There is still time for community and voluntary organisations to apply for funding to deliver holiday activity and food schemes for eligible youngsters during the February half term.
The Isle of Wight Council’s connect4communities programme is using Department for Work and Pensions Household Support funding to provide activities and food, for school age children and young people who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals over the spring half term.
SEN places
Places are also available for children on Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) or those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The grant is in addition to previous funding from the Department for Education which has fed and entertained those children who are eligible for free school meals during the Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays in 2021.
Andre: Keen to encourage more applications
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for children’s services, said,
“We are very happy to be able to continue to work with local organisations, making these much-needed schemes available over February half term.
“We are keen to encourage more applications for this grant funding to reach as many families and their children as possible.
“Across the Island, there are children and young people who are eligible for free school meals who can take part in fun and healthy activities, which are local to them, and held within a safe, warm environment with a nutritious meal provided.”
Applications for grants to fund the February schemes can be accessed at healthy food and holiday activities (HAF).
Three organisations have already been awarded grants. These are:
Scallywags Holiday Fun Club
Scallywags Holiday Fun Club are offering spaces for ages three to 18 years old.
Email: [email protected], or call 07977 709088 for more information.
West Wight Nursery
West Wight Nursery are offering places for five to ten year olds. Tel: (01983) 640190 or email: [email protected]
YMCA
YMCA are offering places at its day camps throughout the February half term holidays for children aged up to 12 years old.
Email: [email protected] or call (01983) 862441 (option 4).
The final date for applications is 23 January 2022.
The aim of the February half-term programme is to provide free places to eligible children for the equivalent of at least four hours a day, four days a week during the school holiday.
More information including an application form is available now on the connect4communities.org Website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
