Summer schemes that provide food and activities to Island children who are eligible for free school meals will receive funding totalling more than £260,000.
Members of the Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet approved 12 separate grant awards.
The funding comes from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, which was set up so local authorities could offer healthy food and enriching activities to children eligible for free school meals during the 2021 school holidays.
Andre: Increased expense of the holidays particularly tough
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills, said,
“I am delighted we are able to support so many wonderful activities that will benefit Island children over the summer break.
“The increased expense of the holidays, on food and childcare for example, can be particularly tough for parents and carers and it has been even harder this year because of Covid-19.
“By creating opportunities for those children who are eligible to take part in free holiday clubs where they can have fun, while a nutritious meal is also provided, we can help ensure they do not miss out on the benefits offered by organised out-of-school activities.”
The aim of the HAF programme is to make free places available to eligible children for the equivalent of at least four hours a day, four days a week and for six weeks a year.
This covers four weeks in the summer and a week’s worth of provision in the Easter and Christmas holidays in 2021. Organisations can also offer additional places to fee-paying families.
Andre: Thanks to those who applied
Cllr Andre added,
“I would also like to thank all of the providers who have applied for this funding which will allow a variety of activities to be offered across the Island.
“We had a great response and that means we can support many different opportunities for Island families. We will soon be seeking applications for the Christmas holiday, and I urge providers to look out for further announcements for the opening of that application process.”
Nurseries, schools and sports activity providers are among the summer grant recipients. See the list of providers below or visit the IWC Website.
Aspire Ryde
Children’s play session and healthy meal in the Kingdom play activity centre. Forty spaces available per day over the holidays.
Email: [email protected] or call (01983) 716020.
Brading Bunch
The Brading Bunch are offering sessions for eight to 18 year olds at Brading Youth and Community Centre. Offering lots of activities ranging from music and theatre workshops to arts and crafts.
Bookings: [email protected] or call: 07423 425948.
CM Sports
CM Sports is offering sports coaching and arts and crafts activities for eligible children aged five to 11 in Newport (Barton Primary and Nine Acres Primary).
Bookings: 02392 987881 or visit: http://www.cm-sports.co.uk
Community Action
Community Action are delivering activities such as sports, drama, singing and yoga for ages eight to 16 years old at the Parkside Pavilion in East Cowes.
Bookings: (01983) 539371 or email [email protected]
Island Riding Centre
Riding sessions with a healthy lunch provided for ages six to 14. Bookings: (01983) 214000 or email [email protected]
Nine Acres Primary School
Nine Acres Primary School are providing activities for ages six to ten years old. Activities include art, music and team games.
Bookings: [email protected] or call: (01983) 522984.
Scalllywags (Broadlea Primary School)
Scallywags Holiday Fun Club are offering spaces for ages three to 18 years old.
Email: [email protected], or call 07977 709088 for more information.
Theatre Educational
Theatre Educational has a range of professional, experienced community arts tutors who will provide arts and theatre themed activity for seven to 16 year olds at Oakfield and Barton primary schools.
Visit www.theatreeducational.co.uk for full details or call: 07984 170014.
West Wight Nursery
West Wight Nursery are offering places for five to ten year olds. Bookings: (01983) 640190.
YMCA
YMCA are offering places at its day camps throughout the summer holidays for children aged up to 12 years old.
Email: [email protected] or call (01983) 862441 (option 4).
Ventnor Town Council
Ventnor Town Council are providing sessions at St Catherine’s School offering activities including arts and crafts, sports, bush craft and much more. For 11 to 16 years old.
Email: [email protected], or call Jordan on 07508 317736.
Ventnor Community Early Years
Ventnor Community Early Years are providing sessions offering activities including gymnastics, dance, arts and crafts, sports, and forest school and much more. For five to ten year olds.
Email: [email protected] or call (01983) 856868.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Ashton Bingham under CC BY 2.0
