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Parents, carers and family members are by far the most important influences on their children's lives. You can make a difference by supporting what your child learns at school. You can also help your child to learn by getting the most out of the school holidays.
At the start of the holidays, ask them what they plan to do. Help them to think this through and to look at the options -it's a time they value but they need your help and advice to make the most of it.
Holidays are obviously a time for a change in daily routine that allows your child to enjoy some new and different experiences. They provide an opportunity for you to spend time together on things you both like to do. There are lots of activities for families and for children on their own during school holidays that can be relaxing, fun and an opportunity to learn! If time away from home is part of the holidays, make sure that it is also a real learning opportunity for them.
How will my child benefit?
During school holidays, children develop their own interests and hobbies and sample new ones. They can do this on their own or with friends and family members. They learn new things and develop confidence by taking part in activities. They can also gain by being involved in making decisions and planning, for example:
- where to go
- with whom
- what to do
- how to get there, and so on.
What your child does can help them to:
- avoid boredom
- keep fit
- keep their minds active
- revise and prepare for upcoming exams
- build their confidence
- make new friends
- learn about teamwork.
Whatever your child does, it will broaden their experiences and add depth to their learning at school. A school holiday that is full of interest and activity also helps your child to get back into school work more quickly at the start of the new term.
What organised activities are available?
Local authorities and other organisations offer a wide range of courses and organised activities during school holidays. Some activities will be for certain age groups and it is sometimes necessary to book places. All offer different opportunities from 'normal' school activities and many are free of charge.
- Playschemes
- Summer courses for children moving from primary to secondary school
- Spring revision courses for Standard Grade and Higher exams
- The GOALS Project which helps children from P6 and upwards and their parents to explore the benefits of higher education
- Summer Academy or events at universities and local colleges
- Sports courses
- Outdoor education
- Arts events e.g. music, art, dance, drama
- ...and many more!
Activities may take place in schools, libraries, leisure centres, community centres, art galleries, museums, etc.
Where can I find out more?
You can find out more from the list of links and contacts at the end of this leaflet. Some local authority websites give details of holiday activities for children. Information on childcare should be available from your local authority's Children's Information Service. Parentzone has links to all local authority websites. Libraries and leisure centres also have information leaflets or notices that will let you know what is available in your area and how your child can join in.
You can find out more information about school holidays, or any aspect of Scottish education, on Parentzone: www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk .
Useful links and contacts
Parentzone -www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk
Summer Academy -www.strath.ac.uk/summeracademy
GOALS Project -www.goals.ac.uk
Childcare Link -www.childcarelink.gov.uk
BBC Parents -www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents
One Parent Families Scotland
13 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh EH1 3NX
Tel: 0800 018 5026 www.opfs.org.uk
Parentscentre -www.parentscentre.gov.uk
ParentLine Scotland
Tel: 0808 800 2222 www.children1st.org.uk/parentline
Parent Network Scotland
Tel: 0131 555 6780 www.parentnetworkscotland.org.uk
Enquire (The Scottish advice service for additional support for learning)
Helpline: 0845 123 23 03 Textphone: 0131 222 2439
www.enquire.org.uk
This leaflet is the fourth in a series. It highlights the real difference parents can and do make to their children's learning. Together with the local advice you will have on the arrangements in your child's school, this series will offer information to help you become better involved in your child's education. Other published leaflets are on Homework, Sharing information, Parents' evenings and Starting a new school year. The series also includes materials for schools and teachers on these topics.
If you would like to contact us, or suggest topics for future leaflets, please visit www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk or telephone 0131 244 0956. This leaflet will be available in community languages and alternative formats from your child's school and the Parentzone website.
This series is prepared in partnership with the Quality in Education Centre
(University of Strathclyde) and Children in Scotland.