North Yorkshire Council is set to receive over £1.4 million in government funding to provide free holiday activities for children from low-income families. The funding, allocated through the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme, will offer thousands of free places for eligible children.
The programme will be available to school-aged children up to 16 years old who qualify for means-tested free school meals. In addition to the free places, the programme will also offer non-subsidised, fee-paying spots for other children.
Activities will include four hours of daily sessions for four days during Easter, 16 days during the summer holidays, and four days over the Christmas period. This year marks the fifth consecutive year North Yorkshire Council has participated in the scheme.
The initiative is a collaboration between the council and various local community providers. The North Yorkshire programme, known as FEAST, is coordinated by North Yorkshire Together, a coalition including North Yorkshire Sport, North Yorkshire Youth, and Rural Arts.
Marie-Ann Jackson, Head of Localities at North Yorkshire Council, highlighted the importance of the programme in a report to councillors: “The programme is fully funded and offers valuable free access to activities and food for children and families on low incomes when free school meals are not available. Without the grant, these activities would not be possible.”
The grant is expected to be officially approved at a meeting of senior councillors and officers from the Children and Young People’s Service later today.
Eligible children will receive FEAST vouchers for free places via email or text, sent to their primary school.
This initiative aims to help alleviate the financial burden on families during school holidays, ensuring that all children have access to enriching activities and nutritious meals.
