The summer can be a challenging time for families. Parents and carers feel like they’ve failed if they can’t afford extra food or days out, and many admit to feeling isolated. That’s why our Peterborough pre-schools brought families together in the sunshine for two Family Action events designed to bring parents, children and the wider community closer together to experience moments of joy during the summer.
An event like this is just a great way to bring the community together.
Art and advice at Woodfield Park picnic
At Woodfield Park Community Centre, families were welcomed by a bell-ringing town crier, who looked suspiciously like Early Years Practitioner Andy, before enjoying an activity-packed day in the centre’s outdoor play area.
The well-worn phrase about there being no such thing as a free lunch did not apply, as families were treated to individual packed lunch bags and made a day of it with picnic blankets, sun cream and plenty of space to play.
Children were kept busy with colour mixing, tile painting, inflatables, target practice, treasure hunts and free books courtesy of the National Literacy Trust, while parents were able to speak to local organisations offering practical support.
The event has given us one more thing we can do to ensure the kids experience a mix of activities over the summer.
Information stands from organisations including Leap and Cross Key Homes helped families with topics such as saving money on bills, heating their homes and Family Action FOOD services. Families were also given free CO alarms and slow cookers through the centre’s partnership with Cadent.
Sally told us, ‘Family Action took over the community centre just before COVID, which meant we couldn’t do a lot of the work we wanted to do in the community, showing people what they can take part in locally.’
This is the first time I’ve ever been to the community centre and the pre-school. My daughter and I loved absolutely everything today, and this place is lovely.
Making connections at Woodfield Park preschool
The sense of connection continued beyond the centre when 20 families from Woodfield Park pre-school spent a scorching day at Ferry Meadows, enjoying freshly cooked BBQ food and activities with their children.
Parents are their children’s first educators, so we wanted to make sure families came together as I think it’s essential for them to know how important they are.
For Pre-School Supervisor Teresa, the trip to the expansive nature park was another way to bring staff and parents closer together in the interests of the children.
“Obviously we’ve still brought any children whose parents couldn’t make it: we’re aware many are working parents after all, but I thought it was a nice opportunity to show them another option for where they can bring their children during the holidays, as many people don’t know this is here.” she told us.
It’s a good pre-school and I’m so glad the kids go there. My daughter is always tired when she comes home, so I know she’s had a good day.
Other families described the Ferry Meadows visit as “a really beautiful time” with “lots of laughs and the best of memories made”, while another parent said their child “loved being at the park” and was especially excited by the food and toys set up by the pre-school.
Together, the two events showed how Family Action is helping families in Peterborough to make memories, discover local support and feel part of a community, whether at the centre itself or out exploring green spaces nearby.
