CHILDREN and young people in Leicester who receive benefits-related free school meals are being invited to sign up for a programme of free summer activities before the deadline on Friday 27 June.
Starting on Monday 14 July, the sessions will include activities such as art, sport and outdoor fun – and each child taking part will receive a healthy meal as part of the session.
Funding for the scheme has come from the Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) – a government scheme that aims to help children from low-income families keep active and eat well during the summer break.
In Leicester, the programme – which is aimed at children aged from 4 to 16 – is being delivered by more than 40 providers at sites around the city.
Youngsters (aged 6-11) could sign up for fun with Leicester’s museums’ service, with activities taking place throughout the summer at the Abbey Pumping Station, while basketball-loving 8-16-year-olds could head for the Mattioli Arena for a programme organised by the Leicester Riders Foundation.
Older children (aged 14-16) could opt for a pass that would allow them to work out in the gym, go for a swim or book a court at the city council’s leisure centres, or choose a boxing pass that would give them access to early evening sessions at the GNR8 Academy at New College.
Those choosing a pass instead of signing up for a programmed activity will receive a food voucher instead of a meal each time they use their pass – up to a maximum of 16 food vouchers over the holiday period.
Eligible families can sign up to four weeks of free provision over the summer holiday. Most programmes run for four hours each day for four days, although some providers are offering flexible programmes that run for more hours over fewer days, or fewer hours over more days.
Places, however, are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to those who live in the city of Leicester, receive benefits-related free school meals, and are in the age range for that programme.
“The long summer holiday can be a struggle for many families,” said assistant city mayor Cllr Elaine Pantling.
“This scheme, which is funded by the government, aims to ensure that children who normally have a free school meal can have fun in the summer break, and a healthy meal while they’re taking part, without having to worry about the cost.
“There’s a wide range of activities on offer at sites around the city, but places are limited so please register as soon as you can – and certainly before the deadline on Friday 27 June – if you’d like your child to take part in the programme.”
Information about the Holiday Activities & Food programme has been circulated to children via schools.
Families with children who receive benefits-related free schools and who meet the eligibility criteria 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
Children who don’t receive benefits-related free school meals may also be able to register on the programme, in exchange for a fee. Families should contact the provider directly for more information. The full programme and providers’ contact details can be found at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf
The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education.
ends