Children and young people in Leicester who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals are invited to sign up for a free programme of activities during the Easter holidays.
The deadline for registration is Sunday, March 30.
The sessions will begin on Monday, April 14, and will be offered by around 40 local providers across the city. Activities include art, sports, outdoor fun, and music. Additionally, every participant will receive a healthy meal on each of the four days of the programme.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
For older children, aged 14-16, there is the option to choose an Active Leicester pass instead. This pass grants free access to city council leisure centre facilities from April 12 to 27 and includes four food vouchers for use during the programme.
Eligible families can choose either one four-day activity programme or one Active Leicester pass per child. The scheme is funded by the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so parents and guardians are encouraged to register before the Sunday, March 30 deadline.
Assistant City Mayor Cllr Elaine Pantling emphasized, “The government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme provides support for children from low-income families during the school holidays, ensuring they still have access to free meals. There is a wide variety of activities available, but places are limited, so I recommend registering early to secure your child’s spot.”
Details about the Holiday Activities & Food programme, which runs for two weeks, have been sent to families through schools. Additional information is also available at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf.
Children aged 4-16 in full-time education, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals and either live in Leicester or attend a Leicester school, can learn more about registration at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf.
For those who think their child may be eligible for free school meals, further information can be found at freeschoolmeals.leicester.gov.uk.
