Oxygen Activeplay launches new initiatives to give families more access to play
Oxygen Activeplay has launched a series of new initiatives designed to give more children and families access to physical activity, play and hot meals.
The indoor activity park operator is working with local councils to offer free sessions through the Government-funded Holiday Activities and Food programme, known as HAF.
It has also launched a new partnership with Coram PACEY to provide reduced-cost toddler play sessions for childminders and early years professionals.
During the Easter holidays, Oxygen Activeplay provided funded physical activity and hot meals to more than 1,500 children across 10 of its parks in 11 local authority areas.
The group operates 13 indoor activity parks under the Oxygen Activeplay, RedKangaroo and Boost brands, as well as five owned Ninja Warrior UK venues.
Through the HAF programme, eligible families can access four hours of physical and enrichment activities, a nutritious hot meal and signposting to additional local support services.
The sessions are aimed at children who are usually eligible for free school meals.
Oxygen Romford and RedKangaroo Coventry have been involved in the HAF programme for four years, with Oxygen at MediaCity also taking part since opening last year.
Following growing demand for the sessions and increasing financial pressure on families, the company has now expanded HAF-funded activity to 10 venues, with plans to offer the programme across more of its parks.
The group said it is also looking to support more families during the summer holidays, when pressures on households can increase because of the longer school break.
Additional HAF sessions for children with special educational needs and disabilities have also been hosted at four of the company’s venues.
Oxygen Activeplay said the initiative supports its wider mission to help children access physical activity and play opportunities.
The group has also partnered with Coram PACEY, which supports childminders and early years professionals through training, guidance and safeguarding advice.
Through the partnership, Coram PACEY members, including childminders, nannies and early years workers, will be able to access exclusive discounts across Oxygen Activeplay and its five Ninja Warrior UK parks.
The offer includes 25% off Toddler Play, Toddler Takeover and additional child or adult tickets, as well as 10% off food and drink.
Stephen Wilson, chief executive officer of Oxygen Activeplay, said the company’s parks were closely connected to the communities they serve.
He said:
Each of our parks lies at the heart of its local community, and we are so proud that we can welcome families and children through our doors, whatever their means, across our portfolio of brands.
Our mission is to energise the mind, body and soul of every kid on the planet, and the Holiday Activities and Food Programme and our partnership with Coram PACEY are brilliant vehicles to help us make this possible.
We’re grateful to the local authorities who have supported our parks in the rollout to ensure that local children didn’t have to go without nutritious meals, physical activity, and enrichment activities during the Easter holidays.
Meanwhile, our partnership with Coram PACEY means that we can support children from a young age and support their carers in giving them easier access to healthy, mentally stimulating play.
Oxygen Activeplay said it has worked with local authorities and Active Partnerships to deliver the rollout of the HAF programme across its venues and Ninja Warrior UK sites.
