HNCP Summer Camp 2026 Recap

HNCP Summer Camp 2026 at a Glance

• 39 children from 7 partner primary schools attended the Summer Camp (11 from St Joseph’s; 8 from Brookfield; 6 from St John’s Upper Holloway; 6 from Highgate Primary; 4 from St Michael’s; 2 from Whitehall Park; 2 from Yerbury)
• 5 days of learning, activity and adventure
• Morning curriculum delivered by experienced teachers from Brookfield Primary School
• Afternoon programme delivered in partnership with Active Day Camps
• Healthy lunches and nutritious snacks provided throughout the week by Channing catering staff
• 15 parent survey responses received
• 87% of parents reported being Very Satisfied
• 13% reported being Satisfied
• 100% rated both the staff team and activities as Excellent

The HNCP Summer Camp 2026 brought together 39 children from seven partner primary schools across Islington, Haringey and Camden for a week of inspiring learning, active play and meaningful new experiences. Hosted once again by Channing Junior School, the programme provided a combination of educational lessons, physical activity and creative exploration in a safe and welcoming environment.

Over half of the cohort (21 or 55%) were eligible for Pupil Premium and the cohort also included children with Special Educational Needs (10 or 26%), English as an Additional Language (3 or 7%), Young Carers (2 or 5%) and one Looked After Child (2%). This year, camp welcomed pupils from Brookfield Primary School, Highgate Primary School, St John’s Upper Holloway CE Primary School, St Joseph’s RC Primary School, St Michael’s CE Primary School, Whitehall Park School and Yerbury Primary School. As in previous years, priority was given to children eligible for Pupil Premium and Free School Meals, ensuring that the programme fulfilled its main objectives of providing educational ‘fun’ and recreational opportunities to those who stand to benefit most.

Supporting children’s wellbeing remained a central consideration throughout both the planning and delivery of the programme. Alongside an engaging curriculum and a varied programme of afternoon activities, the focus was on providing nutritious refreshments, including fresh fruit, fibre-rich snacks, handmade sandwiches prepared daily, organic fruit juices and wholesome lunch options. This reflected the Camp’s wider commitment to promoting positive relationships with both physical and mental wellbeing.

Each morning, pupils took part in engaging lessons delivered by experienced teachers from Brookfield Primary School. Rather than replicating the classroom experience of the preceding school term, lessons were designed to stimulate curiosity through practical, interactive and collaborative activities. Afternoons were delivered in partnership with Active Day Camps providing a varied programme of sports, team challenges and creative activities. The mix of physically active, imaginative and cooperative sessions enabled children of different interests, abilities and personalities to participate confidently whilst encouraging teamwork, resilience and enjoyment. One of the most encouraging observations throughout the week was the consistently high level of participation shown by the children. Despite arriving shortly after the end of a long summer term, pupils remained enthusiastic and fully engaged in their learning. Teachers also placed particular emphasis on encouraging collaboration between children from different schools, helping new friendships develop naturally through shared learning experiences.

Reflecting on the week, Charlotte Wilkinson, Year 3 teacher at Brookfield Primary School, commented:

“The most rewarding part of the week has been seeing the children grow in confidence, develop new friendships, and embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity. The excellent organisation, engaging programme, and outstanding facilities created an environment where every child could learn, thrive, and create lasting memories.”

Fellow Brookfield teachers Saoirse Cragg and Phoebe Rogers likewise praised the positive atmosphere and organisation of the programme, describing it as “another incredible experience” and “a fantastic week, so perfectly organised and well run.”

The success of the HNCP Summer Camp relied on the strength of its partnerships. Designated Safeguarding Lead Maria Collins, from St Joseph’s RC Primary School, provided a calm, reassuring presence at the gate each morning and served as a trusted contact for parents. Furthermore, the contribution of participating schools extended far beyond pupil recruitment. By supporting families through applications and sharing vital pastoral information, schools ensured the camp remained accessible to the community it serves.

Parent Feedback

Parents and carers were invited to share their reflections through a post-camp feedback survey. The response was extremely encouraging and provided strong evidence that the Summer Camp had successfully met its objectives. A total of 15 families completed the survey. Overall satisfaction was exceptionally high, with 87% of respondents describing themselves as “Very Satisfied” and the remaining 13% “Satisfied” with their child’s experience. No respondent indicated dissatisfaction with the programme. Furthermore, 100% of parents rated both the quality of the activities and the staff team as “Excellent”, reflecting consistently high levels of confidence in both the programme and those delivering it. The written comments revealed the lasting impact the Summer Camp had on many children. Parents highlighted the warm and welcoming atmosphere, the opportunity to form new friendships and the enthusiasm with which their children returned home each day. Confidence, enjoyment and a strong sense of belonging emerged as recurring themes throughout the feedback.

One parent commented:

“She had a wonderful time throughout the camp. She made new friends, was very happy with the overall experience, and couldn’t stop talking about the go-karting and laser tag activities.”

Parent Survey at a Glance

• 15 parent and carer responses received
• 87% Very Satisfied
• 13% Satisfied
• 100% rated the staff team as Excellent
• 100% rated the activities as Excellent
• Recurring themes:
  • New friendships
  • Increased confidence
  • Inclusive atmosphere
  • High-quality organisation
  • Memorable activities
  • Strong pastoral care

The HNCP Summer Camp 2026 once again demonstrated the value of bringing together schools, community partners and families to create meaningful opportunities for children during the summer holidays. Looking ahead, we are delighted to welcome TutorHunt.com as a sponsor of next year’s HNCP Summer Camp. Their support will help us build on the strong foundations established in 2026 and continue providing high-quality holiday provision.