Book now for free children’s Easter holiday activities

Thousands of children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals can once again take part in free school holiday activities during the Easter break.

The Easter Holiday Activities and Food Programme follows the success of the summer and winter 2021 schemes.

There is an impressive range of activities planned over the Easter holidays, with everything from sports, arts and crafts to forest adventure, food exploration and more. 

Each eligible child can take part in four face-to-face activities. The activities are taking place from Monday 4 to Friday 8 April, and from Monday 11 to Thursday 14 April, just before the Easter bank holiday weekend. Each session will last around four hours.

The face-to-face activities are free for around 6,500 children who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals, and each activity includes a healthy meal.

The activities are available to all eligible children, regardless of ability or disability, and they are taking place on different days and times to ensure that children from all of our communities have a chance can take part.

All activities and details of how to book are available at www.bury.gov.uk/holiday-activities. Some activities are subject to availability and parents and carers are encouraged to book early. 

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “During the Easter holidays we once again have a fantastic range of activities on offer. They have been put on by local childcare providers, community groups, sports organisations and a host of other local and community partners, so there really is something for everyone.

“Children really enjoyed the activities over last summer and winter, and I’m sure that the Easter programme will offer as much fun, help to build confidence and allow children to learn new skills and make new friends along with some wonderful memories.” 

Bury Council is working with the Bury Voluntary, Community and Faith Alliance and providers of holiday activities to deliver the Easter programme.

The Department for Education is funding the cost of organising and providing the activities through its national Holiday Activities and Food programme.

Parents and carers whose children are eligible have been sent a letter to invite them to book for the activities.

Eligibility for free school meals can be checked with the child’s school, and is explained on the council website at: www.bury.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

ENDS

Press release issued: 22 March 2022.