Town hall’s cash boost for school holiday clubs
KIRKLEES Council is set to make a major investment in supporting children to fulfil their potential.
Cabinet members will be asked to agree an annual funding package to help children and young people learn, achieve and stay fed and healthy during school holidays.
Nationally and locally, it is known that children’s learning and health can suffer during school holiday periods. This is especially the case in deprived areas.
The scheme will build on a 2019 project in Kirklees to provide holiday clubs which increase levels of physical activity, promote healthy eating, encourage new friendships and help children and young people to thrive.
If Cabinet members agree, the council will invest £225,000 per year to continue funding the programme. It will then be co-ordinated by Kirklees Youth Alliance, a not-for-profit network of local youth organisations who provide positive activities. The aim is to work together in promoting learning and achieving good health outcomes in a fun and safe environment.
Separately in Kirklees many schools benefit from free breakfasts under the Early Kick Off breakfast clubs run by the Huddersfield Town Foundation.
Clr Viv Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children, said: “We funded this programme for the first time in summer 2019 and it had an impact on improving lives. There were 46 different holiday clubs across Kirklees, holding 700 sessions, and they delivered a wide range of activities.
“Hundreds of children and families made the most of this offer and, in addition, thousands of meals were served during the school holiday period. Thanks to the programme, many children returned to school ready to learn and engage.
“We are now looking to continue and enhance this work so that even more children are helped to enjoy the best start in life. Supported by hundreds of amazing volunteers, Kirklees Youth Alliance will play an excellent role in co-ordinating the scheme.”
Susan Greenwood, development manager for Kirklees Youth Alliance, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for the council and voluntary sector to work positively together to achieve great things.”
The intention is to expand the original programme so that it operates in more than the long summer holiday. It focuses on the parts of Kirklees which are most deprived, but all areas are expected to benefit.
A decision is due at the Cabinet meeting on February 25.