CHILDREN and young people in Leicester who receive benefits-related free school meals are being invited to sign up for a free programme of activities during the Easter holidays before the deadline on Sunday 30 March.
Starting on Monday 14 April, the sessions – organised by around 40 providers across the city – will include activities such as art, sport, outdoor fun and music.
Every child taking part will also receive a healthy meal on each of the four days of the session.
Older children – aged 14-16 – can opt for an Active Leicester pass instead, giving them free access to facilities at city council leisure centres between 12-27 April. Those choosing an Active Leicester pass will also receive four vouchers that can be exchanged for food.
Eligible families can choose one four-day programme or one Active Leicester pass per child as part of the scheme, which is funded by the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Places, however, are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to those applying by Sunday 30 March.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Elaine Pantling said: “The government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme supports children from low-income families during the school holidays, when they’re not getting their usual free school meal.
“This Easter, there’s a wide range of activities on offer at sites around the city, but places are limited so do register as soon as you can – and certainly before the deadline on Sunday 30 March – if you’d like your child to take part in the programme.
“These holiday programmes are extremely popular, providing both activities and food that children enjoy, so my advice is to book early to make sure your child doesn’t miss out.”
Information about the Holiday Activities & Food programme – which runs over a two-week period – has been circulated to children via schools, but details are also available at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf
Children aged 4-16 in full-time education and in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, who live in Leicester, or who live outside the city but attend a city school, can find out how to 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