Ysgol Bryn Gwalia is proud to offer the School Holiday Enrichment Programme*(SHEP), a completely **FREE** “Food and Fun” club that takes place during the first three weeks of the summer holidays. This programme is designed to keep children active, engaged, and connected to school life, offering a supportive environment for both pupils and their families. *Food and Fun* runs **Monday to Thursday, from 9 am to 1 pm**, and includes both breakfast and a nutritious lunch. Each day is filled with exciting activities focused on physical activity and nutrition, ensuring that children enjoy a fun, healthy, and enriching holiday experience.

Why We Offer Food and Fun at Bryn Gwalia

We understand that the long summer holiday can be challenging for many families, and at Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, we want to ensure our pupils feel connected, supported, and engaged even when school is out. SHEP helps us continue our commitment to supporting families during the summer by providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children, fostering healthy relationships, and helping families connect with community resources. Through SHEP, we aim to build positive, lasting relationships with our families and the local community.

How Food and Fun Works

It is coordinated by **Mrs. Wyatt** and our **Learning Support Assistants**, all of whom work at the school and have strong, established relationships with the children. This familiarity provides a comforting environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to join in. Activities are facilitated by a variety of local agencies, which bring new and engaging experiences each day. Highlights include workshops from **Aura Sports, Buckley Cheerleading, and local martial arts groups**, along with essential support from community services such as Families First, Family Information Services, and Flying Start.

Parents are encouraged to engage as well, with **Mrs. Wyatt** regularly reaching out to discuss the programme and inviting parents to join in for meals and activities. Older pupils, including Year 7 and Year 8, are also given the opportunity to volunteer, helping younger pupils and gaining valuable leadership experience. We also use community spaces and encourage positive community involvement, creating valuable links between families, schools, and the community.

The Impact of Food and Fun

The *Food and Fun* programme has shown tremendous benefits for both children and their families. By reducing the gap between home and school, children feel better supported, build stronger friendships, and remain engaged as learners. Parents consistently report improvements in their children's health and wellbeing, with **100% of parents** noting positive changes in their child’s diet and physical activity, and **98%** noting improved mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, children gain confidence trying new foods, develop healthy eating habits, and learn to stay active.

The benefits extend beyond the summer, leading to improved attendance, progress, and engagement when school resumes. Through SHEP, we also introduce families to local services and provide opportunities to build new skills and connect with the community.

Active Education – Beyond the School Day

Ysgol Bryn Gwalia is also delighted to be one of the few schools in Wales offering an **Active Education Club** that runs throughout the school year. Open three evenings per week (**Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm**), this free programme provides children with a fun, safe space to engage in various activities and enjoy a healthy snack. All children are welcome to join! This extended learning opportunity allows us to continue supporting children’s health, activity, and social development throughout the year, making Ysgol Bryn Gwalia a hub for active, holistic education. 

We are proud of our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our pupils and families, both in and out of school.