A wide variety of playschemes are up and running at venues across Inverclyde as part of a packed school summer holiday programme of activities.

Two sessions are running each day 9.30pm-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm at seven venues, including St Michael’s Primary in Port Glasgow where 42 exciting young people attended the first session on Monday 7 July 2025.

The playschemes are funded by Inverclyde Council so that they are free to attend and run by Inverclyde Leisure and entry is on a ‘first come’ basis.

Playschemes are also running at Kilmacolm Primary, St Patrick’s Primary, Lady Alice Primary, Wemyss Bay Primary, Moorfoot Primary.

Sessions are also taking place at Auchmountain Community Resource Centre on Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Additional staffing has been put in place for children who may require additional support to access playschemes – part of a wider additional support needs (ASN) summer programme at certain locations each week with parents having booked spaces in advance.

Playschemes are among a number of summer activities being delivered by directly by council services and alongside partners, including Inverclyde Leisure.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s convener of education and communities, said: “As a council, we know how difficult and expensive it can be for families to keep young people active and entertained during the school summer holidays.

“That’s why there is a packed summer programme, including playschemes and free swimming for Inverclyde school children, funded by the council and delivered by our partners Inverclyde Leisure, to support families.

“There’s also sports, and outdoor activities being run by our active schools team, arts and crafts and the Summer Reading Challenge at local libraries, and a host of events being delivered by the council’s youth work service.

“On top of that, we have so many wonderful parks, play parks, walking and cycling routes, and outdoor spaces like the Greenock Cut and Lunderston Bay that are free to enjoy all year round.

“There really is something for all ages, abilities and tastes to help make it a summer of fun for young people and their families.”

There is free swimming for under-16s at the Waterfront, Port Glasgow and Gourock pools, including ASN swim sessions from 9-10am on Monday 7 and 14 July and Thursday 10 and 17 July with the potential for more if they prove to be popular.

The council’s active schools team, part of the inclusive communities service, is also hosting sports camps throughout July and August at various locations, including football camps in partnership with Morton in the Community.

For those who do not want to attend formal sessions, pitches are open for young people to have a ‘kickabout’.

Jim Lyon, operations manager for Inverclyde Leisure, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Inverclyde Council to help deliver a programme of fantastic activities for the children of Inverclyde.”

There are also activities at local libraries, the Watt Institution, and at venues throughout Inverclyde being delivered by the local authority’s youth work team, also part of the inclusive communities service, such as pool and darts at Bullseye Sports Club in Greenock, a trampoline session at Elev8, fun day at Rankin Park, a games experience at Lady Octavia Sports Centre, and other ‘pop-up events’ at different locations.

For more information about the playschemes and other Inverclyde Leisure events and activities, visit www.inverclydeleisure.com/kids/school-holidays and more information about other events and activities is available on the council website and social media channels.