Norton CP School says a big thank you to local charity

‘The Simpsons Trust’ following overwhelming summer

success for local families.

 

Earlier this year (2017) a local charity, The Simpsons Trust, made a generous donation of £1000 to Norton CP School enabling them to pilot a summer activity programme designed specifically with families in mind.

Head teacher Liz Parker and the schools Family Support Advisor, Nicky Deamer, were able to identify families who they thought might benefit from the summer activities. After consultation with families, four different activities were organised and took place during the school summer holidays; Den Building, Willow Weaving, a Treasure Hunt and an Art and Craft session. All the activities were really well attended, great fun and were offered to families free of charge.

The school building was opened up in the holidays to allow all activities to take place in school, with the exception of the treasure hunt which started and finished in school but led families on a walk around Norton following a series of clues. The treasure hunt concluded with a family picnic in the school grounds and a prize giving.

Nicky explained that all the activities were carefully planned to encourage skills such as problems solving, effective listening, working together as a family and communicating with each other. All the sessions emphasised the importance of having fun and spending time together as a family.

Responses from families when asked to complete a questionnaire about the activities included the following comments;

“Fantastic Family sessions, really enjoyed them, they helped us to bond as a family” and “ we both really enjoyed the sessions, we made some things together in the Art and Craft session that we were really proud of for the rest of the holidays”.

Feedback from families has been brilliant and the school is now considering how they can build upon their success. The school are keen to develop their summer activities next year and are seeking sponsorship from local charities who share Norton CP Schools values and commitment towards supporting families in the community.

Headteacher Liz explained that discussions are currently taking place regarding the feasibility of working with another local school next year in the hope that family activities can be offered to a greater number of families in the Norton and Malton area.