North Star Learning Hub – HAF - Usworth Road

Our North Star Summer Hub is a welcoming, inclusive holiday provision designed specifically for secondary-aged young people who may be looking for something a little different from a traditional holiday club.

Based at our new North Star Hub, sessions will combine creative projects, STEM challenges, social opportunities, games, community experiences and wellbeing-focused activities within a relaxed and supportive environment.

Young people will have opportunities to develop confidence, build friendships, explore new interests and enjoy meaningful experiences without the pressures often associated with school. Activities have been carefully designed to be engaging, age-appropriate and accessible, allowing young people to participate in ways that feel comfortable for them.

Throughout the programme, participants can expect a varied mix of:

Creative design and project-based activities
STEM and problem-solving challenges
Team games and table tennis
Community walks and local exploration
Outdoor activities and visits to local spaces
Wellbeing and confidence-building opportunities
Social time with peers in a safe and supportive environment

A healthy lunch and refreshments will be provided daily, with mealtimes offering valuable opportunities to develop independence, communication skills and positive social connections within the Fork and Cafe, just below our Hub.

Our experienced team is committed to creating a calm, neuro-inclusive environment where every young person feels welcomed, valued and able to participate at their own pace.

Whether your child enjoys creating, building, exploring, gaming, problem-solving or simply spending time with others, North Star Summer Hub offers a space where they can connect, grow and enjoy their summer.

MOBILE PHONES, PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING

To protect the privacy and safeguarding of everyone attending, children and young people must keep mobile phones, smartwatches with recording capabilities and other personal recording devices safely put away during the provision.

Children and young people must not take photographs, videos or audio recordings during sessions. This includes photographs of themselves where other attendees may appear in the background.

If a child needs to contact their parent or carer, a member of staff will support them to do so. Parents and carers should contact the provision team if they need to reach their child urgently.

Where access to a device is required for an agreed medical, communication, accessibility or regulation need, parents and carers must discuss this with the provision team before the session.

This provision is ideal for young people aged 11–14 who:

Enjoy creative, practical and hands-on activities
Would benefit from opportunities to build confidence and friendships
Prefer smaller, supportive environments
Are neurodivergent or may find larger holiday schemes overwhelming
Would like to try new experiences in a relaxed setting

We want young people to feel comfortable and ready to take part in a variety of indoor, outdoor and community-based activities.

Please ensure your child brings:
A named bag
Comfortable footwear suitable for walking and light physical activities
Appropriate clothing for the weather, including a waterproof coat where necessary
Sun cream and a sun hat during warmer weather
A refillable water bottle
A willingness to try new things and have fun!

All activities, equipment, resources, meals and refreshments will be provided.

As some activities may take place outdoors or within the local community, young people should wear practical clothing that they are comfortable moving around in.

Please note that some activities may involve short supervised walks within the local community, including visits to nearby green spaces and local facilities. Full details of any special activities or trips will be communicated to families in advance.