Over 140 Ukrainian families attended holiday playschemes in Cambridgeshire over the summer holidays. One Ukrainian child, D, had very limited English. The playscheme spoke with the D’s class teacher in July and agreed they would help progress D’s English as this would help support D in the autumn term at school. D’s friendship with a Russian speaking English child flourished and supported her English development.
The challenge
The child’s mother needed to be able to access childcare over the summer to enable her to continue generating an income over the summer. D’s English was very limited.
The solution: Playscheme attendance was funded by the HAF Programme for 64 hours, additional hours were funded by the parent’s employer to enable D to attend for a significant period over the summer to enable Mum to continue working.
The solution
Playscheme attendance was funded by the HAF Programme for 64 hours, additional hours were funded by the parent’s employer to enable D to attend for a significant period over the summer to enable Mum to continue working.
The impact
D’s class teacher has noted the significant transformation in her spoken English observed between July (first started school) to September. D is continuing to attend the playscheme and looks forward to coming each time. D also helped another child learn English during the summer as she became more confident. Mum was able to continue generating an income for the family, reducing their reliance on benefits.
How is the new approach being sustained?
D continues to attend playscheme funded by the HAF Programme during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays.
Lessons learned
There can be significant developmental value to be gained by attending a play-based holiday provision for children who have limited English.
The HAF Programme aims to support vulnerable families through funding enriching experiences. Cambridgeshire HAF Team directed some funding to recently arrived refugee families. The impact on these families has been positive in terms of support with employment, friendship building and language development of children.
Contact
Allison Box