£500K FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLUBS
New summer holiday lunch and fun clubs are to get £500,000 of Welsh Government funding, it was announced today.
The money will help provide good-quality meals and activities during the school summer holidays aimed at helping pupils from some of Wales’ most deprived communities, Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said.
Breakfast, lunch, and a programme of activities – including education about healthy eating – will be provided at schools taking part in the initiative.
Five local authorities in Wales already run such schemes and councils will be able to access the new funding for the 2017-18 financial year.
How clubs are run may vary in each area and the Welsh Government will work with the Welsh Local Government Association to distribute funding.
Further details of the clubs will be announced later in the year.
Ms Williams said: “I am delighted to announce £500,000 for lunch and fun clubs that will provide opportunities for children to be more active, eat healthily, and develop friendships whilst also making the most of our local school facilities.
“These clubs will offer a positive environment for all our children during the summer holidays, including providing free meals, as well as a range of activities and fun through what can be a long break for some. By also involving our universities in the scheme we will also help raise aspirations for children across Wales.
“The reality is for some of our young people the school summer holidays can be a difficult time. Children who benefit from free school breakfasts and lunches often miss meals and go hungry once their school closes for the holidays while the lack of free play schemes and sports activities can have an impact on those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.
“My ambition is to make sure everyone in Wales, no matter what their background, has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their best. I remain committed to closing the achievement gap between the pupils from deprived communities and those from more prosperous areas.”