The summer’s floods affected over 850 schools and could have had serious implications for extended services, especially, holiday provision. It’s a testament to the relationships that have been built that services were largely unaffected.

Catcliffe in South Yorkshire was one of the hardest hit areas but residents used public meetings to inform the council what summer holiday provision was required. A toy library was temporarily established and a Play and Learn bus made extra trips to the village. The Connexions bus also visited the area to assess what activities young people wanted.

An appeal by Rotherham Council’s Community Learning Team resulted in companies offering extra activities to young people during the summer. A voucher scheme gave families access to the activities on offer.

Gloucestershire saw whole communities cut off and the extended services team at Gloucestershire County Council convened an emergency meeting to assess the impact on the worst hit areas. Initial assessments indicated that services had largely been untouched. Where venues were without water or toilet facilities adaptations were made, and activities even reflected events with children making water bowsers - street corner water containers - out of cardboard!

The events this summer show how far this programme has come with partnerships really working to create a better outcome for children and communities, whatever the weather.

For more information, contact Alisa.Craig@tda.gov.uk.

View more tdaNews for October 2007