Raising Explorers Easter Holiday Club proudly delivered our very first HAF programme – and what an egg-cellent start it was!
HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) is a government-funded scheme providing free holiday clubs, healthy meals, and enriching activities for children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals. It’s designed to keep youngsters active, well-fed, learning new skills, and having plenty of fun during the school holidays.
Over two action-packed weeks, our Explorers threw themselves into a brilliant mix of activities, trips, games, crafts, and Easter fun. From getting creative with arts and crafts to burning off energy in team games and adventures out and about, there was never a dull moment. Most importantly, children had the chance to build confidence, make new friends, and create memories that’ll last far longer than the chocolate eggs!
Safe to say, our first HAF was no yolk – and we’re already excited for the next adventure.
Making Magic Happen - One Upgrade at a Time
At Raising Explorers, we’re always looking for new and improved ways to support our children and young people. From exciting new resources to calming spaces and creative activities, every upgrade is designed with our Explorers in mind.
We know that children thrive when they feel safe, supported, inspired, and free to be themselves. That’s why we continuously work to improve our environment and experiences – helping children build confidence, explore their creativity, support emotional wellbeing, and most importantly, enjoy every adventure along the way.
Our new sensory room and games area will be designed to give our Explorers a safe, calming, and engaging space where they can relax, regulate emotions, and simply enjoy being themselves. 💚
Sensory spaces can be hugely beneficial for children who may experience frustration, anxiety, overwhelm, or difficulties with focus and emotional regulation. Through calming lights, textures, sensory resources, and interactive games, children are able to explore their senses in a positive and supportive environment.
The sensory room helps children:
- Manage big emotions and reduce frustration
- Improve focus and concentration
- Encourage communication and social interaction
- Support emotional wellbeing and self-regulation
- Build confidence through play and exploration
Alongside this, sensory games and activities help children learn important skills while still having fun – because let’s face it, children learn far better when they think they’re “just playing”.
Whether an Explorer needs a quiet moment to reset, a calming activity after a busy day, or simply somewhere exciting to explore, our sensory space is here to support every child in their own unique way. It also provides children with a safe and positive outlet to manage frustration, express emotions, and learn calming strategies in the correct and supportive way – because sometimes big feelings need more than just being told to “use your indoor voice”. ✨ Bedtime routines are much easier for the tired parents in the evenings
Revamped Library - A New Chapter for Our Explorers
Our revamped library has been created as a calm, cosy, and welcoming space where our Explorers can relax, enjoy guided reading, and let their imaginations run wild!
Reading plays such an important role in children’s development. It helps improve language and communication skills, boosts confidence, encourages creativity, supports emotional wellbeing, and strengthens focus and concentration. Most importantly, it gives children the chance to slow down, unwind, and discover the joy of stories and adventure.
Our library isn’t just about books – it’s about creating a safe and peaceful space where children can feel comfortable, supported, and inspired. Whether they’re enjoying guided reading, sharing stories with friends, or simply taking a quiet moment away from the busy excitement of the day, there’s something for every Explorer to enjoy.
And for parents, there’s no need to feel guilty if life gets busy and there isn’t always enough time for bedtime stories every evening – especially for hardworking parents juggling busy schedules, school runs, dinner, laundry, and somehow still being expected to know where everyone’s PE kit is. We’re here to help support children’s reading journey, encourage a love for books, and give every child the opportunity to build confidence and important skills through reading.
Our Reception Just Got an Upgrade!
1. A Day in the Life of Our Explorers
We’ve also added a TV screen in reception where photos and videos of our Explorers are displayed on loop for parents to enjoy. It gives families a chance to see all the fun, laughter, creativity, and adventures their children get up to during their time with us – because let’s be honest, “What did you do today?” is usually answered with “Nothing”… despite them clearly having the busiest social calendar in the building.
The screen also gives new parents and future Explorers a little glimpse into a day in the life at Raising Explorers. From exciting activities and messy crafts to games, friendships, and adventures, it helps families see exactly what makes our setting such a fun, welcoming, and supportive place to be.
After all, seeing smiling faces covered in paint, glitter, and the occasional mystery stain says far more than any leaflet ever could!
2. A Splash of Colour at Raising Explorers!
We’ve been brightening things up at Raising Explorers with a fresh splash of colour in our reception area! Because let’s be honest – children deserve something far more exciting than plain beige walls that look like they belong in an old dentist waiting room.
Creating colourful, welcoming spaces can make a huge difference for children and families. Bright environments help children feel happy, relaxed, inspired, and excited to walk through the door each day. We want our Explorers to step into a space that feels fun, positive, and full of adventure from the very moment they arrive.
After all, Raising Explorers is all about creativity, imagination, and making children feel at home – with just a little less beige and a lot more personality!
Homework Support & TT Rock Stars ⭐
At Raising Explorers, we know homework time can sometimes feel less like peaceful learning and more like a full-blown maths-based meltdown over times tables. That’s why we’re proud to offer homework support and access to TT Rock Stars – helping children learn in a fun, engaging, and supportive way.
TT Rock Stars is a fantastic interactive programme that helps children improve their times tables through exciting games, challenges, and friendly competition. It supports children with:
- Building confidence in maths
- Improving speed and accuracy
- Strengthening memory and concentration
- Making learning more enjoyable and less stressful
Our homework support sessions also provide children with a calm and encouraging space to complete schoolwork, ask for help, and build independence with learning. Because sometimes all a child really needs is reassurance that the answer probably isn’t “banana”.
For parents – especially busy working parents – it can also take a little pressure off those hectic evenings filled with dinner, school bags, PE kits, and wondering why there’s suddenly glitter in the car again. We’re here to help support children’s learning journey, boost confidence, and make homework time feel a little less overwhelming for the whole family.
British Values, Diversity & a Warm Welcome at the Madrassah
Keeping in mind our British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, we actively promote inclusion through celebrating diversity, using respectful and inclusive language, and engaging children in creative arts and crafts activities that reflect a wide range of cultures and traditions.
Islam also strongly emphasises equality and unity among all people, teaching that race, colour, and background are not measures of a person’s worth. Everyone is created by Allah and is equal in dignity, encouraging respect, kindness, and harmony within the community.
Raising Explorers Madrassah warmly welcomed explorers from diverse backgrounds and beliefs in a respectful and inclusive environment, fostering understanding, friendship, and a sense of belonging for all
Hajj Week – Learning Through Arts, Crafts & Exploration 🕋✨
During Hajj Week, our explorers learned about Hajj, which is the special pilgrimage Muslims make to Makkah in Saudi Arabia 🕌. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a very important act of worship for Muslims who are able to go. Hajj takes place once a year and brings millions of Muslims from all over the world together, showing unity, equality, and devotion to Allah 🌍🤍.
📢 Reminder of Our Timings
⏰ After-School Club
We are open from 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Please collect all explorers by 6:45pm
🌞 Holiday Club
We are open from 8:30am – 7:00pm
Our structured activities run from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Thank you for your support in helping us keep our sessions running smoothly and safely for all our explorers. 😊
For further information about Raising Explorers, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our main office. You can contact us at 01274 578 746 or email us at listerhills@raisingexplorers.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!