440 families in Walsall have already signed up to the council’s newly launched Summer Adventure Passport.
Summer adventure passport
The passport is a free activity booklet packed full of fun, educational challenges aimed at families with children aged 0-5. Since 11 July, parents have been able to collect their passport from libraries and Family Hubs across Walsall, collecting stamps for each activity they complete together.
The passport is an active step forward in the council’s vision to create a child-friendly borough by 2040, and ensure all children and young people are happy, healthy and are given the opportunities to thrive.
The fun activities aim to develop children’s skills and understanding around a number of key learning areas. This includes:
Eating and drinking: Exploring healthy habits and new food choices
Independence skills: Practice getting dressed, washing and drying hands
Playing and socialising: Activities to build social skills and friendships
Reading, writing, numbers and counting: Fun tasks that lay the foundation for literacy and numeracy
Speaking, listening and understanding: Sharing stories, developing communication
The passports have been well-received by families so far, with one parent saying the summer passport is perfect for their 4-year-old who is due to start school in September. Another parent commented to say it’s great the variety of sessions are offered free of charge.
“ We want all of our children to have the best possible start in life, and our Family Hubs have so much to offer for 0-5s in Walsall.
Three weeks after its launch, and the Summer Adventure Passport is already proving popular with families. It’s the first time we’ve launched something designed to be both fun and educational over the summer holidays, and it’s
been set up with the intention to help our youngsters thrive in their early years so they are ready for school.
If you haven’t got one already, it’s not too late, as activities and sessions are taking place right up until the end of the school holidays, so get yours now and enjoy a summer of fun. “
Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning
Walsall Council
Every child who is registered for a passport will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a balance bike or scooter. They will also receive one free, under 8’s swimming voucher plus a special certificate to celebrate their hard work and progress.