Thousands of families embrace Easter holiday support in Milton Keynes
Children who receive free school meals are being treated to fun-filled activity sessions in record numbers in Milton Keynes.
The City Council-funded programme is set to brighten the Easter school holidays for thousands of families with children who are eligible for free school meals - and sessions are already a hit.
In the first 12 hours of reservations going live, almost 2,000 families had booked a place for their child, and around 80% of the 7,000 individual sessions are now filled.
An exciting range of outdoor activities are on offer between April 7 to 10, from egg hunts to circus skills, ice skating, team sports and music. The City Council is working with activity providers to keep activities inclusive and accessible, with a third of children joining the sessions having additional needs.
Families who are eligible can browse the programme and contact their chosen providers through an online booking system. Most activities are four hours long and include healthy meals. All providers can cater their events for young people with special educational needs or disabilities.
The City Council is working with 39 local clubs, schools, charities and organisations to provide the activities, alongside events offered by its own Family Centres and Music Hub.
Councillor Joe Hearnshaw, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People: “Our Easter programme has been a big hit with families this year, offering a wide range of activities for children of all ages.
“We know school holidays can be a challenging time, so we’ve worked closely with local providers to create safe, fun and engaging sessions for young people.”
More information on the Spring Activity programme can be found at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/haf.