Children & Young People Newsletter July 2026
Our Annual Review 2025-26
We’re delighted to share our 2025-26 Annual Review. From supporting communities to move more, to developing new partnerships and testing new approaches, 2025–26 has been a year full of learning, collaboration and impact.
Our review looks back at the people, projects and partnerships that have helped shape the year, sharing what we’ve achieved together and what we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’ve worked with us, supported our programmes or simply share our vision of more people, more active, more often across Kent and Medway, thank you for being part of the journey.
KSENT Games Round Up
Young people from across Kent and Medway came together at Medway Park on 16 June 2026 for this year’s KSENT (Kent Special Educational Needs Trust) Games, a celebration of inclusive sport, confidence and achievement. The event engaged over 200 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from 27 special schools alongside a wide range of partners to create a memorable and meaningful experience for every participant. From wheelchair basketball to multi-skills challenges, the day gave young people the opportunity to be active, try something new and build confidence alongside their peers. Our short film captures highlights from the day:
This Girl Can Insight
We delivered our first This Girl Can Festival on 9 June 2026, where Year 6 and Year 7 students took part in a rotation of activities that previous insight had shown were popular with girls. These activities included football, self-defence, cheerleading and dance.
The festival provided a valuable opportunity to listen to young people, understand barriers such as confidence, body image and fear of judgement, and identify what helps overcome them. The learning will be used to support local partners to create more inclusive opportunities that encourage girls to move more, feel more confident and build a positive relationship with physical activity.
Summer Holiday Activities
HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) Programme
The HAF Programme offers families of children aged 4 to 16, who are eligible for benefits related free school meals (FSM), opportunities to access a range of free activities during the school holidays. The programme typically runs for four weeks over the summer.
Each programme provides a range of exciting activities, games and new experiences for children, along with a healthy main meal. Children will have the chance to try new sporty or creative activities and to make new friends. (Photo credit: KCC)
Follow this link to find out about the HAF programme in Kent
Follow this link to find out about the HAF programme in Medway
Junior parkrun
As we head into the summer holidays, Junior parkrun provides the perfect opportunity for families to stay active together. These free, fun and friendly 2km events for children aged 4–14 take place every Sunday morning, offering a great way to enjoy the outdoors, build confidence and make new friends.
Parents and carers can volunteer, cheer from the sidelines or join in the warm-up, making it a fantastic family activity. Discover your local Junior parkrun this Summer.
Follow this link to find your nearest Junior parkrun
KCC Bikeability Sessions
Missed Bikeability at school? Summer catch-up sessions are now available from Kent County Council Road Safety and Active Travel Team. They aim to train as many children as possible in Kent and encourage them into a lifelong love of cycling.
The Level 1 and Level 2 sessions are being held in Gravesend and Ashford. We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment. (Photo Credit: KCC)
Follow this link to learn more and book a session
Summer Cycling Challenge
Throughout the Summer, young explorers can take part in the Explore Kent Junior Cycling Challenge and earn a reward for their cycling adventures. They can mark their achievement with Junior Cycling Challenge certificates ranging from Bronze (5km), Silver (8km) and Gold (10km).
To receive a certificate, parents and carers just need to send in proof that their child(ren) have completed any route of these lengths along with the child’s name. (Photo credit: Explore Kent)
Enjoy Water Safely
Royal Life Saving Society UK have created new and exciting materials, exclusively for parents and carers to take charge of their family’s water safety education.
The Parents Resources Hub provides free, practical water safety guidance to help families stay safe in and around water. Resources cover topics including water safety for teenagers, activity sheets for children, advice for babies and pre-schoolers, holiday and home water safety, swimming pool safety, beach safety, and teaching basic water safety skills. There’s also a toolkit to help parents start important water safety conversations and information on finding local lifesaving clubs. (Photo credit: RLSS UK)
Other News
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you
If there’s anything in this newsletter you’d like to discuss, then just get in touch and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible. Please email: activekent@kent.gov.uk
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