School summer clubs receive pass marks
Kids enjoyed events
A pilot programme of Hamilton school summer clubs has been hailed a success.
Glenlee and Udston Primaries trialled the fun and games during the holidays.
And activities included fitness and dance, arts and crafts, outdoor play, sports and gaming.
Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s education resources, Councillor Katy Loudon, said: “Every child who took part in our summer clubs seems to have had a great time and taken up the opportunity to try out a range of activities that they might not have experienced otherwise.
“The clubs also gave us the opportunity to look at the benefits of providing a healthy midday meal during the holidays to children who receive free school meals during term time, and this seems to have been a great success.”
Organisations including Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland and the Dogs Trust visited the clubs over the summer, and there was also a family day out.
Up to 80 children attended the summer clubs and schools will be getting feedback from their pupils who took part in the pilot programme.
Executive director of education resources, Tony Mcdaid, said: “While meal provision was only a part of the summer club experience for those children and their parents and carers, it seems to have been particularly beneficial for those who find the long holiday period particularly difficult due limited budgets or difficult family circumstances such as ill health.”
A number of pilot breakfast clubs got underway in South Lanarkshire before the summer break, and a total of 40 schools will start offering free, healthy breakfasts from 8.15am each day in the new term, with other schools expected to follow.