A SUMMER programme to prepare children for life at secondary school is expanding to help more young people following its success last year.

The Springwood Summer Programme is designed for ten and 11-year-olds who are moving up to Hanson Academy in September.

It aims to keep them engaged in learning and education through summer by providing stimulating activities, and also to prepare them for life at secondary school.

It is delivered in partnership by the Springfield Centre in Idle, and the Greenwood Centre in Swain House, along with Hanson Academy, Tesco, and Bradford Council.

Following the success of the 2016 programme, the scheme is now aiming to reach every child in the city who will be joining Hanson in September to give them the best start possible in Year 7.

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) has been heavily involved in the project since it started last year.

She said: “The project will be similar to last year, only on a much bigger scale.

“The first two weeks will be for every child moving up to Hanson, followed by two weeks at Hanson at no cost.

“Then there will be two weeks of community based work all focused on teaching respect, resilience, and getting children ready to start secondary school.

“It is to make sure all the pupils are ready to hit the ground running on day one, and prevent summer learning loss.

“This loss is a real phenomenon that happens to young people who struggle to find things to do over summer.

“It follows on from the success of last year, and is a big vote of confidence from the school.”

Cllr Sunderland said Hanson has seen a “definite benefit” from last year’s summer school for children currently in Year 7.

“They have seen improved attendance, better attainment, and children are more ready to start school and get on with the job of being there to learn, even though it is a big step up for them,” she added.

Last year, the programme supported 68 young people in the BD10 and BD2 postcodes who were moving to Hanson Academy, and this year the Springwood Summer Programme hopes to engage the whole cohort.