A new campaign aimed at giving Peterborough’s youngest children the best start in school launched recently, with events for parents and children in Queensgate Shopping Centre in the city.
The START campaign, offering resources, information and support to help get youngsters ready for starting school, held the events for families held over two days in April 2017.
The START team, which includes early years teachers and practitioners, health visitors and librarians, held fun activities for families to get involved with in the shopping centre. Activities included storytelling, book-making, matching games, early number activities and arts and crafts.
Free books were also given out to families to take home, along with tips for parents on boosting their child’s school readiness from home.
A broad range of services from across Peterborough participated in the event, including Peterborough City Council, Vivacity, the National Literacy Trust, Barnardo’s, Spurgeons Children’s Charity, Family Action, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough City College and Peterborough Family Information Service.
The feedback from families about the events was extremely positive:
“Great idea for the children but especially new school starters. Also given me ideas for play at home. Staff are so friendly.”
“Wonderful sessions. Our daughter loved interacting with everyone. Helped us know what to expect as well.”
“I can’t believe something as simple as matching socks would be so beneficial to children about maths, and no cost, just things you have at home.”
More information and tips for parents are available on the Peterborough City Council website: www.peterborough.gov.uk/START