Graduate launches kids holiday camp

A Psychology and Child Development graduate from Leeds Trinity University has launched a summer holiday camp for primary children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ellie O’Donoghue, 22, from Wetherby, has launched ScapeSchool, a summer holiday camp for primary schoolchildren aged 4-11 while still in her final year of studies. ScapeSchool was founded by Ellie and her business partner Hollie Bruce, who graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Psychology.

The business partners have tailored all activities around the Early Years Foundation Stages (EYFS) framework, after first coming up with the idea in January 2020. In less than six months, they created a business plan and launched the first summer camp at Walton Village Hall in July.

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Ellie said: “Hollie and I started planning for ScapeSchool in January – working together and envisioning our dream.

“We finally took the leap in March and whilst the timing wasn’t great, ScapeSchool has been a massive success so far.

“We are both totally overwhelmed by the reaction we have received from parents. Most of our days are fully booked and we never thought our first holiday club would be this successful.”

Alongside studying for a degree in Psychology and Development, Ellie worked full-time in a nursery with children aged from six months to 11 years.

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She has also completed training in EYFS, GDPR, Paediatric First Aid, Food and Safety Hygiene, Common Core Skills and Knowledge outlined by OFSTED and Health and Safety.

She added: “During lockdown, children missed out on months of socialising and being with friends in a fun environment, so they all needed it!

“This has meant that parents have been keen to get them back socialising and enjoying being a child again.

“It has been such a scary time for the children, so it has been amazing to see them all feeling comfortable and enjoying some normality; having fun and making memories with old and new friends.”

The pair have plans to expand the business and its services to all holidays.

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