'Summer of Play' pledge for children to socialise again all over Milton Keynes

They say they will put in the funding to enable all children to have access to play, sports and activities in first summer after lockdown.

After spending almost a year not being able to see friends or family, experts are concerned it may take a significant period of time for children and young people to adapt to the new normal.

Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet member for Children and Families said: “A Labour-run council will not allow young people to pay the price for the pandemic. We want our children and young people to be happy."

She added. "It will take time for many children to readjust after the pandemic. Making sure all children have access to out door activity over the summer is vital to mental and physical health.

"Making sure parents know that their children will be able to access good quality activities and socialise with their

friends is really important."

But, after the play, some children may have to catch up on schoolwork they may have missed during the Covid crisis. And Labour has also promised to fund special 'homework clubs' for low-income families for this reason.

Cllr Nolan said: "It’s also vital that we support all children to fulfil their potential, and so we will also promise to fund access to homework clubs for all children so they can catch up on any education they may have missed, starting in the new school year in September."

She added: “Our promise to families is we will help all our children and young people fulfil their potential, and that starts with ensuring that the summer is spent catching up on outdoor activity such as play, physical activity and sport.

MK Labour will fund a Summer of Play for all our children.”