Furness families can apply for free Christmas holiday club

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 13:58 · Archive

Westmorland and Furness Council is offering up to four days of free Christmas activities and meals for eligible children.

Westmorland and Furness Council's winter Holiday Activities and Food programme offers eligible children up to four days of free Christmas activities. Bookings open at 9am on November 19, with sessions running from December 18 to January 5, 2027, through the Eequ booking site.

The scheme targets children who receive means-tested, or targeted, free school meals. However, since September, children in households receiving Universal Credit have been able to qualify for free school meals regardless of household income. Department for Education guidance says the main criteria remain linked to targeted free school meals, which include households on Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less. Children who qualify for school meals only under the expanded category do not automatically qualify for a funded holiday club place.

Councillor Janet Battye, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said: 'I'd encourage all eligible families to check their eligibility now, see what's available and book a place from 19 November.' The council also welcomes applications from young carers, children in care or with care experience, families in crisis, children with special educational needs or disabilities, children seeking asylum or on resettlement schemes, young people not in education, employment or training, and those in contact with the Youth Justice Service.

How it is being reported

• Furness families can apply for free Christmas holiday club daysFind out who can apply for free Christmas holiday activities and food in Furness, when bookings open and how to check eligibility.Westmorland Gazette · 30 Oct, 13:25
• Furness families can apply for free Christmas holiday club daysFind out who can apply for free Christmas holiday activities and food in Furness, when bookings open and how to check eligibility.NW Evening Mail · 30 Oct, 13:25

In this story: Westmorland and Furness Council · Furness · Janet Battye · Department for Education

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