No Child Left Behind launches Summer of Play 2022

Over 30 local organisations have come together to offer fantastic opportunities such as physical activities with Move More, a poolside cinema experience from The Al Fresco film company at Sandford Park Lido, to animal experiences from Barking Buds and Cheltenham Animal Shelter.

The exciting range of experiences includes the popular holiday activities and food scheme (HAF) which is funded by the Department of Education for families eligible for benefits-related free school meals, and a grant funded activities programme for all children and young people (HAP), both commissioned by Gloucestershire County Council.

Following the limited time, Cheltenham’s young people had to spend with their friends during the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme aims to ensure that they can socialise and have fun, creating positive memories.

Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for communities and safety, said: “Children at play is a wonderful thing to see. So I’m delighted that once again we can offer our children and young people such amazing opportunities with the aim of allowing them to have fun and create positive memories, especially following the pandemic.

“We know from research that socialising with friends can have a significant impact on social, emotional and mental health and we want to rebuild this as far as we can and help our children enjoy their time together.”

Cllr Stephen Davies, cabinet member for children’s safeguarding and early years at Gloucestershire County Council said: “We are delighted to partner with No Child Left Behind again this summer to offer a range of fun activities for families and help keep children and young people healthy, active and entertained.  

“HAF allows them to have fun, learn, meet new people, build confidence by trying something they haven’t done before and enjoy healthy nutritious meals at the same time.”

Some of the organisations involved in the Summer of Play are as follows; Aspire Foundation, Chi Wai Martial arts, Springbank Community Group, SPTM Big Local, Cheltenham Town FC Community Trust, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation, Inspire to Aspire, Cheltenham Borough Homes, Tatty Bumpkin Yoga, Sandford Parks Lido, West Cheltenham Partnership and Art Shape, Leisure @ Cheltenham.

Sarah Avery, manager of Family Space, said: “#FeedCheltenham is very pleased to be a part of the summer of play. It’s really important for families to be able to eat during the summer holidays without school meals available. We are looking forward to come together with all these great organisations to offer families a fantastic summer.”

No Child Left Behind will be launching the Summer of Play 2022 from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday 3 August at Pittville Park with an open access activity day. Come along to try out a range of free activities and find out more about Cheltenham’s summer offer.

For the full range of activities go to nclbcheltenham.org.uk/summer-of-play.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264 231, email [email protected]

Notes:

All organisations involved in Summer of Play:

Battle Boot Camp

Dean Close School

Tatty Bumpkin Yoga

Leisure @ Cheltenham

Gloucestershire Health & Care Foundation Trust NHS

Sportily

Gas Green Baptist Church

The Rock

Sandford Parks Lido

Cheltenham Animal Shelter

Chi Wai Martial Arts

Pates Grammar School

Barking Buds

Steps Ahead - Through the Aspire Foundation

Golf Foundation

Goals Beyond Grass

Simone Hopkins and Sons Martial Arts

Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation

Prospects Training