“Children don’t stop needing help just because it’s summer”

Scores of schools will continue to provide activities, healthy food and nutrition education during the school summer holidays, thanks to the Welsh Government’s School Holiday Enrichment Programme (SHEP).

The Welsh Government will provide £4.85million in funding to this year’s programme, which will provide places for nearly 8,000 children as they continue to enjoy time at school during the holidays.

Jeremy Miles, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, joined children at a SHEP-backed Food and Fun club at Cadoxton Primary School, Barry, today (Tuesday, July 20) to see first-hand the support the programme provides.

The Minister said: “It’s fantastic to see so many children enjoying the benefits of the learning, activities and healthy food provided by our SHEP scheme during the holidays.

“This last year has been a very difficult time for teachers and learners across Wales, and these children don’t stop needing help just because it’s summer.

“In many of the schools in which SHEP provides support, a high proportion of pupils are in receipt of Free School Meals, and the programme gives a level of reassurance to parents and carers that children will continue to receive support and enjoy themselves despite the end of normal school business during the holidays.

“It’s been really encouraging to see how much the programme has grown in just six years, and I would like to thank all of our partners who have worked so hard to raise awareness of the scheme, and spread its support to children and families across Wales.”

The delivery of SHEP is co-ordinated by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), and run with the help of partners including schools and local authorities.

The Minister also joined children at Ysgol Bro Edern, Cardiff, for a series of activities as part of the Urdd’s own summer holiday programme, backed by funding from the Summer of Smiles scheme.

ENDS