Jordan and Gemma are the leaders running the Torfaen Play summer playscheme at Maendy Primary School. They are supported by a team of volunteers who are running fun sessions for children throughout August.

Across Torfaen, there are 180 volunteers aged 16-17 and 140 paid workers providing a wide range of play activities at 37 sites. All went through a week’s training to give them the skills to support children and young people during the summer holidays. The 37 sites being run by Torfaen Play are:

13 laugh, learn and get active camps (food and fun) at local primary schools. Over 1,300 children have booked on to attend every day with a waiting list for every single camp.
9 Open Access Playschemes
6 Play and Respite Sessions
9 Play in the Park Sessions

Cwmbran Life asked Jordan and Gemma to tell us a bit about themselves

Jordan

What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?

Meeting up with my friends in large groups and playing games and sports like football and rugby.

What are the best things about being a playscheme leader?

The feeling that you are leading a team in improving any and every child’s day and keeping them healthy and happy.

What is a typical day at your school like?

Busy, fun, loud and happy.

Favourite music artist?

The Levellers

Favourite hobby?

Walking my dogs/ going to the beach

Favourite food?

Tuna pasta

Favourite item of clothing and why?

Shorts because I’m always hot and always want to be comfortable.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs

Summer or winter?

Summer

First or last on the dancefloor?

Last

What song do you always sing in the shower?

Plain Sailing Weather by Frank Turner

Gemma

What is your favourite memory of playing as a child?

Playing in the woods building dens.

What are the best things about being a playscheme leader?

Seeing the staff grow in confidence.

What is a typical day at your school like?

Crazy

Favourite music artist?

Spice Girls

Favourite hobby?

Dancing

Favourite food?

Cooked dinner