SOLIHULL Council is providing free activities and healthy food to children between four and 16 entitled to benefits related free school meals over the summer months.
Families will be given this support through a £997,000 government grant for 2022/23.
Activities for youngsters to enjoy in the holidays include creative crafts, where children will take part in a mini fashion show using their own designs.
There will also be drama sessions provided by Birmingham REP teachers where children will create and perform a play in a day.
Sports lovers will be given a feast of fun including football, basketball and archery, while more unusual physical activities will also be provided such as curling, bench ball and ultimate frisbee.
The Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme aims to help students to eat healthily and keep active over the summer school break and is now confirmed to continue until at least 2025.
The programme is accessible to school children who receive benefits related free school meals during term time although some cases may be referred by professionals if they feel the student would benefit.
Over the six-week break, 38 activity providers that applied for funding from Solihull Council will run sessions at 28 schools and other community venues, with some activities specifically for children with additional needs or disabilities.
The council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, Coun Michael Gough said: “School holidays can be a difficult time for some families because of increased costs such as food and childcare.
“The Holiday Activities & Food programme provides much-needed assistance to parents and carers who receive benefits related free school meals.”
