Flintshire's Summer Playscheme is attracting more than 600 children every day, with places still up for grabs for the rest of the school holidays. The free programme, which runs across 49 sites, offers safe, inclusive and engaging play opportunities, helping young people stay active, make friends and enjoy creative activities throughout the summer break.
Wide-ranging sessions across the county
The scheme is delivered by trained playworkers who encourage children to lead their own play, promoting freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated activities. While many sites operate for the full six weeks, others run for either the first three weeks or the last three weeks, meaning families can still book their children in for the remaining holiday period.
Activities vary from site to site but typically include loose parts play, arts and crafts, and sports games. The emphasis is on giving children the freedom to explore and create in a supportive environment, building confidence and developing social skills along the way.
Free meals and snacks for families
Flintshire County Council has secured funding from the Welsh Government Emergency Food Aid Fund to provide meals for children attending sessions in areas with higher levels of deprivation. Snacks are also available across all sites, easing the pressure on family budgets during the long summer weeks.
Councillor Mared Eastwood, cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture and leisure, said: "It is fantastic to see so many children benefitting from this year's Summer Playscheme. The programme is a really important part of the summer holidays for many families, providing free opportunities for children to play and socialise."
Encouraging more families to join
She added: "The Playscheme gives children the chance to play and socialise, building confidence and developing new friendships while making the most of the summer sunshine. I would urge local families to get their children booked in if they haven't already."
With over 600 children participating daily, the scheme is clearly a hit, but there is still capacity at many locations. Parents and carers are encouraged to apply soon to secure a place for their children.
For more information and to apply, visit flintshire.gov.uk/en/resident/schools/play-development.
