Join Bradford Council for an exciting event where families can witness the premiere of a captivating short film set in a magical world co-created with two-year-old children from the Bradford district.
The film screening and supporting activities will be held at Bradford City Park’s Big Screen and City Library on Wednesday, 2nd August, from 10 am to 12 noon. The exclusive preview of the film will take place at 11 am on the Big Screen, but the entire two-hour event, along with all supporting activities, is completely free for families to enjoy.
Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and participate in various engaging activities that will take place alongside the film premiere. These activities include enchanting storytelling sessions at City Library, mesmerising giant bubbles, creative chalk painting, crafting beautiful crowns with a parade around City Park Mirror Pool, and a special appearance by the beloved Bookstart Bear.
Additionally, families will have the opportunity to join the library, where children under five can become members of the Bookstart Bear Club. This club is part of a wonderful library incentive program that encourages families to embark on their reading journeys with exciting free prizes and gifts along the way. Children aged four and above can also sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge 2023, an annual initiative that fosters a love for reading books and audiobooks throughout the summer holidays and beyond.
A highlight of the event will be the Oscar awards ceremony where the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Gerry Barker, and Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, will present awards to the two-year-old children who participated in the film. The young stars will walk up a red carpet alongside their families to receive their well-deserved recognition.
The film itself showcases breathtaking scenes filmed at various locations across the Bradford district. Viewers will be delighted by a magical world where fairies soar through the sky, footballs transform into planets, children fly in bubbles above Myra Shay playing fields, and stories come alive with dinosaurs stepping out from the pages.
In this enchanting realm, the children share glimpses of their world filled with everything they love—bubbles, friendship, colours, fun, adventure, exploration, imagination, and stories.
The film project is part of the Terrific Two’s campaign, which emphasises the vital role of nurseries, family hubs, and childminders in providing crucial support to children during their early years. All two-year-old children who participated in the film have benefited from 15 hours of free childcare through private nurseries, family hubs, or childminders.
Since its inception in April 2022, the multi-media campaign has successfully increased take-up across the Bradford district. However, the campaign continues to strive to reach families with children approaching the age of two and those who may not yet be aware of their eligibility for free childcare.
Elana, a parent of one of the children in the film, said; “My daughter has really enjoyed taking part in the filming and every time we go to Myra Shay playing fields she always mentions about being part of a film!
“When we saw the video for the first time she was so excited seeing herself on the TV and speaking about her friends.
“We have supported this campaign as I know the positive effect it has on a child’s development. My son was one of the first children to pilot this programme in Bradford 17 years ago.
“I see the change it has had on both of them, how it has helped them thrive, build confidence, increase self-awareness, self-esteem and has built us social networks with friends and nursery staff.”
Marium Haque, Strategic Director of Children’s Services, said; “The benefit of accessing early education for children includes the opportunity to socialise, helps develop their language, to make friends, and to explore new things like arts and crafts and outdoor play while being supported by trained early years staff.
“We also know while children are developing these important skills, there are important benefits to parents and carers too.
“Early education allows families time for working, hobbies, self-care, caring for other children or relatives or catching up at home while their child has new opportunities and a chance to develop independence of their own.
“Families can start with a few hours and there’s no pressure to take the whole 15 hours.”
Lisa Brett, Head of Service for Early Help and Prevention, said; “It can be very positive for two-year-old children to make important connections and bonds outside of the family home with other children and childcare practitioners.
“We are pleased we have seen increases in the take up of spaces across the district, but we are aware we still have more to do.
“We will continue to highlight the importance of the Terrific Two’s campaign so as many people as possible have access to information about the childcare options they have.”
Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said; “I would encourage families who are interested in finding out more about the 15 hours of free childcare for eligible families to come down to the event.
“You will have the chance to speak to a member of the team and find out about the different childcare options without any commitment.”
Families can find out if their child is eligible for 15 hours of free childcare by visiting www.bradford.gov.uk/terrifictwos, emailing childcarehelpandsupport@bradford.gov.uk, or by phoning Bradford Council on 01274 437503.
