Council welcomes government move to extend school holiday scheme
Funding is due to continue until March 2029
Government funding to extend a summer holiday scheme for children in Cambridgeshire has been welcomed.
The county council has said around 3,300 children attended its holiday activities and food programme (HAF) last year.
Through HAF, children who are eligible for free school meals are offered free activities as well as food during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.
The Government has announced it will fund HAF across England until March 2029.
“The sessions are an excellent opportunity for children to stay active while also learning and having fun with friends," Cllr Edna Murphy, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s children and young people’s committee, said.
“With the Government’s commitment to funding the programme into 2029, we can reassure families that this vital and well-used support will continue.
"We’re already looking forward to welcoming children back at Christmas."
HAF helps reduce pressure on families by providing safe, engaging environments where children receive a meal while having fun.
Some of the experiences in the programme include sports, creative arts and outdoor adventures.
In the summer holiday period, Cambridgeshire County Council ran 132 schemes.