Date: 01 February 2018

Issue: SNCPR13885

For Immediate Release

Activities lined up for happy holidays

Parents are planning ahead for half-term as bookings are taken for the first holiday activity sessions of 2018.

To help children make the most of their week off school, South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) has readied a programme of sports, arts and crafts. As well as focusing on skills and fitness, the activities promote team spirit, confidence and creativity.

The programme runs from Monday, 12 February to Friday, 16 February and features special guest activities including tennis, fencing and table tennis. Often favoured by parents who are out at work while their children are off school, the activities take place at Magdalen College School in Brackley.

Cllr Karen Cooper, SNC's portfolio holder for community engagement and wellbeing, said: "Lots of families in the district will still be getting used to the school routine again after Christmas, but half-term will be here before we know it and our activity programme is one of the best ways to spend it.

"Last year the programme was boosted by the launch of the online booking system, which offers parents greater convenience, but what really stood out for me was the fantastic efforts and team spirit showed by the children taking part.

"The holiday activities mean that parents who are out at work can be assured that their kids are not only safe, but staying healthy and active in a friendly environment. We are calling on people to plan their half-term week in advance and avoid missing out on this great programme."

Full day sessions, from 8.45am to 5pm, cost £18.95 while the shorter session, 8.45am to 3pm, costs £14.95. Places are limited and must be booked in advance on a first-come-first-served basis. The activities are open to girls and boys aged five to 15 years old and are split into two age groups, five to seven-year-olds and over-eights.

The council now offers booking through the online Eventbrite service, which shows day-by-day availability in real time and allows parents to reserve places up until 7am on the day. All sessions are led by DBS-checked staff.
For more information visit www.southnorthants.gov.uk/holiday-activities or call 01327 322337.