More than 7,500 children living in North Tyneside have been invited to take advantage of free activities during school holidays, with healthy lunches and snacks provided too.
From surfing on the borough’s award-winning coastline, to cooking classes, trampolining, swimming, crafting, music, ice skating, pantomimes, and much more – the clubs and the range of activities available are sure to enrich young people’s lives.
They’re delivered by a range of organisations across the borough, as well as the council, and funded through the local authority’s Holiday Activity Fund.
Running during each school holiday, including the upcoming Christmas break, they’re open to all children in North Tyneside but free to the 7,500 children who receive free school meals.
Foster carer Judith Baker-Smith thought it would be perfect for the nine-year-old child who she cares for and her grandchildren – aged five and eight – after she heard about it through their school.
Judith lives in Wallsend and has been a foster carer with her husband for 23 years. The child they care for and their grandchildren joined in during the summer holidays and are looking forward to returning next year.
Speaking about the programme, Judith said: “They went along and were involved in sports, team building skills, crafts, games, making snacks, learning about healthy eating and socialising, along with lots of other activities.
“The children loved every day that they attended. They were always eager to tell us about the new things they had been doing and things they had learnt and friends they had made. Learning new skills and teaching us oldies how to do them!
“They never had a bad day, and the staff were all amazing; always polite, helpful and informative. They let parents/carers know what was going on each day and spending time at the end of the day to let them know how their children had been.
“These camps are essential for all children, parents and carers. Many children need routine in their lives. They need to socialise, to be around friends and enjoy learning and playing – just allowed to be children. The camps are full of fun, educational and necessary.
“We hope everyone involved in organising and running the camps have a wonderful Christmas and a very good 2023. We look forward to the upcoming camps in 2023.”
Cllr Steven Phillips, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “We know the school holidays can result in added financial pressure for families and the cost of food and activities can be extremely challenging.
“We are committed to supporting families most in need and programmes like this have never been more important, given the rising cost of living.
“Through the programme, we also hope that children develop a lifelong interest in sports and activities, meet new friends and create lasting memories.”
More information about the programme and range of activities available, including how to book, can be found here: ease INTO programme or by emailing haf@northtyneside.gov.uk.
The Department for Education has supported the council to fund the activities through a grant.
