CORRINGHAM'S Gable Hall School and Primary School and Stanford-le-Hope's Hassenbrook Academy have been playing host to summer camp activities for students.

The schools are part of the Ortu Federation education trust which is running a range of summer camps, free to all young people in he area eligible for free school meals, and they have been judged a huge success with more than 200 pupils attending so far.

And over the rest of the holidays that number is expected to top 1,000.

The initiative for children in Thurrock has been able to go ahead thanks to £42,000 funding from the Holiday Activity Food Fund along with contributions from the Department for Education in response to Covid-19 learning disruptions.

Ortu Federation's selection of summer school clubs are completely free for all local Year six to Year 11s who are eligible for benefits-based free school meals, as well as children from working families who would benefit from additional support.

This week, students have enjoyed activities like soccer school lessons and future MasterChef's have been getting to grips with making delicious pizzas in cookery classes.

Karina Garrick, Deputy Headteacher of Corringham Primary School, said: "So far, the students have loved the outdoor skills they have been learning at Passport to Adventure, and Corringham Primary School are also running a Forest School week, involving orienteering, making tents and more outdoor fun, which was booked up almost immediately!"

The sports and performing arts classes offered by Gable Hall School, Hassenbrook Academy and Corringham Primary School have also been a big hit with many of the children attending the classes, as well as some off-the-wall activities like Quidditch and axe throwing proving popular.

In the next few weeks, there are more classes for young people to get involved in. From Multi-Sports to rocketry to Junior MasterChef, as well as special guest appearances from musicians and animators from Aardman Animations of Wallace and Gromit fame – there is simply something for every child.

Ms Garrick said: "This year it has been even more rewarding to afford our pupils the chance to have transition from year 6-7, that they would have otherwise missed during the recent restrictions that were placed on secondary schools in July, alongside opportunities to mix with their peers from local schools outside of the bubbles they have been in for a year!"

"We have organised all these events across the Summer to ensure our pupils have somewhere to go, something to do during the holidays and, particularly this year, families in need will also receive a hot meal and a wealth of enrichment activities spanning cookery, STEM Science, sport, performing arts and music. These skills will enable them to broaden their life experiences and perhaps have a chance to learn new skills that they may not have otherwise been able to do."

"We even have vocational opportunities on offer for pupils to gain a Sports Leader qualification, learn First Aid and try their hand at being a chef! Ortu Trust puts our students at its centre and we all work hard to give all our pupils inspiring and memorable experiences which will enhance their life chances when they leave us and prepare them for adulthood."

Cathy Keeble, Principal of the Trust Summer Schools, said: "It is wonderful to see that the Ortu Federation is providing a wide variety of resources and activities that are available to support children and families in our community."

To book on to one of the summer camp classes, head to the Essex Active Hub website.