Walsall families can once again grab a free Summer Ready to Learn Passport, with Walsall Council relaunching the popular scheme for 2026 after more than 500 families took part last year. The passports, aimed at children aged two to five, will be available to collect from libraries and family hubs starting Monday 13 July, ahead of a six-week activity programme that begins on 21 July.
Each passport unlocks free sessions including story times, sensory play, Tiny Rangers, and Mini Kickers events delivered by Walsall FC Foundation. Councillor Lisa Jones, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Skills, described the scheme as open to everyone. “This scheme is open to all our families; there is no eligibility criteria whatsoever,” she said. Inside every pack, families will find a free swimming pass alongside a Best Start in Life Family Hubs Hippo toy, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and learning resources designed to support children’s development.
The passport first appeared in July 2025 as the Summer Adventure Passport for children up to age five, and its strong uptake has led to the rebranded version now targeting two- to five-year-olds. Last year’s feedback from parents showed the activities helped them feel more confident preparing children for primary school. This year’s programme is delivered through the council’s Best Start in Life Family Hubs, which run year-round support for families from pregnancy through to age 19, extending to age 25 for those with additional needs.
Passports can be picked up from any Walsall library or one of the four family hubs: North at 275 Blakenall Lane in Blakenall, West at Ilmington House on Crescent Road in Wednesbury, South & Central on Birchills Street, and East at Silver Court in Walsall.
With no eligibility checks required, the council hopes even more families will take part this summer. The six-week run wraps up at the end of August.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
