The Swanley 8 to 12s Project was established in May 2002 by Sevenoaks District Council and is now run in partnership with West Kent Extra.

The aims and objectives of the project are to provide active ‘hands on’ support and opportunity for young people aged 8 to 12 years old, who reside in the Swanley wards of St. Mary’s and White Oak, to allow local children access to activities that are creative, skillful, educational and fun.

Activities have included dancing, model-making, cooking and clay-modelling. The children have visited the theatre and the London Aquarium, have a regular residential week to Halls Green, and have even had the chance to help fly a biplane!

Children are encouraged to support one another and to adhere to their own 'Charter of Rights'. Children are also encouraged to achieve by building on their self-esteem and self-confidence. Bullying and aggression are never tolerated and the project operates a red and yellow card system for inappropriate behaviour. An evaluation in 2006 proved the project was meeting all five of the Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes and had seen an improvement in behaviour and attainment of the children who attend.

For more information contact the 8-12s Project Co-ordinator on 01322 663912