Bears’ Playhouse SummerHoliday Camp at Thimblemill REC – primary aged children.

Bears’ Playhouse HAF Scheme stands out as a unique and comprehensive initiative designed to provide more than just childcare during school holidays. What makes it distinctive is the fusion of engaging play activities and nutritious meals, ensuring a holistic approach to children’s well-being. The scheme caters specifically to children aged 5-11, particularly those eligible for free school meals, offering a diverse range of activities like arts and crafts, sports, mindfulness colouring, clay modelling, and 5-a-side football.

What sets Bears’ Playhouse apart is not only the intentional combination of fun and educational elements but also the richness of its staff team. The team is not only diverse and multilingual but also possesses a deep understanding of the various cultural needs within the community. This cultural sensitivity ensures that the scheme provides a truly inclusive environment where each child, regardless of their background, can feel valued and understood. The staff’s commitment goes beyond traditional childcare, creating an atmosphere that not only supports the physical and cognitive development of the children but also nurtures a sense of community and belonging, making the HAF Scheme an invaluable asset to the local community.

Attending Bears’ Playhouse HAF Scheme offers a wealth of benefits for children, families, and the wider community. Our provision extends beyond traditional childcare, providing a holistic approach that nurtures every aspect of a child’s development.

Firstly, our diverse range of activities promotes holistic development. From arts and crafts to sports, mindfulness colouring to clay modelling, each activity is carefully designed to stimulate creativity, enhance fine motor skills, and foster social interaction. By participating in these activities, children develop essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and self-expression, laying a strong foundation for their future success.

Moreover, our provision prioritises inclusivity and accessibility. Creating an environment where every child can thrive. Beyond individual benefits, attending our provision has a positive impact on families and the wider community. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe and nurturing environment while they attend work or other commitments. Additionally, our provision fosters a sense of community, bringing families together and creating opportunities for social connection and support.

In summary, Bears’ Playhouse provides more than just childcare; it offers a transformative experience that empowers children to reach their full potential. By attending our provision, children develop essential skills, gain confidence, and form lasting friendships. Families benefit from the peace of mind and support offered, while the wider community flourishes as a result of our inclusive and enriching programs.

The activities at Little Bears’ Playhouse are inherently inclusive, ensuring a welcoming environment for children of diverse backgrounds and needs. One key aspect of inclusivity is the provision of dedicated spaces such as a quiet area and changing facilities, catering to the varied requirements of children. The commitment to accessibility for disabilities further reinforces the inclusive nature of the activities.

Moreover, the staff team plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity. Some staff members are trained in Makaton and are multilingual, facilitating effective communication and understanding of various cultural needs within the community. Operating with a staff ratio of 1:10, supplemented by volunteers, ensures personalised attention and support for each child. The flexibility in staff deployment allows for a dynamic response to individual needs, with staff members able to float around and provide additional support when required. This proactive approach to inclusivity ensures that every child, regardless of their abilities or background, can fully participate in and benefit from the diverse range of activities offered by Little Bears’ Playhouse. The team are also well versed in supporting looked after children.