The school summer holidays have now arrived, and we know that for key workers who are parents or carers it may be a very busy time with juggling childcare and work, especially if you are finding it hard to have some ‘me’ time too. If you are struggling to get the balance right and need to talk to someone, Keeping Well BLMK provides safe space to chat or speak about your struggles and wellbeing needs with a trained wellbeing professional, available to any key workers in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes area.
We’re also sharing some resources and information for parents and carers which includes tips on keeping your children entertained, discounts over the holidays and more.
School summer holiday dates
Bedfordshire: Thursday 22 July to Friday 03 September
Luton: Wednesday 21 July to Tuesday 31 August 2021
Milton Keynes: Friday 23 July to Wednesday 01 September
Note that Monday 30 August is the summer bank holiday.
Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Borough Council and Milton Keynes Council have a range of information about summer activities in the local area. The links below have more details.
Bedfordshire:
- Holiday activities and food programme
- Children’s centres
- Summer reading challenge
- Summer weather advice
Luton:
- School holiday playschemes and activities
- Activities and events for children and young people
- Children’s centre activities
- Clubs, groups and places to go
Milton Keynes:
- Summer of Play 2021 free holiday activities
- Children’s centres
- Childcare and activities
- Destination Milton Keynes – What’s On
The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to enjoy the benefits of reading for pleasure over the summer holidays. The theme of this year’s challenge is Wild World Heroes, and you can join in via your local library or online.
Discounts on the high street and online are available to NHS and social care staff through Health Service Discounts and the Blue Light Card.
TUI are offering deals on holidays for NHS staff through their Holidays for Heroes scheme.
Further resources can be found online:
The Government has produced guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings such as holiday clubs and tuition, which can be found here.
Resources for keeping children healthy and entertained at home are available from the Royal College of Paediatrics and the Children’s Commissioner websites.
The British Psychological Society has produced a booklet, ‘When your parent is a key worker’, with advice for children and young people.
General advice on staying safe and healthy over the summer holidays from NHS England can be found here.