The start to a new week at Earls Hall was a bouncy one! The children from across the Foundation Stage and KS1 all took part in a sponsored bounce challenge which saw each child try and bounce on a bouncy castle as many times as possible in the space of a minute. The children all tried their very best and had great fun in the process and, as usual, the staff got fully involved too. The annual competition between Mr B and Mr Geach saw Mr Geach win for the second year running as the tigger like Assistant Head bounced an impressive 124 times compared to Mr B’s….84! Thanks to Mr Scroxton who once again let us use his bouncy castle and to all of the parent helpers who gave their time to count the children bouncing.

First thing in the morning, in the downstairs hall, the children were joined in the KS1 assembly by Toby from the Southend library service. Toby told them all about the ‘Summer Reading Challenge’ and invited them to take part. The theme of the challenge this year is ‘Animal Agents’ and to take part all the children have to do is register for the challenge at the library and read six books in six weeks. There are prizes along the way for those who take part including smelly stickers and door signs, with every child who completes the challenge getting a certificate and medal at the beginning of next term. This year there is an added incentive as the school with the highest percentage of children taking part will receive a trophy!

In the afternoon there was plenty of envious dance moves to see in the upstairs hall as the children from Years Three to Five enjoyed a fab end of term disco courtesy of Micky B and his wheels of steel! The children impressed the staff with their range of moves and many won medals for their efforts. At the end of the disco there was a ‘dance off’ between the boys and girls and a good time was had by all.

Later on, in the downstairs hall, there were plenty of proud parents and other family members in attendance as Laura from ‘Steps Ahead’ hosted an end of term showcase for the KS1 group. The children showed the parents some of the games they play at the group before the children performed mimes and then two song and dance pieces. It was an impressive end of term bonanza which showed how confident the children had become at the club. Thanks to all of the families who made it along to join in the celebrations.