Date published: 2024-03-20 | Category: Children's Services, welfare support, Schools, Colleges and Learning, Improving people's lives
An exciting range of Easter holiday activities including performing arts, sport and nature activities are being offered to children and young people in Bath and North East Somerset who receive benefit related free school meals.
The B&NES Holiday Activities and Food programme also includes a free meal at every session and runs from Tuesday, April 2 to Friday, April 12.
There are a range of activities on offer across B&NES including some new venues, ticketed activities at leisure centres in swimming, gym and roller skating, Bikeability training, trips for 12-16 year olds including The Wave and Ninja Warrior and SEND Holiday Clubs run by Bath Area Play Project.
The programme is available for every child and young person in B&NES in Reception up to and including Year 11 who receives benefit related free school meals. Each child or young person will receive four credits which can be used for any of the activities.
Limited provision is also available for children and young people who may benefit from attending and families should speak to their supporting professional who can make a referral to haf@we-activate.co.uk
Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “The Easter holiday activities and food programme provides vital support for many families who have been hit particularly hard with the cost of household basics spiralling. The free meals will make sure children in our area aren’t going hungry. Holidays are a time for young people to relax and recharge their batteries after a busy school term, so I hope the range of activities on offer will help them to have lots of fun this Easter.”
A parent whose child attended in a previous school holiday said: “He is only just turned six so on his behalf I can say he had so much fun. It was his first holiday club and although he was quite nervous to start with, the coaches were patient and friendly and put him at ease quickly at the beginning of each session. The sessions have really helped his confidence.”
All eligible families will be contacted directly by the Holiday Activities team with their HAF pass, or by their child’s school, with details of how to book. Any queries about the scheme should be sent to haf@we-activate.co.uk.
ENDS