Extra funding for schools to support vulnerable children over the Easter holidays

Schools in Leeds are being encouraged to apply for funding to deliver a food and activity programme for vulnerable children over the Easter holidays.

Leeds City Council is inviting individual schools, or schools in partnership with other organisations, to submit their proposals by March 10 at 12pm for the opportunity to be involved.  

The extra funding has been awarded by the Department for Education following successful Healthy Holidays programmes in Leeds, which have been providing vulnerable children with food and activities since 2018.

Community hubs and third sector organisations will also be running programmes over Easter, delivering through a partnership approach with Leeds Community Foundation, Leeds City Council and other organisations.

Healthy Holidays gives vulnerable children access to nutritious food, as well as the chance to try new activities, make new friends and develop new skills. The programme also helps to ease the extra pressure some families are under during school holidays.

In previous years, bids for funding in areas with higher numbers of vulnerable children were prioritised, but now, with more funding available, the council is encouraging all schools in all areas to apply.

Applications will be assessed based on the activities and food provided, the disadvantage that particular programme will address and the value for money of the programme.

If a school would like to access the application form, they can email: thriving@leeds.gov.uk.

Councillor Jonathon Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for learning, skills and employment, said:

“We are so pleased that the Healthy Holidays programme has been given additional funding this year. More funding means that the programme can reach more vulnerable children than ever before, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals, a range of engaging and educational activities and the opportunity to create happy holiday memories for life.”

“We recognise that there is an unavoidable tight timescale on the applications for the Easter holidays and apologise for any additional pressure this causes. To make it as easy as possible for schools to apply we have simplified the application form. We also recognise that plans may need to change dependant on the government restrictions in place at the time and some level of flexibility will be important.”

Notes to editors:

The Healthy Holidays programme is run through a partnership with Leeds City Council, Leeds Community Foundation and other organisations.