I’m pleased to say that Milton Keynes City Council is funding the Summer of Play for the third year in a row, meaning that local families will be able to enjoy thousands of free activity sessions during the summer holidays.
Over 23,000 sessions will be available for children in receipt of benefit-related free school meals – with activities ranging from basketball and netball, to cookery and trampolining. There will be free food at every event and childcare will be covered for at least four hours, providing vital support for families that may struggle financially.
We launched the Summer of Play in 2021 when the cost-of-living crisis began to spiral, as we found that many families had become reliant on free school meals to keep the costs down during term time. The City Council wanted to ease this pressure during the school holidays, so we partnered with local organisations to provide varied activities, childcare and a healthy meal throughout the summer. Thousands upon thousands of sessions have since been administered so far and I’d encourage those with children receiving free school meals to take advantage of what’s on offer this time round.
There’s plenty for local families, teenagers and young people to enjoy locally. Alongside activities specifically for eligible families in receipt of free school meals, everyone can take part in events and clubs (many of which are free) at our children’s centres, libraries and SEND (special educational needs) service.
The Summer of Play will run until August 24 across 55 locations in Milton Keynes. Eligible families can book spaces through the online booking system which also has links to clubs and other events open to all families in the city.
Cllr Pete Marland
Leader
Milton Keynes City Council
To find out more visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/HAF
