Children and young people, who are in receipt of free school meals, are set to benefit from a new government £1.2 million fund providing free holiday activities for children this summer.

The council is asking for parents and carers to register for the scheme by 31 May 2021 so appropriate activities can be planned in the school holidays.

The Holiday Activity and Food programme is a Department of Education funded programme and is specifically aimed at children eligible for free school meals. The programme aims to address issues identified through national research in relation to children living in low income families. Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children and young people, said:

"I am delighted that we have managed to secure the funding from government. This was awarded to Dudley based on the amazing work we have been doing throughout the pandemic to support our children and families. Last summer, and working with the voluntary sector, a whole host of activities and support was provided and we wish to do the same again this summer.

"We know school holidays can be a pressure point for families because of increased costs (such as food and childcare) and reduced incomes, particularly. For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap - with children from disadvantaged families less likely to access organised out-of-school activities; more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health and are more likely to experience social isolation.

Nicki Burrows from DCVS, added:

"We are asking for all eligible parents and carers to register for the scheme by 31 May 2021 and let us know the types of activities that they would be interested in taking part in. In addition there will be some payable and other free holiday activity scheme’s running across Dudley.

"If you would like some help with identifying these then please don’t hesitate to contact the council’s Family Information Service who will be able to support."

To register for the Holiday Activity Programme (for children and young people in receipt of free school meals) you can visit holidayactivitiesindudley.com. Alternatively, to access the council's family centres, visit dudley.gov.uk/familycentres.