Children who are exempt from paying for school meals can get free lunches before they head back to class after the Christmas holidays – thanks to fun days lined up by Erewash Borough Council.
The first of the New Year “It’s About Me” activity clubs is on Thursday 4th January at Rutland Sports Park Tennis Centre in Ilkeston – with a second the next day at The Long Eaton School in Thoresby Road.
The sessions – which are overseen by the sports network StreetGames – run from 10am to 2pm and include a packed lunch.
The fun days are open to children aged seven to 12 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. There may also be places for non-free school meal youngsters depending on demand.
Families need to book in advance for what is billed as a “a brilliant mix of fun action-packed days and tasty food”. For more information – and to make bookings – visit this link, or contact: communityhealthwellbeing @ erewash.gov.uk (including for inquiries about non-free school meal places).
Erewash Borough Council teamed up with Derbyshire County Council to win funding for the initiative as part of the Department for Education’s holiday activities and food programme.
As part of this funding, the council received 50 food hampers to supply to some of the families across Erewash in receipt of free school meals – no matter the age of the child. These were distributed in conjunction with local schools and included food for four meals for a family of four.
Cllr Claire Marie Poole, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are keen for children in the borough to be active during the holidays – and also want to do all we can for those who qualify for free school meals.”