Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Barbra Streisand

Woman In Love

Listen Live Podcasts

Council to get £1.4m for free holiday activities for children

Tuesday, 25 March 2025 08:25

By Joe Willis, Local Democracy Reporter

North Yorkshire Council HQ in Northallerton.

North Yorkshire Council is to get more than £1.4m to provide free holiday activities for children.

The government money will fund thousands of places for children from low-income homes as part of the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme scheme.

Free places will be offered to all means tested free school meal-eligible school age children up to the age of 16.

The programme will include non-subsidised fee-paying places for other children.

The scheme will offer four hours of activities per day for four days at Easter, 16 days during the summer holidays and then four days at Christmas.

This will be the fifth year the council has taken part in the scheme.

In North Yorkshire, the programme is delivered as a partnership between the council and local community providers.

The North Yorkshire programme – FEAST – is coordinated by North Yorkshire Together members, North Yorkshire Sport, North Yorkshire Youth and Rural Arts.

Marie-Ann Jackson, the council’s head of localities, said in a report for councillors:

“The programme is fully funded and offers valued free to access activities and food to children and families on low incomes when free school meals are not available.

“Without the grant these activities would not be available.”

The grant is set to be formally accepted at a meeting of senior councillors and officers from the children and young people’s service today (Tuesday).

FEAST vouchers for free places are sent to eligible children’s primary by email or text.

For details of activities, visit www.northyorkshiretogether.co.uk

More from Local News

New independent café to open in Knaresborough tomorrow

A new independent café will open its doors in Knaresborough tomorrow (Thursday).
Dates revealed for 'new look' Harrogate Food and Drink Festival

Organisers of the annual Harrogate Food and Drink Festival have teased a "reimagined festival experience" when the event returns for a sixth year in 2026.
Five men due in court after vehicle theft in Harrogate

Five men are due to appear in court today (Wednesday) after they were arrested accused of stealing commercial vehicles near Harrogate.
Halloween half term success as thousands complete Harrogate monster trail

Harrogate BID is celebrating half term Halloween success after revealing thousands of people took part in its Monster Trail.
Harrogate bus firm offers free travel for Armed Forces

The Harrogate Bus Company is to offer free travel to current and former Forces personnel as the nation prepares to remember those who defended our freedom.
Harrogate estate agents scoop double gold at national awards

Harrogate Estate Agents Verity Frearson have scooped double gold at the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards in London.
'Business as usual' for Windsor House tenants as business hub gets new owners

It's 'business as usual' for tenants of Windsor House as one of Harrogate's most prominent business hubs changes hands.
Asda unveils new-look Harrogate store after £2million refurb

Asda has officially reopened its Harrogate store on Bower Road following a £2 million refurbishment.
Inspirational headteacher transforms 'inadequate' Harrogate school

Beckwithshaw Community Primary School in Harrogate has achieved a significant turnaround, guided by an "inspirational" headteacher.
Harrogate MP steps up campaign to save Rotary Wood

Harrogate's MP is stepping up his campaign to ‘protect Rotary Wood’ amid Harrogate Spring Water’s proposed expansion.
Inspectors full of praise for Harrogate primary school

A Harrogate primary school has been praised by SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) in its latest report.
Harrogate's free repair café to return next weekend

Harrogate's volunteer-run Repair Café will be back next weekend, offering free fixes for broken household items.
Council issues roadworks update as Tesco works near completion

The one-way system on Skipton Road in Harrogate is expected to remain in place until later this month, as construction work linked to the new Tesco store nears completion.
Harrogate wins gold at Britain in Bloom awards

Harrogate has been awarded a gold medal at the national finals of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition.
A life of service: From military nurse to Principal of a Harrogate school

From the battlefields of the Gulf War to the classrooms of Harrogate Ladies’ College, Principal Joanna Fox’s life has been defined by courage, compassion and a deep sense of service.
Harrogate comedian to return to hometown as part of upcoming tour

Harrogate-born comedian Maisie Adam is set to return to her hometown next year as part of her brand-new UK tour, Whatsherface, which will run throughout 2026.
Swimming instructors visit Harrogate nurseries to teach water safety

Instructors from Harrogate School of Swimming have been visiting nurseries across the area to introduce young children to the basics of water safety.
Charity lunch at Harrogate hotel raises £2,700

A charity lunch held at the Yorkshire Hotel in Harrogate has raised £2,766 for Harrogate Theatre’s 125th anniversary fundraising appeal.
Knaresborough wins regional town crier competition

Knaresborough's town criers won top honours at the recent regional Town Crier Competition.
Details revealed for Ripon Christmas light switch-on

Details have been revealed for Ripon's annual Christmas light switch-on event, organised by Ripon City Council.