Scheme gives children free sports and lunches in school holidays

A programme which offers free sports actions and packed lunches for children in the course of the summer season holidays has been described as “invaluable” by households.

North Yorkshire Council’s FEAST scheme is free for pupils who’re eligible for free school meals, and different children may also participate.

The focus is on outside video games and wholesome consuming at host colleges reminiscent of Sowerby Primary in Thirsk, and authorities funding has been secured till the top of the yr.

Course chief Simon Carson mentioned: “I hope this funding continues because these children and these parents need that support.”

Mr Carson, whose sports school organises the actions, mentioned 30 children have been participating in the periods, which run for 4 days every week over a month.

“Six weeks is a long time for these children, so to have the free school meal, to allow them to be fed, to get away from the computers and outside in the fresh air is invaluable,” he mentioned.

The contributors, aged between seven and 9, mentioned they loved video games reminiscent of soccer, cricket and dodgeball. They may additionally play the piano and do an impediment course.

Single father Shaun Remmer additionally praised the scheme, and mentioned it had helped his daughter.

“Kids get bored at home, with her being on her own it’s very hard,” he added.

“She’s very sporty so she needs to eat well as well, and the pack-ups seem to be really good here.

“She loves it each time so she all the time desires to return.”

The Trussell Trust found that the majority (63%) of support provided by food banks in the UK is for families with children, despite them making up just 45% of the population.

The charity said many families encountered struggles during the summer months, largely due to the loss of free school meals.

In West Yorkshire, a care home wanted to play its part in supporting families struggling in the holidays.

Greenacres, in Holmfirth, is giving out free packed picnics every Wednesday for anyone who rings up.

They are left for collection in the home’s foyer and manager Sarah Tomczynski said they have had a great response.

“We have a whole lot of work we do with native colleges in Meltham however then it is gone so far as the Honley colleges and the faculties in Slaithwaite,” she mentioned.

“It’s gone additional as a result of individuals are simply sharing and sharing and sharing.

“So with linking with the schools and the families talking about it, it seems to have gone a bit bigger this year.”