Successful Launch of the School Holidays Programme

This initiative, designed to assist children aged 5–12 (Primaries 1–7), provided 130 free holiday camp places, distributed between two local providers: Kings Camp (90 places) and Dundee Science Centre (40 places).

The camps offered a rich variety of activities, from sports and arts to interactive learning and science experiments, all within a safe and nurturing environment. Initial feedback from parents and carers was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the significant flexibility it provided during the school holidays.

For researchers and university staff, the benefits of this programme extend beyond simple childcare. It offers the much-needed space and focus to advance critical academic work, whether it's completing a paper or project, preparing a grant application, or simply catching up on work-related activities or professional development that often require uninterrupted time. By alleviating the stress of balancing work and family responsibilities, the programme has helped enhance productivity and mental well-being.

Another significant benefit is the fostering of a more inclusive work environment. By supporting parents and carers during school holidays, the university is making strides towards creating an academic culture that values and accommodates the diverse needs of its staff. This approach not only improves work-life balance, but also encourages greater participation in research and underpinning activities, contributing to the overall success and innovation within the university community.

Our Evaluation Lead will conduct a more in-depth analysis of the pilot to inform future programmes.

Stay tuned for upcoming offerings for the Autumn and Easter breaks.