Wirral's independent local news website
There is still time to register for a free place at one of Wirral’s summer activity clubs for children.
Places are available at the 78 clubs across the peninsula for children aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for free school meals.
As well as enjoying the activities, which include sports camps, family day trips, swimming, yoga, dance and drama, all those taking part will also receive a nutritious meal each day, which has been funded through Wirral’s Household Support Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions.
The bumper summer programme is being coordinated for Wirral and Cheshire West and Chester Councils by the Community Interest Company, Edsential, and will be delivered by a network of 53 different community, voluntary and faith groups.
Funding for the scheme has been provided by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activity Fund.
Heather Lewis, Holiday Activities and Food Manager at Edsential said, “It is so exciting to be given this opportunity to coordinate the summer Holiday Activity with Food programme again, on behalf of Wirral Council.
“This summer’s HAF programme is bigger and better than ever before with an even wider range of enriching holiday activity clubs planned for children, young people and their families. Make sure to visit our website to find the perfect club for you.”
Councillor Kathy Hodson, Chair of Wirral Council’s Children, Young People and Education Committee, said, “We all know it can be difficult to keep children active and entertained over the long school break, so our summer programme is an ideal way to keep them engaged and learning, and having lunch provided each day means there is one less thing for parents to worry about.”
Did you know that on average, parents spend up to £500 per year, per child on school meals? There are so many children that are eligible but do not benefit from this crucial funding. Edsential’s aim is to make as many families as possible aware of their child’s entitlement, to hot, tasty, nutritious meals in school through term time, as well as the great activity opportunities available to them in the school holidays.
For more information the programme, including how to find and apply for a place, visit edsential.com/haf2022 The webpage also provides information about the criteria to receive free school meals and how to apply.
You can follow Edsential’s summer activity programme on their Facebook and Twitter channels.
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