The free passport is packed with fun, educational challenges for families with children aged two to five, encouraging children to develop key school-ready skills through play, everyday activities and local events.
Since launching on 13 July, families have been able to collect their passports from libraries and Family Hubs across Walsall, collecting stamps for each activity they complete together. In the first three weeks of this year’s scheme, more than 450 children have already taken part.
The passports have been well-received by families so far, with one parent saying, "It was a really good activity, the best family hub event I have been to! We were expecting a stay and play, but this was a step above anything I have attended. Loved the structure of the session and the practice for school. "
Another parent commented, "Great to be able to talk to Health and Speech and Language about any concerns and advice."
“ Starting school is a huge milestone, and giving children the best possible start begins long before they walk through the classroom door.
Councillor Lisa Jones, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Skills at Walsall Council
We want all children to thrive, be happy and ready to learn, so it is fantastic to see so many families embrace the Summer Ready to Learn Adventure Passport in such a short space of time. More than 450 children have already started their school readiness journey, taking part in fun activities that build confidence, independence and the everyday skills they'll use when they begin school.
The scheme is completely free and open to every family with children aged two to five, so there's still plenty of time to pick up a passport and join the adventure before the summer holidays come to an end. “
The passport has been designed to give all children the best possible start in life and prepare them for their school journey and next stage of learning. Along the way, children collect stamps while developing important skills including communication, independence, early literacy and numeracy, confidence and social interaction.
It’s packed with free activities taking place throughout the summer holidays, from Tiny Rangers outdoor sessions in local parks and green spaces, to Mini Kickers football sessions delivered with Walsall FC Foundation, sessions tailored for SEND children, and family stay and play events at Walsall’s Family Hubs.
Each child also receives a free Ready to Learn activity bag, containing resources to continue learning at home. Items include activity ideas to continue learning at home, a Best Start for Life Family Hubs hippo toy, a toothbrush and toothpaste to support oral health, and a free swimming pass.
Families whose children are starting a childcare setting or school this September are also invited to attend one of the remaining Ready, Set, School! events, designed to help children prepare for their next big step through fun, practical activities that encourage confidence and independence.
The final sessions take place on:
Families do not need to book but are asked to register with Family Hubs before attending.
The Summer Ready to Learn Adventure Passport continues throughout the summer holidays, with passports available to collect from Walsall Family Hubs and participating libraries. Families who complete activities and collect stamps can also enter a prize draw at the end of the programme.
For more information about the Summer Ready to Learn Adventure Passport, Ready, Set, School! events and the wide range of support available through Walsall Family Hubs, visit the Walsall Family Hubs website: https://family-hubs.walsall.gov.uk/summer-ready-learn-adventure-passport
