Book now for free children’s holiday activities

Thousands of children in Bury who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals can once again take part in fantastic free school holiday activities later this month.

There is everything from sports, arts and crafts, forest adventure, food exploration through to visits to the panto, skiing, swimming and bowling.

Each child can take part in two face-to-face activities in the four days from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 December. They can also book onto online arts and crafts and other activities, led by an instructor.

All sessions also include a healthy lunch.

The activities are available to all eligible children, regardless of ability or disability, and there are different days and times provided so that children from across all our communities can take part.

All activities and details of how to book are listed at www.bury.gov.uk/holiday-activities.

The Holiday Activities and Food programme activities are provided by 17 different organisations and they follow the success of a similar scheme in the summer holidays.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “Once again local childcare providers, community groups, sports organisations and a host of others have put on a wonderful choice of activities.

“I know that in the summer children who took part had so much fun, built their self-confidence and made some wonderful memories.

“It’s great news that these opportunities are being provided once again for local children.”

Bury Council is working through Bury Voluntary, Community and Faith Alliance and the providers of holiday activities to put on the activities.

The Department for Education is funding the cost of organising and providing the activities in the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays through its national £220m Holiday Activities and Food programme.

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

Bury has around 6,500 children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

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

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 December 2021.