Govt funding for summer school activities in Wales

A new £500,000 initiative has been launched by the Welsh Government to provide high-quality meals and activities for children across Wales during this year's school summer holidays.

The scheme will cover five local authority areas in Wales and be open to primary school children throughout the summer break.

Funding for the initiative has now been confirmed for the 2017/18 financial year, although the precise breakdown of individual allocations will vary from area to area.

The money will help to provide breakfast, lunch and education on healthy eating for primary school children from some of the nation's most deprived areas. It will also help to keep more young people active by offering a range of activities for all who take part to enjoy.

Education secretary Kirsty Williams commented: "These clubs will offer a positive environment for all our children during the summer holidays, including providing free meals, as well as a range of activities and fun through what can be a long break for some."

She added that the reality is that for many families with young children, the summer holidays can be a problematic time. With difficulties in providing daily activities for young people that would be in school throughout the rest of the year, and the associated extra expense that this creates.

Young people involved in the scheme will also receive a boost to their wellbeing, as well as being given the chance to make new friends and improve their levels of confidence throughout the summer.

Ms Williams concluded that the government's ambition is to ensure all children, regardless of their background, are given the opportunity to thrive and be their best. As such, this latest initiative is aimed at closing the achievement gap that continues to be witnessed across Wales for children from deprived backgrounds.

The Welsh Government will now be working closely with the Welsh Local Government Association to distribute this welcome new tranche of funding in the months ahead.