When we first launched the ‘Offline Adventure’ initiative in partnership with Ocean Adventurers, our goal was simple: to help Somerset families rediscover the joy of tech-free play and provide a practical solution to the growing challenge of screen time. After our parents told us that screen-free time feels hardest during the holidays, we wanted to create something that removes pressure and guilt, while still giving children exciting ideas to explore imagination, movement and wellbeing. From the chilly days of the February half-term to the warm sunshine of the Easter holidays, the movement to "unplug and play" has gained incredible momentum, and we are proud to see so many Somerset families choosing to go screen-free!
A Springtime of Success
Building on the success of our February launch, the Easter holidays saw the introduction of a brand-new themed activity pack. These packs were carefully curated, featuring activities ranging from quiet mindfulness to creative crafts and outdoor scavenger hunts. The activities provide children with all the developmental benefits of being away from a screen—improving focus, boosting mood, and sparking imaginative play. Most importantly, every activity is screen‑free, free to do, flexible and child‑led, and designed to support wellbeing, creativity and confidence.
To provide additional support to parents during the Easter holidays, we were pleased to host a bespoke screen-free event: The Great Forest Egg-spedition. Families were invited to join us at Sidcot School, in our very own Forest School, for an afternoon of fresh air, discovery, and seasonal fun. Despite the threat of rain, we were pleased to see so many children out exploring the Forest as they searched for the eggs left behind by the Easter Bunny! Even more impressively, every adventurer got stuck into the muddy activities, from creating mud monsters and seed bombs, to cooking posh pizzas on the Forest School fire, and even using native flowers to create beautiful artwork on fabric flags.
The impact of the initiative is best seen in the incredible level of engagement from our local community. So far, we're excited to say that:
- 7,000 Offline Adventure booklets have been handed out in person
- 3,023 digital booklets have been downloaded
To put that into perspective: if each pack supported even 30 to 90 minutes of offline play, we estimate that together we have supported approximately 300,690 hours of potential screen-free time. That is 300,000 hours of climbing, drawing, exploring, and connecting!
Commenting on the adventure so far, Head of Sidcot Junior School, Cath Dykes said:
“When children step away from screens, they step back into themselves. At Sidcot, we believe a truly holistic education comes from finding the right balance; embracing the benefits of computing and digital literacy while thoughtfully managing screen time. Real learning happens through conversation, creativity, collaboration and connection with the world around us. By balancing online skills with rich offline experiences, we help children develop resilience, empathy and confidence, preparing them not just academically, but for life.”
What’s Next? Stay Tuned!
The adventure doesn't stop here. We are already hard at work preparing for a summer of sun, fun, and further exploration. We will shortly be launching a new series of themed activities for the summer holidays to keep the momentum going through the long break.
Furthermore, we know that managing screen time can be a challenge that extends beyond the school holidays, particularly with new government guidance recently released. We know this topic can feel overwhelming at times, so we are partnering with experts to create an upcoming free support event for
parents/carers. This session will be designed to help Somerset parents tackle the everyday challenges of digital balance in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.
Keep an eye on our social media channels and website for more updates — we can’t wait to see where the next adventure takes us!
