DOZENS OF NEW CLUBS ENRICH PUPILS’ SCHOOL DAYS AFTER LOCKDOWN

Students at a Sutton school are benefitting from more than 30 enrichment clubs designed to give them new experiences and improve their wellbeing after the challenges of the pandemic.

After the restrictions and lockdowns of the last 18 months, staff at Mere Green Primary School –  which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership – made it a top priority to provide a high quality enrichment programme that broadened pupils’ opportunities.

They have now provided over 30 clubs with more than 400 spaces to children, offering everything from film making to performing arts, from arts and crafts club to netball.

The school has also linked up with community groups to help bring expertise into the programme, partnering with a local hockey club, tennis club and even an allotment club.

After the first round of enrichment clubs, 95% of children said that they would like to continue the activity outside of school.

Programme organiser Richard Anderton said: “It has been fantastic to see children thrive in such a wide range of enrichment activities, especially after such a difficult year.

“The dedication from staff has been inspiring. Over 25 staff have led and supported clubs, taking time out of their evenings to provide new opportunities for our children.

Year 5 student Akshara said: “I have been attending allotment club at Hill allotment and I find it very interesting — I’ve been planting radishes and have been watering other types of plants. In addition, I have been making signs for different types of plants. I love gardening at home, so this has made me even more confident.”

The clubs have all adhered to COVID regulations, operating within two year group bubbles of 15 children. The programme provided the first opportunity for children from other year groups to spend quality time with each other in over a year.

Now staff are hoping to establish another full programme of enrichment for the children in the next school year.

Year 3 teacher Mrs Leighton, who takes part in musical performances outside of school and was eager to share that passion with children, has lead two cohorts of the ‘musical theatre club’.

She said: “The children have really enjoyed it and it has sparked a passion with some to take up musical theatre outside of school.”

A year 3 parent commented: “My child has never taken part in anything like this before but has really enjoyed it. He comes home and speaks about what they have done at musical theatre that day and always looks forward to the next session!”