For the sake of the report to ensure some the family’s personal details are not shared and they remain
partially anonymous, the family are referred to as the “Smith” family.
Family Overview/Context:
The Smith family consists of working parents and their 8-year-old son,
Frankie. Frankie is an only child and has been resilient during a challenging
three-year home renovation, adapting to various disruptions without
complaint. The family has been utilising PAL’s holiday camps based at
Evesham Leisure Centre for approximately a year, particularly relying on the
holiday club for childcare and extra-curricular opportunities during the
school breaks.
PAL’s Involvement:
PAL has been a crucial support system for the Smith family, offering
convenient childcare services during school holidays. Being away from
friends and family, PAL’s camps at Evesham Leisure Centre has provided
not only a convenient location but also additional facilities and engaging
activities, making it invaluable for the family so that Frankie enjoys his time
off School. The staff’s positive attitude and their enthusiasm helps shape
this experience as well as the additional activities and trips offered which
are a real bonus to enhance the children’s enjoyment and educational
development during their time with PAL.
“The staff are so good with the kids. Frankie loves his time at PAL’s
sessions.”
PAL’s Provision Impact on Frankie/Family:
PAL’s provision has significantly aided the Smith family in overcoming
childcare challenges during school holidays. The location’s convenience,
additional facilities, varied activities, and competent staff have made it an
essential resource for the family. Frankie, in particular, benefits from the
engaging environment and positive interactions, making his time at PAL’s
camps enjoyable.
Learn to Ride Session Impact on Frankie:
Prior to the Learn to Ride cycling session, Frankie was unable to ride a bike.
The family had attempted to teach him, but the session highlighted that
they were using the wrong approach, leading to Frankie’s anxiety about
learning. Despite initial reluctance, Frankie was immediately put at ease by
the warm welcome and friendly faces upon arrival. Under Steve’s guidance,
Frankie made significant progress, independently pedalling within 20
minutes. By the session’s end, his balance, speed, and confidence had
improved remarkably.
“Steve’s teaching approach, combining mentorship and
friendship, as well as explaining things in a way Frankie could
understand and follow, played a crucial role in Frankie’s success.
Such a great session.”
Long-Term Impact and Future Plans:
The Learn to Ride session had a profound impact on Frankie’s confidence.
His newfound ability to ride a bike has instilled a sense of accomplishment
and enthusiasm. Frankie is eager to continue learning, expressing interest
in future sessions at Cycling Stars with Steve. This positive experience is
likely to have long-term effects, contributing to Frankie’s overall growth and
enjoyment of cycling, potentially even as a structured club activity.
The Smith family wholeheartedly recommends PAL’s Learn to Ride
sessions to other families. The simplicity, child-friendly approach, and the
element of fun make it an excellent resource for children learning to ride
bikes. The family expresses gratitude for being offered such an invaluable
and free opportunity, emphasising how fortunate they feel to have access
to such a fantastic session.
“I would recommend the Learn to Ride sessions to other families.
It makes learning to ride so simple and easy to follow for the
children whilst being lots of fun at the same time. How lucky we
are to be offered such an amazing session for free.”
