Book now for free children’s summer 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 summer break.

The Summer Holiday Activities and Food Programme follows the success of the summer and winter 2021 and Easter 2022 schemes.

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

The activities will take place from Monday 25 July to Friday 26 August 2022 with parents or carers of eligible children able to book up to 16 four-hour sessions for each child over the holiday activity period

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.

This year we have a new booking system which will make it easier for parents and carers of eligible children to book on to the activities. Parents and carers of eligible children have you received information about how to access and use the booking system. You can find out more here: https://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16313

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “During the summer 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.

“We received some wonderful feedback from our previous programmes, and I’m sure that the summer 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 summer 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.

ENDS

Press release issued: 20 July 2022.