There is still time for community and voluntary organisations to apply for funding to deliver holiday activity and food schemes for eligible youngsters during the February half term.
The Isle of Wight Council’s connect4communities programme is using Department for Work and Pensions Household Support funding to provide activities and food, for school age children and young people eligible for benefits-related free school meals over the spring half term.
Places are also available for children on Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) or those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Cllr Debbie Andre, cabinet member for children’s services, said:
"Across the Island, there are children and young people who are eligible for free school meals who can take part in fun and healthy activities, which are local to them, and held within a safe, warm environment with a nutritious meal provided.”
Applications for grants to fund the February schemes can be accessed at healthy food and holiday activities (HAF).
Organisations already awarded grants
Scallywags Holiday Fun Club
Offering spaces for ages three to 18 years old. Email: [email protected], or call 07977 709088 for more information.
West Wight Nursery
Offering places for five to ten year olds. Tel: (01983) 640190 or email: manager.westwightnursery@
YMCA
Offering places at its day camps throughout the February half term holidays for children aged up to 12 years old. Email: [email protected] or call 862441 (option 4).
The final date for applications is 23 January 2022.
The aim of the February half-term programme is to provide free places to eligible children for the equivalent of at least four hours a day, four days a week during the school holiday.
More information including an application form is available online.