CHRISTMAS is going to be different for everyone this year.
But a Derby sports firm which works with primary schools across the city and county is determined to make sure that the festive season is a fun time for everyone – by holding glow in the dark Christmas parties for staff and pupils every day between now and the end of term.
Progressive Sports, a business which goes into Derbyshire primary schools to run “exciting and creative” PE lessons, is holding glow in the dark Christmas parties at the schools it works with as teachers look at unique ways of celebrating the festive season.
“It has been a tough year for teachers and pupils and our glow in the dark dodgeball sessions have been a huge hit with everyone,” said Adam Holland, managing director of Progressive Sports Derbyshire and Nottingham.
Children taking part in one of the Glow In The Dark sessions provided by Progressive Sport Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
“We’ve taken normal dodgeball and we thought, if we turn the lights off and get all the equipment glowing, then it will really enrich the children’s experience and create a different atmosphere.
“Each child wears a glow-in-the-dark sports bib, we have ultra-violet cones and even the balls glow in the dark. We play festive music to get everyone in the Christmas spirit and all the sessions take place in class bubbles, so it’s Covid compliant.
“It’s just so nice seeing everyone having fun and letting off a bit of steam after what has been a challenging year.”
Neil Loftus, head teacher at Newhall Infant School, said: “Christmas plays are different as parents haven’t got access to the school at the moment, parties are very different as everyone has to stay within their bubble and visits from Santa are virtual.
“We are trying our best to make everything as normal as possible at this special time of year for children and the dodgeball sessions are a great way to celebrate the end of the year.”
Progressive Sports, who also offer holiday coaching and cater for birthday parties, had their busiest summer ever in 2020 with participation figures their best yet.
And Adam believes that those sessions helped children overcome any anxieties they may have had before returning to school in September, following six months off after the Coronavirus outbreak.
Adam Holland is the managing director of Progressive Sports Derbyshire and Nottingham.
“PE has moved on so much in the past few years and there is much more awareness of the positive effect that taking part in activity has on children, as long as that activity is engaging and varied and as inclusive as possible,” he said.
“The restrictions that have been placed on schools and families during the two lockdowns which we have had, heightened awareness of how important it is for children’s mental and physical wellbeing for them to get outside into the fresh air and get active.
“Sport is great and our sessions can also aid communication, anger management and we can bring in elements of more traditional subjects such as maths and English into our sessions, too. Our staff recently completed Youth Mental Health Awareness training and we can also deliver well prepared lessons that meet all Ofsted requirements.”
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As well as rolling out their glow-in-the-dark sessions in schools, Progressive Sports are also running classes afterschool at various locations around the county including Etwall Primary School, Green Bank Leisure Centre, in Swadlincote, Ashbourne Primary School and Rosliston Primary School.
All sessions – which are suitable for youngsters from age four to 13 – are carefully planned so that they are Covid-safe and comply with the local county council guidance. Progressive Sports also run cricket sessions, Nerf Wars, Futsal and gymnastics classes and all courses are Ofsted registered.
ENDS
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