It’s very nearly time for the schools to close their gates for the long summer holidays and many of you may already be wondering how to keep the peace at home until September approaches.

We know that finding a suitable summer learning programme for your child can be very daunting, especially when there are so many to choose from. When choosing a summer learning programme - whether it be a scheme, camp, club, course or workshop - you may first wish to consider your child’s own personal needs and requirements.  Just like every child, every programme has its own personality.  

As there are so many options to choose from, Tutors Directory have compiled a round-up of the options available to help your child avoid brain drain and keep an active mind over the summer.

Summer Schemes

Summer schemes are an increasingly popular method of addressing children’s bouts of boredom during the summer holidays. It gives them the opportunity to try new activities, learn new skills, make new friends, and importantly helps teach them to be independent.

Summer schemes are often run by local councils and based in community centres or schools. These multi-activity schemes provide a combination of activities instead of focusing on one particular subject or theme. There may be four to six different activities running throughout the day with an hour to one-and-a-half dedicated to each.

Summer Clubs

Summer clubs offer a similar service to summer schemes. The clubs are usually privately run and based in community centres offering a wide range of creative play and learning activities, ranging from arts and crafts to sports and drama.

Also available are specialist clubs, this type of club is great for children who are mad about one particular activity or want to learn a new skill. Specialist clubs offer in-depth sessions, giving your child a chance to really get to grips with a particular subject. These can range from anything from languages to art or music.

Summer Courses

Summer courses are a great option if your child wants to focus on one particular topic. This could be learning a new language or how to play an instrument. This type of programme tends to replicate a classroom environment and there is usually more writing involved compared to other summer learning programmes.

As H. Cooper states in a study for The Review of Educational Research, 'All young people experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. Especially vulnerable are mathematical, I.T. skills and skills related to reading and writing, such as spelling skills. In addition, children who speak a language at home other than English experience a setback in their English language skills without practice during school breaks.'

Summer courses also make a good option if you are looking to get some extra support for your child in a particular subject, or to avoid them falling behind.

Summer Workshops

Like summer courses, summer workshops tend to focus on one particular subject, however with this option there is always a more practical element involved.

Workshops provide a great environment for children to network, as they get to meet and work with other children who share a similar interest. Workshops also provide an opportunity for children to put into practice anything they have learned during the programme.

Coming soon! The Workshop Directory, www.workshopdirectory.co.uk. Find all of the latest news and workshop events in an area near you, plus dedicated sections on workshops for kids, teens and families!

Things to think about when deciding upon which summer learning programme your child will attend include:

•  Considering your child’s special interests; these could be art, drama or sports.

•  Has your child expressed an interest in learning any new skills?

•  Does your child have special needs or health problems which might need to be taken into consideration?

•  Consider your child’s age, personality and current experiences and match that to the services available at the programme.

Also evaluate the programmes themselves and whether they would provide a safe environment for your child, questions you may want to consider when making your choice should include:

•  What is the ratio of staff to children?

•  Are the instructors qualified? (This is particularly important for sports programmes).

•  Have any staff received first aid training?

•  Are children supervised at all times, including at meal breaks?

•  What does a typical day schedule look like?

•  If it is an outdoor programme, what would happen if the weather was unsuitable?

When you have made the choice of which summer learning programme would most benefit your child, there are still points to be noted whilst your child is there. Remember your child is going to be spending most of their day there for a number of weeks and you won’t be around to assist them so make sure your child is well prepared for each day.

•  If the programme takes place in hot weather, ensure your child has enough drinks to get them through the day, a sun hat and sun protection cream.

•  If the programme takes place outdoors and involves water, make sure your child has appropriate clothing and footwear and a change of clothes.

•  If your child is on medication and needs to take it during the scheme, make sure the organisers are aware of the condition and have a note on telling them how to use the medication.

If you are having difficulties finding a summer learning programme in your area, you can visit the community link to get in touch with other parents in your area and place an ad in Tutors Wanted to find tutors who can run summer learning programmes for you!