Peterborough children make happy summer memories thanks to Family Action’s Summer Fund

Children at Family Action’s Paston Fundays Pre-school in Peterborough have been able to enjoy a special summer day out and graduation celebration thanks to Family Action’s Summer Fund.

The school holidays can be a difficult time for many families. Without the routine and safety net of school, clubs and term-time support, some parents can feel isolated, under pressure and unsure how they will manage extra costs, restless children and long summer days.

The funding helped the pre-school, based at Honeyhill Family Hub in Paston, take children on a memorable trip to Sacrewell Farm before returning to mark an important milestone in their lives, the pre-school graduation.

During the day, children met and talked about animals, climbed trees, played beside sunny streams and cooled down with strawberry and blueberry ice cream in the farm café after a long, hot day of exploring.

Parent Anna said: “It’s a really emotional day for me… My little girl’s graduated pre-school!

“It was nice that they got the chance to go to the farm, I couldn’t go as I’ve been working, but it’s just one of the reasons I recommend this pre-school so highly.

“When she came here she was such a little girl… But now she’s ready for school because they helped her prepare.”

Back at Honeyhill Family Hub, families were welcomed to a graduation ceremony complete with balloons, framed photos and personal messages from each child’s named worker. The children also had the chance to take home potted plants from the pre-school garden.

Family Action Deputy Supervisor Belinda said: “There aren’t many gardens or green spaces in the local area, and this is the one green space some of our kids will regularly access, so we let them take a little bit home with them in the form of a potted plant”.

Belinda lives in and has worked in the local area for many years and agrees that working at the service means she’s forged deep connections with the parents there. She said: “It’s not just about the child; it’s about us all sharing a journey together”.

The activity helped children experience the outdoors, celebrate their achievements and share a joyful occasion with their families, while also recognising the strong relationships built between parents, children and staff.

Sir David Holmes CBE, Chief Executive of Family Action, said: “Summer should be a time when every child has the chance to have fun, feel included and make happy memories with their family. But for many parents and carers, the school holidays can bring extra pressure, from finding affordable food and activities to coping without the everyday support that school can provide.

“Through our Summer Fund, Family Action services across the UK have been able to offer welcoming places, practical support and friendly connections that can make a real difference to families who may otherwise feel isolated or overwhelmed.”

This summer, Family Action’s Summer Fund has enabled the organisation’s services to offer food, activities, community support and practical help in ways that reflect what families in each area needed most.

Family Action, the UK’s family charity, works with children, families and communities across the country, providing practical, emotional and financial support to help people through challenging times and create stronger foundations for the future.

To support Family Action visit: family-action.org.uk/summer-fund-media