WHEN children start back at Blackrod Church School today, many of them will find no problem settling straight back into learning.

In fact for quite a few of them, it will be as if they have never been away.

For every Thursday throughout the holiday, teachers have been running a summer school.

Headteacher James Royal said: “Teachers and support staff from across the school have supported this work.

“It is based on the idea of ensuring children have the opportunity to continue to connect with fun and engaging learning throughout the six weeks holiday.

“It has run every Thursday during the holidays 8am to 5pm and has included a breakfast club.”

And throughout the holidays, children from years one to five have been asking: "What Makes Britain Great?"

Throughout the weeks they have learned about London, researching famous landmarks on iPads, writing poems, creating crowns to fit their heads and creating some striking artwork.

They also baked a Victoria sponge for afternoon tea, created a Tudor rose and created their own Wallace and Grommet style animation.

Mr Royal said: “One of our school leaders Rebekah Sandiford has organised and planned it all and done a fabulous job.

“It's been very popular —35 children have come each day.”

He added: “This is our second year of running a summer school here.

“We have given the children opportunity to learn in mixed age groups on problem solving activities, writing challenges and even a bit of baking.

“We focussed on England and had a look at the animations of Wallace and Gromit as they were made in England.

"The children used what they had learnt to create their own animations on the iPads using the programme Scratch and we were amazed at some of the work they produced.”

Children also developed their personal skills through the breakfast club, serving themselves and their friends

Mr Royal said: “Being in school, during the long summer holiday, has been really beneficial for the children who have attended — they have learned new things in a fun way.”

Children said that they enjoyed coming into school into the holidays, with parents saying the programme meant their children were having fun and learning at the same time throughout summer.

Alistair Hamer, aged six, said: “The summer school is great — we are with our friends and having fun.

“If I wasn’t here I would be at home playing.”

Danielle Badowsci, aged six, added: “I enjoyed making the daffodils. I have really enjoyed coming.”

Deana Rae, aged 38, whose children Summer, aged nine, and Austin, aged five, have been attending, said: “I think the summer school is wonderful. The children stay in a routine and they have enjoyed coming.

“When they get in they talk about what they have done and the scheme keeps the idea of school in their minds during the long holiday.”