Bedford Borough Council has pulled together a wide-ranging holiday club programme during the summer holidays for eligible children who receive income-related free school meals.
Clubs and providers throughout the Borough will be providing a mix of activities, suitable for children aged from 5 to 16, which help children stay healthy, active, socially connected, develop new skills and try new experiences, with each child taking part receiving a healthy lunch as part of the session.
14 providers will be running sessions across 23 locations in Bedford Borough and will include arts and crafts, multi sports and swimming as well as some special bespoke activities like canoeing, kayaking and music activities.
Funding has come from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme which wants to help children from low-income families be active and eat well this summer.
Cllr James Valentine, portfolio holder for Children’s Services and Education said: “I’m delighted we are able to offer these experiences to children in Bedford Borough. I know school holidays can be particular difficult for some families because of increased costs, such as food and childcare, and the last 18 months has only added to those pressures.
“For some children this can mean they miss out on being able to attend a holiday club. These holiday activities provide an opportunity for children to learn new skills, socialise with friends and make new ones, in a safe environment.”
The holiday programme starts on Monday, July 26 and continues for six weeks with different activates spread across school holidays.
For more information on the holiday clubs and how to book visit https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/hafsummer21
