Why are activities only free for children on income based free school meals?
Activities included in the 'ease INTO' schedule are funded by the Holiday Activity and Food programme, via the Department of Education, specifically to bridge the gap in physical activity and nutrition provision for children on income-based free school meals during the school holidays.
This funding is ring-fenced to secure spaces for children on income-based free school meals on the various activities available. Children not in receipt of income-based free school meals can attend activities where paid for places are available.
In the online booking system, you may notice there are a small number of free spaces available on the majority of activities for children who don’t receive income-based free school meals. Local Authorities are allowed to use up to 15% of the funding to provide free places for children who are not in receipt of income-based free school meals but who could benefit from the programme.
North Tyneside Council works with other funders to increase the number of non-eligible spaces available on some activities.