CHILDREN and young people in Leicester who receive benefits-related free school meals are being invited to sign up for a free programme of holiday activities before the deadline on Tuesday 3 December.
Starting on Friday 20 December, the free activities include playschemes, football sessions and outdoor fun – and each child taking part will receive a healthy meal as part of each day’s session.
Provision will run for four days, but children on programmes offering fewer than four days of activities will be given a food hamper to take home with them.
Alternatively, those aged 14-16 can opt for an Active Leicester pass, giving them access to facilities at city council leisure centres during the school Christmas holidays. They will also receive up to four vouchers that can be exchanged for food.
Eligible families can choose either a full four-day programme, a shorter programme (1-3 days), or an Active Leicester pass for each child as part of the scheme, which is funded by the government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme.
In Leicester, more than 50 activity programmes – suitable for children aged from 4 to 16 – are being organised by providers around the city.
Places, however, are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to eligible families.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell said: “This government-funded scheme ensures that there’s some support during the holidays for families whose children normally get a free school meal.
“Christmas is an expensive time for families - and for those on low incomes who are already struggling with day-to-day costs, schemes like this make a huge difference.
“There’s a wide range of activities on offer at sites around the city, but places are limited so book your place as soon as you can – and certainly before the deadline on Tuesday 3 December – if you’d like your child to take part in the programme.”
Information about the Holiday Activities & Food programme – which runs over a two-week period – has been circulated to families via schools.
Families with children who receive benefits-related free schools and who live in Leicester, or who live outside the city but attend a city school, can register for a place on the Holiday Activities & Food programme at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf
Anyone who thinks their child should be receiving free school meals can find out more at freeschoolmeals.leicester.gov.uk
Picture caption: Children enjoy preparing food on an activity day with Leicester City in the Community.