Free preschool sessions are being offered to parents in Swinton and Pendleton to get their little ones ready for school, thanks to a six-week programme run by Recreate-U.
Led by local educator Claire Benson, the weekly sessions support children aged 3 to 4 in building confidence through fun, EYFS-linked activities, while also helping parents feel more prepared for the big step into reception.
Claire said: “It’s not about pressure or testing, it’s about giving children the best start, and supporting parents every step of the way.”
Sessions run every Wednesday and include a mix of carpet time, themed play, and gentle routine-building, all in a calm and supportive environment. Parents stay with their children throughout and receive booklets and short videos to help continue learning at home.
Funded by Salford CVS and backed by Salford City Council, the programme is completely free to families, with more sessions planned in surrounding areas, depending on future funding.
According to the National Literacy Trust, Salford continues to face a growing gap in early years education. Nationally, around one in three children is not school-ready, but, in Salford, over a third (36.7%) of children in Salford started primary school without the literacy skills they need to thrive, compared with 3 in 10 (31.2%) children nationally. This trend of low literacy skills was evident at each key transition point in education.
The impact is far-reaching and children who begin behind are 2.5 times more likely to be persistently absent and three times more likely to become NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) by 16–17. Teachers are also feeling the strain, with 30% saying pupils can’t communicate their needs and 1 in 4 children not toilet-trained on entry.
That’s why programmes like Recreate-U’s Best Start, now running across Salford Family Hubs, are so vital. Designed and delivered by EYFS specialists, the initiative helps parents understand how to support their child’s learning through play and everyday interaction. Families report greater confidence, stronger early literacy, and happier transitions into school — proving that early intervention doesn’t just prepare children for the classroom, it gives them the best start in life.
The initiative is also available for primary schools in the local Salford area to purchase, priced at £3,000 per cohort, offering schools a ready-made transition support programme for families.
“We’ve had so many parents say their child is more confident and excited to start school. That’s exactly what we’re here for.”
There are still two sessions left in the current block. To book or find out more, visit: www.recreate-u.co.uk/events
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