EXPECT Youth want to ensure that all young people, irrespective of their background get access to equal opportunities to develop. EXPECT Summer is a free summer holiday activity programme that aims to provide activities for children and young people facing disadvantage across the borough. It has been found that children who do not participate in mentally stimulating activities throughout the summer holidays return to school behind those who do take part. The main reason for young people not participating is the financial costs pressure the summer holidays bring on families. EXPECT Summer aims to provide at least 4 activities a day, 5 days a week for the whole of the summer - free, healthy meals will also be provided to participants. The programme has run successfully for 2 years, linking in with key community partners and delivery organisations to ensure sustainability.

What we'll deliver:

• 4 free activities, 5 days a week for the duration of the summer holidays
• Free healthy meals for all participants

Why it's a great idea:

This project has been a success for the past two summers. Engaging over 6,500 children and young people and providing over 15,000 healthy meals. The project formed part of the Department for Education Essential Life Skills programme funded through the opportunity area - this funding came to an end at the end of the 2018/2019 academic year. Children and young people deserve equal opportunities, irrespective of their backgrounds. 94% of employers, 88% of teachers and 86% of parents believe that essential life skills such as resilience and self confidence are as or more important than academic qualifications. These activities will help children develop those skills they aren't able to in the classroom, in an engaging and fun way. Previous activities have included; sports camps, performing arts workshops, swimming, first aid/life guarding qualifications, family cooking days, high ropes, raft building, skateboard design, virtual reality dinosaur workshops, and so much more!

Steps to get it done:

• Have week 1 of the activity calendar created, with over 20 hours of free activities on offer
• Have all 6 weeks of the activity calendar developed, with 120 hours of free activities on offer
• Develop a brochure, detailing the activities on offer.
• Upload all activities to our website, so parents can book on to sessions online.