Thousands of children and young people enjoy free activities during Easter break
Thousands of local children and young people enjoyed free activity sessions during the Easter break thanks to a programme developed and funded by Milton Keynes City Council.
The Spring activity programme, which ran from 3rd to 6th April, saw over 1,500 children and young people enjoy activities ranging from trampolining to cinema trips, and music lessons to forest school.
Most of the children who attended the 4-hour sessions were in receipt of benefit-related free school meals, and each received a hot meal and snacks.
The City Council developed the programme and worked with local organisations to ease childcare and food pressures on low-income families during the Easter holiday. It also provided an opportunity for children, from both primary and secondary schools, to socialise in a fun and safe environment.
Councillor Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children and Families on Milton Keynes City Council, said:
“It’s great to see that the latest round of holiday activities has been such a success. The programme was first launched in 2020 and we’ve since delivered tens of thousands of free sessions, and just as many healthy meals. It really has been a team effort, so I’d like to thank everybody who has helped to make that possible.”
Councillor Jane Carr, Cabinet Member for Tackling Social Inequalities on Milton Keynes City Council, visited one of the sessions held by the Play Association in Newport Pagnell last week. She added:
“The City Council’s holiday activity programmes have proved a lifeline for many families struggling to put dinner on the table, let alone pay extortionate childcare fees. These sessions have also been a great opportunity for children to have a fun day out while making new friends, and the smiles really do speak for themselves.”
The City Council worked with 40 local clubs, schools, charities and organisations to provide the programme, alongside events offered by its own Children and Family Centres and Music Hub.