A new campaign
aimed at giving Peterborough’s youngest children the best start in school
launches today with events for parents and children in Queensgate Shopping
Centre.
Tuesday 18 April is
the day pre-schoolers find out about their first school place and also marks
the launch of START - the city’s new campaign offering resources, information
and support to help get youngsters all ready for the big day.
Developed by
Peterborough City Council in partnership with health visitors, children's
centres, the National Literacy Trust, Vivacity, Cross Keys Homes, Axiom
Housing, Family Action, City College Peterborough and representatives from
schools, pre-schools and nurseries; START is about helping children feel
positive about the start of their learning career by supporting parents and
carers to help them prepare.
The START team
including early years teachers and practitioners, health visitors and
librarians, will be in Queensgate (outside Primark) between 9am and 5pm on
Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 April with fun activities including storytelling
and singing, craft activities, free books and information on the range of
organisations offering help and support for children.
Keeping to the
START theme, there will be guides to take away including tips and activities
around the key areas research shows are important to primary school starters:
- Shoes, socks and
putting on clothes (being more independent)
- Talking, listening,
sharing and following instructions (concentration skills)
- Asking for help
(building confidence)
- Ready to try
different foods and utensils (being more intrepid)
- Using the Toilet on
their own.
Sally Atkinson,
Learning and Teaching Adviser (EYFS) and Peterborough National Literacy Trust
Hub Manager, said: “Parents and carers are children’s first teachers and have
a hugely positive impact on getting them ready for school. The START campaign offers simple tips and
activities for children to help build their confidence so that they begin
school curious and ready to learn.
“The activities and
approaches are simple and might be things that parents and carers are doing
already. Or there may be some new
ideas which people just aren’t aware of that can make that positive bit of
difference when four year olds enter the classroom in Autumn.”
Karen Hingston,
Manager Early Years & Quality Improvement Team, said: “We’re encouraging
everyone with a pre-schooler to find out about the resources available and to
come along to the events on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 April. It’s never too early to start helping your
children get ready for school.”
More
information and all the resources are available on the Peterborough City
Council website: www.peterborough.gov.uk/START.