The Isle of Wight Council is reminding parents that some free spaces are still available for several activities and food schemes being run from April 9 to 24.
A wide range of activities are on offer for five to 16-year-olds — from horse riding and water sports to circus skills and drama — as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which also guarantees a nutritious meal.
Free places are available for children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals and on a paid-for basis as well.
Places are also available for children and young people on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), those open to social care, or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet lead for children's services, said:
"These schemes can be of enormous help to children from families who are facing financial difficulties.
"By taking part in a free holiday club where a nutritious meal is provided, children get to have the same rich experiences as many of their friends and peers and, most importantly, have fun, spend time with friends and make new ones.”
The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education and forms part of the council's connect4communities programme, details of which can be found here.
The following organisations are offering activities and parents and carers wishing to find out more should contact the provider directly:
- West Wight Nursery: Phone 640190 or email: manager.westwightnursery@gmail.com
- Ventnor Community Early Years (for five to ten year olds) Email: ventnorcommunityearlyyears@gmail.com or call 856868.
- Starling Songwriters (For ten to 16 year olds.) Email: starlingsongwriters@gmail.com or call Maria on 07868651050.
- Island Riding Centre (For ages six to 14.) Bookings: call 214000 or email haf@islandriding.com
- Aspire Ryde (Five to 18 year olds.) Email: info@aspireryde.org.uk or call 716020.
- CM Foundation's Youth Days Out (For ages 11 to 16) attending secondary school. Email: sam@cm-foundation.co.uk.
- CM Sports (for eligible children aged five to 11). Bookings: 02392 987881 or via http://www.cm-sports.co.uk
- Theatre Educational (For seven to 16 year olds at Oakfield Primary and Barton Primary schools. Via www.theatreeducational.co.uk or call 07984 170014.