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SHEP’s most successful summer yet in Flintshire schools!

Published: 11/08/2021

Over 160 children and young people aged 5-12 years have benefited from the School Holiday Enrichment programme (SHEP) this summer! 

Six schools kept their doors open for the first three weeks of the school holidays, thanks to committed staff who have coordinated a comprehensive programme of activities for children attending. 

Ysgol Treffynnon, Holywell and Queensferry Primary School, Deeside have successfully delivered the programme in previous years and Ysgol Maesglas Greenfield, Ysgol Bryn Garth, Penyffordd, Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, Mold and Connahs Quay High school delivered this summer for the first time. 

Children attending enjoyed a healthy breakfast, snack and a hot lunch provided each day by NEWydd Catering.  SHEP Food and Fun has a keen focus on nutrition education, with children encouraged to try new foods and take part in practical food activities throughout the programme. 

Flintshire Council’s Leader Councillor Ian Roberts and Chief Officer for Education and Youth Claire Homard visited two schools delivering SHEP:

Ysgol Maes Glas

	Some of the many pupils who enjoyed the programme at Ysgol Maes Glas in Greenfield along with Aura Wales and Flintshire Council members

and Connah’s Quay High School. 

Some of the many pupils who enjoyed the programme at Connah's Quay High School along with Aura Wales, Cllr Ian Roberts and Claire Homard

Councillor Roberts said:

“SHEP has been very popular this summer which just reinforces the positive impact strong partnership working can make in our communities. Not only has the programme provided opportunities for children to learn and be active over the holidays, many have made new friends which is so important for their wellbeing, especially after the last eighteen months.

“We look forward to expanding SHEP Food and Fun to more schools in Flintshire in 2022.”

Claire Homard said:

“Aura Leisure played a key role in delivering structured sporting activities and interactive games at each school. In all, 17 different sports were introduced with all sessions being coached by Sport Development staff. Dodgeball, tennis and rugby were very popular this year! All coaches have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and have been really impressed by the childrens’ engagement. 

“The variety of enrichment activities available to the children this year was excellent and included making lava lamps from recycled bottles, dreamcatchers, wooden keyrings and graffiti name plaques among others. Children have had opportunities to take part in mindfulness sessions, dance and drumming workshops. There has been something for everyone and plenty of opportunities for the children to try something new!

"I would like to say a huge ‘well done’ to all involved to making this year’s SHEP Food and Fun the most successful ever!”

Parents were unable to join their children onsite for meals this year due to Covid restrictions.   However, to encourage families to take part in cooking activities with their children at home, NEWydd Catering provided food boxes for each child on the last day of the scheme containing six healthy and delicious recipe cards, together with all of the ingredients.