Holiday club has lots more to offer

North Lanarkshire Council’s Summer Activity Programme is running throughout the school holidays – and this time they have lots more on offer.

The Club 365 scheme allows pupils who are entitled to free meals to attend a number of venues during the summer holidays and enjoy a hot lunch, multi-sports games and activities.

The ground-breaking programme was introduced as a pilot a number of years ago and officially became a permanent fixture at the start of 2020 after a meeting of the council’s policy and strategy committee.

Primary school pupils entitled to free school meals can attend any of the council’s 18 hubs open across North Lanarkshire and enjoy some summer fun during the school holidays.

Sessions run daily from 11.30am to 1.30pm (including weekends) and there’s no need to book a place.

Provision for ASN pupils is being delivered through an additional six ASN hubs which offer a variety of exciting activities.

ASN hubs are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2.30pm.

Activities are also on offer for secondary school pupils across all three New College Lanarkshire campuses.

Courses such as hospitality, painting and decorating, style and make-up application are among some of the subjects on offer.

Some enhanced transition has also been taking place in partnership with Community Learning & Development for individual P7 pupils identified as needing further support to increase readiness for secondary school.

Pupils are being encouraged to attend free provision within local secondary schools which includes transport, lunch and a programme of tailored activities.

Last year, the council called for its flagship scheme to be rolled out across the rest of the country.

At that time, education convener Frank Mcnally said: “Parents tell us what a lifeline Club 365 has been.

“Some parents had been forced to choose which of their children had a meal or whether they heat their homes or feed their kids in the winter months.

“Holiday periods and weekends can also be incredibly challenging times for families who are facing real problems with incomes.

“We were getting feedback at an alarming rate from staff within our schools and communities that some children were leaving school on a Friday and not having a proper meal until they return on the Monday.”

For more information and venues, visit www. northlanarkshire.gov.uk/ club365

Parents tell us what a lifeline Club 365 has been. Holidays can be challenging

Great feedback Councillor Mcnally says Club 365 has been a big help for parents