Council shares details of free healthy meals for Darlington kids during the summer holidays
Families in Darlington who receive free school meals, are reminded support is available over the Summer holidays too
Families in Darlington who receive free school meals, are reminded support is available over the Summer holidays too.
The Council tell us that through its Council Plan, it is working hard to tackle child poverty in Darlington. The Holiday and Food (HAF) program is a comprehensive approach to addressing child poverty by providing crucial support to low-income families during the school holidays.
The (HAF) programme, which is funded by the Department for Education (DfE), has been running since 2021.
There are over 150 events arranged throughout the school summer holiday with over 5000 places available, every weekday starting Monday 20 July up until Thursday 27 August.
The activities, which all include a nutritious meal for every participant at each event, will take place at various locations across the town.
Families with eligible children should have received information from their child’s school detailing the programmes available and how to access the booking system.
Activities include:
· Cookery sessions
· Secondary bowling sessions at DC Bowl and Sim King Gaming
· Singing and music sessions at The Forum
· Sessions at the YMCA
· Forest school week
· Day trips to Beamish and Flamingo Land
· Physical activity sessions including American football, dance, Let’s Circus, martial arts and more
· Creative activity sessions include drama, singing, arts and crafts and more.
Children and Young People with additional needs are encouraged to attend the programme, and there are specific SEND sessions available at Beaumont Hill Academy, Eastbourne Sports Complex and DC bowl.
The council say that to be eligible, you need to receive benefit-related free school meals. All those eligible families should have received a letter from their school. If you have a child who receives benefit-related school meals and has not yet received a letter from your child’s school, please contact your school directly.
Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said:
“We are delighted to work to continue our support to families providing free, organised, fun, enriching activities for children who receive benefit-related school meals. Being able to provide free fun activities, such as martial arts, American football and dance, as well as enrichment activities, including arts and crafts, first aid and life skills sessions is fantastic, with a range of secondary age activities available on an afternoon including bowling, cluedini escape room, NE Wake Park and sessions at the YMCA.
“Every eligible child aged 5-16 years, living in Darlington and the surrounding villages, can attend the sessions - families who qualify should have already been contacted by your child’s school. If you haven’t, contact your school directly.
“We hope the activities and nutritious meals will help support families this summer and that the children love the opportunity to try new things, discover new interests and meet new friends.”