Things to do

Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is back! Read six books over the summer holiday and be in with a chance to win prizes. Islington libraries are also running lots of family-friendly activities over the holidays, many of them centring on the theme of the challenge: Ready, Set, Read! The activities are all about getting primary-age children to engage in games and sports. All activities are free, and materials are provided for craft events. Look out for details in your local library or ask a librarian.

SummerReading Challenge.org.uk

Summerversity

Summerversity is back! Giving Islington’s young people aged 13 and over, and those who attend an Islington school or college, the chance to learn new skills, develop interests and talents, make new friends and contacts – and most of all, have fun. Launchpad, a branch of Summerversity for young people aged 16 and up, helps teenagers prepare for work, careers and further education. Many courses offer accreditations leading to nationally-recognised qualifications – great for the CV. summerversity.co.uk

This year’s programme offers more than 90 courses and events, most of them suitable for complete beginners, and a free meal is available with many of the activities. Highlights include kayaking at Islington Boat Club, barbering skills at Rose Bowl, fantasy make-up at Prospex, a play-in-aweek at Angel Shed, and girls’ football at Sobell. Brochures with full listings will be available from your secondary school – keep an eye out!

For everything that’s on this summer, for all ages, visit: islington.gov.uk/ SummerFun

Childcare support

Looking for childcare over summer? The Family Information Service (FIS) can help you find low-cost or free activities during the holiday and after school. Holiday childcare schemes run from some schools and community venues, while adventure playgrounds run throughout the summer for children aged six to 13. The FIS can also help you find childminders – a great option for a range of ages from six months.

For more info, contact the FIS on 020 7527 5959, email fis@islington.gov.uk or visit the website: islington.gov.uk/fis

Lunch Bunch

Don’t miss out on the many exciting activities happening across Islington this summer. From football, tennis, archery and kayaking, to dance, musicmaking, theatre, art and cooking – as well as exciting trips – there’s something for everyone. Your children can try new things, have fun and make new friends, while also enjoying a tasty, free lunch.

Free places are available for Islington children and young people from reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals, or if they have an education health care plan. If you have a social or family support worker, please ask them to refer you. Activities must be pre-booked. islington.gov.uk/ LunchBunch

Free swimming lessons at Better

Throughout the summer holidays, Islington Council and Better leisure centres are once again offering free swimming lessons. Lessons are delivered by qualified teachers and available for children aged four to 16, and children under four with an accompanying adult. Sessions take place at Archway Leisure Centre, Cally better.org.uk/freeswimming-lessons

Pool, Highbury Leisure Centre and Ironmonger Row Baths and must be pre-booked.

Bright Start

There are many fantastic, free local

Adventure playgrounds

Adventure playgrounds are places for children aged six and up to test themselves, be loud, messy, silly and creative – all the things kids love to do! Playing outdoors can help children to develop self-confidence and social skills, as well as keep healthy.

The playgrounds have exciting outdoor structures and play activities. They’re designed and built with children and young people and supervised by trained play workers.

The playgrounds are free for children who live or go to school in Islington. Booking isn’t required, but children must be registered. islington.gov.uk/ AdventurePlaygrounds

What local parents have to say:

“The adventure playground is a godsend. And the staff at King Henry’s Walk are absolutely amazing!” –Susan

“Thank you for all that you do to keep children entertained and happy, I hope that you know the impact you have on them” – Krystal

“I’m so grateful for the team at Cape adventure playground. They go above and beyond” – Michelle activities on offer this summer for under-fives and their families in Islington’s Bright Start green spaces and children’s centres. The summer programme focuses on connecting children and families to nature and being active. This includes outdoor stay-andplays, outdoor story and music time, yoga and Forest School sessions, where practitioners support children to explore, discover and learn through hands-on, outdoor experiences.”.

For more information, contact the FIS by email on fis@islington.gov.uk or call on 020 7527 5959 islington.gov.uk/ BrightStart