Grants for Holiday Activity Schemes
Community Action Derby (CA) are administering an Expression of Interest process on behalf of Derby City Council and are looking to engage with a wide network of community-based or private organisations, including existing holiday care providers, schools, sports coaching organisations, creative and performing arts providers etc.
Community Action Derby are seeking to fund a diverse range of projects and enrichment activities that are attractive and engaging for all children aged 5-16. The activities offer should also include nutritious food. Activities can be open to all children, with priority given to those receiving benefits-related free school meals. Those not on free school meals can pay to attend if there are sufficient spaces. Spaces for children on free school meals will be made available at no cost to the family.
Please note that Expressions of Interest in the funding need to be completed and returned by 3pm Tuesday 29 June.
This funding has been made available by Derby City Council to enable local groups to provide holiday activities including food to children eligible for free school meals in Derby. A steering group made up of colleagues across the city are coordinating the programme and managing the grant allocation process.
School holidays can be pressure points for some families because of increased costs (such as food and childcare) and reduced incomes. For some children, that can lead to a holiday experience gap. Children from disadvantaged families are:
· less likely to access organised out-of-school activities
· more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health
· more likely to experience social isolation
Community Action Derby and Derby City Council know that returning to school in poor physical and mental condition can have a detrimental impact on children’s mental and physical wellbeing, as well as their educational attainment.
The impact of Covid-19 has meant more families are applying for free school meals and, of course, it has increased social isolation. There are over 11,500 children receiving free school meals in Derby (March 2021), with a likely increase by summer 2021.