Free summer holiday activities on offer for Swindon children

This summer nearly 10,000 children across Swindon can take part in free activities as part of Swindon Borough Council’s Holiday Activities and Food programme.

But according to organisers only 20 per cent of eligible children attend each year.

The programme, funded by the Department for Education, offers children the chance the get involved in activities such as arts and crafts, drama, forest school sessions and outdoor gyms – for free.

Children will also have the opportunity to try new sports such as fencing, tennis and gymnastics.

The programme is open to children in Swindon who receive benefits-related free school meals, are in children protection, have a social worker or are young carers.

But although the parents and carers of eligible children have been emailed a voucher from their child’s school inviting them to get involved, the council worry that many parents just don’t see it.

“While 10,000 children in Swindon are eligible for this programme, we know that not all of them attend, so I’d really encourage every parent or carer who has received an email to have a look at what’s available,” said Coun Adorabelle Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for education.

Last year, children in Swindon who took part handled exotic animals such as snakes, spent time with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service, and took part in cheerleading sessions with Swindon Lightning Cheerleading.

External groups supporting the programme often come in to runs sessions (Image: Swindon Borough Council)

For many disadvantaged children, the summer holidays are particularly though as their parents continue to work whilst struggling to afford childcare, and the safety and security of a school network and routine is taken away.

For some children, that can lead to a holiday experience gap - with children from disadvantaged families less likely to access organised out-of-school activities, eat healthily, or experience socialising with other children.

Free holiday clubs are a response to this issue, and evidence suggests that they can have a positive impact on children and young people.

“Children can experience things they haven’t done before while also getting a healthy meal and spending time with other children during these school holidays – and it’s all funded by the Department for Education,” said Coun Shaikh.

The programme will continue to run throughout the Easter and Christmas holidays for children who are eligible.

For information on how to apply, email HAF@Swindon.gov.uk