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Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Think Big programme continued to diversify its delivery this half-term, introducing technology-focused learning to younger children as part of the Trust’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

HAF is a national initiative funded by the Department for Education and administered locally by Nottingham City Council. It provides free access to enriching activities and nutritious meals for children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals.

Nottingham Forest Community Trust delivers HAF sessions across the city, giving hundreds of children a safe, supportive and engaging environment to stay physically and mentally active.

Through a range of activities including sports, arts and crafts, and learning-based exercises, children have the opportunity to make new friends and develop new skills during the school holidays.

Children aged 6–13 were given a special opportunity to explore the world of technology through a hands-on session using Spheros robots which are small, programmable robotic spheres that can be coded to move, light up, and follow custom paths.

Guided by the Think Big team, participants learned how to pre-programme their robot using simple block coding, building confidence and creativity as they watched their robots respond in real time.

This light introduction offered children the chance to understand technology in a fun, interactive and accessible way. Many had never had the opportunity to try coding before, and sessions like these helped show that technology can be enjoyable and achievable for everyone.

Activities were designed to encourage curiosity, problem-solving and teamwork, all while helping children see the practical side of digital learning in a playful environment.

Dan Fisher, Think Big Coordinator at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said: “It’s great to see younger children getting hands-on with technology and showing real excitement for learning. Giving them the chance to code and experiment helps them see how creativity and problem-solving fit together, and it builds a foundation for future learning in a really fun way.”

While Think Big is primarily designed for secondary school students in Years 9–13, sessions like these show how the programme is continuing to expand its reach and adapt its delivery to inspire younger learners when schools are closed for the holidays.

By embedding technology-based learning earlier, the Trust aims to help more children develop digital confidence and curiosity, which are essential skills for future education and careers.

Through Think Big, Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Ideagen continue to work together to prepare young people for an increasingly digital world.

The programme encourages participants to explore areas such as coding, AI, robotics and teamwork through creative, hands-on learning. This early exposure helps children understand that technology is not only about computers, smart phones and tablets but also about innovation, problem-solving and thinking big about what they can achieve.