Half-term holiday hub to be run in Banbury for some primary school pupils this May

The free sessions will take place at the North Oxfordshire Academy in Banbury Another scheme will be run at Bicester’s Cooper School. They follow a successful pilot run during the Easter holidays.

Children who attend will received a nutritious lunch as well as healthy snacks throughout the day, at no extra cost.

Nicola Riley, Cherwell District Council’s Assistant Director for Wellbeing said: “We are delighted to have been able to provide this service for families most in need in our district.

"Even at the best of times, school holidays can be a pinch-point for those on a tight budget and with the added financial pressures of Covid, these sessions can be a lifeline for parents.”

The Easter hubs were offered Monday to Friday, from 8.45am to 5.00pm, during the two-week break. Run by Cherwell’s Youth Activators, around 270 children were invited to attend the sessions, providing fun sports and games as well as more creative activities.

The scheme is expected to continue for May half term as well the six-week school summer holidays. It is hoped that some traditional fee-paying places will be made available at this time, should Covid restrictions allow.

Families with children under four years old and pregnant women are also invited to apply to the government’s Healthy Start scheme, offering funding each month for milk, fruit and vegetables.

Nicola Riley continued: “We are determined that no child will go hungry in Cherwell. During this difficult time, we know there are more people struggling, but help is available.”

All the latest sign up information is to be included in the council's online Activity and Wellbeing Hub here www.cherwell.gov.uk/activity-and-wellbeing-hubFor more information on the Healthy Start scheme, go to www.healthystart.nhs.uk/