Thousands of free activity places over the festive holidays for children on free school meals

Thousands of free places for activities during the school holidays are available across Cheshire East for children and young people 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 hundreds of free activities over the school holidays. 

Activities include sports, arts and crafts, baking, games and trips out.  Sessions are also for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and all 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 programme, which has successfully been run across Cheshire East since Easter 2021. Parents and carers of children 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.

Activities will run over the school holidays starting on Monday 19 December. To view the activities on offer, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/FIS and click on the ‘things to do’ button. 

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: “This vital programme has been running for nearly two years now, supporting children and families who are most in need.

“It’s crucial that we continue to support children who receive free school meals during the holidays and this programme does just that. There are lots of fun and festive activities for them to enjoy and all include the offer of a healthy meal.

“The activities complement other support that is available, including vouchers to help with food and energy bills.”

Any families who think they are eligible for the free school meals allowance but have not yet registered, applications can be made online at: 

www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/fsm 

...or by phoning 0300 123 5012.

There is also additional help available to families facing rising costs, inflation and cost of living pressure, visit: 

www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/costofliving