Summer provision

Summer Play Scheme

COG’s Summer Playscheme supports families to engage with and enjoy activities over the school summer holidays.

This period can seem very long and overwhelming for families with young children, who may not be able to access summer activities or holidays elsewhere. We offer a variety of fun activities including craft, play, sports, and outdoor adventure, as well as providing a healthy snack and when available, a packed lunch. We provide a safe and nurturing environment at our specialist centre for families to make friends and enjoy our beautiful grounds. Staff are on hand to offer support to parents/carers where needed and can offer advice and signpost other organisations with whom we have links. We are also able to issue Food Bank vouchers when needed.

What can I expect?

Play scheme usually runs:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the month of August
• 10.00am to 1.00pm
• includes a healthy snack, and a packed lunch (when lunch is available)
• activities including craft, exploring nature in our private woodland, toys and games, extra large sandpit!
• Play Scheme is specifically for children and families to attend together. it is not a 'drop off' event.

We are often lucky to have guests who have included Cirencester's Children's Librarian, Hook&Loop Collective with their performance inspired nature sessions, music therapists; all of whom bring their own skills and activities to help provide a fun and exciting morning for the children.

How do I sign up?

Play Scheme is open to our local community, for children aged from birth to 8 years and their families. Priority places are offered to families already registered with COG, who attend COG Pre-School and Family Baby and Toddler groups.

We will begin to advertise the Play Scheme late Spring. Look out for notices appearing on our Facebook page and COG's EI Outreach team will begin to speak with families about this.

Volunteering at Play Scheme

Each year, we need a number of volunteers to assist our staff members to make the Play Scheme a success. We ask volunteers to help us on as many days as they are able to give - we recommend more than one day if possible so that you become a familiar face to families and also get into the swing of things yourself.

Volunteering times would be on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during August, approximately 9.30am until 1.30pm on each day.

Please contact us if you think you can help. There's more info on our vacancies and opportunities page. This is a very rewarding role, which doesn't take too much time. You will spending time both in and outdoors, depending on the weather; assisting with activities for small children and chatting to our lovely families. it really is a very pleasant way to spend a Summer's morning, and your contribution will be highly valued.

EI Outreach Summer Support

At certain times during the school summer holidays, COG's EI Outreach Team are available to attend professionals meetings, and to offer advice to families. Advice and support for families is generally conducted online or via phone call at times outside of the Summer Play Scheme sessions, when available.