Bristol holiday childcare scheme ‘successful’ council says

A new holiday play scheme aiming to expand the range of quality childcare available in the city has been successful, Bristol City Council says.

The pilot scheme has enabled 2,000 children to enjoy holiday activities whilst their parents worked and provided further specialist training to 200 adults.

The scheme was launched in April 2010 with a £337,000 government grant.

Sessions running through the holidays had a focus on outdoor play and included dance, cycling, swimming  forest school and puzzle island treasure hunt sessions.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith said: “Many working parents rely on out of school clubs for their children during school holidays.  Our priority is to support play schemes in the city and this pilot has helped us ensure that there are quality activities for all ages.  It has allowed us to expand the range of fun things to do and ensure that staff are qualified to continue this work.”