Thousands of free activity places this Easter for children receiving free school meals

20 March 2024

Thousands of free places for Easter activities, including sports, arts and crafts, baking, games and trips out, are available for parents and carers of children eligible for income-related free school meals.

Cheshire East Council has worked together with local schools, childcare providers and community and voluntary organisations to offer thousands of free activities over the Easter school holidays. 

These include sessions for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and include a nutritious meal each day.  

The free places are funded by the Department for Education, as part of the government’s Holiday Activity and Food Fund programme, which has successfully been run across Cheshire East during Easter, summer and winter holidays since 2021.

There are also limited spaces available to support children and young people who don’t receive income-related free school meals but would benefit from the scheme. Examples could be supporting a child with a disability, or those supported by a social worker or other professional. Parents and carers are advised to speak to their child’s lead practitioner or social worker who can support their application.

Parents and carers not eligible for the free places, are asked to contact the activity organisers directly, as some do offer fee-paying sessions.

The programme sits alongside the government’s Household Support Fund, which aims to help families across England with the cost of food, energy, water bills and other essentials.

Councillor Carol Bulman, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: “This programme continues to help those children and families most in need, providing fun activities and a nutritional meal over the school holidays.

“Finding things to do for children over the school holiday can place extra strain on the family budget and these free places will go some way to ease financial pressures.

“We know that children and young people love all the activities on offer, learn new skills, grow in confidence and enjoy a healthy meal.”

To view the activities on offer, visit CheshireEastHAF