sam & Sarah Play Worker Play Worker

Connect 4 Summer Connect 4 Summer Coordinator: WEST Coordinator: EAST Sam Jayne 10-60 CHILDREN daily accompanied by a parent/carer 17 Health & Venue Venue Venue Booking Safety Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator childcare Mandy Bob Jack Nigel Bobbi providers

6 7 HOLIDAY CHILDCARE FAMILY FUN DAYS

With our expertise in community development PROVIDERS this is where we believed we could make the greatest difference with parents being with their We provided grant funding to these Holiday children and taking part in an exciting, different Childcare Providers (HCP) to allow access for free daily programme of fun and activities. We to those children receiving FSM and their parents planned to use 20 venues but increased to 21 who were working. Each parent could book 10 venues because we recognised they would bring The Grange Community days of free childcare. We planned for 20 providers a benefit to the programme. Junior School but worked with 17 venues. This was because some Farnborough, GU14 8TA centres had large capacity and needs and could South View Junior School meet demand; and some providers were unable to Basingstoke, RG21 5LL Isis Club provide a hot meal. Roman Way Basingstoke, RG21 5PB Andover, SP10 5JY Westside Community Centre CF Play Alderwood School/ For these providers it gave them certainty of Creative Kidz The 21 venues: Basingstoke, RG22 6QB Fun House Farnborough, Knights Enham Junior School Leisure Centre income for the holiday, created capacity and the Andover, SP10 1JZ Basingstoke, RG24 8NS GU14 8HN Andover, SP10 4BS Aldershot, GU12 4AS opportunity to make a difference with Wooteys Junior School parents who ordinarily would have relied on Alton, GU34 2JA friends and families, or alternatively not been The Carroll Centre able to work in the holidays. Woodlands Community Hall Winchester, SO22 4EJ Sports-skool Bordon, GU35 8AS Some families would have required payment Winchester, SO22 5AZ The Hilt Community Centre plans to afford childcare. Social Eastleigh, SO53 5NP 360degrees Sports Coaching Active8minds Pavilion on the Park services signposted families Sports-Skool Romsey, SO51 8ZB Petersfield, GU32 3LU Eastleigh, SO50 9LH who were in need, Hursley, SO21 2LA Romsey Community School especially where poor Mountbatten Holiday Club Romsey, SO51 8ZB The Acorn Centre Southampton, SO19 7TB mental health was an issue. Test Valley, SO51 1SY Itchen College Havant, PO8 9GX Southampton, SO19 7TB New Forest Childcare Totton, SO40 3ZW Park Community School Active Kids Medina Primary School Totton, SO40 8EB Growing Places Havant, PO9 4BU Havant, PO9 4BU Portsmouth, PO6 3NH , PO15 6LL Hayling Island The 17 venues: Hamble and Applemore Community Centre Early Years Growing Places Alver Valley Junior School Hayling Island, PO11 0HB New Forest, SO45 5TN Havant, PO9 5JD Gosport, PO13 8AA Oaktree Family Group Active8minds St Vincent’s College Salvation Army Gosport, PO13 8AA Gosport, PO13 0DH Gosport, PO12 4QA Portsmouth, PO1 4HA

8 9 TIMETABLE ACTIVITIES

We created a timetable in which three employed “The mile walk is a good way Make, take and freeze at home Friday weekend bags playworkers lead three sessions a day and one to get everyone engaged.” The families spent an hour each day with trained To continue with the healthy options, every session was led by a visiting practitioner who Victoria toured venues to give a little added excitement staff and followed a recipe to make something Friday the families went home with a bag of and learning opportunities each day. We were they were able to take home, bake and eat as fresh ingredients including meat with enough able to recruit a good quality range of expertise a family or freeze. We used fresh ingredients to make two family meals over the weekend. to ensure each day was always unique. and the recipes were created by, LACA National The bag includes the recipe cards, cards with School Chef of the Year 2019 Steven Cross who free activities that are happening in their area, ensured that they were healthy and ingredients or ideas of what a family can do to be active. The timetable of the day was: were readily available in supermarkets, affordable Families have been delighted to receive them. and practical for a busy household. TIME RED GROUP BLUE GROUP GREEN GROUP YELLOW GROUP

Free Hampshire Activities (east) Spaghetti Carbonara

Serves 4 - Alice Holt Gruffalo Trail Lunch

- Portsmouth Museum

Lunch together - Natural History Museum

- Farnborough Air Sciences trust

- Hayling Billy

- Queen Elizabeth Country Park 10.00 Registration, introduction and divide into groups - Emsworth museum - 400g spaghetti - 1tbsp olive oil It is important to be able to sit together at a - Going for a picnic - 200g mushrooms sliced - 2 garlic cloves, crushed - 3 eggs - Going for a long walk - 75ml double cream - 50g grated cheese - Building a den

- Visiting National Trust location (take a look online for some near you) table with others, have conversations and enjoy - Use the What’s On Guide online to see events taking place

Make, take and Team building/ 10.05 Crafts together Surprise specialist a meal. 20 recipe cards using meat were created, freeze at home along with the same number for vegetarian Form: 10 Form: 10 Page 1 of 1 Page 1 of 2 options. We had a selection of cards for those Make, take and Team building/ 11.00 Surprise specialist Crafts together with dietary needs. Each venue was supplied freeze at home sport twice weekly with all the food to produce the Crafts together meals, along with brightly coloured plastic We provided over 30 craft method cards and 12.00 Daily mile with children, parents and staff taking part reusable plates, bowls, cutlery and cups; we all of the craft materials for families to make wanted to be environmentally friendly and not a whole range of products from weaving to use throw away containers. In some venues we stone painting, cross stitch to bird feeders, Lunch everyone eating together 12.20 purchased small fridges and freezers because every day craft that could be done at home. they did not have the capacity for all the food. Team building/ Make, take and 1.00 Crafts together Surprise specialist sport freeze at home Team building/ Make, take and 2.00 Surprise specialist Crafts together sport freeze at home

10 11 The Daily Mile This has proved to be one of the most inspiring parts of the day. Initially, we were concerned whether families would participate. Families have embraced this and even become competitive, going from dawdling to lets see how fast we can get round.

Visiting specialists 400 hours of specialists were used throughout the project to provide challenges, learning and new experiences. Below is the variety we provided: • Family first aid - Including how to do CPR • Fun with clay - Create a Roman or Egyptian piece • Dr Blendo the mad scientist - Science learning • Tom the maths genius - Problem solving with sums • T-shirt printing • Martial arts - Skill and mental health • Wacky art - Creativity • Relax yoga - Stress relief • Bowtie balloon guy • Cheerleading - Physically demanding • Pirate crazy • Learn to count and sing in Spanish • Hoola - Physical activity • Puppet shows - Safety message throughout • Create with lego - Compete best structure, maths • Several styles of dance - Physical • Percussion - Music making • American footie - New experience • Create with wood - Use woodwork tools • Crazy bubble time - Science • Twizzie the magician - Pure fun and laughter • Circus skills - Co-ordination • Baton twirling - Physical / Co-ordination • Dance time - Different styles of dance • Confidence building - Developing personal confidence

12 13 Work Academies and Training For the holiday care providers and all staff, a STAFFING programme of training was offered. It included: Hampshire covers Connect4Summer created opportunities to offer employment in each venue across Hampshire. • Level 2 in mental health awareness in Very early in the planning after we decided the 1,400 sq.mile children and young people staffing structure, we looked at the size of the Work Academies were established working • Paediatric first aid County of Hampshire. To make the logistics Population in partnership with Department for Working • Level 2 food hygiene manageable we split Hampshire into East and 1,370,7000 Pensions (DWP), Wheatsheaf Trust and local • Playworker training West Areas and four co-ordinators looked after housing associations to provide employment • Safeguard training an area each. opportunities and training. Our particular focus • VRQ working with vulnerable children was engaging with the long term unemployed. and young people in their community DISTANCE NORTH-SOUTH 47 MILES 7 Work Academies took place across Hampshire Skills that were gained by the staff with over 100 attending. we employed: West Farnborough • Time management We offered the following training to all and if Aldershot • Customer care Basingstoke they attended all the training they were offered a • Event set up guaranteed interview. Andover • Time sheet calculations (for those never • Accredited first aid training been employed) • Level 2 food hygiene • IT skills in the workplace Alton • Employability skills such as working in teams • Functional skills – reading recipes, • Confidence building Bordon weighing ingredients • Creating and updating CVs • Typing emails DISTANCE EAST-WEST 53 MILES • Interview skills, including how to present • Understanding what employers require Winchester yourself • Communicating with a whole range of people Petersfield • Listening to peoples requirements and The majority completed the training and took Romsey acting upon them Eastleigh up the offer of guaranteed interviews, 60% were • Hosting offered positions and took up the opportunity Southampton • Prioritising of paid work for 4 weeks in a supported • Working as a team Totton environment. For those who did not feel ready East to commit to the 4 weeks, volunteer roles were Overall 180 were employed for the project this Fareham Havant offered and taken up by 18 people. We have included school staff employed on term time contracts; Portsmouth seen a noticeable increase in their confidence this improved parental communication. We were able Hayling Island Gosport and they valued being part of a team. to attract a great mix of people creating a very strong team including university and college students and members of the community with valuable skills in craft and cooking.

14 15 “My child had the best day, so much to do!” “Thank you for a fun filled day that flew by. It was TESTIMONIALS Carina great for the children to be around each other with fun craft, cooking and games.“ “I was so pleased when I saw the advert in the “My girls prepped the vegetable soup. They “It was so nice to bond with my son. I was only Jennie Job Centre for the Connect4Summer scheme. liked helping chop, measure, stir and make it. 16 when I had a baby and struggle to meet other I applied because even if I did not get a job at They will enjoy trying it tonight.” young parents. It had a good focus on ‘healthy” ”Proper quality time as a family. Very calm, the end I would get a chance of an interview Hayley Zoe relaxed. Welcoming environment. Lots of fun.” and training. I completed all the training and Samantha” was interviewed and got a Play Worker position. What working for Connect4summer has I have enjoyed it very much. I like doing the meant to me... “I really enjoyed playing rounders with the kids “It has pretty much saved my summer by giving it cookery and craft. I have enjoyed helping other and they loved playing against the parents.” some routine as my boys need lots to do. Thank families who are in a similar position to me. It “I am finding it very rewarding and it is so nice to Jemma you very much.“ has really helped me gain experience and I am watch all the families enjoying my food, which I Sally now currently seeking employment within a have prepared and cooked with love, every time. “It has been a great day for all the family - it is child/school environment and have two future difficult to find activities that are suitable for both ”Such a great day. Great fun for the children and interviews coming up. Thank you so much for I have never been a professional chef but have a 7 year old and a 2 year old - so it has been adults. Stopped my girls being bored and taught giving me a chance.” cooked in residential homes for adults with much less stressful for mum too!“ them some great skills.” Kat learning disabilities, whilst doing support work and Katie Justine I love cooking for other people and feel I can do a “I have thoroughly enjoyed working for Connect good job with an extra personal touch. ”My daughter loved the magic show! The “It has made my day! Kids had the best time.“ 4 Summer. Doing the training and then having freedom to play in between is perfect too! Would Violet the interview I feel it made me more confident The recipes are very good and quite easy to work recommend to anyone with young kids.” and ready for it. It has also been lovely working with and the training in Havant was definitely Kim with the same people I trained with.” worthwhile and it was nice to meet the Head Chef. Verity “It was really nice to be able to This has been a fabulous “stop gap” for me, as I get out for the day. I struggle with lost my job last month and really needed the work. mental health so it took a lot to “My 5 year olds enjoyed playing outside. They’ve I will miss it and hope to stay in contact.” come. The staff were amazing and both had a great time and are exhausted.” Mary made me feel at ease.“ Lydia Rachel “Food was amazing. My daughter is coeliac so “After fostering 5 grandchildren this is amazing. they provided an alternative.” ”It was great to be able to do lots of The children are all engaged in the different Sanoba different activities with my daughter, activities and it works for the different ages. even activities I wouldn’t have Thank you for making the 6 weeks manageable.” “The chef makes very good dinners! Everyone thought of doing.” Sarah is very kind and welcoming.” Teresa Sarah “Maths was a big hit for my children.“ Maggie

16 17 FAMILY FUN DAY FACILITIES

We planned for 20 venues but increased to 21 venues. Every facility was visited and checked to ensure that it met the standards we set out and signed a Memorandum of Understanding which included our delivery expectations.

Each facility received: • Legal pack containing all documentation • Marketing templates for their use • Marketing leaflets and posters for distribution • Large non-perishable food order at the beginning • Twice weekly fresh food deliveries • Cleaning products for the venues • Craft supplies • Sporting and activity equipment • Step-by Step method cards for all activities • utensils and equipment • Weekend bags for food to go home

• Recipe cards @ Summer Activities In My Cup! Summer Activities Included within the legal pack was information on in You will need: Summerat Park Community Activities School for families • Ping pong balls at Park Community School for families • data protection, staff handbook, risk assessments, Winchester Plastic cup each

Our Connect4Summer programme is different every day - activities Include: Our Connect4Summer programme is different every day - activities Include: Circus Skills—Dr Blendo Science Extravaganza— kitchen policies, safeguarding, medication, Circus Skills—DrThe Blendo Carroll Science Centre Extravaganza— Craft—Woodwork – Cookery—Painting— Craft—Woodwork29th July-23rd – Cookery August—Painting— allergies, first aid and accident reporting. Dance—Singing—Percussion and much more. . . Dance—Singing—Percussion and much more. . . Connect4Summer—FREE Childcare + 2 course hot meal ActiveConnect4Summer Kids - FREE childcare—FREE for children Childcare entitled + 2to coursefree school hot meals meal 29Activeth July Kids – 23 - rdFREE August childcare in the Dickinsonfor children Centre entitled at toPark free Community school meals School.

29th JulyOur Connect4Summer– 23rd August in the programme Dickinson is Centredifferent at every Park day Community - activities School.Include:

Please contact: [email protected] to book places. Each child can Method: havePleaseCircus 10 contact: places Skills subject [email protected] - toDr availability. Blendo Scienceto book places. Extravaganza Each child can have 10 places subject to availability. The group will first of all be put into partners. Each partner will have 2 cups, and 1 ball.

Craft - Woodwork - Cookery - Painting They will practice throwing the ball and catching it within the plastic cup, until they can do it.

Connect4SummerDance - Singing—FREE - Percussion Family Holiday and Activities much more. . . Then the partners will team up with another set of partners and they will do it in their group of FreeConnect4Summer Family holiday activities,—FREE 10am Family – 3pm, Holiday 29th July –Activities 23rd August four. Free FamilyConnect4Summer holiday activities, 10am - FREE – 3pm, Family 29th July Holiday – 23rd August Activities 2 course hot meal included (excluding Bank Holiday 26 August) If you drop the ball you are out, this can be repeated with different group sizes. 2 course hot meal included (excluding Bank Holiday 26 August) FREE Family holiday activities, 10am – 3pm

To book, please2 course come hot meal into includedschool for (excluding a booking Bank form, Holiday or see 26 August)our website “Great for meeting other www.pcs.hants.sch.ukTo book, please come orinto facebook school for page a booking for more form, details. or see our website www.pcs.hants.sch.ukTo book, orplease facebook come intopage school for more for a bookingdetails. form www.pcs.hants.sch.uk, /Connect4summer, 023 9248 9811 for more details. families and the kids had loads of new friends

to play with.” Susan Parish, Park Community School, Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 4BU - Tel: 023 9248 9811

Form: 10 Hannah Page 1 of 2

18 19 THE NUMBERS Percentage of different age groups booked at different venues

Number of source schools per venue

Postcodes booked for different venues 2,520 hours given by National Citizen 2,200+ Over 30 Service young families organisations people benefited helped us 30,157 “The girls loved the craft miles and baking. They all really enjoyed themselves. I can’t believe it is all free!“ completed Amanda Postal codes

20 <10 100,000> 21 5,620 16,000 1,500+ 30 5,200 child care sessions offered weekend previously used, numbers were free child care Family Fun unemployed staff increased to bags given offered interviews/ sessions offered meet demand sessions out jobs after the project

150kg kilos of meat 19,360 1,500 600kg 27,800 children and adults feedback kilos of fruit and meals served attended family comments fun sessions vegetables were used received Open for 180 20 days Average daily 10-3pm 5,261 staff attendance for children employed each family fun had fun venue was 44 children

22 23 FEEDBACK ADDITIONAL VISITORS

We have received fantastic feedback which has been very encouraging. Initially numbers TO THE FAMILY FUN DAYS booked did not reflect the numbers attending with many no shows and others turning up Partners that we had worked with previously Local councillors and MPs have visited and given without booking. This raises a question, ‘If FREE holiday childcare and fun activities being wanted to be involved and we are extremely their support to the staff and volunteers working something is completely free do families book?’ delivered in all these venues across Hampshire grateful to them for the part they played in this in the venues. If something happens on that day they will successful project. 360 Degrees Sports Coaching Acorn Centre Active Kids –Based at Park Community School - Active8 Minds not make it a priority to attend, whereas if Aldershot Alver Valley School - Bordon Junior School - Carroll Centre - Creative Kidz Andover Food banks – we identified food banks close Fun House Grange Community Junior School - Growing Places - Hamble & Applemore Early Years there was a financial loss would this change? Hayling Island Community Centre - Hilt Community Centre - Isis Club - Itchen College National Citizens Service Personal Best to the venues and they supported by providing Knights Enham Junior School - Little Flyers - Making Miracles Nursery & Preschool - Medina Primary School Mountbatten Holiday Club - New Forest Childcare - Oaktree Family Group - Park Community School Education, provided us with 100 young people additional food for the Weekend Bags and also Equally charging would this restrict those most Pavillion on the Park - Roman Way Primary School - Romsey School - Salvation Army - School Out For Fun SCL Clubs - South View Junior School - Sports Skool - St Vincents College - Testwood School disadvantaged? The Carroll Centre - Westside Community Centre - Woodlands Community Hall - Wooteys Junior School to complete their volunteering service. They referred families in, which was extremely helpful came with energy, enthusiasm and willing to give and well received by them. The Department for Education contracted [email protected] anything a go. They helped unpack over £25,000 Ecorys UK who specialise in policy and research of goods from sports equipment, craft and dry Housing Support officers have visited and met who provided several surveys in different food goods, divide and distribute to each of the with residents who have attended the family mediums. The results of those will be available in Tell us what it means to YOU! 21 venues. When the project was up and running fun days. they helped the parents join in with the children March 2020. Connect4Summer was created by Jan and Susan Dear Jan and Susan, from Romsey and Park Community Schools...... and were a great asset. School nurses – provided information stands ...... We received lots of feedback regarding the We want to do it again next year so please tell us: ...... and drop ins which challenged the children Citizens Advice – provided support sessions and make, take and freeze from... • What was good ...... and parents as to what was the healthy options • Next year what else would you like ...... many parents took the advantage of getting • What a difference it made to you ...... when it came to snacks and drinks. There was • I never realised cooking did not need to be ...... very useful information, many booked individual We both hope you had a great holiday. information on childhood illnesses, stress in stressful ...... Best wishes ...... appointments for further discussions. The staff children, giving up smoking info for parents, • I enjoyed cooking with my children Jan and Susan ...... being available in our venues was congenial ...... how to encourage healthy diet and activities. • I had no idea how easy it was to make a tasty ...... and gave the parents confidence to ask for The feedback we received from them was that soup FREE From (Name): information. PRIZE DRAW Email address: they were able to meet with parents who would • I thought making a cake with vegetables 4 tickets to Marwell Zoo Telephone number: with your contact details I do not give consent to be contacted with normally stay as far away from them as possible. would be horrible. We made courgette cake future opportunities from Connect4Summer Men Sheds – have been able to provide The school nurses felt it was valuable time spent. it was yummy. construction kits to make with easy to read • My children have tried vegetables for the It was important to us to find out what families instructions, worked with families on woodland first time thought of the service that we provided, therefore projects for some of the venues. Homestart – have been able to engage with their daily postcards were made available for parents to families and help them book and supported them • The cooks encouraged them to try Family Support Services and Children’s Services– complete and there was a daily feedback sheet for in making the first visit. everything that was cooked have visited the venues and supported the both children and adults to complete. • We priced up a meal and it was cheaper then referred families in an informal setting. buying a ready meal and went further

24 25 DID WE ACHIEVE? EVEN BETTER IF...

This has proved one of the most challenging • There was a longer lead in time for more projects we have ever completed. However, “It made such a huge planning and creating partnerships. without exception, we have found it the most difference. My kids are • All schools bought into the project. One school ”I was amazed at how well rewarding to do. It is hard to quantify exactly what so happy!” said “I am not going to put ‘my’ families into organised the sessions have the benefits are to the families we were in contact Lubna this” which was dissapointing. been. The kids are spoilt for choice. Everyone has been so with. Some benefits are just not measurable and • Catering companies using schools generous. The people involved only anecdotal and it will only be visible in the were on board fully. have been outstanding.” long term. • Improved food deliveries to various venues. Jaspreet • Centralised data base - National. These are our thoughts: • We increased footfall to community buildings • More time to train staff as a team. • An online booking system for use in centres, • We kept over 5,000+ children physically and throughout the summer allowing them to especially for ‘walk ins’. mentally active, and entertained over 4 weeks engage with families many new to their • Central marketing produced by the • Did we reduce the brain drain for the centres. There is the possibility of families Department for Education. “Massive help with the food. So children by being stimulated? We believe so. engaging in future events and activities. accommodating of my son’s • To have employed a social media guru early on. We embedded maths, English and science • We utilised schools and centres that are not allergies. All 3 love coming and is and provided instructions and recipes after normally open bringing in added revenue. a huge help financially and with the tasks to take home which promotes Schools were able to engage with parents Hopes and dreams for the future keeping them occupied. My kids loved tasting the difference food.” communication skills between parents and • New skills were learnt by both parents and If the Department for Education were to consider children. All the specialists were engaged children, one parent commenting that the funding a similar project, it should be to feed Francine to provide challenge and new experiences. Maths Specialist helped her understand families and provide activities as a family unit. Maths specialist through competition and multiplication for the first time. The parents we spoke to were equally in need team work encouraged families to use adding, • Families making new friends. regarding food and the activities provided gave subtracting, multiplication and division to get • We collected for charities in venues. something for everyone. If we were to be granted across a room. • Programme was delivered in some of the most a second year it would be even better. Feeding just • Families learnt how to cook healthily. Impact challenging areas in Hampshire. school age children does not support the whole “It has been great and helpful of taking the food home, one child said ‘I am • As two organisations who delivered this we family or those children entitled to 15 hours to have a supportive, safe and “My son enjoyed it much understanding environment to taking it home to eat with Dad’. feel we have learnt and have a blue print to be free nursery care in term time. more than any other • Whole families received a hot 2 course meal able to progress forward. bring my 3 boys around summer. holiday club that he has With no family to help it is easy to at every session. • Partnerships with other organisations been to as it was held at feel overwhelmed with the long • We employed 60 who were long term have been made and will allow us greater his own school in familiar summer days.” unemployed, and 10 have then got further community collaboration in the future. surroundings and lots of Evelyn employment. • Families taking up better opportunities. and his friends attended too • Staff have felt they have made a difference moving into further training opportunities. which was a bonus.” and have made a lasting impact. Dan

26 27 28 29 AND FINALLY...

What an exciting, fast moving, rewarding, This has been no sticking plaster. Some of the compassionate making a difference summer we benefits and legacy are clear to see now and have had! in the fullness of time children and families will continue to use the skills learnt and will continue We are really proud of what we have achieved, to thrive going forward. 17 organisations have provided free daily child care and 21 organisations have provided free Thank you one and all who made this happen, it family fun days for 20 days and the feedback could not work without your tenacity, hardwork from parents has been tremendous. and enthusiasm.

Every child and parent had free high quality Thank you to the Department for Education for food at lunchtimes, enjoyed making food to take awarding us this grant, we will definitely want to home each day and the weekend bags providing do it again! two meals have been very much appreciated. Best wishes, 180 were employed, of which 60 were Jan and Susan unemployed and we understand 20 have future interviews.

We have formed a great team of people and working in partnership with organisations we collectively have made a huge difference to families throughout Hampshire. We have learnt a lot and we would want to do it again every year.

30 31 Thank you to everyone that has supported this programme you have been amazing! Thank you to all those local organisations that added value Thank you to all the staff, volunteers and centres Thank you to both Governing Bodies and Headteachers that gave us the freedom to fulfill our dream to do this Thank you to the Department for Education in granting us the funding Thank you most of all to all the families who came to join us. Summer 2019 was amazing!

All information stated is correct at time of printing - September 19 www.romsey.hants.sch.uk www.pcs.hants.sch.uk

Jan LefleyRCS Head Office, Romsey Community School, Greatbridge Road, Romsey, SO51 8ZB. Phone: 01794 522106 Susan Parish Park Community School, Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 4BU. Phone: 02392 489811 [email protected] @connect4summer facebook.com/Connect4summer