NORTH Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson and councillors Kate Tomlinson and Jo Morris welcomed the extension of the government's Holiday Activity and Food programme.
Children who receive free school meals across Swindon will continue accessing fully-funded sport and enrichment activities throughout the school holidays as the scheme will receive an investment of over £200 million per year over the next three financial years.
Hundreds of thousands of children across the country have benefitted from the scheme. Last summer, nearly 1,500 children across Swindon used it during the summer, Easter and winter holidays.
The programme provides grant funding to local authorities so they can co-ordinate free holiday provision for eligible children.
It aims to help children access extra-curricular activities throughout the holidays which they may not have had access to otherwise, and provides free breakfast and lunch to all the children participating, with a focus on healthy eating while helping families of those participating develop their understanding of nutrition and food budgeting.
Priory Vale councillors Kate Tomlinson and Jo Morris visited one of the activities at Draycott’s Sports Camp in Oakhurst.
Coun Tomlinson said: “It was fantastic to see children who would otherwise be unable to attend enjoying the Summer Sports Camp and benefiting from healthy food throughout the day. It is also great childcare for families who would not normally be able to access it.”
Coun Morris added: “It was great to see all of the children enjoying themselves at Draycott’s Sports Camp. This fully-funded programme is excellent news for local children and I am really glad it has been extended.”
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I have long campaigned for children to have access to sport & activities regardless of their family’s financial situation. Every child should be given the same opportunities from an early age and this programme is helping to deliver that. I will continue to ensure that the government remains committed on this area.”
For more information, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/holiday-activities-and-food-programme
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